[Aaron]

I'm currently looking to do quite alot in the future with my personal and professional life here and wonder if anyone here has been or is going through the same thing I am. Does anyone have any tips or advice.

I currently am a public school teacher living in a small community who is single with no children. I have grown stale in my profession and personal life and I'm considering making some changes. I'm considering moving a to larger city and maybe even start a new career. However, I'm having difficulty in deciding how to go about doing this. The economy and uncertainity of the future has me a bit guarded on doing anything.

I do have some very positive things going for me. The land and house I live on are both paid for. The car I drive is paid for. The chevelle is done, for now. I'm pretty much debt free and just have the normal monthly expenses in order to live. I do have the means to do some cross-training and or online schooling to help me with a career change.

My concerns are employment. It seems that most businesses, companies, and etc. not hiring people who are not local at this time due to the economy. That is very understandable. What I have been doing and what has been suggested to me is to continue to fill out applications, sending resumes, calling recuriting stations, cold calling companies, and etc. Is there anything else I can do?

Another concern to me is, trying to get a job without first moving to that location. I find it very hard to believe that most people have to relocate first and then find a job. I'm not so sure that is a very good idea. However, being single and having very few possessions to worried about outside of the chevelle make this move easier. It seems the chevelle and tools are going to be cumbersome in this process. If needs be, I can leave the chevelle with my father and have it catch up to me.

As far as schooling goes. I currently hold a BA in Exercise and Sport Science. I'm considering getting a MBA and looking toward getting into some form of business management. I'm also looking at building on a BA and doing something with physical therapy. I have also considered project management as well.

Any first hand advice or comments on how to relocate and jump start ones career will be appreciated.

 

[Highway Star]

I didn't need to move first, I can't see why you would need to. As long as you are able to travel in order to attend an interview you should be fine staying where you are. Are you looking in Texas for work? Even the public school systems there pay pretty well. Maybe you could use the degree/experience you have already to find work there. Are you sure you're done being a teacher?

 

[Aaron]

I didn't need to move first, I can't see why you would need to. As long as you are able to travel in order to attend an interview you should be fine staying where you are. Are you looking in Texas for work? Even the public school systems there pay pretty well. Maybe you could use the degree/experience you have already to find work there. Are you sure you're done being a teacher?

Well...I don't need to move, but being that it is such a rural area, that has given me the idea that I might need to move.

Interview...most of the surrounding districts, are not much different from the one I'm in....if I did change careers then I could commute to a nearby city for work.

Yes, I have looked at Texas. Seems alot of things are happening in Texas. I have not checked into the school system there though. That is a good idea.

As far as being done being a teacher. Not sure on that. The demands that are being asked more and more by "No Child Left Behind" are getting more and more unrealistic. It is very challenging right now.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Berto]

well if you want to relocate I would first start by trying to unload the land and property for "fair market value" (it used to be a term that meant you would not get screwed, now it depends on the area)

if you sell the land and property then you are truly free to pick up and go wherever you want.

if you got skills the job will present itself, whether its as a teacher or as a nutritionist, the physical therapy route might not be bad, they make good money but the economy is hurting them as well.

this is a tough time to walk on thin ice employment wise

 

[Highway Star]

If this healthcare monkey business is pushed through, PT and the like may be considered frivilous or luxurious. It may be ran a bit tighter and make it harder to land/keep jobs in these fields. There will most likely always be teaching gigs, especially in TX. The public schools pay on a pretty good scale there, and the last I heard, start at least in the high 40s.
By the way, NCLB only hates on those considered not "Highly Qualified".

 

[Bunz-T]

With Texas there are a lot of things to consider. To receive the kind of money Jake is speaking of teaching you have to live in a larger town and be at a upper class type district. (RE: North of Dallas). If the bright lights are not your thing look at the rural areas of East Texas. What you might sacrifice in pay you will make up easily in cost of living. Especially housing. From Texarkana to Dallas along the I-30 corridor it offers a lot if quality of life is what you are looking for. You are still not very far from so much.

Take a protractor and place the point on Mt. Pleasant Texas and the pencil on Oklahoma City....300 miles. Look at what is within that circle. D-FW, Austin, Houston, OKC,Shreveport, Lafayette ,La. and almost Baton Rouge etc. I do not think you will find an area that offers so much for so little as a total package.

If HS football is your thing it does not get much better.

 

[Highway Star]

John is right. I'd say for sure you need to look at Plano (Dallas suburb), and some of the nicer Houston suburbs like Katy.

 

[Aaron]

well if you want to relocate I would first start by trying to unload the land and property for "fair market value" (it used to be a term that meant you would not get screwed, now it depends on the area)

if you sell the land and property then you are truly free to pick up and go wherever you want.

if you got skills the job will present itself, whether its as a teacher or as a nutritionist, the physical therapy route might not be bad, they make good money but the economy is hurting them as well.

this is a tough time to walk on thin ice employment wise

Yes, it is a very terrible time for employment.

Selling the land is tough. I could use that money, but it also has been in the family for close to 120 years. I could just deed it to my parents and use the house as rental property.

This is a very tough deceision.

 

[Georgia69]

I see that you are considering an MBA. I went back to school in my 30's and got an MBA (Finance) in 1997. It totally transformed my work life. I now do something I enjoy, and quadrupled my salary. FWIW, I worked full time and went to school at night, paying as I went. I did NOT want student loan debt. It's awesome that you are debt free, and I'd encourage you to stay out of debt. Perhaps you could get a teaching job in a larger city that has a busines school you could attend at night. Good luck!

 

[Aaron]

If this healthcare monkey business is pushed through, PT and the like may be considered frivilous or luxurious. It may be ran a bit tighter and make it harder to land/keep jobs in these fields. There will most likely always be teaching gigs, especially in TX. The public schools pay on a pretty good scale there, and the last I heard, start at least in the high 40s.
By the way, NCLB only hates on those considered not "Highly Qualified".

Jake, that is a good point concerning PT. I keep hearing alot of good things on Texas.

Concerning NCLB, I'm consider "Highly Qualified" in PE and Middle Grades Cur. This certifcation allows me to teach English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

I agree with NCLB. However, there are some things that need to be addressed and worked out before it continues.

 

[Aaron]

I see that you are considering an MBA. I went back to school in my 30's and got an MBA (Finance) in 1997. It totally transformed my work life. I now do something I enjoy, and quadrupled my salary. FWIW, I worked full time and went to school at night, paying as I went. I did NOT want student loan debt. It's awesome that you are debt free, and I'd encourage you to stay out of debt. Perhaps you could get a teaching job in a larger city that has a busines school you could attend at night. Good luck!

Interesting Mike. I have been looking at a MBA for a few weeks now. Your plan is what I have been considering. Seems like the MBA can be very general in nature or you can get very specific with it. Thanks for reply.

 

[Aaron]

Keep the tips and suggestions coming!

 

[Shane 69 Hugger]

How old are you?

Why not try the military? You could be an officer.

 

[Aaron]

How old are you?

Why not try the military? You could be an officer.

Shane, I'm 36. However, I have been turned down twice due to some surgery. It is looking like it is tougher and tougher out there.

 

[Shane 69 Hugger]

It all depends on your resume...

They dont seem to be hiring but if you look really good on paper they might not let you get through the cracks...

The National Guard really isnt that bad. Did you try the guard with that surgery?

 

[novaderrik]

there are jobs out there for those that are willing to work.
if everything is paid for and you have no real debt, then find something that you like doing and just do it.

 

[Aaron]

there are jobs out there for those that are willing to work.
if everything is paid for and you have no real debt, then find something that you like doing and just do it.

Derrick...I'm with you all the way...however, this is not always as easy as it may sound. I'm thankful I have a job right now with unemployment so very high.

This past summer, I went around looking for some part time work, just to have some extra bucks to make it through the summer. Most people did not have ANYTHING and most of the them replied I was overqualifed. My response is I know that. I'm just looking for something for a couple of months. Very frustrating.

My whole idea of relocating is to IMPROVE my professional and personal life. I just have had some bad luck with them and looking for a fresh start. I have a good job that I like fairly good and it does provide for what I need.

Thanks for your reply.