[hooverphonics]

Hi all, was wondering if you might give me some advice. I am trying to flee gotham for Burlington and I am having a hard time finding a job, or really even getting the slightest response to my resume. My field is 6+ years as a writer/editor, worked in marketing, on proposals, have a (seemingly useless) MA in English Lit... I have family in Burlington so a place to stay while I sort out getting rid of this apt and finding one up there. Is there hatred for New Yorkers that I am just not getting (duh!), or what? I am originally from Massachusetts, only been in nyc for 7 or so years. Anyway, any job-seeking advice would be helpful? Also, are there single people (men) up there (30s+) or is it really mostly family and students, god help me... I have a dog, that has to count for something.

[flu189]

It has nothing to do with a hatred of New Yorkers or anyone else for that matter. What it does have to do with is the fact this place is crawling with over educated and underemployed folks. I am sure that there are circumstances where a sort of local nepotism exists, but with the economy being what it is now it can be hard if not impossible to land into a decent paying job matching your professional or educational background. Good luck, keep trying, I know my spouse has been at it for the three years now here with no concrete results. The best match and prospect has been pending over five months now pending the completion of a required security clearance. Very frustrating indeed and hard at time to keep a positive attitude while toiling away at jobs that are merely filler to just keep you alive.

[vter]

In addition to what flu has said, can you use your relative's address as yours for now? I know quite a few employers who are hesitant to employ people who are not from here, simply because they don't want to spend a lot of time and money "training" the person only to have them quit after 6 months because living in VT was not what was expected.
I'm sorry flu that your wife has not found suitable employment after 3 years. My experience was just the opposite. I found a great job within a month of moving back here. I guess a lot of it depends on timing, who you know, etc.

[hooverphonics]

Thanks for the advice - I appreciate it!

[joe moving]

I think putting the VT address would be a great idea as well.

[hooverphonics]

The only thing is I currently work in New York City...so it would like quite a commute if I listed Vt as my home!

[MTK1]

I have seen first hand native Vermonters get priority on good jobs over out-of-state applicants. Good luck with your job search. I had found the cost of living when salaries are factored in to make my home state of CT a bargain. Some of the salaries here are outright insulting. I had met many people from points south that were making half of their previous salaries with a higher cost of living. I took a 40% percent pay cut when I moved to Burlington from CT. I suggest you do your research before making the leap. The price for a rental in Burlington alone is enough to deter most people.

Heres an older article about how bad the job market is in Burlington.

Job openings thin out

Valerie Masiello runs the register, stocks bottles and cheerfully chips in to do whatever’s needed at Beverage Warehouse in Winooski. She’s bright and hardworking — a manager’s dream.

Masiello is something else, too. She’s over-qualified for her job as a cashier. The 31-year-old Shelburne resident has a biology degree from St. Michael’s College and eight years of experience as a game warden.

Moderator cut: Please just post a small snipet of the article, one or two lines, and then the link to the article. This is due to potential copyright issues. Thanks!

Job openings thin out | burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press

[hooverphonics]

Thanks - the article was pretty illuminating. I am thinking my liberal arts degrees feel farily useless lately, so I am debating going back to school (yet again!) for an actual skill -- I just dont know what! Thanks again to all.

[arel]

I'm no expert on either Burlington or the writers' market, but I think I read some time ago that technical writing was (at least at that time) an in-demand job. Burlington has, I have read, lots of technical jobs, so perhaps technical writing might be something to look into.

Also, writing and editing are needed in all sorts of industries. Having those skills gives you a lot of flexibility. It's not like being an X-ray technician, for example, where you can only work in hospitals, medical imagery centers or other specialized work sites. Even though writing and editing have thier own specialties, e.g. technical writing, business writing, copywriting, etc., the ability to communicate clearly in print, and to edit others' written communications, are things that all organizations value.

Just my 2 cents worth. Hope it helps.

[flu189]

Originally Posted by hooverphonics

Thanks - the article was pretty illuminating. I am thinking my liberal arts degrees feel farily useless lately, so I am debating going back to school (yet again!) for an actual skill -- I just dont know what! Thanks again to all.

I can understand the frustration as I too hold a BA in history which as never directly led me into related employment with great pay and advancement. Liberal arts degrees are great for interesting knowledge, but the sheer number of holders of such degrees reminds me of schools of fish always swimming about looking for their next meal. I also am thinking of perhaps getting retrained, but right now I just don't have the time and financial ability to kick that endeavor off. Also, the market here right now here does not really have a clear career path choice which could guide my decision. In fact, the entire country is filled with educated nomads moving about trying to make their degrees pay off, both my sons being included in that tribe.