Vent

I am so defeated.

I have been a permanent sub for the good part of five years. Love my school, my co-workers, the kids....but I make horrible money (I have yet to make over $30k in my career, I make nowhere close to 30K now). I am trying to get out of teaching. I have had my résumé and cover letter re-written, visited my alma mater's career center, I have applied to so many things that fall within my area of experience....and the two calls I have gotten, for education-related things, are both lateral financially and I wouldn't be gaining anything from the experiences.

I feel like my Masters Degree is a stigma. That it is automatically looked at as either, "Once there's teaching jobs she'll run right back to teaching" or "She's too expensive with a Master's degree."

I am an extremely hard worker. I've been a trainer of new employees (which I loved) and a key holder in retail (so I have supervisory experience), and I have handled administrative tasks. I've applied to positions in HR, non-profits and colleges with no response.

I'm at a loss at this point. I'm sorry to complain (this is not my first post here) but I have other goals I would like to meet in my life and my salary is holding us back.

Thanks for listening.

Vent

What about recruiting positions for companies?

Re: Vent

I completely understand. I am in the exact same boat. Unfortunately I am currently working in retail management, which I despise. I have looked for something else but haven't found anything. I finally decided to go into Real Estate, which is a passion of mine. I am almost done with all of the requirements and plan to begin my new career in the fall. I wish you lots of luck. I wish I had a better response for you, but just know your not alone.

Re: Vent

First of all I was in a similar position and I can relate. You are definitely not alone.

While I looked for a teaching job I dabbled in the business job market as well. My (previous) business career consisted of seven years of ladder climbing at the same company, and it looked good and all, but I had all sorts of issues. In short, the employment agency I dealt with told me I scared a few companies away with salary requirements and history. In the one in person business interview I had I was in fact asked the question about whether or not I would go back to teaching when it opened up. I can't remember what I said - something about enjoying the analytics and skills required of business or some BS like that. I got the job but turned it down for a few reasons. So there's some hope. All in all it s*cked. I hated having two versions of my resume and I never really figured out how much from my teaching career I should include on the business one.

Regarding your issue with employers thinking you would go back to teaching when it opened up - I think it's fair to say that some employers might think that. However, if you really want to leave teaching, there are ways to combat that and gain credibility. Can you take business related classes to fill a gap on your resume such as Microsoft Excel classes or even a few MBA classes? If they ask you about returning to teaching, you can present them with actual evidence that you are investing in a business career.

The other option is to reconsider a lateral move if you have reason to think there is growth. I subbed in every form - permanent and non - and I found it to be a real downer to be surrounded by others working in my field but not able to do it myself. If you don't see any chance in your district, it might be best to step away from it and do something else, if only for your psyche.

HTH!

Message edited 7/31/2013 1:20:59 AM.

Re: Vent

That's so tough.

I think that when we apply to jobs, especially where people don't know us, it so hard to get the full picture of what we are really like and looking for.

This is why I feel 1000% it comes down to who we know in finding work. This came up in my last interview (I was taking a pay cut (but only just on paper--the benefits are amazing and I bring home more now as a result), going into something a lot different than what I had been doing). If they didn't know me though and why I wanted to leave where I was, I don't think I would have gotten the job, let alone a call to interview. I am probably a little bit overqualified for the role too.

If you haven't done it already, I would reach out to everyone you know and let them know you are looking.

I have a friend who did this on FB the other night and she got an amazing response. She also was able to detail what she was looking for and that it didn't need to be in line with her experience in a certain area.

Like I was, she too is looking for a healthy working environment, a place that is well-respected and good benefits.

I feel like these are things we can't really write on our resume or cover letter.

Vent

Thanks ladies, I appreciate it! It's just incredibly frustrating.

Re: Vent

I sent you FM.