Desperate Employment
With the tight employment market, you might be under the impression that there are no jobs. Well, this couldn't be farther from the truth. However, you will find that the jobs may not be near you. Yes, as you can imagine or have previously experienced, every small town college is getting more applications than they can handle and are able to pick and choose who they want. This can make an anxious teacher even more anxious and almost desperate. But don't be. One of the questions is if you do get accepted for a job and it involves moving is it worth it? I can't answer that for you, I do have some tried and true questions to make the decision easier. Good luck!
1. Do you have a home? Having a house makes everything harder, especially in this market. There are plenty of houses, but not a lot of buyers, depending on the housing market in your area. So, if you are thinking about moving you must take this into consideration.
2. Will you be teaching something that you at least like? Applying to jobs on top of jobs will make you willing to accept anything....but breathe. The job for you will come along. Don't settle for something that you don't at least like because it makes for a miserable year.
3. Are there benefits? Yes, I said it. National healthcare as of this posting, has not passed yet. This is an employer's market and some universities have been getting by by offering temporary positions without benefits. Shame on them! Although this is one step up from being an adjunct, there is still an uncertainty with the longevity of the position. If you are moving to another location for a temporary position, you may be disappointed in the end. As you know temporary positions are . .well . .temporary. From one semester to the next you never know if you will be rehired, and this uncertain position is very nerve-wrecking.
4. Have you visited the campus and city? Like any other job, each organization has its own personality. Depending on the location, this personality is greatly influenced by the community that surrounds it. Do you fit into a small town of 3,000 people? Could you cope with the hustle and bustle of city of 300,000 residents? Another aspect is to think about the difference in the cost of living between your current home and the new perspective home. Would you be able to keep your standard of living up in your new city?
5. Does this job fit into the larger picture of your career scope? Is this job going to get you where you need to go in 5, 10 or 15 years? Is there room for growth? Do you see yourself in this position in the long haul or is this just to make it through this tight economic economy?
6. Is the salary realistic? Once again, this is an employer's market. Job salaries get lower and job responsibilities continue to increase. Some of your salary is not stated such as benefits, job perks, memberships, etc. Take an honest look into these to make sure they match your expectations. Also, make sure that your expectations are realistic.
7. How is your emotional meter? After all is said and done and you are offered the position, how do you feel? Excited? Bored? Sad? Apathetic? Is there something nagging you in the back of your head about the job? Do you offer a lot of "if", "if onlys" or "maybes" when describing the possibilities to others? The answer should let you know how your subconscious is reacting. Listen to yourself! The job for you, will be for you.
Good luck!
1. Do you have a home? Having a house makes everything harder, especially in this market. There are plenty of houses, but not a lot of buyers, depending on the housing market in your area. So, if you are thinking about moving you must take this into consideration.
2. Will you be teaching something that you at least like? Applying to jobs on top of jobs will make you willing to accept anything....but breathe. The job for you will come along. Don't settle for something that you don't at least like because it makes for a miserable year.
3. Are there benefits? Yes, I said it. National healthcare as of this posting, has not passed yet. This is an employer's market and some universities have been getting by by offering temporary positions without benefits. Shame on them! Although this is one step up from being an adjunct, there is still an uncertainty with the longevity of the position. If you are moving to another location for a temporary position, you may be disappointed in the end. As you know temporary positions are . .well . .temporary. From one semester to the next you never know if you will be rehired, and this uncertain position is very nerve-wrecking.
4. Have you visited the campus and city? Like any other job, each organization has its own personality. Depending on the location, this personality is greatly influenced by the community that surrounds it. Do you fit into a small town of 3,000 people? Could you cope with the hustle and bustle of city of 300,000 residents? Another aspect is to think about the difference in the cost of living between your current home and the new perspective home. Would you be able to keep your standard of living up in your new city?
5. Does this job fit into the larger picture of your career scope? Is this job going to get you where you need to go in 5, 10 or 15 years? Is there room for growth? Do you see yourself in this position in the long haul or is this just to make it through this tight economic economy?
6. Is the salary realistic? Once again, this is an employer's market. Job salaries get lower and job responsibilities continue to increase. Some of your salary is not stated such as benefits, job perks, memberships, etc. Take an honest look into these to make sure they match your expectations. Also, make sure that your expectations are realistic.
7. How is your emotional meter? After all is said and done and you are offered the position, how do you feel? Excited? Bored? Sad? Apathetic? Is there something nagging you in the back of your head about the job? Do you offer a lot of "if", "if onlys" or "maybes" when describing the possibilities to others? The answer should let you know how your subconscious is reacting. Listen to yourself! The job for you, will be for you.
Good luck!
Comments
Post a Comment