Job Search. Being back at square one.

[no one 0]

Just received my EAD today. Now, on to integrating myself fully into this new life...!

What are some job search sites/databases that you have found useful? (I've only looked on Craigslist and JobStar so far). Any stories you'd like to share about your job search successes and/or failures?

Some background info about me:

I'm a fairly new university grad, so do not have years and years of work experience under my belt. I have done loads of student teaching, and I've taught one year of high school English and sciences back in Canada. Unfortunately, my teaching cert is useless here in California.

I'm not sure if I want to commit myself to more study to get re-certified just yet. So, I'm hoping to look around for education-related or people-helping types of jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area (north bay). Some possibilities include tutoring, special education centres, piano teaching (but I'll have to buy a piano first, to re-learn everything after years of non-practice *sighs*), ... anything else?

There are two (?) temp agencies in this town, but they're mostly geared towards clerical or technical/business jobs which I have lttle interest in, though I could do those (if they'd take me) if I'm desperate.

It's so scary starting back at square one, not knowing exactly what to do!

Any advice you'd like to share?

[Cassie 8]

My humble advice is to be open to anything and everything. I haven't been able to use my skills in heritage preservation/museums at all since I have been here. My first job was in credit card collections, my current job is in medical records.

I did a lot of internet searching for possible websites:

--temp agencies

--official town/city websites

--craigslist

--local library, hospitals, museums, schools, universities, etc etc

and a lot of scanning the employment section of the paper (Sundays are the best in my city) -- led me to a lot of websites to keep my eyes on

and word of mouth is invaluable -- it's how I got my current job.

I'd also look into the possibility of working as a teacher's aide. My friend is a elementary school music teacher and suggested that to me, the school system she works for is always looking for qualified people. Maybe your teaching cert and job experience would lend itself to the opportunity?

Edited February 2, 2007 by Cassie

[Jenn! 918]

How about substitute teaching?

[marcycat 0]

How about substitute teaching?

You could look into "emergency certification" or "alternative licensing" to become a teacher (it's called different things in different states.) Many states have procedures for getting licensed if you have appropriate qualifications but didn't go through the system to become a teacher.

Teacher's aides usually make next-to-nothing.... Subbing can be really hard, but you might get a long-term sub position.

Good luck!!!

[Jenn! 918]

How about substitute teaching?

You could look into "emergency certification" or "alternative licensing" to become a teacher (it's called different things in different states.) Many states have procedures for getting licensed if you have appropriate qualifications but didn't go through the system to become a teacher.

True. I was able to get a teaching position at a charter school here in Massachusetts without any certification even though it's technically required. Of course, it was for high school math, where I think they tend to make exceptions if they find someone who actually knows the math.

Definitely worth looking into. You could also sub while you take the necessary certification tests.

[Flames9_RN 359]

Had a friend in the employment industry back in canada (they worked with EI , etc, and tried finding people jobs, overal lgoal was to get them off Gov't assistance) I belive she stated that majority of jobs are not even posted, so one has to get out there and hit the street and put in resumes. Volunteering is good, and sport activities, as the more people u meet, the better chance of obtaining a job through connections!! Best of luck

[GabachaYucateca 0]

What about teaching ESL to adults? I'm an ESL teacher and I get paid quite well per hour, although I don't work many hours a week.

Also, try www.idealist.org for social service, non-profit, and "helping people" jobs. Here in Rhode Island, this site isn't utilized much since we have a local non-profit jobs listserve, but I remember seeing tons of jobs in California.

[antda 13]

Hi Em,

Congrats on getting your EAD! Hopefully it will be the same good news for your Green Card too.

Oh, in answer to your post, my thoughts for you would be:

-Regardless of any job and/or career that you find, the most important thing is that YOU ENJOY AND ARE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU ARE DOING. For if one likes something that they are doing, then one is happier in life, as what they are doing doesn't seem like a job at all.

-If one looks for something in life, then they never find it. It is only when they don't find it, then is found (kind of like finding a penny on the sidewalk or behind the couch, or winning the lottery when they least expect it).

Lol...hope this helps (or at least makes your day a brighter ). Good luck in your job search!

Ant

Just received my EAD today. Now, on to integrating myself fully into this new life...!

What are some job search sites/databases that you have found useful? (I've only looked on Craigslist and JobStar so far). Any stories you'd like to share about your job search successes and/or failures?

Some background info about me:

I'm a fairly new university grad, so do not have years and years of work experience under my belt. I have done loads of student teaching, and I've taught one year of high school English and sciences back in Canada. Unfortunately, my teaching cert is useless here in California.

I'm not sure if I want to commit myself to more study to get re-certified just yet. So, I'm hoping to look around for education-related or people-helping types of jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area (north bay). Some possibilities include tutoring, special education centres, piano teaching (but I'll have to buy a piano first, to re-learn everything after years of non-practice *sighs*), ... anything else?

There are two (?) temp agencies in this town, but they're mostly geared towards clerical or technical/business jobs which I have lttle interest in, though I could do those (if they'd take me) if I'm desperate.

It's so scary starting back at square one, not knowing exactly what to do!

Any advice you'd like to share?

Edited February 5, 2007 by antocru

[antda 13]

Hi Em,

I forgot to add to my post:

My teaching experiences believe it or not, have been all volunteer related activities. For example, teaching ESL to adults in Canada, and teaching summer camp children at a church here in the USA. And yes, I enjoy teaching, especially in getting paid by seeing others being happier that I helped them out...

Hope this helps too.

Ant

Just received my EAD today. Now, on to integrating myself fully into this new life...!

What are some job search sites/databases that you have found useful? (I've only looked on Craigslist and JobStar so far). Any stories you'd like to share about your job search successes and/or failures?

Some background info about me:

I'm a fairly new university grad, so do not have years and years of work experience under my belt. I have done loads of student teaching, and I've taught one year of high school English and sciences back in Canada. Unfortunately, my teaching cert is useless here in California.

I'm not sure if I want to commit myself to more study to get re-certified just yet. So, I'm hoping to look around for education-related or people-helping types of jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area (north bay). Some possibilities include tutoring, special education centres, piano teaching (but I'll have to buy a piano first, to re-learn everything after years of non-practice *sighs*), ... anything else?

There are two (?) temp agencies in this town, but they're mostly geared towards clerical or technical/business jobs which I have lttle interest in, though I could do those (if they'd take me) if I'm desperate.

It's so scary starting back at square one, not knowing exactly what to do!

Any advice you'd like to share?

Edited February 5, 2007 by antocru

[alix 20]

I put my resume on Yahoo! HotJobs and got a few e-mails back with job interview offers. I also applied for some job openings online. If I were you I'd give it a try.

In the end I got a job in a furniture/housewares store, which I start today, and I'm very excited about it!

[no one 0]

My humble advice is to be open to anything and everything. I haven't been able to use my skills in heritage preservation/museums at all since I have been here. My first job was in credit card collections, my current job is in medical records.

I did a lot of internet searching for possible websites:

--temp agencies

--official town/city websites

--craigslist

--local library, hospitals, museums, schools, universities, etc etc

and a lot of scanning the employment section of the paper (Sundays are the best in my city) -- led me to a lot of websites to keep my eyes on

and word of mouth is invaluable -- it's how I got my current job.

I'd also look into the possibility of working as a teacher's aide. My friend is a elementary school music teacher and suggested that to me, the school system she works for is always looking for qualified people. Maybe your teaching cert and job experience would lend itself to the opportunity?

Thanks for the tips! I'm open to leaving the education field, though that's where I'd like to be, if possible. How did the word of mouth happen for you? My in-laws have a very tiny circle of friends and acquaintances, and that's making me feel kind of alone out here. I'm hoping that once my application for volunteer work at the local hospital goes through, I'll be able to meet more people!

I've just applied for work as a teaching assistant in a nearby city... but will keep looking around for more opportunities. I know I'm looking at a big paycut from last year's earnings, but one's gotta start somewhere, right?

[no one 0]

How about substitute teaching?

You could look into "emergency certification" or "alternative licensing" to become a teacher (it's called different things in different states.) Many states have procedures for getting licensed if you have appropriate qualifications but didn't go through the system to become a teacher.

Teacher's aides usually make next-to-nothing.... Subbing can be really hard, but you might get a long-term sub position.

Good luck!!!

Thanks, both I'm not sure how to get these emergency certifications, but will look into it.

Yeah... I've just applied for a teaching assistant job and the pay ranges from $9-$13/hr... $17 MAX (w/o benefits)! Subbing *is* hard, but I think as long as I have a bag of tricks and resources up my sleeves, I can wing it (I've known teachers who don't -- or who are unable to -- leave lesson plans behind for their subs. That must really suck)

What about teaching ESL to adults? I'm an ESL teacher and I get paid quite well per hour, although I don't work many hours a week.

Also, try www.idealist.org for social service, non-profit, and "helping people" jobs. Here in Rhode Island, this site isn't utilized much since we have a local non-profit jobs listserve, but I remember seeing tons of jobs in California.

Ooh, how did you find your current job? I think I'd enjoy teaching adult ESL classes a lot. No classroom management issues, right? Will check out idealist.org now!

[no one 0]

Hi Em,

I forgot to add to my post:

My teaching experiences believe it or not, have been all volunteer related activities. For example, teaching ESL to adults in Canada, and teaching summer camp children at a church here in the USA. And yes, I enjoy teaching, especially in getting paid by seeing others being happier that I helped them out...

Hope this helps too.

Ant

What are you doing now, in terms of employment? (Still awaiting your long email, btw!! ) I didn't know you'd taught adult ESL in Canada.

Yeah... after one year of teaching regular high school classes, I've come to the realization that I work better with small groups and one-on-one. This will probably mean a paycut for me since I'm no longer in a traditional setting (with unions and benefits and what have you), but I'd enjoy it more.

I put my resume on Yahoo! HotJobs and got a few e-mails back with job interview offers. I also applied for some job openings online. If I were you I'd give it a try.

In the end I got a job in a furniture/housewares store, which I start today, and I'm very excited about it!

I'd tried Yahoo! HotJobs 3-4 years ago when I was still living in Canada, with no results. Maybe it'll be different now that I'm in the U.S. since most of the postings are for U.S. jobs! Thanks

[GabachaYucateca 0]

I actually found my ESL teaching job (and two other part-time jobs) on the local non-profit listserv I mentioned that Rhode Islanders use as an alternative to Idealist. Oh, no...we do have classroom management issues! Sometimes it gets quite exciting! Especially with the population I work with...low-income, mostly single mothers who are receiving government benefits. As part of their welfare package, they have to be enrolled in some sort of educational program to continue receiving their benefits. The most difficult students I've had are young women in their early 20s who have three or more kids and have never worked in their lives, so they're not able or willing to take the classes seriously.

But mostly my students are joys to work with....try checking out adult ed nonprofits...they usually have the infrastructure to support you and mostly pay pretty well. Many places only offer ESL classes as part of what they do, so often the teacher receives no support, no materials etc.

[antda 13]

Hi Em,

Good luck on your job search. Oh, and I did reply to your PM...see your VJ PM messages for the reply. Yes, I did volunteered in teaching adults and children ESL in Canada for a couple of years. In fact, I even wrote an article that was published in the school paper about that teaching experience. Remind me to PM the link of the article to you if you want to read about it sometime.

As for my experiences here in the USA, well, I am currently volunteering teaching children at a local church here. I taught in the summer at camp, and I am still teaching every week on a regular basis. As well, I am helping out with other church related activities. On the side, I am also writing and travelling around the area. Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy my married life here too, a day at a time. I think "volunteer teacher", "writer" and "homemaker" is sufficient for employment purposes (even though I don't get paid by money, I get paid by seeing how happy others are in being helped out).

That's good that you can work in small groups and one on one situations. A lot of people are happier in this type of more private and individualized situation. I'm glad that you are happy working this way too. As I said before, the happier you are working at something, the less it seems like stressful work. Thus, you get paid in more happiness instead of more money...

Ant

What are you doing now, in terms of employment? (Still awaiting your long email, btw!! ) I didn't know you'd taught adult ESL in Canada.

Yeah... after one year of teaching regular high school classes, I've come to the realization that I work better with small groups and one-on-one. This will probably mean a paycut for me since I'm no longer in a traditional setting (with unions and benefits and what have you), but I'd enjoy it more.

Edited February 9, 2007 by antocru