Just curious

[Amanda-Lise 0]

I'm an animal care technician, and I have a degree in Policing. Prior to leaving Canada, supervised at everyone's favourite coffee shop. Unfortunately I don't think my policing degree will be of much use, because even security jobs require the candidate to be a citizen, and I can't find any information on whether or not I need to get additional credentials to work as a tech. I've talked to hubby about getting some sort of training in the medical field, but he is positive I'll have no problems getting employed as a tech. I don't share his confidence, there doesn't seem to be much of a job market for techs here.

[vnoe 0]

I think everyone knows what I do. I'll be returning to my job in Canada once my mat leave is done. Have no desire to work for US CBP.

My man is a farmer

Ditto - North Dakota farmer.

Well for me I was a Canadian Customs Broker (that was laid off) at the border

Which port? Which broker? I occasionally had to call and talk to some of the brokers at North Portal. Is this how you met your husband?

I worked in North Portal, SK for UPS Supply Chain...previously Fritz Starber....previously Starber....lol. Loved my job. I had been a broker in Calgary for 15 yrs..moved back to NP for a management position...then UPS bought the company and started shutting down the little offices. Needless to say....ours was little. Guess it was just time to get out of the Customs Brokerage field!!!! I honestly met my man on the internet. I was surfing one day and a website popped up for dating, I figured what the heck and signed up. His kids had him signed up, simply because he is not computer friendly at all. We emailed a few times and then decided to go out for supper. The rest is history. He is also a North Dakota farmer....out seeding right at this moment.

HMMMM I wonder if we know each other...lol

[Kathryn41 3,205]

My training and experience is in heritage preservation/museums.

I have been here since Nov 2004, able to work since Feb 2005, and have yet to work in my previous career, and it makes me sad.

My USC hubby is a computer programmer, and a darn good one .

Wow, Cassie - we are twins! My first career was in museums/heritage preservation for 25 years then when I burned out from that I worked 7 years as Constituency Assistant to an MP (Member of Parliament). I loved that job! but no - there is no equivalent for me here in the US. So, I am back to my first career - working part time for minimum wage as a docent at a heritage Antebellum Plantation home. I arrived here in May 2004 and was only able to start working in my 'field' September, 2005.

My USC husband is also a computer software engineer/programmer - and a darn good one too:-).

[Kathryn41 3,205]

My training and experience is in heritage preservation/museums.

I have been here since Nov 2004, able to work since Feb 2005, and have yet to work in my previous career, and it makes me sad.

My USC hubby is a computer programmer, and a darn good one .

Wow, Cassie - we are twins! My first career was in museums/heritage preservation for 25 years then when I burned out from that I worked 7 years as Constituency Assistant to an MP (Member of Parliament). I loved that job! but no - there is no equivalent for me here in the US. So, I am back to my first career - working part time for minimum wage as a docent at a heritage Antebellum Plantation home. I arrived here in May 2004 and was only able to start working in my 'field' September, 2005. I have been volunteering at sites that don't pay for a while as well.

My USC husband is also a computer software engineer/programmer - and a darn good one too:-).

edited: Fortunately we don't really need for me to work because even if I was willing to do the 1 1/2 hour or more (each way) I-74 parking lot commute into Atlanta to work at one of the sites there, I could possibly get more hours but not much more money, so it isn't worth it actually. The heritage field in the US is not financially remunerative. It pays more of a living wage in Canada where there is more government sponsorship and support:-).

Edited May 10, 2007 by Kathryn41

[neiks 19]

I worked in North Portal, SK for UPS Supply Chain...previously Fritz Starber....previously Starber....lol. Loved my job. I had been a broker in Calgary for 15 yrs..moved back to NP for a management position...then UPS bought the company and started shutting down the little offices. Needless to say....ours was little. Guess it was just time to get out of the Customs Brokerage field!!!! I honestly met my man on the internet. I was surfing one day and a website popped up for dating, I figured what the heck and signed up. His kids had him signed up, simply because he is not computer friendly at all. We emailed a few times and then decided to go out for supper. The rest is history. He is also a North Dakota farmer....out seeding right at this moment.

HMMMM I wonder if we know each other...lol

Didn't have to talk with UPS brokers. Yes, seeding is in full swing..... then it will be spraying.... then it will be harvesting...... then it will be the fall work.... Hopefully I will see my husband again in November.....oh, but that is hunting season. lol.

[jg_am 0]

Me(the USC) work for a regional cable sports network. Its a fun job for the most part(covering Flyers, Sixers Phillies, Eagles, etc.), for the most part. A lot of BS from mangement, but I don't go in until 10am and most days don't do anything unil 4pm. I'm considering a career change once we get the interview...maybe not.

My wife worked at a few different places, as she could get work, living in Coutts and then Bala, ON. She doesn't have a degree/career and she'll get some kind of work once she gets her GC. Our plan is for her $$ to go towards a house/savings and then stay at home once kids come. In the meantime, she's happy taking care of me and cuddling until it's time for me to go to work. She's also working on a book and toying with volunteering at a nuring home up the street.

Edited May 10, 2007 by jg_am

[jg_am 0]

Oh yeah, the down time allows me to scour VJ all day and has been helpful during this whole process.

[~Nini~ 2]

I feel like such a schlep compared to you guys!

Finishing up my Associate's Degree in General Studies. Worked in retail for 6 years (urgh...) and finally turned to office work last year. I'm basically on call doing confidential data entry for their clients. Moving to the States means that I'll be looking for a job in the office, but I'm hoping to look for something more interesting. I'm determined to find a job that I like, even with my low expectations!

My fiance (the USC) works at UPS West Chester as a training supervisor and manages deliveries that come in and out of the hub. Which basically means, he teaches people occasionally, and watches conveyor belts and people at the top of a tower while being the voice over the paging system.

[Krikit 1,164]

We did the same as mr_s_p and his fiancée.... investigated the viability of transferring our chosen professions cross-border. I (the Canadian) was a college administrator. My husband (the USC) is with the U.S. Department of Justice. Research clearly indicated that I would be the one to relocate.

I continued to work remotely for my former employer during my first 3 months in the U.S. as they adjusted to my absence. Not sure what opportunities will present themselves in the future. There are a number of colleges and hospitals in our area, or I may follow up with my former business associates on the U.S. side to see if there's a fit. I may even go back to school and change my focus entirely. Who knows? Early days yet.

As an aside, museums/heritage preservation sounds like a rewarding and interesting position. That's sad that you haven't been able to pick it up here, Cassie. And I always thought it must be nice to work in a flower shop with all those fresh smells and the beauty of nature right at your fingertips. (In fact, my Grade 8 career choice questionnaire results said that's exactly what I should do! LOL)

It's amazing how diverse everyone's professions are. Maybe I'll pick up some ideas in this thread! Thanks for asking, autumnchik.

[Cassie 8]

My training and experience is in heritage preservation/museums.

I have been here since Nov 2004, able to work since Feb 2005, and have yet to work in my previous career, and it makes me sad.

My USC hubby is a computer programmer, and a darn good one .

Wow, Cassie - we are twins! My first career was in museums/heritage preservation for 25 years then when I burned out from that I worked 7 years as Constituency Assistant to an MP (Member of Parliament). I loved that job! but no - there is no equivalent for me here in the US. So, I am back to my first career - working part time for minimum wage as a docent at a heritage Antebellum Plantation home. I arrived here in May 2004 and was only able to start working in my 'field' September, 2005.

My USC husband is also a computer software engineer/programmer - and a darn good one too:-).

yay I'm not the only one!!!!!!

I am getting really frustrated, I love what I used to do and no one seems to want to give me a chance. All I want is a interview and then I can sell myself " I worked at a national historic site people, I'm not a joe schmoe walking off the street!" Apparently a Canadian can't learn Oklahoma history.

[jg_am 0]

Quick side note: we decided on the states b/c I had a career roots, whereas my wife(then fiancee) just moved back to Ontario with her folks and was unsettled plus work would be harder for me to find.

[CoMelly 0]

My hubby and I looked at both sides as well. I've worked for state govenrment for 7 years - love my current job as a financial reporting analyst - I know...nerd. He's a paramedic. Since I have a stronger connection to my employer and my job, and we figured I really couldn't do what I do here up there in Canada, we decided to be in the States for the time being (maybe we'll retire in Canada). All he has to do is sit for two exams (national and then state) for his paramedic license.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I did my EMT B here in VA, was a fun course, but the pay when one is just starting out is a bit low, so I canned that idea,and now going the RN route. The VA State exam was pretty easy, they say the national exam is a bit more difficult. Not sure how paramedics work in Canada, but here there is EMT B (basic ) EMT I (Intermediate), then Paramedic. I know a lot of guy go and get their EMT I, just to get hired on with the fire dept. Best of luck in that career path, a very rewarding one.

I guess like everyone else, it came down to who had the more marketable skills or skills that could not be transferred. My wife was working at the State Dept in DC (Arm sales stuff) (since moved on to different job) plus she had her Masters from Georgetown in International security and technology, which none of that really relates to anything in Canada,lol So I departed the Armed Forces, and now back in school, which I detest,lol Will be nice to start the RN program this Aug. but better yet to complete it. Lots of interesting jobs on the board. Our plan to when we retire is to move to Canada or possibly Middletown RI (right by Newport) Cheers

[neiks 19]

Arm sales stuff

As in body parts???

I'm sorry Scott. I just can't seem to help myself. I know that you probably owe me a few, I deserve it.

[Autumnchik 6]

Wow, I am fascinated by everyone's replies!!! So interesting to read about everyone's careers.

My hubby and I debated whether I would move to Canada or him here. At the time, I was living in Georgia and we weighed a whole bunch of possibilities. One of the clinical journals that I subscribe to had an advertisement where they were actively seeking therapists in Vancouver. Jobwise, it did look like I could move to Canada and my degree would translate. We decided on the States though because I found a job opportunity that allows for student loan repayment (THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU).

Cassie, I am so sorry for your struggles to find work in your field. How frustrating!!! Are they any volunteer opportunities where you may be able to impress them with your skills and then move to a paid position?

Flames, tell your wife that I say: GO HOYAS!!!! My bachelor's degree is from Georgetown I made a major change after I got my bachelor's degree (which is a degree in the Russian language) and decided that I wanted to be a therapist so off to grad. school it was for me.

Cartoboy, power to ya for being a probation officer! The last job I had (before my current position), I was a school social worker and the liason between the school system and Juvenile Court. Worked closely with the Juvenile Probation Officers and saw firsthand the difficulties of their jobs, often due to the limitations of the system they worked in. I don't know how it was in Canada, but here, the social services system, while well meaning, can be really FRUSTRATING!!!