Hi everyone... you've all probably heard my saga, and I posed this question in another thread, but wanted to get more input. I got my cert 15 years ago, worked in preschools and subbed for 5 years, then when my dad died I needed a steady income so I went to work in an office setting. I've been back in the market for that elusive teaching job for about two years, and spent the last year as an aide. This week, I have started thinking about a position as a school secretary if I can't find something in an actual classroom. I'd still be in the schools, I'd still get the interaction with the kids - just not in the capacity for which I was trained. I did like working in an office while I was there... Any thoughts? Am I taking the easy road out? Maybe I'm just in a "already sent 40 resumes since March" rut!! I appreciate your input so much!
Kid, I was thinking about trying for a clerical type job, too! I see those ads once in a while, but wonder if they are just as hard to get. At this point, I have about given up. Schools are laying off so many teachers down here in South Jersey...I think it is close to 300 from several districts near me. Some may get their jobs back, but NOT all of them will. So, now that means there are so many more people looking. I never thought I would see lay-offs in Education. At least not this many. One district is letting go anyone who has less than 2 years experience, which equals the 200 people. All the districts, I think, said they will look into rehiring some people this summer if the budgets allow. What a nightmare. I feel so bad for these people. I have sent out tons of resumes, too. I got one card saying they received my stuff, and one email saying the same. The post office clerk knows me now. How far are you willing to travel? I am sending in about a 45 minute radius. I wish you lots of luck...
Thanks, NJ. I was just having my little pity party. I'm going to wait until August. If I don't have anything by then, then I'll send out some apps for a secretarial position. Hi, Mincc. Glad to know I'm not alone on that crazy idea. It's all I could think about last week. I am starting with a 20 mile radius from my home and moving out from there... I sent so many resumes that I ran out of paper. I have to run to Staples tomorrow for sure. I hate that so many teachers have been RIF'd (I don't know what it means exactly, but that's what they call it at my school), it means that many more competitors for us. Where is south Jersey are you? I'm Burlington County. If I remember right, NJ is more north Jersey...
I am in Camden County, but almost in Gloucester. I ran out of paper, too! And ink. My printer is definitely hurting. I think I have sent out about all I can for now. It seems many of the deadlines were this month and early June. I sent cold ones, too. I am temping for now, which is not very helpful. If nothing happens by August/September, that is it for me. I have actually started sending out more and more non-teaching resumes. Although they do not call, either. I know several people out of work. They are having the same problem. I think the job market is just so incredibly awful here now in general. Yeah, being riffed. So sad. I cannot imagine how many resumes the schools are getting. I know they get sometimes 1000 for elementary ones. Even special ed. is crowded now. I wish I knew this back when I changed careers...tried to. I just talked to someone whose friend's school got 600 or so resumes for one HS English opening. Keep on plugging. That is all you can do.
You're right, I am more northern NJ. Lots of politics involved in the whole process. I still have faith and if all else fails, I will also find something else. Come August, that's it for me. I may have to return to school and start taking classes for something else. Not sure what yet.
Trying to get a teaching job in southern CA is also difficult. I've also thought about trying to get other jobs within a school district and or try working for the county, but I don't really want to do that. My husband has a good job with benefits, so I'm not in that much of a rush to go back to work after 2 years of staying at home with the kids. I'm currently subbing right now and that works great for my scedule. Subbing is great if you want to get your foot in the door, but keep sending out those resumes and do what you want to do. There's no point in working if you don't like it. "Do what you love and never work a day in your life."
That's a great quote, Christina - and a great attitude. Unfortunately I hold the benefits in my house and cannot afford to sub because of it (its about 1000.00 a month for private bennies!). Mincc and NJeled - depressing isn't it!?!?
ChristinaK6 - What part of California are you in and what districts have you applied for? Right now I work in Riverside. I am with all of you about how hard it is to find a job, however I have a job right now but I am trying to change to a district about an hour and half away from where I currently live. I have also been looking into office jobs in the districts just to get my foot in the door. It is very depressing as I have tried to move to this area for the last three years.
Things are different here in FL. We have a class size law so each year hundreds of teachers have to be hired just to decrease clss sizes.
Hey, Teach - Do you think that taking an office job within the schools will hurt your chances of getting a teaching position? That is my only fear about trying for an office position!
Hi kidatheart, That is also my fear that I will get stuck in an office type setting and that they will not let me transfer to a teaching position if one opens up. I know in my heart that I really will not be as happy in an office job again, I did that for 12 years. This is my second year teaching and I love it.
Hello Everyone, No. You are not alone. I have a full time job in the SPED field, although not teaching. This will be my last year looking for teaching a teaching position. I have to move on with so many things in my life. ( Like a family) and I don't want to have to dedicate a good portion of my life to job searching. So we shall see. Good luck everyone.
Miss Frizzle I completely understand. I have been with my boyfriend for eight years and due to his job he cannot relocate and he also has financial responsiblities of his own. Therefore I cannot quit and move. After 8 years we are ready to start a life together and not finding a teaching job is keeping us from being together. I really hope that something comes along soon for all of us.
I know, I will be on COBRA this summer, so hopefully I will get something in the fall. I can't work without benefits either. This year I needed them as I was sick w/ mono. It's something you shouldn't take a chance on.
COBRA is sooo expensive! But you are right, we need to have it. I spoke to my super about the office staff positions - he said it is a death wish for my teaching career!
