Stories of Finding Employment

[G&A 1]

I too have worries about finding a job equal to or better to what I presently do in BC. I have worked as a Special Education Assistant for the past 18 years. I realized early on that I would need an AA to do the job here in the USA as outlined in the "No Child Let Behind Act", so I went back to school and not only got my AA but completed my B/A. With cut backs in education scheduled in the Los Angeles area, I am concerned. I have done all I can to prepare for my upcoming move to the USA. I have taken additional training in the medical aspect of my job: cauterization, suctioning, tube feeding, seizure management, and Non-violent Crisis Intervention Prevention training and upgrading. I will have letters of recommendation from Administration, Classroom teachers covering many grade levels, Support Teachers and parents. Plus from my volunteer work with Girl Guides since 1988. I am putting together my CV/portfolio and can only hope that I can get an interview. I am confident that if I can get an interview, I will be hired - they would be the losers for not hiring me. I have also send my information off to have it evaluated to the American standards, a B/A in General Studies with a Minor in History should likely equal a Liberal Arts degree here or perhaps a Hisotry degree depending. I have mostly history courses. I have found that in Canada I was required to have more academic courses to get my degree than what I have seen my stepchildren taking. Perhaps that is just a reflection on the institution that they are attending.

I truly want to work with special needs students in a school setting - partly for the love of the job and the other reasons is I can't imagine going back to a job with 1 or 2 weeks vacation a year after all the time we get in the education field. I also worry as I am not longer a "spring chicken" at 52 I am not old but well experienced.

Good luck,

Janet

If you are moving to LA....there are a TON of school districts here. Basically every city in LA county has its own school district. So do not worry in that regard. Educations is prob one of the best fields right now...

[Travis & Kim 0]

I networked before I left my old job

I work for an big insurance company that is in the US and Canada, so I was lucky

I had set up a few things from Canada before I left

so when I got here within a week I had 2 interviews and I got a job

I actually start on Tues

[carslo 0]

I too have worries about finding a job equal to or better to what I presently do in BC. I have worked as a Special Education Assistant for the past 18 years. I realized early on that I would need an AA to do the job here in the USA as outlined in the "No Child Let Behind Act", so I went back to school and not only got my AA but completed my B/A. With cut backs in education scheduled in the Los Angeles area, I am concerned. I have done all I can to prepare for my upcoming move to the USA. I have taken additional training in the medical aspect of my job: cauterization, suctioning, tube feeding, seizure management, and Non-violent Crisis Intervention Prevention training and upgrading. I will have letters of recommendation from Administration, Classroom teachers covering many grade levels, Support Teachers and parents. Plus from my volunteer work with Girl Guides since 1988. I am putting together my CV/portfolio and can only hope that I can get an interview. I am confident that if I can get an interview, I will be hired - they would be the losers for not hiring me. I have also send my information off to have it evaluated to the American standards, a B/A in General Studies with a Minor in History should likely equal a Liberal Arts degree here or perhaps a Hisotry degree depending. I have mostly history courses. I have found that in Canada I was required to have more academic courses to get my degree than what I have seen my stepchildren taking. Perhaps that is just a reflection on the institution that they are attending.

I truly want to work with special needs students in a school setting - partly for the love of the job and the other reasons is I can't imagine going back to a job with 1 or 2 weeks vacation a year after all the time we get in the education field. I also worry as I am not longer a "spring chicken" at 52 I am not old but well experienced.

Good luck,

Janet

If you are moving to LA....there are a TON of school districts here. Basically every city in LA county has its own school district. So do not worry in that regard. Educations is prob one of the best fields right now...

Thanks so much

[JillA 2]

I networked before I left my old job

I work for an big insurance company that is in the US and Canada, so I was lucky

I had set up a few things from Canada before I left

so when I got here within a week I had 2 interviews and I got a job

I actually start on Tues

That's so great, congrats!!

[TimandJoyce 1]

Thanks for letting us know about your own experiences. I'm definitely fearing my luck with finding employment with the recession. Even before thing got really bad, everyone has been suggesting that I not move for a while.

I think we need more information. I'm not employed, and haven't been looking for work so I'm the last person that could give you any information, but your question is very general. Yes, some experiences could give you ideas, but it might take a load off your mind if you could tell us where you're going to be living in the US and what area of work you're looking for, what education you have, and even what mode of transportation you'll have.

Good point! To specify:

+I'll be living in Seattle proper.

+I currently work a government job up here in Vancouver that deals with report-writing, investigations, accounts payables, and previously, employee benefits.

+I have a Bachelor's in Criminology from Simon Fraser. I had originally wanted to go into some form of law enforcement (prior to even meeting my husband), but my only goal now is to see how an SFU degree will fare in Seattle's job market.

+I will be taking my car with me when I move over to Seattle.

One thing I find an advantage is that I don't get too optimistic to the point where I'm delusional. When people ask "So what kinda work do you think you'll be doing down there?", I usually respond with:

"Making candles in a factory owned by Pottery Barn."

The scary thing is, I think that is aiming high these days.

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.

But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Thanks for letting us know about your own experiences. I'm definitely fearing my luck with finding employment with the recession. Even before thing got really bad, everyone has been suggesting that I not move for a while.

I think we need more information. I'm not employed, and haven't been looking for work so I'm the last person that could give you any information, but your question is very general. Yes, some experiences could give you ideas, but it might take a load off your mind if you could tell us where you're going to be living in the US and what area of work you're looking for, what education you have, and even what mode of transportation you'll have.

Good point! To specify:

+I'll be living in Seattle proper.

+I currently work a government job up here in Vancouver that deals with report-writing, investigations, accounts payables, and previously, employee benefits.

+I have a Bachelor's in Criminology from Simon Fraser. I had originally wanted to go into some form of law enforcement (prior to even meeting my husband), but my only goal now is to see how an SFU degree will fare in Seattle's job market.

+I will be taking my car with me when I move over to Seattle.

One thing I find an advantage is that I don't get too optimistic to the point where I'm delusional. When people ask "So what kinda work do you think you'll be doing down there?", I usually respond with:

"Making candles in a factory owned by Pottery Barn."

The scary thing is, I think that is aiming high these days.

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.

But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!!

Cannot leave the US while Adjusting Status after marrying...fyi

[DeadPoolX 9]

Coming from the U.S. and moving to Canada, I've found that getting work is incredibly difficult. No one wants to hire you if you lack Canadian references, for instance. How am I supposed to have references in Canada if I just immigrated here?

I've been volunteering and through that, I've picked up some references. Basically, you need to start from scratch.

[TimandJoyce 1]

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.

But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!!

Cannot leave the US while Adjusting Status after marrying...fyi

*slaps forehead!!* :blush: :blush: Right!! Silly me....ok..forget that!!!

However, what if you can work for them online!? Is that an option with them? I met a gal that lived on the mainland and moved to Comox Valley..*where I live*. She worked for a lawyer, and they liked her so much, they gave her an online job so she could do her own hours and work from home!! Look into that. Major dream job..to do some online..*a real job that is*...

Oh...I think the other Canadian that crosses the border was a CR-1 now that I think about it. Can't remember who though.

[SapphireDreams 71]

Coming from the U.S. and moving to Canada, I've found that getting work is incredibly difficult. No one wants to hire you if you lack Canadian references, for instance. How am I supposed to have references in Canada if I just immigrated here?

I've been volunteering and through that, I've picked up some references. Basically, you need to start from scratch.

Maybe it's because you are in Vancouver, but I seriously have never heard of that. My company and a lot of my friends' employers have hired many a new immigrant from the US, England, Trinidad etc. Our last 3 hires, were not Canadian actually.... and we would probably give an American priority. Maybe its an industry thing, I don't know.. but I find it so strange!

[G&A 1]

Coming from the U.S. and moving to Canada, I've found that getting work is incredibly difficult. No one wants to hire you if you lack Canadian references, for instance. How am I supposed to have references in Canada if I just immigrated here?

I've been volunteering and through that, I've picked up some references. Basically, you need to start from scratch.

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time. I think it is a sign of the times. Back when oil was $80/b, Canadian companies where hiring workers from all over. Try working with a staffing agency. Alot of my Canadian friends use me as a reference. I do ref checks all the time for Canadians (from the US).

[domegirl1978 1]

I'm not moving for awhile as I am still waiting on my NOA2 which keeps getting pushed back time-wise. But I already have my plan for employment once I am down there. I plan on starting my own business. It doesn't have a huge start up cost, just a couple thousand dollars and I am already doing all the research, business plan and looking into taxes, registration, incorp in the U.S. while here in Canada.

I was looking at the job posting in Florida where I will be living and unless things get better by x-mas when I'm expecting to move if all goes well, starting my own business is the only way to go for me. The jobs that are even close to my administrative work here in Canada are paying something like 9$ an hour. I make more than that at my present job and can't see myself doing the same work for way less. And I'd be making 20-25$ an hour with my own business so it seems like the right way to go.

If that doesn't pan out I'll take what I can get in the job market because I refuse to be without work but I think going out on my own and trying my own thing will work out well. I have the will and motivation to succeed and its now or never. I don't want to regret not trying at least. Hopefully it'll work out well for me.

[JillA 2]

I'm not moving for awhile as I am still waiting on my NOA2 which keeps getting pushed back time-wise. But I already have my plan for employment once I am down there. I plan on starting my own business. It doesn't have a huge start up cost, just a couple thousand dollars and I am already doing all the research, business plan and looking into taxes, registration, incorp in the U.S. while here in Canada.

I was looking at the job posting in Florida where I will be living and unless things get better by x-mas when I'm expecting to move if all goes well, starting my own business is the only way to go for me. The jobs that are even close to my administrative work here in Canada are paying something like 9$ an hour. I make more than that at my present job and can't see myself doing the same work for way less. And I'd be making 20-25$ an hour with my own business so it seems like the right way to go.

If that doesn't pan out I'll take what I can get in the job market because I refuse to be without work but I think going out on my own and trying my own thing will work out well. I have the will and motivation to succeed and its now or never. I don't want to regret not trying at least. Hopefully it'll work out well for me.

That's what I've been noticing... I'll accept a small pay decline from what I was making in Canada, but I won't accept $20,000 less than what I was making that's for sure.

[G&A 1]

I'm not moving for awhile as I am still waiting on my NOA2 which keeps getting pushed back time-wise. But I already have my plan for employment once I am down there. I plan on starting my own business. It doesn't have a huge start up cost, just a couple thousand dollars and I am already doing all the research, business plan and looking into taxes, registration, incorp in the U.S. while here in Canada.

I was looking at the job posting in Florida where I will be living and unless things get better by x-mas when I'm expecting to move if all goes well, starting my own business is the only way to go for me. The jobs that are even close to my administrative work here in Canada are paying something like 9$ an hour. I make more than that at my present job and can't see myself doing the same work for way less. And I'd be making 20-25$ an hour with my own business so it seems like the right way to go.

If that doesn't pan out I'll take what I can get in the job market because I refuse to be without work but I think going out on my own and trying my own thing will work out well. I have the will and motivation to succeed and its now or never. I don't want to regret not trying at least. Hopefully it'll work out well for me.

That's what I've been noticing... I'll accept a small pay decline from what I was making in Canada, but I won't accept $20,000 less than what I was making that's for sure.

You shouldnt. Do not sell yourself short. I didnt. Even though MANY told me I would have to take a 10K-15K pay cut...i refused. Now i am making almost 40K more than i did in Canada. You should get paid what you are worth. Employers are taking advantage of the situation. They do not realize that if they underpay you, the second the economy picks up you will leave. Turnover costs companies alot.

[JillA 2]

I'm not moving for awhile as I am still waiting on my NOA2 which keeps getting pushed back time-wise. But I already have my plan for employment once I am down there. I plan on starting my own business. It doesn't have a huge start up cost, just a couple thousand dollars and I am already doing all the research, business plan and looking into taxes, registration, incorp in the U.S. while here in Canada.

I was looking at the job posting in Florida where I will be living and unless things get better by x-mas when I'm expecting to move if all goes well, starting my own business is the only way to go for me. The jobs that are even close to my administrative work here in Canada are paying something like 9$ an hour. I make more than that at my present job and can't see myself doing the same work for way less. And I'd be making 20-25$ an hour with my own business so it seems like the right way to go.

If that doesn't pan out I'll take what I can get in the job market because I refuse to be without work but I think going out on my own and trying my own thing will work out well. I have the will and motivation to succeed and its now or never. I don't want to regret not trying at least. Hopefully it'll work out well for me.

That's what I've been noticing... I'll accept a small pay decline from what I was making in Canada, but I won't accept $20,000 less than what I was making that's for sure.

You shouldnt. Do not sell yourself short. I didnt. Even though MANY told me I would have to take a 10K-15K pay cut...i refused. Now i am making almost 40K more than i did in Canada. You should get paid what you are worth. Employers are taking advantage of the situation. They do not realize that if they underpay you, the second the economy picks up you will leave. Turnover costs companies alot.

Thanks for the tip, my parents said the same thing. I should not settle for a minimum wage job, with my education and experience. If it means waiting 6-9 months for the right job, I am willing to do that. Luckily our financial situation is good, and I am not "desperate" for work so I don't need to take the first job that comes along if I don't feel I'm suited for it.

[Misty1979 0]

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.

But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!!

Cannot leave the US while Adjusting Status after marrying...fyi

*slaps forehead!!* :blush: :blush: Right!! Silly me....ok..forget that!!!

However, what if you can work for them online!? Is that an option with them? I met a gal that lived on the mainland and moved to Comox Valley..*where I live*. She worked for a lawyer, and they liked her so much, they gave her an online job so she could do her own hours and work from home!! Look into that. Major dream job..to do some online..*a real job that is*...

Oh...I think the other Canadian that crosses the border was a CR-1 now that I think about it. Can't remember who though.

That was neiks...she is a Canadian CBP officer who crosses daily for her job.