Staying sane while unemployed.

September 21, 2009 3:20 PM

Unemployment. Am I doing something wrong, and how do I stay sane while it continues?

Back story: I am a certified (in some states) elementary school teacher who graduated last May with a masters in special education. Despite applying to any and every teaching job I can find in three state (MA, CT, NY), I am still unemployed. I've been applying to every teaching and teaching assistant/paraprofessional position within a two hour radius of myself, but have had zero success. I have not even once been called in for an interview.

I have three questions. Apologies for the length - I originally meant this to be quite short, but it just kept growing!

1. Without knowing anything about me, does anyone have any idea about what I could be doing wrong?

Is it the current economy, or is it more likely I'm making some glaring mistake I haven't noticed? I have never had any trouble getting jobs in the past, but I have no direct teaching experience outside of student teaching done before I did my graduate program. I do have plenty of experience in the education field in various positions (teaching assistant, learning specialist, tutor, etc...). I've had others look over my resume and cover letters, but I can't help but feel like there must be something I'm missing to have gotten no interest at all after nearly three months of applying for jobs.

2. What other jobs should I be looking in to?

I really want to be a teacher, but I also really want to be able to pay my bills. I like kids, books, and politics. I'm not above applying to work in retail when it comes down to it, but is there some interesting position somewhere outside of teaching that I'm missing? I've started looking in local libraries, but haven't found any open positions. Substitute teaching is an option, but frankly, even thinking about having to find my way to a new school each day and deal with new teachers, buildings, and students is so anxiety producing that I'm staying away from it, for now. Where else can I look?

3. How do you keep your spirits up in the face of what might be long term unemployment?

I'm living in my boyfriend's house, which he owns, so I'm not facing eviction or starvation, but it is really hard to stay upbeat in the face of all of this. I'm afraid I won't be able to continue to take my antidepressants, which are costing me $116 a bottle due to my lack of health insurance, and even while on them I recognize the symptoms of depression slipping in to my life again. Not having a job makes me feel useless and worthless, especially when my boyfriend gets up and goes to work every day. I don't want to be a burden, but that's exactly what I feel like. The idea of being dependent on him, of not being able to afford to pay my share of things, is pretty scary for me. I should be in therapy, but without health insurance and a job, it simply isn't an option. Do you have any words of wisdom?

Any and all thoughts are appreciated. Miscellaneous information that probably doesn't matter: I'm a 24 year old woman living in Dutchess County, NY.

posted by rosethorn to work & money (25 comments total)

Subbing is a way to get your foot in the door, and you can usually specify which schools you're willing to work in. If teachers and principals like you, you'll have a better chance of getting a job. You might also consider doing some volunteering in any situation with kids, you'll get more experience and some good contacts. One of the problems you're facing is that they have to pay you more because of your Masters, so they would rather hire someone with just a BA and save money.

Have you checked other local programs that provide services to kids? How about Head Start? Or any residential programs, like maybe for pregnant teens or something.

Good luck.
posted by mareli at 3:35 PM on September 21 [2 favorites has favorites]

A few brief comments:

1. You have work experience, and haven't had trouble finding work in the past. You also have some experience in education, and I would argue that student teaching and some of the other things you have done do count as teaching experience. In all likelihood, you are having problems finding work primarily, if not exclusively, because the economy is very, very bad.

As an FYI, there have been many articles in recent months about how new graduates or those looking to change jobs in formerly in-demand professions like teaching and nursing are not finding jobs for the first time in memory. It isn't you.

2. You maintain your spirits up by not giving up, and you keep looking for work. This isn't going to last forever, and eventually the proverbial "they" will need teachers again. In the meantime, finding something in another field on, say, a part time basis will enable you to contribute to the household overhead and support your morale too. Just keep in mind that even low wage retail jobs are harder to find than they used to be too.

If you are in shape (as in, fit), stay in shape; if you aren't, get in shape. You'd be surprised how effective exercise is for combating the blues. And your body will thank you for it in other ways too.

Read good books; learn new things; listen to good music; maintain your social life.

3. Also remember that it can always be worse, much worse. For example, you could be over 40. Given a surplus of labor in almost every field, employers can exercise any prejudice they like in hiring, and age is one of their goofy issues. So, if you were you but 50 instead of 24, there would be a much higher probably that you would never be able to work in your chosen field again.

4. Finally, you are not alone. Hang in there. As generations of grandmothers used to say, this too shall pass.
posted by SuzB at 3:47 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

In terms of helping manage the stress of your situation, have you considered meditation and/or yoga? They're both great at offering you tools to soothe yourself and cultivate a sense of well-being, even in the toughest of times. I know here in L.A. that a number of Buddhist centers have free (or donate-what-you-can) meditation workshops, and some yoga studios offer discounted classes for the unemployed -- maybe there are some similar resources near you? (On preview: general exercise is also a great suggestion for keeping the spirits up. If you're not inclined to exercise on your own, check out your local Y -- they often have reduced fees for people undergoing financial hardships.)

On the metal health care front: therapy without health insurance isn't always an impossibility -- many county and state mental health programs are offered on an income-based sliding scale. Here's a list for outpatient programs in Dutchess County that might help in getting you started.

I wish you well.
posted by scody at 3:55 PM on September 21

er, that should be "mental health care." Metal health care is another issue entirely.
posted by scody at 3:58 PM on September 21

What are your classmates experiencing as *they* apply for jobs? Are they finding them or are they all finding there's nowhere hiring? If everyone else is getting jobs, or at least interviews, and you're not, then look to things like calling fake reference calls or resume reviews to see if there's something just tragically awry with your application package, but if no one else is finding anything then be comforted by the fact that it's not just you.
posted by jacquilynne at 4:26 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

Can you not do tutoring while you apply for jobs? SAT tutors were really big at the high school I went to.
posted by bradbane at 4:37 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

Due to the requirements of NCLB, not only must you be state certified in your teaching assignment, you must also meet the Highly Qualified Teacher requirements. As a special ed teacher, this means you must be qualified in any subject you might teach. Exactly how this requirement is met differs from secondary to elementary and from state to state and the federal requirements for special ed teachers to be Highly Qualified are in the process of changing as well. Some states have a closer matching system between certification and Highly Qualified than others.

You might try contacting the HR department of a large district and ask them to meet with you to review your qualifications to see if there is something that is keeping you from meeting the Highly Qualified Teacher requirement. Here in Texas, we have a system of Education Service Centers that could help you with this; check and see if there is something similar in your state.

Not all states accept reciprocate teaching certificates either so that might be something else to find out about between the states you mentioned.
posted by tamitang at 4:41 PM on September 21

I'll second the suggestion that subbing is a good way to get known, and to scope out potential employment. Try to work past your reservations and consider that every time you sub in a new school it can be your chance to 'interview' them, rather than the other way 'round. What's the Administration like? How well equipped are the classrooms? How well prepared are the kids? How organized was the lesson left by the teacher? You can learn the pay scale for different districts too.

While there, check the boards in the office or the staff room for district notices of openings- you may find one there before it is posted online to the public. Notice if any other teachers are pregnant: a long-term sub opportunity! As a teacher, I ask my students about the sub after I'm out, notice what kind of notes were left me and how well the sub followed through on my lesson. If it's all positive I can request that sub again.

And remember, it's only a new school, new student, new building once; the next time you'll know your way around and feel comfortable.
posted by TDIpod at 4:55 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

I'm finding that keeping occupied helps -- try volunteering, or researching something that will be beneficial to you in your new job.
posted by runningwithscissors at 5:18 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

Seconding subbing and tutoring as potential short-term work options. Best of luck, and you are not alone: school systems and libraries are shedding staff all over. You're doing it all right.

One subset of teaching that is often desperate for experienced staff is the whole system providing for the education of youth offenders. My brother and my BFF and one of my cousins all, at different times in their lives, worked with kids in that situation. It was tough but rewarding work for them. I don't quite know how one would go about looking for job openings in youth facilities, halfway houses, residential schools, etc., but perhaps starting with the state correctional systems?
posted by Sidhedevil at 5:18 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

Seconding runningwithscissors, and I'll highly recommend reading biographies of people who overcame odds. For example, FDR (Geoffrey Ward's A First Class Temperment has detailed, heartbreaking, but ultimately super-inspiring coverage of FDR's polio), TR, and ER.

If you are in Dutchess, perhaps the state mental hospital in Poughkeepsie needs people to work with youth? There are a ton of residential facilities in Upstate, as I am sure you know.
posted by jgirl at 6:09 PM on September 21

I really, really like the idea of tutoring. Parents are going to be much more inclined to hire an actual teacher with a master's in special education than someone without your background. You can either sign up with an agency or go freelance with your own advertising.

I know it sounds hugely stressful, but as someone who works in a special ed program, I beg you to reconsider subbing. Someone with your background would be a godsend. You might even get a long-term gig.

And truly, it sounds like you're doing nothing wrong. The district I work for has had to lay off some astoundingly qualified teachers in the face of budget cuts; tenure seems to be the sole determining factor as to who stays and who goes.

Best of luck to you. Unemployment is miserable.
posted by corey flood at 6:12 PM on September 21

I would start volunteering at schools where you want to work. Give each school a day of the week. Schools are dying right now, I doubt they will turn down a volunteer who is a certified teacher. When a position opens up you will be the natural choice.
posted by whoaali at 6:15 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

A First Class Temperament

Residential facilities advertise in local papers - the dailies, the weekly bugles. You might have to have a long commute, too, to find something. A family friend lives in Greenville but has taught in Wappingers Falls for many, many years (she may be retired now). Many of my high school teachers drove pretty far.
posted by jgirl at 6:18 PM on September 21

Hmmm... I know the experience of being unemployed but I can't help you specifically since I'm not in the teaching field. But I do suffer from depression and social anxiety. I'm not on meds due to the social stigma associated with them. Basically, I wing it. For me it seems progress in any one area of my life will bring progress to other areas in my life. During my worst times, I focused on teaching myself a foreign language (Japanese) and weightlifting. I've gotten a lot more stable mentally. I'm not saying I'm happy, I'm just more stable. I can recognize that my depression is temporary. I can recognize situations in which I'm most likely to be messed up. Ironically, I get really suicidal thoughts while I'm at work. If I'm up to it, I can usually paint a happy picture on everything and get myself out the depression if necessary. Sometimes, I just like to swim in my sadness because it helps me recognize that I have some real problems in my life to deal with. My last obstacle and probably the biggest is building a meaningful social circle. People I can trust, people I can support and people who can support me. So... if you don't already, get some new friends or strengthen your current relationships. Get some hikes in before winter comes and really messes with your mind. It's all in your head when it comes down it.

Every day, try to spend an hour or so reading motivational literature. Avoid watching or reading news. My last straw was that Annie Le girl. Avoid negative people.

Here's a recommendation
Get Off Your "But": How to End Self-Sabotage and Stand Up for Yourself
by Sean Stephenson

and Exercise!

Remember, if you're not winging it, then you're doing it wrong. As long as you're making some sort of progress in any area of your life, it's all good. One job application per day is better than 10 per day and then burning out a week later. You're more likely to spend more time on the applications and apply to jobs you actually might like.

Just.. take it easy.
posted by fairykarma at 6:29 PM on September 21 [2 favorites has favorites]

Often when a state/school district is in a budget crisis they often having open positions listed, but don't fill them because of a hiring freeze.

Let me check ... Yes, brief Googling reveals that New York is currently experiencing a teacher hiring freeze, driving teachers to apply for jobs in nearby states instead. Meanwhile, Massachusetts is laying off teachers (blamed on a property tax cap).

So it may have nothing to do with you. You may also want to Google or call to find out if a school district is REALLY hiring before applying to "open" positions that there may not be any intention of filling for the next year or longer.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:41 PM on September 21

I'm not sure about CT and MA, but the NY Board of Education has placed a hiring freeze on all new teachers. Basically, this means that positions can only be filled with teachers who are already in the system, and who are looking to transfer to a new school. This explains why you have not gotten any calls for interviews.
I'm certain that the freeze will be lifted, but in the meantime, you should start subbing. This is an excellent way to learn about different schools (and get an idea of where you want to teach). Also, principals and the teachers that request you (who may be on the hiring team) will remember your hard work. Good luck!
posted by littledawn at 6:46 PM on September 21

I'm in your shoes, facing the first lay off of my working life. I'm applying to everything as well, including stuff that I look at and go, "Well, I've never done it before but how hard can it be?"

What's keeping my spirits up? That "why not apply and see what happens" attitude. I've done a real inventory of my skills and think this might be a time to try something I've never tried before. I'm also volunteering, reading to children at the transitional living shelter (something you might want to explore) and temping, which has kept me from having to resort to a life of crime. When all that fails? Gin and tonics.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 7:12 PM on September 21 [1 favorite has favorites]

If you're not finding a job where you are, why not move to a state that is actively recruiting teachers?
posted by anniecat at 8:50 PM on September 21

there was a recent story in the NY times about unemployed people volunteering for political campaigns. It gave them somewher to be every day and it gave them a purpose. You might try volunteering as a way to lift you spirits. You could even do something related to teaching such as tutoring or an adult literacy program. Good luck. Btw a teacher friend of mine makes good money tutoring rich kids on the side. So that's an avenue to consider
posted by bananafish at 9:58 PM on September 21

If you're not finding a job where you are, why not move to a state that is actively recruiting teachers?

Many states have unique certification requirements. You are effectively locked in to one (or a few) states if you restrict your options to public school.

Seconding subbing, tutoring, and also interviewing at private schools if public schools have full-on hiring freezes. For private schools, you will benefit by having an in - knowing someone who already works at the school. Contact people you went to school with, look up friends on Facebook, etc, and put the word out.
posted by zippy at 10:20 PM on September 21

I'm in the same position right now - at least I'm looking for work - and can offer only one piece of advice that's really helped me:

Looking for work is a job. Never do it more than eight hours a day, and don't get suckered into working a lot of overtime.
posted by koeselitz at 5:37 AM on September 22

Man do I feel you - I've been looking for work for nine months, and unemployment is good for food bills basically. I am going to be evicted at the end of this week unless I can magically make something amazing happen.

I keep my head together by volunteering at rape crisis centers, ocean preservation societies, and doing shifts on a local community radio station. Anything that gives back to the community and gives me a sense of self-worth while my landlord takes potshots at my low economic indicators.

You have to believe that you're not alone in this, it's the worst economy since the Depression. Laid Off Is The New Black. Think of this time as a re-evaluation period and giving you some room to pursue your greatest passions without having to do it wedged into traffic or under someone's armpit on the subway.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:23 AM on September 22

My sister was in a similar position. She subbed last year, is a paraprofessional in Special Ed this year while working on the certifications, next year she'll be in an internship sponsored by the district, and then she can be a teacher. She found that "it's who you know" is very true in getting jobs within public school districts. My mother worked for the school district she is now working for, and that plus subbing gave her the "in" she needed. Sign up for subbing in as many school districts as you can, to increase your odds of working every day.

To help with your meds, perhaps ask your doctor if you can change to a cheaper medicine. For example, if you are taking Lexapro, ask if you can take generic Celexa (citalopram) instead. Walmart has many antidepressants for $4 (link to current list is here). Depending on your doctor, you may not even need to have an office visit to make this change -- just a call or email explaining your financial need to change to a less-expensive generic drug, maybe with the list attached.
posted by Houstonian at 6:54 AM on September 22

1. I don't know how close you are to New York City, or how willing you are to work there. But, if you do Special Ed, you are needed there. They're perpetually way short on Special Ed teachers.

2. The problem is that you've missed the optimal hiring window that happens around May-June.

3. That said, there is an opportunity to sub, as mentioned above. If you end up doing a lot of hours at a particular school, you might try talking to the Principal there, and see what happens. There are schools operating now with out-of-license teachers handling Special Ed children, because the system is so short on people.


Also, while you have down time, try to get out and do some things. Staying in the house for too many hours can make you stir-crazy, and that will make anyone depressed! Also remember to try to be social and spend time with friends during the evenings.

Good luck!
posted by Citrus at 8:46 AM on September 22