Vent about life...

Well, here I sit in the city that I love with no job and wondering what is going to happen at the end of the month. I just really hate being in this predicament! I'm 40 years old and nothing has happened in my life that I would consider an accomplishment(except for getting my TEFL certificate)! Yeah, I lived in Prague for 4 months and it was definately an experience, but if I had held my ground and insisted on staying in the US until now, I'd most likely have a teaching job and money in my pocket to leave at this time. But, noooo, my Mom's friend insisted on me going in January. Granted, it was time for me to get out of my Mom's place again, but going blind to another country? That was an insane thing to do!

So, now my thinking is...

I'm looking into working seasonal jobs here and there. Cruise ships, camps, adventure jobs, etc. I'm in the process of building a recumbent bicycle and want to use that as my transportation. Once I get the rest of my stuff back from Czech Republic, I'm going to go through it and only keep the essentials. Only what I can fit on a trailer that will go behind me on the bike. What doesn't fit will stay at my sister's place. I'll go where the jobs are...in the nicer months maybe work at a camp and when it gets colder, head for warmer climates or jump on a cruise ship for a 6 month position or so.

Of course, this all can't happen until Whisky has gone out to pasture...

I'm basically just thinking aloud. Maybe someone has an idea...

I'm still going for my Master Gardener certificate so that might come in handy somewhere...

Anyway, thanks for listening...

Maybe you've already looked, but are there any part-time EFL gigs in the Portland area (or in other cities, since it sounds as if you're willing to move around)? Full-time positions are more scarce in my neck of the woods, but there are numerous part-time positions that don't pay badly. I know a couple of instructors who manage to pay the bills by picking up one or two of these and then finding a new one when the term runs out.

Anyway, I think you are brave for following your heart and trying new things. Maybe the timing was off, but you lived in another country for a few months - what an awesome experience! A lot of people in their late 30s and 40s realize that they might like to try a new career or take some time off for travel but never follow through, because they're comfortable in their current position (I'm sure that's more than ever the case right now, because of the economy).

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck.

If I were younger, I'd love to get a cruise ship job. Mind you, the jobs Americans can get are usually on the cruise staff, not in the restaurants, bars, hotel, etc. Check out NCL at http://www.ncl.com/news/employment.htm . Carnival is also a good bet.

I think you'd find that a lot of places are hiring teachers right now, even those without certificates. Check online for Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.

You know I have to say that as I sit here (at a job I HATE!, thinking about how I should be applying for other jobs) reading your post. I think well at least I'm not alone in the, "My life has not amounted to much" boat. I'm a few years yonger (35), but I can admist many times to feeling like I have not done anything I planned, but maybe that's the problem. I'm so busy planning, I don't spend enough time doing. Having just completed my Master's degree in counseling one would think I'd be thrilled. Instead, I'm feeling sorry for myself because I'm at the begining again. For me these are the days I need to curl up with my cats & listen to music that inspires me to continue to move forward. I believe that I may not be where I want to be, but maybe I'm where I need to be. It may sound stupid, but I believe there is a force larger than me trying to get me where I need to go.