I've come quite a long way in my job hunt since I first started looking back in April, even before I came back to New York. Initially, I had a rather narrow set of criteria for job openings I would apply to, and since I initially got three interviews right off the bat, I was lured into a very false sense of security.
Well, sure enough, it became abundantly clear that a job wasn't going to come easy, so I gradually expanded my search, until it became much broader. I applied for some short term jobs, but decided against temping, since my rationale went that I had no idea when I would get a full time job and wouldn't want to be caught in between a temporary, part-time job and the goal of a full-time, long-term job.
That ship has sailed, and I recently began pursuing temping opportunities. The two most important factors are that I managed to pull myself out of a sad little unemployment funk and that it has been five whole months since I got back to the States and have not been able to get a full time job. I still shudder at that number. Five. Nearly half a year. It's mind boggling.
So I went ahead and got myself set up with a non-profit temping agency, which turned out to be really great, and also applied for a temporary position I found on a job board. I was called in for an interview at both places, making me eligible for the agency's temp positions and a candidate at the company looking for a short-term consultant. But amazingly, I was hired for the temp position I had applied for on my own just a few days later, and I start next week. I'm excited about it because it involves a lot of Portuguese translation and using my knowledge of Brazilian culture and current events to help the company try to break into the Brazilian market.
Oh yeah, that's the other thing. I'm going private sector! At least temporarily.
I realize that it's possible an opportunity will come along for a full-time job (I'm still applying to openings almost every day), but it will likely not be right away. In the meantime, I've found something to get myself back on my feet and back into the American workplace, which will be a great way to prepare me for the (hopeful) long-term position I will find somewhere down the road.
Parabens!!! And it's sooo cool that you will get to use your Portuguese/Brazilian knowledge!
Posted by: Julie | September 30, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Congratulations and good luck, Rachel!
Posted by: Leonardo | September 30, 2009 at 07:08 AM
I am amazed you have not been employed to date. You are an extraordinary person w/ language abilities and knowledge of other cultures.This is a very valuable asset to any organization.
Eli also seems to be operating on full power.
I am sure you both will find positions.
Good Luck
Posted by: WILLIAM HARTNETT | September 30, 2009 at 10:50 AM
That's great news! These days, being bilingual opens way more doors. Congratulations. It shows employers you are filling in gaps and will look good on your resume. May find something permanent.
Posted by: lua | September 30, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Congratulations!!! That's fantastic news. As the saying goes, it's always easier to find a job when you have a job, even if it's temporary.
Posted by: Lenore Glickhouse | September 30, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Awesome!! Lots of luck. You'll need it! Doing business in Brazil is always a challenge (in my own experience, a nightmare)... too much talk, too little action. :)
Posted by: twitter.com/brazilinyc | September 30, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Congrats!!
Posted by: Ernest Barteldes | September 30, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: Kacie | October 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Well done!
It's never easy to move abroad, start again, moving back with your parents. And being married and used to have your own space makes these things really complicated.
I know, I walked that path 15 years ago and I survived, my marriage survived and my kids survived.
Forgive the cliches, but remember to be a half full glass person because lots of time you'll have to take one or mores steps back before moving forward.
Posted by: Patricia | October 02, 2009 at 04:35 AM
Hi Rachel,
I've been reading your blog for a while now and I enjoy it a lot. You're a very intelligent and thoughtful person.
I'm actually looking for a job right now just like you, and nonprofits are one area I'm investigating. What was the name of the temp agency you used? I ask because there's so many out there that it's hard to pick out the good ones. Since the place you used got you results really quick, I'd be interested to know what it is.
Posted by: Lee | October 05, 2009 at 01:07 PM