I originally planned to go to grad school; unfortunately, that’s not going to happen this year. It was disappointing and frustrating, but I can’t dwell on it! I’ll apply again next year, but in the mean time, I’ve got to find something to do with my life.
Anyway, pertinent work info. I’m graduating with a BA in English, a minor in Creative Writing, and a 3.85 gpa. Since Jan 2002, I’ve worked in the school’s Learning Enhancement Center as an English tutor and as a center supervisor. I have also interned at a small publisher for six months and my first novel is coming out in May. I live in the Los Angeles area.
My plan so far consists of taking the CBEST in June and getting my 30-day credential so I can work as a sub, if it comes down to that. I was also thinking of working as a temp. A prof of mine suggested that I look at federal jobs (for the benefits mostly…Apparently I need to start physical therapy sooner rather than later due to achilles tendonitus in both feet but I don’t have insurance right now.)
I would like to work in publishing, somehow. I’m not sure exactly what to do to get a job or an internship with a publisher though (the internship I had before was unpaid and I got it through a prof…). I would also like to continue to work as a tutor. I really enjoy working with people on a one-on-one basis. I need to find a job that makes decent money, because I would like to save some for grad school and start paying down my debt.
So, does anybody have any advise? Pointers? Examples? Stories? I’m really open to anything–my only limitation is that I can’t move from this area at the moment. Thanks in advance!
Try teaching English As A Second Language…lots of adult and night schools in LA area are always looking for teachers, and if not - tyr a one on one with some students who need extra help.
Learning to teach ESL will open lots of doors for you, especially if you ever want to travel abroad.
Hey pepperland, I’m in the same boat. I’ve decided to go abroad and teach chinese for a semester with a friend of mine. Maybe you should take this opportunity to travel a little, or work in another country if you’re too poor to just go jetsetting (like I am).
Well, on the one hand, I’d love to travel. On the other hand, I’m sort of attached to my husband, and the three weeks I spent without him in Italy were, simultaneously the best (cuz I was in ROME!!!) and worst (God did I miss him) of my life. If I was on my own, I’d probably do what a friend of mine is doing–heading to South America for a year.
Paul in Saudi, I am curious though. What would I do for a year in Saudi?
DMark, thanks for the suggestion. I hadn’t thought of that, but now that you mention, it does sound like something I would be interested in. Maybe I could look for adult literacy classes as well?
I did not notice that you are of the Opposite Sex. :smack: I can almost always hook male-type people up with jobs as English (ESL) teachers. You are certainly qualified, although lacking in experience.
How about something like a supplementary learning centre (I don’t know what to call them!) Something like a Sylvan Learning Centre (www.educate.com). You mentioning it was university students that you were tutoring, but elementary and high school kids could give a a challenge and good experience. I have no idea how these places work or what they pay their tutors (I only thought of it because there’s one down the street from my place), but it seems like a pretty involved program.
