Now What?

[Guest]

****Disclaimer: I'm going to sound like a whiny baby for a bit here, please indulge me*****

I have been managing a movie theater for the past 15 years. It's what I know, and although at times I've absolutely hated my job, it's been a fun ride and I've met some very cool people, made some friends, and learned a lot along the way.

However, about 2 weeks ago our landlords locked us out (long story, I won't get into it right now). Today I handed out the last checks to my employees. It was really hard to say goodbye to some of them. My boss (the owner) refuses to tell me that we're shut down though. He told me today that I'm still on payroll (I'll believe it when I see the checks), but I know it's just a matter of time. He's delaying the inevitable.

So, here's where the whining comes in. This is all I have done for 15 years. It's what I know. It's my comfort zone (I know, bad thing but it feels good). Now I feel like I have to start over. I know that I don't want to work in another movie theater, but I have no clue where to go from here. I have been looking for a teaching job for about 3 years now, but with no experience I am not getting hired.

Maybe this is just a rant, but I really would love some suggestions of where to look or how to figure out what I can still do. Also, I know that it's just a matter of time, but I almost feel like I've lost something of myself with this.

Ok, enough whining, but please give me some constructive advise. If you're just going to tell me to get over it and move on, don't waste your time.

Thanks

[Guest]

Managerial experience is managerial experience. My personal experience is that you can easily get another managerial role elsewhere...especially with 15 yr. experience (I know not all of that was managerial, but still.)

Also, your dedication to that company will speak volumes to interviewers. I have no idea how old you are, but a majority of the work force 30 and older won't have anything close to 15 yr. tenure at a company.

As far as the teaching goes, I'm assuming you're certified to teach? If you can't get a job doing that right now, probably best to try to get the occasional sub job to build up some experience. There are also development programs out there for teachers-to-be that will refresh you on your teaching teachings, help you find a job, help prepare your portfolio, and give you a good reference. (I only know this stuff because I dated a teacher last summer...and had to hear ALL about it.)

Good luck, man.

[Guest]

Smirks is right. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a managerial gig.

But, quite frankly, I'm a little shocked that you can't find a teaching gig. Do you have your certifications? Because, no offense or anything, it's not as if pulling a teaching job requires a whole lot in terms of qualifications.

[Guest]

Yes, and no, I am eligible for my probationary certificate. (that's the technical way to say it) I am looking for my first teaching job from my alternative certification program. They are saying this is the worst year for new teachers ever, especially English teachers. Apparently the market is pretty flooded.

Smirks, I'm 36 and all of the time with the theater has been in management. I started as an ast. mgr.

I've considered taking a job waiting tables or something and going back to school next year for a MA in English, but I hear it's even harder to find a job as a college prof.

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Dead Poet;35140] They are saying this is the worst year for new teachers ever, especially English teachers.
[/QUOTE]

Never, ever listen to "them". They don't know what they are talking about. Ever. They are cowards and quitters who give up at the first sign of trouble. Real or imaginary.

[QUOTE=Dead Poet;35140] I've considered taking a job waiting tables or something and going back to school next year for a MA in English, but I hear it's even harder to find a job as a college prof.[/QUOTE]

If you are having a hard time finding a job right now, why would you put yourself into massive debt to pursue the SAME job but is even harder to get?

Take a good, long look at yourself and figure what you [B]really[/B] want out of life. Not what you feel safe doing but what you really want. When you figure it out put all of your energies into it. If what you really want is a teaching job, put all your energies into finding a teaching job and you will get one. Easy as that.

[Guest]

I was in a similar boat as you recently, dissatisfied with a go-nowhere career and then eventually getting sacked. It feels like the end of the world right now, but trust me, once you figure out what you want to do with your life (the answer will come eventually, believe me) you'll feel a lot better. Once you figure out a plan how to get there and start taking steps to make it happen, you'll really start to see your mood change. I advise you to take time for yourself and think about what you want to do. If it means waiting tables for a little bit, then so be it. Once you come up with a goal, put all your energy into it 100%. Taking an active role in changing their life around is your best remedy, trust me.

[Guest]

The key here DP is for you to evaluate yourself and where you want to go. Also look at the outlook of whatever you want to do...is it something that has a promising future? dont be afraid to make changes say to your ambition to suit something thats more relevant to the current economic environment.
A good start would be to get some training. I like your idea of going back to school. I would suggest you consider taking an MBA which would fit well with your management experience and would go a long way towards ANY future plans you may have.
Key is for you to know what you want and make steps towards it.think big picture then break it down to mid term and short term.
All the best dude.