Summer possibilities: What to choose?
I was just writing to my friend Adam about this: “As for me, I might be coming to the US this summer, but what I’ll be doing isn’t for sure. I THINK (although it is still strangely unclear) I have a job teaching English as a Second Language at ________* University in Rhode Island. The thing is that the wages are way lower than I had imagined (like $14 an hour), and the school will not help me find accommodation. I asked about living in a dorm, or grad student housing, but they said no. The job may only be like 20 hrs./week, and that plus the housing costs could make it hard to earn any money. On the other hand, I believe I will be getting my regular salary over the summer months, so I’ll have some money coming in anyway. Plus, I’ll be earning some American money (would this be good for social security later — would it help me reach the 44 credits I need?), and be getting some experience teaching in the US. I’ll make some connections and hopefully have a source of easy-to-reach referrers the next time I apply for a job in the US. Of course, I’m wishing I applied for more jobs, so I wouldn’t have to be relying on such a so-so offer.
“Do you think it’s worth it for me to come for the job? I’m thinking so, although there will be the problem of my finding a place to stay, getting to RI and everything. I’m also thinking one advantage to staying there will be it won’t be too far to see you in D.C., and I’ll be able to see friends in NYC. Then after the job is over, I’ll be able, hopefully, to visit other people, like my friends Evelyn and Joe, who recently had children.” What do you guys think I should do? I’m leaning toward accepting the not-so-well-paying job, because at least it’ll get me back in the US and I’ll be able to earn a little, in addition to the Chinese salary I’ll also be getting. If I don’t do it, I don’t know what I’ll do. I could try to hang out in Bloomington again, if I got a good sublet. I wouldn’t be making any money then, though. I COULD try to get a short-term Chinese English camp job, and then go back to the US with that money. I do know that I don’t want to go home for a long time. Last time was a fiasco, and I ended up shouting at my dad and breaking a portable steamer.
Of course, there’s always the problem of getting around too. How should I get to RI? Is there a train? A bus? What’ll I do? I think a bike will suffice once I am there, but getting there and back may be difficult. Or, does anyone want to offer me a place to stay for a while in the summer? Or a little job for the summer? Probably the latter is a longshot, but I thought I might as well ask.
* I left out the name of the U. because I guess what I’m saying doesn’t sound too flattering, and I don’t want someone to Google it and find this post.
May 17th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
I think the lack of responses here is indicative of nothing more than the fact that we’re all having a tough time deciding what to do for ourselves this summer too.