Man, I never thought it would be this hard to get a job. I haven’t had paying work in over a year, though hopefully my books should come out soon. I must suck.
What are you qualified to do? And are you willing to relocate? I ask, because there’s an opening in my group, but it’s a rather specialized tech position.
Join the millions in this suck-butt economy. What kind of work do you do? Aside from your writing, that is.
I’ve been out of a job since late July. I’m an English/History certified teacher for grades 7-12 and I can’t find a job.
You can’t find a job in China to teach English?
we could probably use you over here…
(seriously, I am sorry for your plight–it must suck and it’s very demoralizing).
lighthearted hijack: I keep reading the title of this thread as Hard to get a handjob.
I have a sick, sick mind.
I can relocate, though admittedly I’d rather not. Fortunately, I have an interview coming up this month. Hopefully I can get something from that.
condensed version:
Well let’s see. B.A. in History, have written 3 books (coming up on number 4), numerous yet-unpublished short and middle-length works, and many articles. I taught myself some graphic design and editing work, worked up ad ideas and identified appropriate marketing space (then due an issue with our publisher we are no longer able to advertise; let’s just say you shoudl have seen our products 6 moths ago). Excellent grammatical expertise and have editing experience.
Have 4.5 years experience in tech support, including support for Win 95-XP, database software, email, networking, DSL, including experience as a low-level admin. If I can identify the hardware part causing the issue (and I can), I can take it out and replace it. No, I don’t take subcomponents out, and I don’t solder components. I was born after that era. Moreover, I’m willing to take any classes I need.
I used to study programming, but it was very hard to do without a book to study(and my high school didn’t have any even for class), so I stopped after starting on C++. I’ve started work on bit-by-bit sprite-artistry, but that’s slow going.
Believe it or not, I’m not sorry I stufied History. I now have a pretty darn good understanding of East Asian history, culture, and politics today, and it helped my writing skills tremendously.* I’ve studied French, Russian, German, and Japanese, although I’m afraid I don’t recall much except in the latter two languages, and my skill in Japanese needs a lot of work. I worked as an intern writer for a magazine, but have not had much luck applying to other magazines. The labor market in that field seems glutted.
*I can’t spell anymore. I used to be great at it, if not up there with the National Spelling Bee people, but then I took German. I have to look up many more words now.
I’d love to (I’m applying for a english-teaching program in Japan). All the places I check want TESL certification, and I don’t have it. At the moment, I can’t seem to find any places to get it within reach of my budget.
Didn’t someone around here get a gig in a museum? Your background sounds like it would lend itself to something along those lines. Maybe not the biggest museum around, but you could start with something smaller and work your way up.
Man, I feel your pain. I’m back on the unemployed horse. Nobody ever warns you in college that getting your first job may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done.
Hang in there, keep a positive attitude. Email me if you want some co-miseration.
And I’ll give you my one big hint. Write the most engaging and absurd cover letters you can imagine. I’ve only ever had luck with cover letters where I make odd and incredible claims (“I am so organized that when I throw paper in the air it falls down in neat, labeled little piles”) Be fanciful and exciting. Don’t just list off your skills.
Also, check the easy-to-overlook “gigs” section on Craig’s List. A night or two of work always helps, and you may make some good connections.
Have you checked out the JET Programme ? They don’t require a cert.
Act fast. The appliction deadline is Nov 29.