Help! - Thinking outside the box (re: job search)

SiDiosQuiere

Hi! This is my 1st time posting on WM. I usually lurk due to my schedule right now (FT work + FT school = PT bump :-/) Hopefully I'll be around more when I graduate in May (woo!).

So, a little back story first. DH and I both drive an hour to work in opposite directions. We'd like to move closer to where he works as there are better schools/better area for what we want for our family. In order to do so, I have to find a new job. I've been looking for work since about Spring 2010. I took a brief break from June 2010 - March 2011 when I was pregnant with DS.

I'm currently a HS Spanish teacher. My undergrad is in Spanish Education, with a minor in Psych (if that counts for anything...) and I'll graduate in May with a Masters in Arts in Teaching (MAT). My specialization with my MAT is Secondary Education. Originally, when I started my Masters I planned to stay in the classroom. Now, I'm thinking about leaving. I'm considering leaving because 1) I'm having difficulties finding a job for teaching Spanish and 2) I don't enjoy it like I used to. (Though I'm not sure if I'm dissatisfied because of the work or my work load. I teach 7 classes (levels 1-4) out of an 8 period day.)

When I've been searching for jobs, I've been looking within education. While I would prefer to stay within education, I'm wondering if I should broaden my search. Does anyone have any suggestions as to other areas I could look into? I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

This isn't something where I have to find a job immediately - but the sooner I find a new position, the sooner we can put our house on the market and potentially move. Also, our current situation is good for now, but it's not one that we could continue for much longer. Neither DH or I are very comfortable being an hour min. from DS. Also, it's really wearing on me mentally (which I realize could also cloud my perception of my current job.)

Generally, I'm fairly upbeat and positive about finding a job because I know it'll happen eventually. I'm just struggling lately. Thank you ladies for reading. I appreciate any and all responses.

ETA: I apologize the post is so long! I didn't realize how much I wrote. 

2-Step

I've heard that there is a big market for Spanish translation for business purposes. I know someone who does it freelance and works from home. It takes a bit to get some regular clients, but once you have them it can be good consistent income. The company I work for is HQ in Taiwan and we employ translators and pay well. It's not really a way to use your Masters, but it might get you some income while you look for a new job or something.

SiDiosQuiere

Thank you! I have thought of translating, but more in the hospital/court setting. I'll look into business translating as well. I'd rather have a more "traditional" job, but maybe this could open up new doors for me.

shaindelr

You might also look into corporate training. I'm in higher ed, but I have friends who do corporate training-- like where an insurance company wants people to teach a licensure course or something. I bet being bilingual would be a HUGE plus.

I used to host a radio show where I interviewed literary translators, but that's all its own thing without much money. (Pretty much, you have to be a poet to translate poems, etc.) That's my only tie to translation, so I'm not much help there.

jrodda

Try looking at SDL (a corporate translations company)

SiDiosQuiere

shaindelr:

You might also look into corporate training. I'm in higher ed, but I have friends who do corporate training-- like where an insurance company wants people to teach a licensure course or something. I bet being bilingual would be a HUGE plus.

I used to host a radio show where I interviewed literary translators, but that's all its own thing without much money. (Pretty much, you have to be a poet to translate poems, etc.) That's my only tie to translation, so I'm not much help there.

 

Thanks! I would LOVE to work in higher ed and I?ve applied for a few different positions at some local universities/colleges. So far, no luck. But I?ll look and see if I can find some translating positions around here. Thanks for your input!

SiDiosQuiere

jrodda:

Try looking at SDL (a corporate translations company)

 I looked them up but they don?t have any positions open near me (Pittsburgh, PA) and I need something FT. Thank you for your input though! I appreciate it.