ok, I did it, I really did it. this is step number one. (looking to move overseas)
 

Hi all, <BR> <BR>What a week, so many decisions and so many loose ends to either tie up, or even LIST to be tied up. <BR> <BR>Layoffs hit my company, I had a choice, I took the package. I am gonna work my butt off to find a place to work overseas. <BR> <BR>Don't know where yet, as I know a few people in London that would be a logical first step. <BR> <BR>I have posted/emailed before here and elsewhere about my agony in weighing options, and have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have gotten - from YOU GO GIRLS to offers of resume help to lodging should I pop into their town... it has ALL been so appreciated. I know I am making the right decision. <BR> <BR>so I am gonna do it, or bust a gut trying. I've started networking, gotten my resume out there, and will plan on pounding pavement within a month or so, interviews lined up beforehand or not. <BR> <BR>I may go over with the intent of bartending or waiting tables (assuming that I can do that without having paperwork ahead of time) until I secure full time employment. I am in telecom so it may take a while! <BR> <BR>I would so dearly love to hear others stories about 'picking up and making it happen' - be it backpacking and bartending from town to town, or pounding pavement until it works out... or whatever. I have been brainstorming about ways to make this happen... <BR> <BR>thanks y'all. I'll be posting in at various times... <BR> <BR>big hugs to everyone! <BR> <BR>Beth

Good luck, Beth and let me know when you finally settle some place. We are all cheering for your BIG step. <BR> <BR> mimi

Beth, you're living the dream, even if it started with a nightmare. In my somewhat lackadaisical search for overseas opportunities, I came to the conclusion that it pays to be where the jobs are. Just getting yourelf overseas will enhance the chances if for no other reason that information about the opportunities doesn't always travel far. Good luck to you; this is the best way to approach life's uncertainty: assume it's a sign from the fates - or whomever - that's it's time to take that big leap. You'll become an icon!

Dear Beth: What you are doing is MY LIFELONG DREAM!!!!! I have horrible wanderlust and think I will never be happy unless Im living in Venice/Florence/Paris/Wherever. Im too much of a baby to do it, however. I have heard it is easier to get a job in a place like Greece without going through alot of red tape. In London, it is very hard. (A friend went over without a work permit and was forced to leave.) I think the best thing for you would be to try to get a job with an American company in Europe. Must you live in Europe?? My friend's sister, got a job in Tokyo teaching English, and all she had was a BA in English, no teaching certificate or anything. PS I am in awe of you!!!!

Beth: <BR> <BR>Good move to take the money & run. <BR> <BR>Have you investigated trying to find position with either big US or Int'l company with positions in Europe? Look at TXU --- http://www.txu.com/working/. They're known as energy company, however do have telecomm division. At this time, most of their job vacancies are in energy sector. However as you've worked in a major utility, many of your skills are transferrable to this arena. <BR>

My nephew went to London in the summer, was waiting for his room to be ready and started walking the neighbourhood. Within 2 hours he had a job bartending at a local pub! You don't ever want to look back and say "if only....." go for it and you'll make it happen. Good luck!

forgot to mention, he did have a 2 year visa which wasn't all that difficult for him to get - he's 25.

Beth, <BR> <BR>I am so envious of you. I moved from LA to Italy 4-1/2 years ago without a job, and it was quite an adventure. I ended up getting an administrative postition with an American university (Johns Hopkins) in Bologna. It was great. Walk 10 minutes to work, great people in a much less stressful environment, 7 weeks(!) of vacation a year. <BR> <BR>Alas, I have been back in LA for 1 year and 358 days, and not a day goes by that I don't wish I was back in Italia. <BR> <BR>Let me know if I can answer any questions. Ciao <BR> <BR>Russ <BR> <BR>PS I am leaving tomorrow for a week in gnu england, so if you don't get a reply from me right away, that is the reason. <BR> <BR>

John's post reminded me that I have a friend living in Italy who teaches English. And she relocated there in 1997 without a job or work permit (she was accompanying a boyfriend who did have both these things). I think she got her certificate/training to teach English at the British School. Prior to that, her work history was as a paralegal -- no teaching background, well, except for teaching Sunday school. (one element in the art of creative resume writing). In your circumstance, you've worked in telecom which means you're a "communications specialist".

Best of Luck Beth,I am sure you won't regret it.I don't know how much about the paperwork side of things,but there are plenty of admin/office jobs in the UK for staff with experience.Do you have hidden talents such as gardening,cooking ect?I am a gardener and have a waiting list of clients.It sems there is a real shortage especially in the South east/London area.Let me know if I can help with anything-employment agencies ect.

Robin, <BR> <BR>I did exactly what your friend did. I went in June 1997 and took the CELTA (Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults) course at the British Council in Milan. Then I taught in Bologna, before the JHU job came along. Where did your friend live and teach?

Russ, <BR> <BR>Originally she'd started out in Rome. Right now she's in LaSpezia. Her husband is in the navy (in '99, she met & married an Italian). They'll be in Spezia until Sept. & at that time, he'll be reassigned.

One of my fellow students from my CELTA course teaches outside La Spezia; a British woman named Annabel Ross. Maybe your friend knows her.

Hi Beth, you lucky girl, doing what we all want to do! I have a friends in London and one of them is in the Public Relations/Telecom business, I will ask her for tips for you..Good luck,Ta~

HI Beth, <BR>While doing my own investigating about positions overseas, I recall reading that the #1 overseas jobs were teaching, primarily English. You may want to look into what credentials are needed. <BR>Good luck, remember there are no endings, only beginnings... we are all rooting for you!!!

russ- <BR> <BR>I'll ask Liz if she knows Annabel or has met her.

Now we'll have another "resident expert" for wherever you end up! Brava!

Best of Luck! Like others have said teaching English is an option in many countries. I worked with a women a few years back who taught English in Japan for 2 years - she spoke no Japanese (when she went, she did when she came back). Only requirement was a BS degree and hers was in Computer Science. She taught at a girls school outside Tokoyo and really enjoyed it. Sorry I do not know much about jobs in Europe, but I have heard it is hard for Americans to get work papers, etc. (not to discourage you,but you need to be aware of the difficulties too).

I heard there are openings teaching English in Prague. I'll post whatever I find.

Beth, Best of luck to you. You do realize that we will all be here waiting to hear updates from you-both before you leave and after you arrive wherever you end up? My advice is to go for the big adventure while taking as many small and comfortable steps as possible in order to make the whole move feel less overwhelming during any moments of doubt. You have an ambitious but completely do-able plan. I'm sure we all wish we could go with you. <BR> <BR>Again, best of luck, Beth! <BR> <BR>linda