My new work

I was accepted as a Teacher Aide/Assistant in a nearby technical college, less than 10 minutes drive from our house. I’m assisting the instructors in the Electrical and Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Programs.

It is nice to go back to work, especially in the school system. As a previous college instructor, I know that I might be over qualified for the job but I am thankful. I am the only one hired full time this school year and I know that there are many who lost their jobs because of the COVID pandemic. As a new driver, this is the best location for me. This is also a humbling experience for me. I am learning a lot of stuff and familiarizing myself with the similarities and differences of the higher education here in U.S. and back in the Philippines.

I love the time of my work the most, 7am-3pm though I miss waking up a little bit late (15-30 minutes) after my husband. Now, I need to wake before he does. After work, I can still do a lot of stuff, like cooking and other household chores, and still able to take a short nap (if I want to) before dinner time.

I’m planning to take the Teacher Certification Exam in the near future and take a TEFL/TESL/TESOL graduate certificate and/or finish my master’s degree here, non thesis option preferably. However, my priority is still my husband and the family we are going to have. Once I become a mother I am determined to prioritize raising my children especially during their character foundation years.

My current job doesn’t really pay well but it is also not as stressful. I am grateful that my husband has a good paying job. If I am single here, I think I will need to have two jobs until I get a good paying job enough for the house rent/mortgage, food, bills, and extra emergency fund.

Another blessing are my workmates, they are really nice and always willing to help me and answer my questions.

I thank God for all the blessings in my life right now. The most important things for me now are safety, good health, peace of mind of. These are the things I always pray and thank God for. For me, my husband, and our loved ones. That is my happiness. This is my happiness.

Till my next update. May we all stay safe. Thank you for reading. 

Starting all over again: Applying a new job here in U.S.

We, my husband and I, went by the books. We followed everything by the letter. We chose to wait for all my documents to be processed first before I started applying for a job.

I don't want to be a pasaway. I don't want to be a part of the stereotype of immigrants who already applied for jobs even when they don't have their Employment Authorization Document (EAD)/working permit YET. My husband also don't want me to be pasaway. Thank goodness he was so supportive in all the ways I needed. The feeling of being unemployed is never a good feeling, even if we know that it is just a part of the process we need to go through.

Before I left the Philippines, I was a college instructor in a state university. I was given an item (an equivalent of a regular position in the government) a temporary item that will turn to permanent once I finished my thesis and get my master's degree. I wasn't able to finish my thesis. If I am not leaving, I don't have a choice but to finish it or transfer in a non thesis program. My job was good but can be overwhelming and stressful at times, like all other jobs. Juggling them both (writing a thesis while working and teaching was just too much for me). But I regret not finishing it. I am finding a way now if I can continue it thru distance learning in UPOU or in a university here.

Now living in the U.S., I know I can't expect to get the same job I last had in the Philippines but as they say there is no harm in trying so I will. But I am also open to start at the bottom as a teacher assistant or office staff.

Having a driver's license is so important here. Most job ads I saw have it under the requirements. Since I am still working to have one (just got my learner's license), I am narrowed in applying jobs that don't require having one.

Certifications are also big here. Almost all jobs require some kind of certifications. Here in Florida, the most in demand jobs are mostly related to medical professions.

Some professional jobs may also ask you to submit a US Equivalency Report. I just did my research on that one and working to get mine now.

Those who want to be primary, middle, and high school teachers here need to have a Florida teaching license. These are the requirements for foreign trained graduated or non-citizens like me.

I am not so choosy regarding the salary but I am looking and hoping to get a Monday-Friday job. Day shift of course. Raise your hand to those who tried night shift before and you just know it won't work out for you. LOL.

Wish me luck! God bless us all!