USC Ladies,
Have your husbands had difficulties getting good jobs?
Full Version: Immigrants with limited English getting jobs
Absolutely. It got easier as his English improved. Hang in there. 
It can be a problem, whether looking for a job, or trying to "move up". My husband is currently taking ESL classes to help with that. He's found them very helpful... not only with his English, but the subject matter they use to teach English is very practical, too. He's learned new things about finances, job interviews, American customs, and lots of other details that I never thought to tell him.
He found his ESL class through the public school system. They have them all different times and locations, even in our fairly rural area of Virginia, and they are free!
Best of luck... and Jenn's right... it does get easier.
Maya
He found his ESL class through the public school system. They have them all different times and locations, even in our fairly rural area of Virginia, and they are free!
Best of luck... and Jenn's right... it does get easier.
Maya
QUOTE(Bora Bora @ Dec 28 2007, 12:29 PM) 
USC Ladies,
Have your husbands had difficulties getting good jobs?
Have your husbands had difficulties getting good jobs?
Yes.
The thing is, his English isn't that limited. People pretty much hear an accent and in some cases, see a brown face (not all are racist, but some are, fact of life) and want to pay you minimum wage. He stayed at the job that had hired him when he was w/out work authorization because they're willing to pay him almost 11 dollars an hour, while every other job that wanted to hire him was only willing to give him minimum wage.
He wanted one of those kits for accent reduction, so I got him one for Christmas, so I'm hoping the less of an accent he has, however much I love/d his accent, the more opportunities it will give him. He is also planning on going back to school, and taking some English classes before he figures out what degree to pursue...only issue is, most ESL classes he is too advanced for.
Yeah, this is a recent area of frustration for me.
hi,
It takes time around 3 months to ger used to all the way of talking, speaking .. greeting people and talking around your work place,..... It takes a bit of an ear to understand the American English and the accent,..... Just give it time... and you will be fine.... During this stage... back office or non executive jobs can be done.. where interaction with customers and people is limited until we have the confidence...
Jigi
It takes time around 3 months to ger used to all the way of talking, speaking .. greeting people and talking around your work place,..... It takes a bit of an ear to understand the American English and the accent,..... Just give it time... and you will be fine.... During this stage... back office or non executive jobs can be done.. where interaction with customers and people is limited until we have the confidence...
Jigi
Thanks so much for your responses girls!
My husband has found some employers who will hire him right after an interview and because he's working with Portuguese/Spanish speakers he has no problem with his limited English. However, that's not what he wants. It's like a catch 22 because he wants to work a lot but then works unpleasant jobs since those are where employees are needed. He feels that he is treated poorly as well because he tends to work with a lot of illegal immigrants who are often mistreated by employers who know they can't complain much.
He studied ESL classes while waiting for his EAD and since then has only studied at home (with me) and with his American co-workers (the few that there have been).
I know that with limited work experience in the U.S. it is more difficult as well. This seems to be a big deal - and with my husband's lack of a good education (he is from a poor background). I'm helping him with job applications and interviews - but the interviews are the most difficult since my husband cannot go alone unless he's being interviewed by a Brazilian or Hispanic - and those tend to be the unpleasant jobs
. Do you know what I mean?
I know that time and experience will make it better. We know that for now we need to find a good (inexpensive) and flexible ESL class that will allow him to work at the same time.
My husband has found some employers who will hire him right after an interview and because he's working with Portuguese/Spanish speakers he has no problem with his limited English. However, that's not what he wants. It's like a catch 22 because he wants to work a lot but then works unpleasant jobs since those are where employees are needed. He feels that he is treated poorly as well because he tends to work with a lot of illegal immigrants who are often mistreated by employers who know they can't complain much.
He studied ESL classes while waiting for his EAD and since then has only studied at home (with me) and with his American co-workers (the few that there have been).
I know that with limited work experience in the U.S. it is more difficult as well. This seems to be a big deal - and with my husband's lack of a good education (he is from a poor background). I'm helping him with job applications and interviews - but the interviews are the most difficult since my husband cannot go alone unless he's being interviewed by a Brazilian or Hispanic - and those tend to be the unpleasant jobs
. Do you know what I mean?I know that time and experience will make it better. We know that for now we need to find a good (inexpensive) and flexible ESL class that will allow him to work at the same time.
QUOTE(Bora Bora @ Dec 28 2007, 02:06 PM)
Thanks so much for your responses girls!
My husband has found some employers who will hire him right after an interview and because he's working with Portuguese/Spanish speakers he has no problem with his limited English. However, that's not what he wants. It's like a catch 22 because he wants to work a lot but then works unpleasant jobs since those are where employees are needed. He feels that he is treated poorly as well because he tends to work with a lot of illegal immigrants who are often mistreated by employers who know they can't complain much.
He studied ESL classes while waiting for his EAD and since then has only studied at home (with me) and with his American co-workers (the few that there have been).
I know that with limited work experience in the U.S. it is more difficult as well. This seems to be a big deal - and with my husband's lack of a good education (he is from a poor background). I'm helping him with job applications and interviews - but the interviews are the most difficult since my husband cannot go alone unless he's being interviewed by a Brazilian or Hispanic - and those tend to be the unpleasant jobs. Do you know what I mean?
I know that time and experience will make it better. We know that for now we need to find a good (inexpensive) and flexible ESL class that will allow him to work at the same time.
My husband has found some employers who will hire him right after an interview and because he's working with Portuguese/Spanish speakers he has no problem with his limited English. However, that's not what he wants. It's like a catch 22 because he wants to work a lot but then works unpleasant jobs since those are where employees are needed. He feels that he is treated poorly as well because he tends to work with a lot of illegal immigrants who are often mistreated by employers who know they can't complain much.
He studied ESL classes while waiting for his EAD and since then has only studied at home (with me) and with his American co-workers (the few that there have been).
I know that with limited work experience in the U.S. it is more difficult as well. This seems to be a big deal - and with my husband's lack of a good education (he is from a poor background). I'm helping him with job applications and interviews - but the interviews are the most difficult since my husband cannot go alone unless he's being interviewed by a Brazilian or Hispanic - and those tend to be the unpleasant jobs
. Do you know what I mean?I know that time and experience will make it better. We know that for now we need to find a good (inexpensive) and flexible ESL class that will allow him to work at the same time.
This is only my personal opinion but - a lot of places feel they can take advantage of immigrants, Hispanic, Brazilian, or otherwise. I'm not sure if they think that because you are an immigrant you will take the first thing that comes to you and should act like they are doing you a favor - but that's certainly how some employers acted on my husband's job interviews. Even at jobs that are heavily populated by a lot of South American legal immigrants, I think that the treatment is still sub par because a lot ARE grateful to have a job that is paying what it is, even if from my perspective it is not a fabulous job.
Mirko has limited work experience too - his present job is the only job he could put on a resume, and he's 23. People think poorly of that, but his father supported everyone until he died, and he doesn't have anything beyond high school as far as education (he was supposed to go back to Peru and study, but his dad died).
It IS an awful catch 22 - our only solution has been for him to stay where he is (we are lucky he has a job that pays okay, though still not much for Florida, and gives him insurance) and pursue a degree so he can find a better job. We spent 6 months trying to find something for him, and they were all either awful jobs that wanted to pay nothing, or just awful jobs with okay pay. At least what he does now he can tolerate
QUOTE(meow mix @ Dec 28 2007, 02:50 PM)
QUOTE(Bora Bora @ Dec 28 2007, 02:06 PM)
Thanks so much for your responses girls!
My husband has found some employers who will hire him right after an interview and because he's working with Portuguese/Spanish speakers he has no problem with his limited English. However, that's not what he wants. It's like a catch 22 because he wants to work a lot but then works unpleasant jobs since those are where employees are needed. He feels that he is treated poorly as well because he tends to work with a lot of illegal immigrants who are often mistreated by employers who know they can't complain much.
He studied ESL classes while waiting for his EAD and since then has only studied at home (with me) and with his American co-workers (the few that there have been).
I know that with limited work experience in the U.S. it is more difficult as well. This seems to be a big deal - and with my husband's lack of a good education (he is from a poor background). I'm helping him with job applications and interviews - but the interviews are the most difficult since my husband cannot go alone unless he's being interviewed by a Brazilian or Hispanic - and those tend to be the unpleasant jobs . Do you know what I mean?
I know that time and experience will make it better. We know that for now we need to find a good (inexpensive) and flexible ESL class that will allow him to work at the same time.
My husband has found some employers who will hire him right after an interview and because he's working with Portuguese/Spanish speakers he has no problem with his limited English. However, that's not what he wants. It's like a catch 22 because he wants to work a lot but then works unpleasant jobs since those are where employees are needed. He feels that he is treated poorly as well because he tends to work with a lot of illegal immigrants who are often mistreated by employers who know they can't complain much.
He studied ESL classes while waiting for his EAD and since then has only studied at home (with me) and with his American co-workers (the few that there have been).
I know that with limited work experience in the U.S. it is more difficult as well. This seems to be a big deal - and with my husband's lack of a good education (he is from a poor background). I'm helping him with job applications and interviews - but the interviews are the most difficult since my husband cannot go alone unless he's being interviewed by a Brazilian or Hispanic - and those tend to be the unpleasant jobs
. Do you know what I mean?I know that time and experience will make it better. We know that for now we need to find a good (inexpensive) and flexible ESL class that will allow him to work at the same time.
This is only my personal opinion but - a lot of places feel they can take advantage of immigrants, Hispanic, Brazilian, or otherwise. I'm not sure if they think that because you are an immigrant you will take the first thing that comes to you and should act like they are doing you a favor - but that's certainly how some employers acted on my husband's job interviews. Even at jobs that are heavily populated by a lot of South American legal immigrants, I think that the treatment is still sub par because a lot ARE grateful to have a job that is paying what it is, even if from my perspective it is not a fabulous job.
Mirko has limited work experience too - his present job is the only job he could put on a resume, and he's 23. People think poorly of that, but his father supported everyone until he died, and he doesn't have anything beyond high school as far as education (he was supposed to go back to Peru and study, but his dad died).
It IS an awful catch 22 - our only solution has been for him to stay where he is (we are lucky he has a job that pays okay, though still not much for Florida, and gives him insurance) and pursue a degree so he can find a better job. We spent 6 months trying to find something for him, and they were all either awful jobs that wanted to pay nothing, or just awful jobs with okay pay. At least what he does now he can tolerate
I know exactly what you're saying....
Hubby had a job that was not bad, but his bosses (Brazilian) were a$$holes and he could only put up with so much. Now he's working somewhere else which may not be much better - though at least he doesn't work as close with the boss(es).
He's still looking and has had a few other interviews.
Keeping our fingers crossed...
We're going through the same thing, Bora Bora. Hubby is from a poor background, speaks limited English, etc. Plus, he's got seven years experience as a waiter, but is pretty much done waiting on crazy Americans.
The weirdest part is that all the paisas (and he now considers Guatemalans paisas) that he comes across are illegal, so it's very strange to ask them for assistance getting hooked up with work.
He just had his first temp agency experience, and he couldn't be more pleased.
Plus, it helps that he's a nice person
, and usually hits it off with everyone he works and studies with, so he always mentions that he's looking. Something's bound to come up that way.
Ironically, I'm working under a grant from the Dept of Labor and Training, and can't help him get work!
The weirdest part is that all the paisas (and he now considers Guatemalans paisas) that he comes across are illegal, so it's very strange to ask them for assistance getting hooked up with work.
He just had his first temp agency experience, and he couldn't be more pleased.
Plus, it helps that he's a nice person
, and usually hits it off with everyone he works and studies with, so he always mentions that he's looking. Something's bound to come up that way.Ironically, I'm working under a grant from the Dept of Labor and Training, and can't help him get work!
We're going through the same thing. Plan A was to get a day time job and have him study English at night twice a week. Well, we've had about 5 or 6 interviews at different stores where we'll say he'll do anything and they either don't hire him because his English is very limited or because he has a college degree and has never worked in manual labor. So now plan B is for him to go to English school during the day, at least 6 hours per day, and work at a fast food restaurant at night until his English gets better. We plan to start applying tomorrow so we'll see if they even offer him a job. It's very sad and frustrating.
Diana
Diana
My wife sees English still as a bit of a challenge, even though her understanding is awesome. Contrary to the norm with regards to immigrants to this country, she's had it pretty easy thus far, but the place she worked at as a "Spanish-teacher" (for a small boy) is only a start... even though the hourly wage fits around $14/hr. I see this thing as quite contrary to her experience, but since it will take a while for her professional psychology credentials to move over to the USA, then it will have to be related jobs in the meantime.
I'm trying to get her a campus job with me so we can commute together and be done with extra travel stress.
I'm trying to get her a campus job with me so we can commute together and be done with extra travel stress.
QUOTE(maviwaro @ Dec 28 2007, 07:36 PM)
My wife sees English still as a bit of a challenge, even though her understanding is awesome. Contrary to the norm with regards to immigrants to this country, she's had it pretty easy thus far, but the place she worked at as a "Spanish-teacher" (for a small boy) is only a start... even though the hourly wage fits around $14/hr. I see this thing as quite contrary to her experience, but since it will take a while for her professional psychology credentials to move over to the USA, then it will have to be related jobs in the meantime.
I'm trying to get her a campus job with me so we can commute together and be done with extra travel stress.
I'm trying to get her a campus job with me so we can commute together and be done with extra travel stress.
######, even *I* don't even make 14/hour. (Okay, not that I'm well educated.)
She has had it pretty easy. Lucky!
I'm almost happy M is getting his degree here, though - a lot of people I know had problems with their foreign degrees not being accepted.
I hope that my husband can get a higher education here in the States too - when he learns English better. For now, he has to find jobs (which is the hard part) that will allow him to practice.
Luckily, he got an opportunity to begin a job working with ONLY English speakers. (I got the phone call after 5 p.m. last night!!) The guy who interviewed him, well us, told me that he wanted to give my husband a chance, and that limited English is not a problem. We're very grateful. He begins on Monday.
I'm a teacher so I earn a decent (cough cough) living - but help is always needed.
Luckily, he got an opportunity to begin a job working with ONLY English speakers. (I got the phone call after 5 p.m. last night!!) The guy who interviewed him, well us, told me that he wanted to give my husband a chance, and that limited English is not a problem. We're very grateful. He begins on Monday.
I'm a teacher so I earn a decent (cough cough) living - but help is always needed.
I too had a time starting out in life, living as an expat in other countries with my parents nobody wanted to hire the gringo. When it came to these issues I would look them in the eye and say something like "I know that maybe I'm not your ideal choice, but I'm a good person, I learn fast and I REALLY need this job. I'll be a good worker for you I promise, just give me a chance."
Well it worked, don't take no for an answer.
Now you will encounter bigots, there's nothing you can do about them except to move on and look elsewhere.
Be sincere, if you need the work tell them you need the job don't accept the over-qualified rejection without retort.
Well it worked, don't take no for an answer.
Now you will encounter bigots, there's nothing you can do about them except to move on and look elsewhere.
Be sincere, if you need the work tell them you need the job don't accept the over-qualified rejection without retort.
Bora Bora,
I'm so glad you started this thread. We're in a similar situation. My hubby is from Ethiopia. His spoken English is very good, but his writting and reading need work. He's currently taking 2 ESL classes/ quarter and doing well. Problem is he's only been able to find part time work (~14 hrs a week variable) at a coffee shop. Sometimes he's very discouraged when he thinks about the money he could be making if he was working full-time. Also, he has limited computer skills (check e-mails). Also, my hubby is struggling with the driver's license test in WA. he knows how to drive, but can't pass the written portion. If he had a license it would open up new jobs to apply to. He worked as a tour guide and really wants to work as a bellman, we've applied to all the hotels. trying very hard to remain optimistic.
Gabacha Yuteca,
you said that your husband used a temp agency. Do you think a temp agency could help in our situation? I've been wary of them because the ones I've contacted require a computer skills test.
I'm so glad you started this thread. We're in a similar situation. My hubby is from Ethiopia. His spoken English is very good, but his writting and reading need work. He's currently taking 2 ESL classes/ quarter and doing well. Problem is he's only been able to find part time work (~14 hrs a week variable) at a coffee shop. Sometimes he's very discouraged when he thinks about the money he could be making if he was working full-time. Also, he has limited computer skills (check e-mails). Also, my hubby is struggling with the driver's license test in WA. he knows how to drive, but can't pass the written portion. If he had a license it would open up new jobs to apply to. He worked as a tour guide and really wants to work as a bellman, we've applied to all the hotels. trying very hard to remain optimistic.
Gabacha Yuteca,
you said that your husband used a temp agency. Do you think a temp agency could help in our situation? I've been wary of them because the ones I've contacted require a computer skills test.
QUOTE(Bora Bora @ Dec 29 2007, 10:48 AM)
I hope that my husband can get a higher education here in the States too - when he learns English better. For now, he has to find jobs (which is the hard part) that will allow him to practice.
Luckily, he got an opportunity to begin a job working with ONLY English speakers. (I got the phone call after 5 p.m. last night!!) The guy who interviewed him, well us, told me that he wanted to give my husband a chance, and that limited English is not a problem. We're very grateful. He begins on Monday.
I'm a teacher so I earn a decent (cough cough) living - but help is always needed.
Luckily, he got an opportunity to begin a job working with ONLY English speakers. (I got the phone call after 5 p.m. last night!!) The guy who interviewed him, well us, told me that he wanted to give my husband a chance, and that limited English is not a problem. We're very grateful. He begins on Monday.
I'm a teacher so I earn a decent (cough cough) living - but help is always needed.
Haha, I audit yellow pages...27K a year, but I'm going back to school full time next year, so we'll be living off his income and whatever I can make part time (I shouldn't even say part time, because I'd be needing at least 30 hours a week). I guess I'm just saying that getting better English isn't the secret key, since M's is fabulous.
I have been living here for almost two years and a half and have to say that I have been very lucky, I got my first job the first day I went job hunting and right now I'm making pretty decent money. Hubby says that because I speak both languages fluently (read and written) I'll be making more money than him someday.
I would recommend this websites : www.craigslist.com and www.monster.com, both worked great for me.
Tell your husband's not to give up, there is something for them here, there are opportunitites for everybody, is a little bit difficult in the begining but not impossible.
Good Luck!!
Vi
I would recommend this websites : www.craigslist.com and www.monster.com, both worked great for me.
Tell your husband's not to give up, there is something for them here, there are opportunitites for everybody, is a little bit difficult in the begining but not impossible.
Good Luck!!
Vi
This is a timely topic for my husband and myself. He is hoping to get a position as a bell person, but I am not sure if his English is up to par. He had his first interview on Thursday. Hopefully, he will land a job soon.
We used www.careerbuilder.com to find the job that my husband will go to tomorrow. He's actually employed by an agency and will receive his checks from them.
Hubby will be working for a family and they wanted to give him an opportunity - but they're "testing" him out for a week. That obviously makes us nervous but he'll do the best he can.
My husband is a VERY hard worker so I know that they'll see that.
He also applied at hotels but he has to work in positions where English is not such a problem.
It's frustrating but we're not giving up and so far he's been offered jobs....
Hubby will be working for a family and they wanted to give him an opportunity - but they're "testing" him out for a week. That obviously makes us nervous but he'll do the best he can.
My husband is a VERY hard worker so I know that they'll see that.
He also applied at hotels but he has to work in positions where English is not such a problem.
It's frustrating but we're not giving up and so far he's been offered jobs....
QUOTE(meow mix @ Dec 28 2007, 06:41 PM)
QUOTE(maviwaro @ Dec 28 2007, 07:36 PM)
My wife sees English still as a bit of a challenge, even though her understanding is awesome. Contrary to the norm with regards to immigrants to this country, she's had it pretty easy thus far, but the place she worked at as a "Spanish-teacher" (for a small boy) is only a start... even though the hourly wage fits around $14/hr. I see this thing as quite contrary to her experience, but since it will take a while for her professional psychology credentials to move over to the USA, then it will have to be related jobs in the meantime.
I'm trying to get her a campus job with me so we can commute together and be done with extra travel stress.
I'm trying to get her a campus job with me so we can commute together and be done with extra travel stress.
######, even *I* don't even make 14/hour. (Okay, not that I'm well educated.)
She has had it pretty easy. Lucky!
I'm almost happy M is getting his degree here, though - a lot of people I know had problems with their foreign degrees not being accepted.
Its all about insisting until it comes through...
reeses...the temp agencies hubby is looking to work through are all just a step above day labor joints, and some in fact are day labor places. These places )manual labor/light industrial) don't do computer tests. I do know why you're asking though...I used to do administrative temping and I'd always have to take a computer test.
As the English proficiency grows, he will become a v strong asset to any company....there are so many places that advertise for jobs with 'Bilingual Spanish a plus'! I can't see how that wouldn't actually be an asset for him!
QUOTE(LisaD @ Dec 30 2007, 10:06 PM)
As the English proficiency grows, he will become a v strong asset to any company....there are so many places that advertise for jobs with 'Bilingual Spanish a plus'! I can't see how that wouldn't actually be an asset for him!
True, true...
Even though my husband's English is limited now, I still include on his resume that he's fluent in Portuguese and understands (can communicate very well) in Spanish. The languages are close enough that hubby speaking Portuguese can talk to Spanish speakers with very little difficulty.
He's left for his first day of work today and I just checked my e-mail to find the phone number of a potential employer. I've e-mailed his resume to so many places that I've forgotten to whom. I'll call them soon to find out if he can go on another interview.
My husband and I went to an interview at a big store a few weeks ago. I was very forward with them and told him he had been here a little over 2 months, was currently going to English classes and that he was very responsible. They liked what I said and how he answered their questions during the interview and called him on Monday to start today. He was supposed to be there at 10AM, it is now close to 12 noon and he still hasn't called me. I'm really worried about his first day at work with limited English and no one else around who speaks Spanish. We'll see how it goes.
Diana
Diana
Mononoke28,
Congrats on the new job! So you went on the interview with your husband? I never thought of doing that. Had you tried that at other employers? Was it received well?
Congrats on the new job! So you went on the interview with your husband? I never thought of doing that. Had you tried that at other employers? Was it received well?
Nope. Andre did just fine.
QUOTE(reeses16 @ Jan 2 2008, 12:04 PM)
Mononoke28,
Congrats on the new job! So you went on the interview with your husband? I never thought of doing that. Had you tried that at other employers? Was it received well?
Congrats on the new job! So you went on the interview with your husband? I never thought of doing that. Had you tried that at other employers? Was it received well?
Oh yeah, I went with him everywhere and told them that I was his wife and was there to translate. Some of them looked at me like "oooooooook... whatever" and others really appreciated it. I also told them that they could call me any time if they had any questions whatsoever and I'm pretty sure me being at the interview helped him get this job because they saw how serious and interested we were.
Diana
QUOTE(Jomo @ Jan 2 2008, 02:12 PM)
Nope. Andre did just fine.
I thought Jamaicans speak English.
my husband has a job in a specific industry that does not have to compete w/ english speakers with a very decent wage which is wonderful for us! he can speak conversational english but cannot read english well at all. last semester he went to school 4 days a week and next semester will be five days. we are planning on him getting at least an Associates degree which will likely take him 3-4 years given his english.
Mononoke28,
I did the same thing as you did for your husband. Mine has gone on a few interviews and I had to accompany him on most. I also told the potential employer that I was there to translate - some were relieved while others just talked to me and ignored him, so I don't take that as a good sign. On one interview, after translating and giving hubby's answers, I also said that as I knew him well I could speak on his behalf for some of the answers and the interviewer seemed pleased.
I'm now back from vacation so I hope that the job he has now is permanent because it's hard for me to take off of work.
As for your husband - Congrats on the new job! I also told my husband that it could be helpful for him to repeat back to his boss what he thinks he said so that if it's incorrect the boss can let him know. Sometimes he misunderstands a question and gives the wrong answer - but if I'm there I can correct him. Now where he's working everyone speaks English, which is good for him, but more of a challenge.
I'm proud of my husband - as I'm sure you are.
I did the same thing as you did for your husband. Mine has gone on a few interviews and I had to accompany him on most. I also told the potential employer that I was there to translate - some were relieved while others just talked to me and ignored him, so I don't take that as a good sign. On one interview, after translating and giving hubby's answers, I also said that as I knew him well I could speak on his behalf for some of the answers and the interviewer seemed pleased.
I'm now back from vacation so I hope that the job he has now is permanent because it's hard for me to take off of work.
As for your husband - Congrats on the new job! I also told my husband that it could be helpful for him to repeat back to his boss what he thinks he said so that if it's incorrect the boss can let him know. Sometimes he misunderstands a question and gives the wrong answer - but if I'm there I can correct him. Now where he's working everyone speaks English, which is good for him, but more of a challenge.
I'm proud of my husband - as I'm sure you are.
With my husband's first job, I went with him to the interview, too. I also took most of the calls from the employer over the two years he has been there (like work being cancelled due to weather, etc...). That worked for them and us.
I think part of the challenge for us was just getting over the "hump" of the employer getting used to his accent. That's a good reason, in my opinion, to go to the interview. Most people understand my husband after their ears have adjusted to his accent, but they have to be willing to make a little extra effort at the beginning to get there...
Maya
I think part of the challenge for us was just getting over the "hump" of the employer getting used to his accent. That's a good reason, in my opinion, to go to the interview. Most people understand my husband after their ears have adjusted to his accent, but they have to be willing to make a little extra effort at the beginning to get there...
Maya
QUOTE(maya62 @ Jan 2 2008, 05:09 PM)
With my husband's first job, I went with him to the interview, too. I also took most of the calls from the employer over the two years he has been there (like work being cancelled due to weather, etc...). That worked for them and us.
I think part of the challenge for us was just getting over the "hump" of the employer getting used to his accent. That's a good reason, in my opinion, to go to the interview. Most people understand my husband after their ears have adjusted to his accent, but they have to be willing to make a little extra effort at the beginning to get there...
Maya
I think part of the challenge for us was just getting over the "hump" of the employer getting used to his accent. That's a good reason, in my opinion, to go to the interview. Most people understand my husband after their ears have adjusted to his accent, but they have to be willing to make a little extra effort at the beginning to get there...
Maya
It's so nice to know I'm not the only one! Really.
I work w/ a woman who has been married to her husband for 13 years and she still helps him with paperwork - and he knows English well. She said it's been a struggle, but now he does well for himself (even has citizenship).
I know that things can only get better in the long run. In the meantime, I'm here to help hubby....
Thanks for the kind words Meredith! First day at work was great, they walked him around the store and showed him a couple of orientation videos and he starts officially tomorrow at 6AM. They told him he's on a trial period to see if they can manage the language barrier, which I'm sure will be fine since it really shouldn't involve that much conversation. He's really excited about it and so am I, we'll see how it goes.
I think most of us have to get used to the fact that at the beginning we have to do everything for them. I'm the one who taught him how to drive, who went with him to get his Driver's Permit, his Social Security Card, who handled his interviews on the phone and in person, who had to find a place for him to study English, etc. I know it makes him unconfortable at times, well most of the time, but he has no choice until he learns his way around this new culture and until he learns the language.
Diana
I think most of us have to get used to the fact that at the beginning we have to do everything for them. I'm the one who taught him how to drive, who went with him to get his Driver's Permit, his Social Security Card, who handled his interviews on the phone and in person, who had to find a place for him to study English, etc. I know it makes him unconfortable at times, well most of the time, but he has no choice until he learns his way around this new culture and until he learns the language.
Diana
QUOTE(Mononoke28 @ Jan 2 2008, 06:25 PM)
Thanks for the kind words Meredith! First day at work was great, they walked him around the store and showed him a couple of orientation videos and he starts officially tomorrow at 6AM. They told him he's on a trial period to see if they can manage the language barrier, which I'm sure will be fine since it really shouldn't involve that much conversation. He's really excited about it and so am I, we'll see how it goes.
I think most of us have to get used to the fact that at the beginning we have to do everything for them. I'm the one who taught him how to drive, who went with him to get his Driver's Permit, his Social Security Card, who handled his interviews on the phone and in person, who had to find a place for him to study English, etc. I know it makes him unconfortable at times, well most of the time, but he has no choice until he learns his way around this new culture and until he learns the language.
Diana
I think most of us have to get used to the fact that at the beginning we have to do everything for them. I'm the one who taught him how to drive, who went with him to get his Driver's Permit, his Social Security Card, who handled his interviews on the phone and in person, who had to find a place for him to study English, etc. I know it makes him unconfortable at times, well most of the time, but he has no choice until he learns his way around this new culture and until he learns the language.
Diana
My husband was here for 3 years before he even met me, so he had to do things himself, but now I find him wanting to fall on me. So I've had to do the opposite, step back and tell him he needs to do it on his own, and telling me his English isn't good enough isn't a good excuse. I guess that sound harsh, but my family and friends who have very little exposure to foreign cultures and accents think his English is wonderful, so it's not just me thinking he's great
I got pissed though when I had to do all the stuff for our car insurance, spending forever on the phone, etc. And they just put it in his name!
So now I make him do everything car insurance related
This thread has really helped me out. I've been feeling really stressed lately, because like most of you I have to do EVERYTHING...at least all of the paperwork, technical type stuff. My hubby is great, and helps out A LOT around the house and does everything he can to help. I know its all a process, but I had gotten pretty frustrated lately. But hearing your ideas, experiences, and sucesses has made me feel better.
Thanks, ladies!
-DA
Thanks, ladies!
-DA
I actually enjoy helping my husband out most of the time. I feel very useful, and I know he can only do so much on his own. At the same time, hubby is quite independent and goes for things by himself all the time. The only thing I noticed is that he uses me as a crutch when I'm with him. I guess that's normal - and I'm sure he gets tired sometimes. He says that he gets headaches a lot - and I never remember him saying that when we lived in Brazil. Obviously it's the language - and he recognizes that.
I think that he's appreciate of me and that is important. I can't be selfish and get upset about helping him since without me he couldn't do this - and I love him.
Thanks so much for all of your replies and please keep them coming...it's good for us .
I think that he's appreciate of me and that is important. I can't be selfish and get upset about helping him since without me he couldn't do this - and I love him.
Thanks so much for all of your replies and please keep them coming...it's good for us
.
QUOTE(Bora Bora @ Jan 2 2008, 11:19 PM)
I actually enjoy helping my husband out most of the time. I feel very useful, and I know he can only do so much on his own. At the same time, hubby is quite independent and goes for things by himself all the time. The only thing I noticed is that he uses me as a crutch when I'm with him. I guess that's normal - and I'm sure he gets tired sometimes. He says that he gets headaches a lot - and I never remember him saying that when we lived in Brazil. Obviously it's the language - and he recognizes that.
I think that he's appreciate of me and that is important. I can't be selfish and get upset about helping him since without me he couldn't do this - and I love him.
Thanks so much for all of your replies and please keep them coming...it's good for us .
I think that he's appreciate of me and that is important. I can't be selfish and get upset about helping him since without me he couldn't do this - and I love him.
Thanks so much for all of your replies and please keep them coming...it's good for us
.That's true for him because he doesn't speak much English.
Mine does at this point, and still wants me to do everything sometimes. I can't do it all, and it gets to a point where he needs to learn how to function and do things on his own without me - what if I get killed by a car during my lunch? He had to do things without me before but I taught him the proper way (aka living like a legal immigrant) but since I've come into the picture he uses me as a crutch. If I have to call somewhere where there is an automated voice system, I usually do it because he gets frustrated - they never understand him, even the good ones. But like I said, there are things he just has to do on his own so he learns (obv. this is after their English has advanced) and because there's not enough hours in the day for me to do it all
Don't get frustrated DA, it's normal. I do find myself having to bite my tongue every now and then when I have to dissect things for my husband and sometimes explain things like he was a 5 year-old. Like what an ATM says in English when he's getting money, how to fill up our car with gas, how to use the microwave, washer/dryer, vaccum, etc. He's been very good at all that and is now a pro at it but I think us women like to be taken care of and when we have to do it for them, it's just weird. But we knew it would be like this from the beginning and hopefully it won't be for too long. I also have to remind myself that when we're in Colombia he's always the one in charge and taking care of me there because he's in his environment and he knows the ins and outs of everything.
My husband has also been complaining a lot about headaches but I'm sure it's because of the stress he's been under with the overwhelming amount of info he's had to process since he got here, and also the bitter cold temperatures we've had in Denver lately.
Diana
My husband has also been complaining a lot about headaches but I'm sure it's because of the stress he's been under with the overwhelming amount of info he's had to process since he got here, and also the bitter cold temperatures we've had in Denver lately.
Diana
This is the most useful thread for me!
A friend of mine said that she never expected to have a thirty year old baby, and this was her hubby's friend who was living with them!
Our problem now is FINDING that frickin' job. He worked for two weeks before Xmas, but now nothing through the temp agency. Another issue I'm finding (for both my hubby and my clients at work) is that everything is automated now. There's no opportunity to go to a place and be pushy and charming to get your foot in the door. Almost ever place that seems to be hiring requires an online application, which probably goes to some corporate headquarters.
We tell everybody we know that he's looking for work, but so far nothing has come up.
Any ideas?
Btw, Homeboy's background seems similar to Bora Bora's...limited education and limited but improving English.
I'm so down with accompanying him and talking for him, however, the problem is what i mentioned earlier....they have to send you to their online application.
A friend of mine said that she never expected to have a thirty year old baby, and this was her hubby's friend who was living with them!
Our problem now is FINDING that frickin' job. He worked for two weeks before Xmas, but now nothing through the temp agency. Another issue I'm finding (for both my hubby and my clients at work) is that everything is automated now. There's no opportunity to go to a place and be pushy and charming to get your foot in the door. Almost ever place that seems to be hiring requires an online application, which probably goes to some corporate headquarters.
We tell everybody we know that he's looking for work, but so far nothing has come up.
Any ideas?
Btw, Homeboy's background seems similar to Bora Bora's...limited education and limited but improving English.
I'm so down with accompanying him and talking for him, however, the problem is what i mentioned earlier....they have to send you to their online application.
QUOTE(GabachaYucateca @ Jan 3 2008, 02:52 PM)
This is the most useful thread for me!
A friend of mine said that she never expected to have a thirty year old baby, and this was her hubby's friend who was living with them!
Our problem now is FINDING that frickin' job. He worked for two weeks before Xmas, but now nothing through the temp agency. Another issue I'm finding (for both my hubby and my clients at work) is that everything is automated now. There's no opportunity to go to a place and be pushy and charming to get your foot in the door. Almost ever place that seems to be hiring requires an online application, which probably goes to some corporate headquarters.
We tell everybody we know that he's looking for work, but so far nothing has come up.
Any ideas?
Btw, Homeboy's background seems similar to Bora Bora's...limited education and limited but improving English.
I'm so down with accompanying him and talking for him, however, the problem is what i mentioned earlier....they have to send you to their online application.
A friend of mine said that she never expected to have a thirty year old baby, and this was her hubby's friend who was living with them!
Our problem now is FINDING that frickin' job. He worked for two weeks before Xmas, but now nothing through the temp agency. Another issue I'm finding (for both my hubby and my clients at work) is that everything is automated now. There's no opportunity to go to a place and be pushy and charming to get your foot in the door. Almost ever place that seems to be hiring requires an online application, which probably goes to some corporate headquarters.
We tell everybody we know that he's looking for work, but so far nothing has come up.
Any ideas?
Btw, Homeboy's background seems similar to Bora Bora's...limited education and limited but improving English.
I'm so down with accompanying him and talking for him, however, the problem is what i mentioned earlier....they have to send you to their online application.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but we were looking at relocating at Providence for a little while - isn't that city something like over 50% Hispanic? That a higher percentage than Florida (I think Tampa is 11% and where I'm at is 9%) - perhaps a resume explaining that "my English is limited, but I have x, x, x as skills (obv. more detailed than that but you get the idea), I am a legal permanent resident and am willing to learn, etc" would help in that arena?
I've never hidden that M came here on a tourist visa and was forced into work when his father died to support them while they sorted out legal issues that are ongoing almost 5 years later, and when he started work it was the typical jobs illegals work, but then he got a decent job at a jewelry store, where he and two others were the only Spanish-speaking individuals and was forced to learn English. That was SOOO essential to learning English - the bosses weren't Spanish speakers and couldn't talk to him that way, but he had people (well one person, the other one still doesn't speak English because she doesn't want to) who could explain it to him and teach it to him so he'd understand, and he picked it up quickly.
Don't know if that helps.
QUOTE(GabachaYucateca @ Jan 3 2008, 12:52 PM)
This is the most useful thread for me!
A friend of mine said that she never expected to have a thirty year old baby, and this was her hubby's friend who was living with them!
Our problem now is FINDING that frickin' job. He worked for two weeks before Xmas, but now nothing through the temp agency. Another issue I'm finding (for both my hubby and my clients at work) is that everything is automated now. There's no opportunity to go to a place and be pushy and charming to get your foot in the door. Almost ever place that seems to be hiring requires an online application, which probably goes to some corporate headquarters.
We tell everybody we know that he's looking for work, but so far nothing has come up.
Any ideas?
Btw, Homeboy's background seems similar to Bora Bora's...limited education and limited but improving English.
I'm so down with accompanying him and talking for him, however, the problem is what i mentioned earlier....they have to send you to their online application.
A friend of mine said that she never expected to have a thirty year old baby, and this was her hubby's friend who was living with them!
Our problem now is FINDING that frickin' job. He worked for two weeks before Xmas, but now nothing through the temp agency. Another issue I'm finding (for both my hubby and my clients at work) is that everything is automated now. There's no opportunity to go to a place and be pushy and charming to get your foot in the door. Almost ever place that seems to be hiring requires an online application, which probably goes to some corporate headquarters.
We tell everybody we know that he's looking for work, but so far nothing has come up.
Any ideas?
Btw, Homeboy's background seems similar to Bora Bora's...limited education and limited but improving English.
I'm so down with accompanying him and talking for him, however, the problem is what i mentioned earlier....they have to send you to their online application.
What we did is go to every place we saw and applied online, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, etc. They need a lot of people to work stocking their stores. Once they get the application, the HR department will decide on who to call, we got a call from every single one of them and the people at Babies R Us were the ones who were very interested in him. He has to go to work at 6AM everyday and make sure everything is stocked right. I also handled every call he got regarding the jobs we applied for and told them I was his wife and that I was going to translate. Most of them didn't have a problem with that.
Diana
See, that's the problem! Not getting any callbacks about the apps we filled out online! We're looking for exactly that...shelf stocking.
Yes, meow..Providence is VERY Hispanic, but it seems that everyone hires their extended families to work for them!
Yes, meow..Providence is VERY Hispanic, but it seems that everyone hires their extended families to work for them!
We've had some luck with craigslist - I mean finding jobs and getting call backs. Maybe you can try that in your area.
My husband has been on about 4-5 interviews in the past week but we're still in an unstable position. Tomorrow is the last day of his trial week at his current job and he's a very hard worker and see no reason (though I'm not there) why they shouldn't ask him to stay. Yet I'm still nervous. We're keeping our fingers crossed.
My hubby is quite quick at figuring things out so I don't have to teach him too many things - though he'd never applied on-line before...that was new.
I think it's a big plus that his employers speak only English. I'm happy with that.
I wish I could relax some...I guess I will tomorrow. I don't want to be selfish but I don't want to apply for any more jobs. I'm looking for new schools to work out for next year and trying to handle that and some other business....
I keep telling myself this will get better - and I know that it will.
Thanks for this girls!!
Edit: oh yea, I remember what I was going to say. My hubby's "boss" told me that he wanted to give him a chance. They're Indian (and immigrants) and I think they're doing it for that reason. I'm very grateful to them for this. We need more people out there like this - I know there are some.
My husband has been on about 4-5 interviews in the past week but we're still in an unstable position. Tomorrow is the last day of his trial week at his current job and he's a very hard worker and see no reason (though I'm not there) why they shouldn't ask him to stay. Yet I'm still nervous. We're keeping our fingers crossed.
My hubby is quite quick at figuring things out so I don't have to teach him too many things - though he'd never applied on-line before...that was new.
I think it's a big plus that his employers speak only English. I'm happy with that.
I wish I could relax some...I guess I will tomorrow. I don't want to be selfish but I don't want to apply for any more jobs. I'm looking for new schools to work out for next year and trying to handle that and some other business....
I keep telling myself this will get better - and I know that it will.
Thanks for this girls!!
Edit: oh yea, I remember what I was going to say. My hubby's "boss" told me that he wanted to give him a chance. They're Indian (and immigrants) and I think they're doing it for that reason. I'm very grateful to them for this. We need more people out there like this - I know there are some.
My husband just called me to say he's on his way home from work, and that his new boss told him to return back to work on Monday. His trial period is over....
Thank God!
Thank God!
That is wonderful, congratulations! You can now have a worry-free weekend.
My husband got the same from his employer, they want to keep him permanently. Phew!
Diana
My husband got the same from his employer, they want to keep him permanently. Phew!
Diana
QUOTE(Mononoke28 @ Jan 4 2008, 06:24 PM)
That is wonderful, congratulations! You can now have a worry-free weekend.
My husband got the same from his employer, they want to keep him permanently. Phew!
Diana
My husband got the same from his employer, they want to keep him permanently. Phew!
Diana
Yea...! Good for us and our husbands.
my husband applied at EVERY place within a walking radius of our house when he first arrived (temp EAD) and i think only ONE place even called him back. and when they did, they heard his thick accent and quickly made an excuse to hang up (i was listening in on another phone line).
he eventually got a job at a national company but unfortunately it was two weeks before his EAD expired and they let him go. only god knows why they hired him in the first place! but we're glad they did! two weeks of work was better than nothing!
he eventually got a job at a national company but unfortunately it was two weeks before his EAD expired and they let him go. only god knows why they hired him in the first place! but we're glad they did! two weeks of work was better than nothing!
QUOTE(sereia @ Jan 5 2008, 07:56 PM)
my husband applied at EVERY place within a walking radius of our house when he first arrived (temp EAD) and i think only ONE place even called him back. and when they did, they heard his thick accent and quickly made an excuse to hang up (i was listening in on another phone line).
he eventually got a job at a national company but unfortunately it was two weeks before his EAD expired and they let him go. only god knows why they hired him in the first place! but we're glad they did! two weeks of work was better than nothing!
he eventually got a job at a national company but unfortunately it was two weeks before his EAD expired and they let him go. only god knows why they hired him in the first place! but we're glad they did! two weeks of work was better than nothing!
That is true...when he gets his EAD it'll be easier.
Congrats to all the hubbies that made it through their probation periods! 
Hey guys,
My husband passed his driving test today and can officially get his DL this week since the DMV's systems were down. His driving examiner was a total beatch! Especially after I approached her and told her that he spoke little English and to please talk to him slowly, she just rolled her eyes at me and my husband and I just giggled at that (we were ready for that reaction anyway). Then she was just mean and spoke very fast during the whole test but all week I reminded him what the words left, right, straight ahead, and traffic light meant. He just kind of guessed what she was saying and passed. Phew!!! One thing less out of the way.
Diana
My husband passed his driving test today and can officially get his DL this week since the DMV's systems were down. His driving examiner was a total beatch! Especially after I approached her and told her that he spoke little English and to please talk to him slowly, she just rolled her eyes at me and my husband and I just giggled at that (we were ready for that reaction anyway). Then she was just mean and spoke very fast during the whole test but all week I reminded him what the words left, right, straight ahead, and traffic light meant. He just kind of guessed what she was saying and passed. Phew!!! One thing less out of the way.
Diana
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