Reply #90: Don't know which to chose [View All]

[Behind the Aegis]

I am unemployed (17 months), about to lose my COBRA and will have to switch carriers, had to cash in my retirement (I am only 35), and just had to request a 4th deferment for my student loans. Fortunately, I have a partner who is very understanding and has a job, so we do have money coming in, but with my bills and the household bills, we live paycheck to paycheck. We are renting our home because we want to move and since I have an odd career (higher education), it will take us out of Okla-Hell-ma, soon, I hope! I do have a job interview in TN in three weeks, but the pay is less than what I make in Oklahoma and it is more expensive to live in TN, so I don't know what I will do.

As for people saying "move to the job," unless you know you will get one, it is not financial sound to move with no job lined up, unless you have much disposable income. if you are living paycheck to paycheck, it is next to impossible. I have applied for jobs all over and have found that outside of higher education, other jobs expect you to live in the area. I even found one job I really liked and I put in my cover letter, that I would pay outright for an interview. But, because I was not "local," they wouldn't interview me! To add insult to injury, I was more qualified than the person they hired!

I have a master's, ten year's experience in higher education, and speak multiple languages. Higher Ed. is a small field, so you'd think there wouldn't be that big of a problem. I applied to one job which required 7+ years, a masters, and few other things...over 200 people applied! When the market was good, a position like I am seeking would be lucky to get 20 qualified applicants! Things are really bad all over!

I still have some hope, and I have a person I love with me, so I will meander along. But, I am having to look at jobs well beneath my education level and then I am told, "you are over qualified!" Damned if you're educated, damned if you're not! Maybe I will try to start my own business!