I finally got official word that I got hired. I originally applied for a teacher assistant position and went through most of the training with that assumption as a volunteer. At the last minute, prior to the interview, it was suggested I apply for a teacher position instead. That pays a little better. In addition, I applied as a bus driver. I got both jobs. This is awesome! I've always wanted to drive a bus. I will definitely enjoy this gig, even with the long hours.
Depending on my route, I may have to drive between 1.5 to 2 hours in the morning and again in the afternoon. This means overtime for me every week during the season, maybe 10 to 20 hours. This is good for the company because hiring a full-time bus driver would cost more than paying me the overtime. Sadly, the job also means that I am not officially a migrant. By definition, migrants work in agriculture or food processing. On the bright side, I'll be participating in a program that helps migrants and their children. In addition, the company is willing to fund my education for both jobs.
There are tons of benefits for getting into this seasonal program. I mentioned some. The most important, overall, is that my wife and I will be able to spend weekends with the kids. We plan on enjoying weekend getaways to the campsites north of Rice Lake with the family. My daughter wants me to teach her to fish and I would not mind teaching her. I can visualize the whole thing now. When I leave in October, deer season will be underway. Maybe I can tag along with some local hunters before heading back to the RGV. I probably won't kill any deer. I'm not against killing deer, it's just that it would be a waste. My family won't be here to help me eat it.
I just remembered something, I got a call from HEB recruiting last week on Monday. Geez, they took their time in deciding. I've missed good opportunities due to hesitation. I think they did too. I'll call to find out more details, maybe they will keep me in mind for the future. They do pay well for the RGV.
There are consequences to getting hired as a HeadStart teacher. For one, I need to study Early Childhood education to get certified. It will be paid by the company, but in return they expect me to return next season. This impacts my decisions for the Winter and Spring and my work prospects back home. I still have difficult decisions to make; but, at least with money more options open up. I can understand the plight of everybody struggling to make ends meet in the RGV. It's tough to make it on meager wages. For the first time in years, I feel hope.
Depending on my route, I may have to drive between 1.5 to 2 hours in the morning and again in the afternoon. This means overtime for me every week during the season, maybe 10 to 20 hours. This is good for the company because hiring a full-time bus driver would cost more than paying me the overtime. Sadly, the job also means that I am not officially a migrant. By definition, migrants work in agriculture or food processing. On the bright side, I'll be participating in a program that helps migrants and their children. In addition, the company is willing to fund my education for both jobs.
There are tons of benefits for getting into this seasonal program. I mentioned some. The most important, overall, is that my wife and I will be able to spend weekends with the kids. We plan on enjoying weekend getaways to the campsites north of Rice Lake with the family. My daughter wants me to teach her to fish and I would not mind teaching her. I can visualize the whole thing now. When I leave in October, deer season will be underway. Maybe I can tag along with some local hunters before heading back to the RGV. I probably won't kill any deer. I'm not against killing deer, it's just that it would be a waste. My family won't be here to help me eat it.
I just remembered something, I got a call from HEB recruiting last week on Monday. Geez, they took their time in deciding. I've missed good opportunities due to hesitation. I think they did too. I'll call to find out more details, maybe they will keep me in mind for the future. They do pay well for the RGV.
There are consequences to getting hired as a HeadStart teacher. For one, I need to study Early Childhood education to get certified. It will be paid by the company, but in return they expect me to return next season. This impacts my decisions for the Winter and Spring and my work prospects back home. I still have difficult decisions to make; but, at least with money more options open up. I can understand the plight of everybody struggling to make ends meet in the RGV. It's tough to make it on meager wages. For the first time in years, I feel hope.
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