New to City-Data (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Miami: fit in, job market, school)

[miamian in nc]

Hi,

I found out about City-Data the other day when I kept going back and forth to Google, typing in "living in...." three different cities I'm interested in. Phoenix is one of the cities. I've visited Phoenix twice and had two opportunities to move there but blew them both out of fear, thinking I'd be so far away from my roots, yet I have no family left in my birthplace of Miami. I lived in northern Ohio for a while but it was way too cold, and I'm now in central North Carolina. Jobwise things aren't going well here and I don't feel like I fit in here in the "south." Anyway, I teach ESL to adults, and I'm a single female who just turned 50. Is there anyone out there that can address what opportunities are like in these areas?

[shiphead]

i thought NC was one of the growing job states? Am i mistaken?

[miamian in nc]

It depends on what you do for a living. For scientific research, the area where I live is big, but then I don't have that background. I came here to get a certificate in teaching ESL to adults, something I'd done in Miami. The certificate is highly regarded. I had a chance to get into the K-12 system as a TA, so I accepted it. I took the PRAXIS II exam in ESL and passed it, thus making me eligible to be lateral entry. My intent was to do that, to get a teaching job in the system and work on K-12 licensure. But here, despite what the state says, the school systems don't want to hire you. So, with a bachelor's in communications earned back about 20 years ago, I don't have what it takes to compete in that field. I'd go back to Miami but the cost of living there has skyrocketed. I'd been accepted into a master's program at Arizona State years back, and probably should've taken it.

[asugraduate]

You might want to see what positions are available at the community colleges here and find out what qualifications they are looking for. I know there are ESL classes offered, but I hear that it can be difficult to get a job at this level. It could be worth looking into.

[country pride]

Welcome to the forum. Im sure you'll meet a lot of great people in here and once you get to know people, youre going to have a lot of fun. Enjoy!

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by miamian in nc

It depends on what you do for a living. For scientific research, the area where I live is big, but then I don't have that background. I came here to get a certificate in teaching ESL to adults, something I'd done in Miami. The certificate is highly regarded. I had a chance to get into the K-12 system as a TA, so I accepted it. I took the PRAXIS II exam in ESL and passed it, thus making me eligible to be lateral entry. My intent was to do that, to get a teaching job in the system and work on K-12 licensure. But here, despite what the state says, the school systems don't want to hire you. So, with a bachelor's in communications earned back about 20 years ago, I don't have what it takes to compete in that field. I'd go back to Miami but the cost of living there has skyrocketed. I'd been accepted into a master's program at Arizona State years back, and probably should've taken it.

how you can get sick of those backwards thinking, inbrd, hillrods is beyond me but yeah AZ is better place minus the beach although you might have hard time finding job here for your position.

[miamian in nc]

Thanks everyone. That's why I don't fit in here in NC, because I was raised in South Florida, and of course South Florida isn't "the south." What I loved about Phoenix was that it was sunny every day. And those stark mountains against the sunset are phenomenal. I had an offer by the Phoenix Business Journal to work there in the field that I was in years ago, and that, too, I blew, out of the fear of moving far away. The ESL teaching has only been part-time, but my continued passion has been research. I miss being around cultural events too, as well as being able to go out to meet friends for a bite to eat at midnight, if I want to. That was how Miami was, and I think Phoenix would be too.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by miamian in nc

Thanks everyone. That's why I don't fit in here in NC, because I was raised in South Florida, and of course South Florida isn't "the south." What I loved about Phoenix was that it was sunny every day. And those stark mountains against the sunset are phenomenal. I had an offer by the Phoenix Business Journal to work there in the field that I was in years ago, and that, too, I blew, out of the fear of moving far away. The ESL teaching has only been part-time, but my continued passion has been research. I miss being around cultural events too, as well as being able to go out to meet friends for a bite to eat at midnight, if I want to. That was how Miami was, and I think Phoenix would be too.

Miamian, personally if it were me, I loooove south beach so I'd move there in a heartbeat but I know that it does get expensive there. I thinks phoenix pales in comparison(nightlife, pace of life,etc...) but it definitely is a step up from where you are at now. Good luck with your move

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by miamian in nc

Thanks everyone. That's why I don't fit in here in NC, because I was raised in South Florida, and of course South Florida isn't "the south." What I loved about Phoenix was that it was sunny every day. And those stark mountains against the sunset are phenomenal. I had an offer by the Phoenix Business Journal to work there in the field that I was in years ago, and that, too, I blew, out of the fear of moving far away. The ESL teaching has only been part-time, but my continued passion has been research. I miss being around cultural events too, as well as being able to go out to meet friends for a bite to eat at midnight, if I want to. That was how Miami was, and I think Phoenix would be too.

I know nothing about ESL teaching opportunities, but I just can't imagine that there aren't a LOT of opportunities here considering our immigration situation. Have you been checking out the job ops here? I am self employed so other than anectdotal (sp?) accounts of a good job market, I don't personally know.

Phx is a nice town, plenty of cultural events, especially if you live in or around mid town Phx or Old Town Scottsdale.

If you have a yearning to come here, I think you should--considering nothing is holding you back, i.e. family. I hope you find a great job here and join us. It's a terrific city if you put the effort into getting involved and meeting people of like minds. Good luck!