My fiancé and I were talking about the type of job he will get when coming to the States. He is a cook today but says he would like to do something different and explore the possibilities. Humm sounds good but I have no idea what to suggest. I’ve been with one company for so long I don’t know. Any thoughts? Has this occurred for others? How many of you have discussed a jobs/career change that doesn’t require years of school begin? What were some suggestions you gave them?

Thanks
Awakening

Hey you

I would recommend that he go to school to pick up a trade. If he wants to remain a cook, then consider culinary programs. If he wants to do something different entirely then trade school is a great place to start, because he'll get the knowledge & training AND can network and make some good connections/get some professional/personal referrals to put on his resume. Hubby went to GED classes (when trying to sign up for the local college so that he could finish his degree they said they needed his high school transcripts from Jamaica - now mind you we have his diploma with us ) and got great letters of recommendation from his instructors to take on job interviews. Definintely made a difference. Good luck.

Wow that is good information and unbelievable about the high school transcripts. Maybe I will have him order one to bring with him to the States. Thanks for replying I feel better.

Wakey

If you can get his transcripts from any schooling he's done, get TWO copies. In fact, get two copies of all his papers (birth cert especially). When we go in August we'll finally be getting those damn transcripts so that he can start college hopefully this fall to finally finish his degree.

Also check into apprentice programs. Once his work permit comes in and he is accepted as an apprentice he'll get the training and a decent pay (better than minimum wage). Does he have a few ideas for a trade?

When I ask him he says "I can do anything." I'm like babe you can't say that and get a job. What do you like doing and he says I like working on cars. I was like dang this is going to be rough for a sista to figure out!!!

My husband will be doing exactly that. He is currently in construction but would like to finish his BS in engineering after he arrives. I make enough money to support us so he can just work part time and finish off his degree since he is half done already.

These are good suggestions. I'm taking Jonesie advise and looking up schools in the area now. I didn't know there was so many different vocations degrees out there. It's nice to know.

Be sure to look into residency requirements. Most schools have a residency requirement completely unrelated to immigration status. It usually involves having to prove you have lived in the state for a certain amount of time to be able to attend or be charged resident tuition.

Call the schools to see what is required for entry into the classes/programs - that will also help the two of you to narrow down his options based on what he is eligible for. When I registered hubby for GED they needed to see his passport stamp to show that he entered US legally but classes were free. Another option is volunteer work, but I recommend the former.

That was something we faced when signing him up for college. Now that he's been here a while the cost of college credits has gone down since he is now considered a California resident. Not sure if the same applies for trade/diploma/certificate programs.

Humm good information to know thanks everyone. I'm so glad I opened this discussion I would never have known so much was involved. I mean I had a feeling but wasn't ready to face it I guess.

My husband is in the same boat. He has a limited education and worked as a security guard in Brazil.
Now in the U.S., he's in ESL classes and works for a distributing company. His life is much better and he's planning on taking a mechanics course once his English improves - he also "likes to work on cars".

Oh wow, I didn't know you had to be a CA resident of a year to not pay those fees, but that does make sense. I am so on engulfed in the immigration thing I completely forgot about state residency when it comes to college fees. I guess we'll have this issue too. Where should my husband go to get his transcripts? I mentioned this to him and he made it seem like it was not available...obviously he just didnt know what I was talking about.

Mawnin Awakenin (did I spell that right, if not sorry sis)

My friend's husband came to DC a few years ago and he also was a cook in Jamaica for 11 years. It was bad enough that he had to deal with adjusting to the US lifestyle, but he basically had to start all over. He went to culinary school (which was not cheap), but in the end it paid off. He's a master chef making well into the triple digits and he's traveled all over the world (just to cook for people). Many options out there. It takes time and patience. They're moving to India for 6 months, because he was hired to cook for someone person who loves Jamaican food and pastery. The only downfall, he had to cut off all his LOCKS. He said it was heart breaking, but he had to take care of his family.

I think I've been so excited about us spending our lives together that I'm just giving serious thought to school and such. You set your mind to paperwork and talking on the phone everyday but his journey will be so new. I want to make sure he can do the things that will add personal satisfaction to his life. I'm glad to know about requesting the transcripts option. It is so important looking at it now.

Thanks everyone!