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Any idea if the new discussion about opening up the "Rainy Day" fund will increase my chances of finding a job? Does this mean fewer layoffs in AISD and other surrounding districts?
Unfortunately, the $3.1 billion from the rainy day fund is needed to cover a deficit in the current two-year fund which ends Aug. 31st. that still leaves the budget short by $23 billion for the next two-year budget cycle.
Perry's public stance — to leave the rainy day fund as a last resort and instead seek more spending cuts to close the budget gap — appeared to irritate lawmakers who have spent weeks looking for cuts.
Tensions escalated late last week when House budget-writers asked Perry's office for additional suggestions for cutting spending and the governor's office had little new to offer.
Well, she'll be getting her M.S.SW. (social work). Of course we'll never be loaded, but she has picked a field that has practical options. Yes, there are always cuts in government social work, but there are also plenty of opportunities in the private sector.
I should also clarify once again that it's only a one-year graduate program. She was accepted to UT's 'advanced placement' program. Although we won't know until after she's made her decision, she may also be getting a fellowship or graduate assistant position which would reduce tuition costs to ~15K. Her professor mentioned that the admissions office gives out-of-state students a bit of priority for these fellowships. It's still not a sure thing, by any means. BUT, I suppose all of this is neither here nor there.
That's commendable. Social Work is a tough, tough field and gets little to no respect in the employment market (but at least it receives more respect than a humanities major, and I say that as a humanities major), and that's not going to get much better with states cutting funding to social services. If I'm not mistaken hospitals hire social workers to help families experiencing traumatic and debilitating health situations. And perhaps there are some worthwhile non-profits? The market will be tough for your girlfriend, but if she's committed to what she's doing, performs well in her coursework, and develops solid relationships with her instructors, perhaps things will bode well for her.
To return the the constant bagging on humanities and liberal arts major, all I can say is, "Meh." We are not all suited for business school, the sciences, or engineering. And by that I don't mean that all humanities majors lack the acumen for such pursuits. Quite the contrary. I chose to study in the humanities because I value knowledge. My vocationally useless education has not dampened my intellectual verve. I read and learn about everything. Structured finance, bridge engineering, string theory, constitutional interpretation, and international law, are just some of the subjects I've chosen to delve into of late. Insofar as my education has shaped me into a whole individual, curious about the world, capable of learning, and even more willing to share what I learn through thoughtful iteration, my liberal education was a success. I have no control over how the market sees fit to value my intellectual worth. The calculus is markedly different depending upon the school from which one is awarded their diploma. Ivy League humanities majors have no difficulty making professional headway (was not too uncommon for many of them to find themselves working as analysts on Wall Street, no MBA required), but few feel compelled to dismiss them for their "weak" majors. Had I been born with the pedigree, I would have loved an opportunity at such an education.
Yesterday I went to obtain sealed transcripts for South Korean immigration. I asked for an academic summary so as to glance at my grades. It's been a while. I was pleasantly surprised to be refreshed with the knowledge that I was, quite frankly, a fine student. Even while working, I managed to take a challenging mix of courses (yes, science courses as well) and noticed that I graduated with 10 writing component courses (more than was required of my degree plan) and that my upper division GPA was much better than my lower division GPA. I traced the courses with my finger, recalling the buildings they were in, the professor, a few of the people in my classes, and contrary to how any business/engineering/science major might deride, my courses were often intellectually taxing and did indeed help my ability to examine, reflect, criticize, and organize. I've used those skills in jobs working for the government, a lawyer, and yes, a low-wage retail bookstore. The job which paid more (i.e. the lawyer) was the least fun, and all others hardly required an education. Just as an education is not a right, neither is meaningful employment. Even so, I prefer myself curious, engaged, and well-rounded.
As to our OP: I'm happy you're enjoying yourself! The weather has been magnificent for your stay. It's alluring, but be ready for the summer. It will not be this comfortable. So riding a bike to a job is going to a certifiable sweatfest. Keep that in mind. If you choose to make the move I think you'll be able to find something (might be waiting tables or tending bar), but you expressed a willingness to do what it takes and I think that might definitely work in your favor. Otherwise, I wouldn't expect a quick turnaround in the fiscal situation, even with the tapping of the RDF (which, I recently learned is technically called the Economic Stabilization Fund, and contrary to our governor's claims is not to be held for "emergencies only).
Whatever you decide, don't expect it to be easy.
Hope you're having a fun time! Rock on!
P.S. You can always come to South Korea! Plenty of work there for teachers!
You can do great with a degree in social work! One of the most practical degrees short of nursing or engineering! Social workers can do counseling in private practice, work for non-profits, schools, hospitals, you can do policy work, consulting, the list goes on and on. Teaching social work is one of few academic areas that is actually expanding.
I have a social studies Ph.D. and I'd exchange it for a MSW in a heartbeat!
It is not clear how the Senate would pay for the additional public education spending, given the no-new-taxes pledge from the Legislature's Republican majority.
After spending many months obsessively researching all of our potential destinations, the GF has just been offered a full-paid fellowship (and 15K stipend) for the University of Alabama (our current location). This pretty much seals the deal.
Looks like I'll be here for another year. I just hope that we can get out of this state before something else ties us down here. I have been looking forward to moving out since I graduated almost two years ago. I'd been thinking that her graduate school would be my ticket out.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Maybe I'll be back next year to ask for an update on the job prospects!
It's a nice option to move out. Stop worrying about employment. There are many opportunities waiting for you once you finish your studies and certification. You and your girlfriend can also think of having part time job.
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