Monday 20 May 2013

DAY 20 - May Challenge

 



I've written about this before here but I'm struggling to find a job. I am still employed in the UK but officially on a 'career break' until July by which time I have to make a decision. My choices are:

1. Return to my job in the UK (without Rich and Minnie)
2. Leave my UK job and stay in California and continue to try and find a job

Realistically, I can't leave my husband and cat and return to the UK, I will be miserable!

I am trying to stay positive about getting a job over here in California but I have applied for several positions now and not heard anything back. I have contacted temping agencies, I have looked at voluntary work but all those I've seen want a minimum commitment of a year for so many hours a week, which I wouldn't be able to do (if I did get a permanent job).

I have made sure my resume and portfolio are up to scratch. I have applied for design jobs and customer service jobs which is what my experience is in.

I have added myself to LinkedIn and updated my online portfolios.

I could try and go freelance but I'm worried about taxes and how this works.

I guess I am in a bit of a panic, I go through stages of being positive and relaxed about it (something will turn up) and then I get disheartened again and worry....my husband earns good money but not enough for us both to live on long-term. I have never been unemployed, I have worked since I was 15 years old, sometimes two jobs at a time. I am worried that the longer I am not working, the harder it will be for me to get a job (for me and the employer).

That's what I am struggling with right now!

This blog, my artwork and entering competitions is what keeps me focused. I recently entered the following pictures into a blank card competition with Tigerprint:







15 comments:

  1. First of all those pictures are amazing and I have my fingers crossed that you win :)

    Secondly, I really hope that you will get a job - I can't believe it would be so hard to find something. I think your artwork is great so i really hope you'll find something in that direction. Ever thought of doing an etsy shop or check out http://society6.com/ to sell prints.

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    1. Hi poke, I've though about etsy, it's just the tax stuff I'm not sure about. I might look into it again. I'll check out society 6, thanks for the advice!

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  2. Coffee Lady says the same things about California. It's so expensive there. I wish you luck. The third picture is my fave.

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    1. It is sooo expensive, in fact it's cheaper for me to order some stuff from the UK and get it shipped over, that's crazy!

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  3. Love the pictures! I am not unemployed but I have been solidly looking for a different job, and I understand/relate to the frustration! Just a couple of thoughts that you might not have had but Have you looked into online work for companies? Some companies are willing to hire good people even if they live in another state. I'm guessing you've already explored that with your UK company, but if you haven't it doesn't hurt to ask. Also, I get the freelance thing because I've thought about it too with the same questions. I have often told my scared self to go and ask the questions of fellow freelancers/accountants/do Internet searches. Information always helps me get through the fear...so I tell you the same thing I tell myself :P

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    1. I will do as you say and try and conquer my fear of going freelance! I think it's just scary doing it in the USA too.

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  4. Love the photos. Good luck on the job hunt. You are amazingly talented. The right thing will come your way.

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    1. That's juli, I hope something turns up soon :)

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  5. LOVE LOVE LOVE these photos Row. They're so pretty! I think looking into an Etsy shop is a very good idea. Is there an organisation in Cali that could help you set up your own business or go freelance - like Business Start-up or The Princes' Trust courses that we have here? It sucks that no-one has employed you yet, especially with your obvious talent. Have you considered working in retail or in an office or something to tide you over? Sometime, once you have a job, it is easier to get another, so you could look at applying at Walmart or somewhere to bring in some money and to avoid the dreaded 'gap' in your CV. I have my fingers crossed that you get something soon xx

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    1. Hey lovely laura! There is no one to help you with anything in the USA! We are Molly coddled in the UK ha ha. I will try and get my head round the etsy thing though, I think I need a licence or something? I've applied for office jobs already, heard nothing back....maybe I am just being impatient! I think I will have to try something like Walmart eventually, I did retail years ago and don't really like being on my feet all day :)

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  6. I really hope you find something soon, you definitely don't want to come home alone do you....I imagine it must be very frustrating though :(

    Good luck with the competition :)

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    1. Thanks Simone, I never thought it would be this hard to get a job!

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  7. Stay positive! :) you have so much of talent! I'm sure something will come up. You just have to keep the faith and be strong! :)

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    1. I am trying, just a bit up and down somedays.....I must stay positive!

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  8. Such amazing talent you have---photography too! I just know that something is going to turn up soon for you. You're way too talented for unemployment to last long! I was in your same situation last year, leaving the classroom {teaching} and headed to parts unknown. It took forever to find a job, but I did. I'm crossing my fingers and saying a little prayer for you!

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