Worried (like always)

[catknit 144]

Babyeshell,

Do you have a timeline to find a job? Are they cutting your hours effective immediately? If you have some time [a week or so] definately try an agency like Nawal suggested. In many instances, you can be placed in days. Be prepared to take a couple of MS Office suite tests when you go in to meet the agencies. They are usually simple 20-30 task computer based test [like change the font of this paragraph or find the average of the cells listed in Excel].

Don't overlook area hospitals and school districts. My sister is in the midwest, ok school district [not completely title 1 but not a high money district either] and class aides make $10/hr [there may be a education minimum you need to meet]. You won't get a full 40 hours there but it could make up the difference.

Hospitals may not pay as well depending on the position but they are almost always looking for someone as an admission's clerk, patient paperwork helper [there's a real name for that I don't recall], and a variety of office jobs. The job postings out here are chock full of these types of positions.

Caybee's suggestion of going to places that are Muslim owned is also really, really good. But for smaller companies and stores, given this economy, don't be surprised if there isn't much out there. That will be true if a place is Muslim owned or not.

If you like kids, double check craigslist for sitter/nanny positions. I don't know what the going rate is in your neck of the woods but a family with a couple of kids [or even 3+] should be willing to pay $10/hr. This may get you flexibility in hours and the opportunity to pick up extra hours [the occasional date night for the parents etc]. Flip side of this would be elder companionship - there are typically families looking for that too. These may be enough hours to add to your parttime gig to help until you find something that's a more permanent fit.

Because of your drastic change in hours, also check with your local unemployment office to see if you qualify for anything there. It varies by state. If not a cash benefit, you may qualify for some sort of training program. Worst case, there are usually decent job boards in those offices - people looking to hire and to hire now.

I know that committing to hijab is a very important decision. And you've probably faced looks, comments, outright discrimination about it - but the comments and discrimination of some are not how all people think. If you get an interview/meeting with some one - go in there and wow them with you - what is or is not on your head shouldn't even enter the equation. If it does, it's someone you do NOT want to be working for in the first place.

Staashi - Strange but true - currently just for a couple - for a K1 it's $17,500 in income needed for the affadavit of support [that constitutes 125% of the poverty level]. I think he came over on a K1??? Personally, there is no way I could afford 2 people on that - or even myself alone [i'm in the corridor between Philadelphia and NYC]. But in different geographical areas I guess it's doable?

[nunyab 0]

ok same bout as you my sister... what did i do??? I talked to my husband and we agreed i'll wear my hair up and only remove my hijab once at the door than back on it goes when i leave.

Is it hyprocritical??? not sure but that is the least of my concerns now... I have a great job that will afford me 5 weeks pto wonderful benfits and since they all see me remove and put on my hijab and they know I am fasting they are all (bosses included) very supportive.

I work as a manager for a major cell phone industry....so working with the public is what i do daily. the first days i felt very VERY exposed and very uncomfortable.

Hijab is between you and Allah, this maybe one of those tests and you and your husband are the only one who can decide what is best for you and him.

I told you what i did, they may or maynot work for you but just know you are not alone..

~Rajaa

[Imua 0]

I am writing this from a Hindu rather than a Muslim perspective so please forgive me if my knowledge is lacking. I believe that Allah is compassionate and knows you need to survive. In my local community I know a few Muslims who work at convenience stores that sell alcohol, cold cuts(pork), etc. I asked one guy how he felt about it and he didn't feel that he was being a hypocrite - this was the only job he could find and was looking for something more halal. This is a guy who was devout, said the 5 daily prayers, observed Ramadan fast, etc.

My husband is a devout Hindu and as you may know it is forbidden for us to eat beef. Govi and I are pure lacto-ovo vegetarian. All of the Nepali restaurants in NYC are run by Sherpa or Tamang Buddhists who eat beef - the Nepali population here seems to be skewed more heavily towards Buddhists despite the fact that Nepal is something like 75-90% Hindu. Anyway, I had a serious discussion with Govi and asked how he would feel if he had to get a job at a restaurant where he was required to serve beef and he said he would do whatever it takes for us to survive while looking for another job, that God understands.

[lion_lioness 0]

Salam walaikom sister.... I can understand how you feel. I took my shahada 3 years ago. The first year I didn't cover in ramadan, nor the second year. The third year I started ramadan in Jordan and refused to take off my hijab for the remaining of the holy month. So the first week back in the office I did it by degree. First my covering, as-a-matter-of-fact/loosely, then just in a bun and finally the correct way. I made sure not to schedule client meetings in that time. Of course right after ramadan that year I had to travel so i took off my hijab. Two years ago I went to work for a Jewish-owned company, but let them know my religion, pushed for a private prayer room and all. I don't wear hijab traditionally during ramadan, instead I pull it back in a bun (loved Rahma's suggestion) and when I go to visit friends or on weekends wear it normally. Since our family relies on my career heavily, I pray and do what is needed.

I know that doesn't help, but sister know you are not alone. God bless you for even caring so much that is weighing deeply on your heart. Inshallah it will all work out.

[sandinista! 1,816]

ok same bout as you my sister... what did i do??? I talked to my husband and we agreed i'll wear my hair up and only remove my hijab once at the door than back on it goes when i leave.

Is it hyprocritical??? not sure but that is the least of my concerns now... I have a great job that will afford me 5 weeks pto wonderful benfits and since they all see me remove and put on my hijab and they know I am fasting they are all (bosses included) very supportive.

I work as a manager for a major cell phone industry....so working with the public is what i do daily. the first days i felt very VERY exposed and very uncomfortable.

Hijab is between you and Allah, this maybe one of those tests and you and your husband are the only one who can decide what is best for you and him.

I told you what i did, they may or maynot work for you but just know you are not alone..

~Rajaa

i don't get how feeling you have to remove yr hijab when you get to work translates into "they are all very supportive". supportive of what?

[AlHayatZween 2]

Dear Babyeshell,

Sorry to hear about your woes, but i pray you will find a solution fast.

As for jobs, as the director of community outreach for your local mosque, you may be able to apply those talents in other nonprofits in your area. Maybe teaching English part-time? Do in-take some place? Counseling, tutoring...

Take a look on idealist.org... i'm not familiar with Colombus, Ohio, but maybe you will find some work in social services that will satisfy your interests and where you may feel more comfortable.

Also, don't forget to encourage hubbie to keep looking! Target, WallMart, UPS, local warehouses, or grocery stores... i hope you both find something soon, inchallah.

hz

[~~~water~~~ 0]

What about being a nanny? Perhaps you could find a Muslim family?

[MrsAmera 41]

Try looking at CRIS - Community Refugee and Immigration Services - I know they are in Columbus and with your knowledge of another culture, and having gone through the immigration process they might be interested!

[Sandrila 1]

sorry to hear about your hardship

these are very tough times and unfortunately america is not that supportive of Islam

i feel, since your husband is understanding, DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

GOD UNDERSTANDS.....OMG..I am worried for you and I thought I had financial issues

good luck and god bless...also, I know the saying GOD WILL PROVIDE..but honestly....MONEY DOESNT GROW ON TREES and with wearing the Hijab...that is going to make it more difficult for you

you know yourself...your husband knows you but most of all, GOD KNOWS YOU

you will be fine...say your prayers, ask forgiveness if you think you need it (i dont think so), and work hard

we all need to survive....i hope your prayers are answered