Tips on Finding a job (Spouse of US Citizen)

[VALU 55]

My husband has been here since February 2019. He loves it and is not home sick at all. We live the Washington, DC area which is very diverse. He has his Social Security Card, new Driver's Licence with 8 year expiration date. Still waiting on actual greencard but the stamp in his passport is still good to start work. He speaks good English and is currently enrolled in a GED program cos he didn't get his high school diploma in his country. He has security work experience. He is also studying the ASVAB military test so he can join the military. He already met with recruiters and he's good to go once he takes and passes the test. Prior to deciding to join the military, we tried to find him work doing security but nothing came through yet. We were hoping that he would drive Uber while he studies for the military entry test but still waiting for Uber to get back to us (hoping they wouldn't apply the 1 year USA driver's license rule). What other ways can he make money in the mean time? Any other job finding tips you have will be helpful. What is the average time for spouses to find jobs in the USA? I was hoping my husband would be working by the 3rd month.

Edited May 24, 2019 by VALU

[debbiedoo 2,339]

With no high school diploma, his options may be limited.

 

I would look at retail/ cashier/ gas station/ food service/ etc for the meantime until he gets his GED and perhaps better prospects

[p-ana 933]

Lower standards and apply anywhere that’s hiring and doesn’t ask for high school diploma 

[Boiler 46,242]

Hospitality

 

Construction

 

Retail

[Crazy Cat 42,545]

Construction........Food service (Dominos, etc)

Edited May 24, 2019 by missileman

[IssaCaptureFL 120]

He can start his own small business such as car wash, Handy man (if he is skilled in anything in particular) But Landscaping and construction are the number one go to when you are just starting up. If not you can try regular entry level jobs that does not really require any experience such as restaurant BOH such as Bussers, Dishwasher and prep cook or even maintenance worker in hotels. 

[kris&me 572]

many take the CDL  course and go into truck driving

courses can be completed in a short time /some are only 4 weeks and the costs is relatively small compared to many tech schools

[jeanita68 231]

1 hour ago, kris&me said:

many take the CDL  course and go into truck driving

courses can be completed in a short time /some are only 4 weeks and the costs is relatively small compared to many tech schools

Yes i think truck driving is a very good option. And brings in good money. I know a few dominicans that also started truck driving school n started driving. I jus wouldnt let my husband that cause i dont like the idea of him never being home. 

[Falcon Cara 378]

On ‎5‎/‎24‎/‎2019 at 4:07 PM, VALU said:

My husband has been here since February 2019. He loves it and is not home sick at all. We live the Washington, DC area which is very diverse. He has his Social Security Card, new Driver's Licence with 8 year expiration date. Still waiting on actual greencard but the stamp in his passport is still good to start work. He speaks good English and is currently enrolled in a GED program cos he didn't get his high school diploma in his country. He has security work experience. He is also studying the ASVAB military test so he can join the military. He already met with recruiters and he's good to go once he takes and passes the test. Prior to deciding to join the military, we tried to find him work doing security but nothing came through yet. We were hoping that he would drive Uber while he studies for the military entry test but still waiting for Uber to get back to us (hoping they wouldn't apply the 1 year USA driver's license rule). What other ways can he make money in the mean time? Any other job finding tips you have will be helpful. What is the average time for spouses to find jobs in the USA? I was hoping my husband would be working by the 3rd month.

If he tough and rugged send him to Midland Texas to work in the oil patch, They can't keep enough guys there. Can easily start out making $100K per year with no experience

[VALU 55]

On 5/24/2019 at 7:31 PM, jeanita68 said:

Yes i think truck driving is a very good option. And brings in good money. I know a few dominicans that also started truck driving school n started driving. I jus wouldnt let my husband that cause i dont like the idea of him never being home. 

He loves to drive but I'm not comfortable with him being away a d sleeping in motels. 

 

Thanks everyone for your input. We are looking more into driving jobs while he studies to pass his ASVAB Military test. The Military is the best option, considering all the personal and family benefits that come with it.

[phd1974 17]

In all honesty, I do not remember at any time an employer asking for a high school diploma to verify that a person graduated high school. when my wife got her card to legally work and we started looking for jobs, not one employer was asking for proof like a diploma to work.

[Mary Lou 682]

My husband started his first job, 3 weeks after arrival through a temp agency. Was it his ideal job? Well no, but he was making money and getting job experience. My husband also does not have a HS diploma, and has never once been asked to produce one.

[VALU 55]

Good to know that most of these companies don't ask for proof high school diploma. Thinking about it, I never had to produce mine either. They just asked which school I went to and year I graduated.

 

Finding a job through a temp agency is a good idea. I thought about it before and put it on our job hunting list but never followed up with it. Will do so now. 

 

Thanks for all your input. My husband is happy about his new life but the job hunting can be stressful at times cos he wants to make money.

[VALU 55]

Updates: my husband started his full time job this week Monday, working for an Amazon contracted company as a delivery driver and earning $15.50/hour which is way above the minimum wage in our area. Our goal for him was to get at least $15/hour on his first USA job. He gets an increase every 3 months. He likes the job thus far because he loves to drive. So we thank God.

 

Oh and they didn't ask for his high school diploma but he had to take a job written test which he passed well.

 

Thanks again for your input. 

[TBoneTX 46,273]

Good for him, good for you, and thanks for the happy update!