I've been in Madison for a month, and all I can find is one part-time job? (Middleton: rent, employment)

[Nala8]

Granted, it's a part-time job that I love, but if this keeps up for another month, I will be counted among the so-called "overqualified" ranks of the downwardly-mobile who are on public assistance. What can I do? I have tried everything: the internet, beating the pavement, networking, phone calling for openings, etc.. I am feeling down today and scared. Between the economic downturn and various forms of job discrimination (racism, ageism, healthism, outsiderism, who knows...), I am truly looking at having to apply for "food stamps" or going to a food pantry--for the first time ever in my life. I have three degrees and a love of teaching that surpasses all that any job could entail, and yet only one employer will give me a chance. What gives? What can I do?

If things don't work out by December for me here in Madison, I have contracted to return to my job in NYC. I'm on a leave of absence that so far feels like a total economic failure--and accidental career suicide. I've met some great people in Madison, who seem to like me a lot too; but I have to work. I have to pay my rent and my bills. Besides, for me work is about more than just having a job or making money. As an educator, my work is about making a meaningful contribution to the community. I'm not used to being treated as if I have nothing to offer. This is admittedly doing a number on my self-esteem on the job front.

Advice?

[Bo]

I wouldn't have recommended moving anywhere in the US without employment lined up. I live in a state that's in much better shape employment-wise than Wisconsin and no one on the forums here in Texas is encouraging folks to move here without a job. Jobs are scarce in the best markets in the country. I think you may have moved to what seemed like the perfect place at the worst possible time. You're lucky that you have an escape plan.

Your time in Madison may not be a total loss if you have to move back. Now that you have a network of folks there who know you, they can keep you in mind and let you know when they hear of job opportunities.

When I moved to Madison in the 90s as a trailing spouse with a Masters degree, it took me 9 months to land a full-time job. That was also in a recession, but one that was less deep than the current one.

[Empidonax]

Originally Posted by Nala8

Granted, it's a part-time job that I love, but if this keeps up for another month, I will be counted among the so-called "overqualified" ranks of the downwardly-mobile who are on public assistance. What can I do? I have tried everything: the internet, beating the pavement, networking, phone calling for openings, etc.. I am feeling down today and scared. Between the economic downturn and various forms of job discrimination (racism, ageism, healthism, outsiderism, who knows...), I am truly looking at having to apply for "food stamps" or going to a food pantry--for the first time ever in my life. I have three degrees and a love of teaching that surpasses all that any job could entail, and yet only one employer will give me a chance. What gives? What can I do?

If things don't work out by December for me here in Madison, I have contracted to return to my job in NYC. I'm on a leave of absence that so far feels like a total economic failure--and accidental career suicide. I've met some great people in Madison, who seem to like me a lot too; but I have to work. I have to pay my rent and my bills. Besides, for me work is about more than just having a job or making money. As an educator, my work is about making a meaningful contribution to the community. I'm not used to being treated as if I have nothing to offer. This is admittedly doing a number on my self-esteem on the job front.

Advice?

These are not great times to go looking for jobs in Wisconsin, even in Madison, whose economy is relatively better than what you find in most of the rest of the midwest. Madison's biggest employers--the state, UW, the city, the schools--have very competitive hiring to begin with, and current economic conditions have only made things worse.

What kind of educator are you? Perhaps you could try volunteering or part-timing in your field with hopes of building your resume and working yourself into a full-time job or career network?

Perhaps try tutoring (on your own or through an agency)? You could build your own business that way. Or perhaps try teaching SAT/GRE/etc. prep at Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc.? It may be tough getting even those jobs, though, as educators and people with degrees in Madison are in abundance. And this includes grad students, lecturers, and teaching aides who already have full- or part-time jobs and wish to supplement their incomes. All of those people have ready-made networks at their main place of employment.

[Nala8]

Originally Posted by Bowie

I wouldn't have recommended moving anywhere in the US without employment lined up. I live in a state that's in much better shape employment-wise than Wisconsin and no one on the forums here in Texas is encouraging folks to move here without a job. Jobs are scarce in the best markets in the country. I think you may have moved to what seemed like the perfect place at the worst possible time. You're lucky that you have an escape plan.

Your time in Madison may not be a total loss if you have to move back. Now that you have a network of folks there who know you, they can keep you in mind and let you know when they hear of job opportunities.

When I moved to Madison in the 90s as a trailing spouse with a Masters degree, it took me 9 months to land a full-time job. That was also in a recession, but one that was less deep than the current one.

Thanks Bowie. You nailed it. A great city during difficult times. I like your balanced perspective. Helps a lot.

[Nala8]

Originally Posted by quijote

These are not great times to go looking for jobs in Wisconsin, even in Madison, whose economy is relatively better than what you find in most of the rest of the midwest. Madison's biggest employers--the state, UW, the city, the schools--have very competitive hiring to begin with, and current economic conditions have only made things worse.

What kind of educator are you? Perhaps you could try volunteering or part-timing in your field with hopes of building your resume and working yourself into a full-time job or career network?

Perhaps try tutoring (on your own or through an agency)? You could build your own business that way. Or perhaps try teaching SAT/GRE/etc. prep at Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc.? It may be tough getting even those jobs, though, as educators and people with degrees in Madison are in abundance. And this includes grad students, lecturers, and teaching aides who already have full- or part-time jobs and wish to supplement their incomes. All of those people have ready-made networks at their main place of employment.

Thank you so much. I have been teaching courses in English and the Humanities for about ten years altogether, but I have also taught at the grade school level--years ago in Madison.

The thought of tutoring has crossed my mind now and again. Maybe it is worth exploring. I have tutored before, with excellent results. I wouldn't even begin to know how to advertise my services. Now would be a good time to learn.

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by Nala8

Thank you so much. I have been teaching courses in English and the Humanities for about ten years altogether, but I have also taught at the grade school level--years ago in Madison.

The thought of tutoring has crossed my mind now and again. Maybe it is worth exploring. I have tutored before, with excellent results. I wouldn't even begin to know how to advertise my services. Now would be a good time to learn.

..ARE you certified to teach, or did you teach in parochial schools?

I get the impression that you would prefer to stay in Madison, if at all possible. Aside from the usual suspects ( waiting on tables, etc), have you considered working at one of the local hospitals? Perhaps the UW Hospital/Clinics, or Meriter, or St. Mary's might have something suitable.

I'm also assuming that you have tried all the local suburban communities ( Middleton, etc) around Madison, but perhaps not..

Madison's a very pleasant place. I'm hopeful that you'll find something suitable in the very near future..

[Megan1967]

Try these people:

The Wisconsin Institute for Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia (WILDD)

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by Nala8

The thought of tutoring has crossed my mind now and again. Maybe it is worth exploring. I have tutored before, with excellent results. I wouldn't even begin to know how to advertise my services. Now would be a good time to learn.

I suggest Craigslist under "lessons"

madison lessons & tutoring - craigslist

[Nala8]

Thanks, MassVt and Megan1967. I will keep all this in mind. I will persevere.

[Nala8]

Originally Posted by capoeira

I suggest Craigslist under "lessons"

madison lessons & tutoring - craigslist

Ah ha! Ok. Thanks a lot.