Finding Jobs in Ann Arbor (university, wage, restaurant)

[VM1138]

I recently found out that my wife is pregnant (shh, we haven't told anyone else yet). I've cast about City-data and the Internet for years, aimlessly trying to find a career. I'm one of those humanities grads (Master's in History) that can't find work and can't really get any experience beyond volunteering at a local (small) museum that doesn't do a whole lot. Unfortunately that means I'm stuck in retail. Now, I know people make it work, but I hate retail and don't feel it's conducive to a great family structure due to the bizarre hours and holiday work.

But I digress. I've looked all over the country, dreaming about moving and starting a life somewhere, but now that things are a bit more real and urgent, I've set my sights on Ann Arbor. I'm a Michigan guy, just up I-75/US-23, so it's not a super-far and radical move for me, which makes it more appealing for my wife, who doesn't really want to leave family.

Here's my dilemma. Searching online only gives me the usual retail, truck drivers and restaurant type jobs. Is anyone familiar with businesses that might be more inclined to hire someone with a background in history and political science? If not directly related to that subject, then someone who might be in need of a researcher/writer/museum type? Perhaps someone who produces a radio or TV show that needs a researcher/writer? Just an idea, I saw a job like this advertised once in the area years ago.

I only ask because as useful as the Internet can be, a lot of jobs aren't advertised, and maybe even the businesses that hire these sorts of people are small enough or independent enough not to even advertise. I've stumbled across a few historical research companies, for example, in other parts of the country that didn't have much of a web presence, but alas they weren't hiring.

I'd really like to raise a family in Ann Arbor instead of the dying rural area I'm in now. I want my future kids to have more access to better museums and opportunities as they grow up than I did. But I'm having trouble finding anything in between the low wage sales-type jobs and the highly specialized jobs.

Any help or suggestions on where to look from locals would be greatly appreciated!

[canudigit]

What about the University of Michigan? Between the main campus and the healthcare campus it is by far the largest employer in Ann Arbor, and a university would be more likely to hire someone with your credentials, it seems.

Here is a link to their job postings:

Job Search | Careers at the U

[MItoBH]

Hi OP, look for jobs at EMU, it helps that you have a Master's in History and you could be a teacher or a student adviser.

Eastern Michigan University: About EMU


What was your goal with obtaining a MA in History? Did you want to be a teacher/educator?

I would narrow your job searches via Indeed.com for Ann Arbor, and look at a host of jobs in town that seem interesting.

If you want to pm me, I can give you the name and email address of a recruiter who has helped me twice in the past and I'm working with again right now.

Good luck!