Career Choices

[mnmarty03]

Hey everyone, I'd like your input.

This spring I've been looking for a job in my field (zookeeping) and have so far had no luck. I've had a couple of interviews, but no job offers.

This summer I'm planning on beginning the process to get my fiance (a german) a visa so that he can come here and marry me. I can't get this process started until I'm moved and settled in someplace with a job. Ideally I want to be able to be moving at the end of April.

My original plan was to find a job, then move there. BUT...I have this feeling that I'm not going to get a job. So my fiance and I were thinking that maybe I should move to another city (one with a great zoo) where I could get a job with the current non-zoo company I work for full time. That way I could get the excitement and challenge of moving to a new place (which I want, and when else will I get that opportunity in life), plus the ability to volunteer at a great zoo, which could help me get a job in the long term.

During our time in this new place I could volunteer at the zoo, which would help me get more zoo contacts, learn CPR (helpful in the field) and more about training (all things to help my career). Plus I'd have a full time job to pay bills and save money. Until I move I could keep sending out applications for zoo jobs...and even after I move I could apply for jobs as they come out and I'm interested. I could always still move later on for a zoo job. And next season, when my fiance is here, perhaps I'd get a job. Or if a job opened up at the zoo I volunteer at...maybe I'd be able to get a position there. Or maybe I'd get a good mentor there that would help me get a job elsewhere.

A part of me feels like this option would be "quitting" since my original plan was to get a zoo job and move. But, what I want isn't always what God wants for me..and I've always had this thought in the back of my mind that maybe I will end up volunteering somewhere for a while and that that will land me a job in the end.

I know it's expensive to move..and I have a full time job now and minimum bills, so I'm saving like crazy! I think I could realistically relocate in a month's time..provided I can get a job in another city or get transferred.

What do you all think? Please be honest!!! This is a big decision.

Thank you!

[Cricket1]

I would think that zookeeping positions may be hard to come by (I have no idea, though, as I'm not in that field), so I vote for your second option of volunteering and staying with your current company. Just make sure that you will have time to volunteer while you're working f/t hours. I don't see this as quitting--I see it as a practical way of gaining experience and contacts. I think it's a great plan. Also, before you move, I think it would be a great idea to call the zoo and see what volunteer opportunities are available. Good luck!

[mnmarty03]

Thank you for your input!!

Before I would relocate, I will make sure I have the job specifics in writing, an apartment lined up, and a zoo in mind to volunteer at. Before I move someplace I plan to contact the zoo directly to see about volunteering.

I agree with you that this is a good next step for me. I feel it's time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life.. and I'm keeping with my new year's resolutions by figuring it out in April - if I didn't get a job by April I wanted to work on plan B.

I'm excited!!! The field is hard to get into, but by volunteering at a zoo I would also eventually like to work at, I am increasing my chances at getting a job. And when else can I have the freedom to move anywhere in the country I want pretty much!?

Thanks again for the input! We're looking at moving to the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes/East Coast region in general.

I'll keep you all updated!

[lgw]

What is it that you want to do at the zoo? Do you have the appropriate degrees/training for the job you want?

[ladykemma2]

i would look into teaching science. job security for these uncertain times, health benefits and terrific retirement.

may i recommend ALIEF Independent school district in Houston, Texas? cheap cost of living, lovely inexpensive housing.

[mnmarty03]

Thanks for the input guys!

I do have the minimum requirements to get a job in the zoo world. I have a B.S. degree and over 1.5 years of exotic animal care experience. The problem is that hundreds of other recent college grads have the same experience and degrees!

That's why I feel that moving and volunteering could help. Most zoos will choose their own volunteers/interns over better qualified people they don't know personally.

I have thought about teaching, but it would require getting my teacher's license AND i'm a HORRIBLE TEACHER!! I love educating the public about animals/conservation, and I'm hoping to be able to do that more with a volunteer position at a zoo when I move. But if I volunteer and still can't get a job in the future, then I would consider teaching more seriously.

Thanks for the input about Texas. I lived in Texas for an internship for 3 months, and I wasn't too crazy about it. The people are really nice and it's really great overall.. but we really want to live where there is winter and near a large body of water (hence the great lakes/eastern areas).

I've been thinking today about Philadelphia...but I was going to start a new post about that.

Any other input?

I'm even open to relocating advice! I've never moved across the country before.