I need some career advice.

[LostInAnomie]

Last month, I found out that I had been laid off from my teaching position. I've been actively looking for a new position at other districts, but so far nothing has come up for me. The corporation I worked for offered me an aides position for less than half the salary I was making as a teacher. I've reluctantly agreed to accept the aides position (because I need a job and the insurance).

A couple of days ago, my Uncle told me that the railroad was hiring and that if I applied he was sure he could get me a job. It would be a union job with a salary roughly equal to what I was making as a teacher (which would be a hell of a lot more than I'm making as an aide). I told him I would think about it.

Here's what I'm worried about... I still want to be a teacher, and I know how important it is for a lot of districts that you have continuous employment in an education related field. I'm afraid that if I take this railroad job whenever I apply for teaching positions they'll that gap against me. Are my worries unfounded? Should I just stay in the aides position, or should I go for the railroad job?

[Lyric]

1. What about going back to school part-time

while you work at the railroad? Then you could say that the "gap" was at least partially related to education, because you were getting further training. More education usually means better pay and higher consideration for jobs. I don't know your education level/specialty/etc., so if that suggestion isn't feasible, I apologize in advance for bringing it up.

:hug:

[LostInAnomie]

3. I'm almost over-qualified as is.

I have a Masters in Secondary Education. A lot of school corps are wary of hiring people with Masters because they have to pay us more. They almost prefer to hire newbies or people with lesser degrees.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. The railroad job could be a good deal for you.

The benefits are good, they have good unions, and it's a pretty stable industry. I don't know which railroad you are referring to, but BNSF is doing quite well. I'd be damn tempted to check it out.

[LostInAnomie]

4. It would be Norfolk-Southern.

I am pretty damn tempted. It would be good money and a solid job, but I really want to be a teacher since that's what my degree is in. I don't want to throw my education away.

I hate having to make life decisions!!!

[riverdale]

5. Take the $

If there is indeed a problem obtaining a teaching job again, you may have to move to a growing area that is easier to get a teaching job in like NC or Vegas.