Employment

In the United States, great value is placed on being employed. Therefore, working and becoming self-sufficient is one of the most important priorities for newly arrived refugees. You will be expected to take a job, even if it is not highly paid or in your former occupation.

One of your first goals after arriving in the United States will be to find a job. While you may receive some help from employment services which have been established to help refugees find jobs, your personal efforts and attitude are even more important. Employment is not guaranteed by the government or your resettlement agency. You will be competing with others for the same jobs, so it is essential to develop a positive attitude and demonstrate that you are ready to go to work.

Your first job will almost certainly be one of several that you will hold, and it will be an important step in establishing a work history in the United States. As your English skills improve through study and informal contacts with other Americans, your chances of moving to a better, higher-paying job also improve. Staying on the first job at least six months is an important step in creating a good work history. It is also important that you try to use English as much as possible, at work and elsewhere in the community.

Both men and women work in the United States. Women make up half the work force and perform the same jobs as men at all levels. Although it may not have been acceptable for women to work in your homeland, it is normal for them to do so in the United States. Having two incomes in the family will further your family's progress towards financial self-sufficiency. Children over the age of 15 may also work part-time, and many young people start their first job by working after school and during vacation time.

While your first goal should be to take any job, you should also begin setting long-range employment goals. These might be to acquire skills to get a better job or enter a new field, or return to your former profession. This will take careful planning, an understanding of the job market, and learning about special requirements to obtain certification or licensing. You will need to be patient during this process. You may find help and information from an employment counselor in your community, at your resettlement agency, or at a nearby community college or university. Above all, remember that the United States is known as a land of opportunity for those who work hard. Most Americans believe in the importance of adults working to support themselves and their families rather than relying on cash assistance from the government. Most refugees continue to work on English language skills while they are employed, because a better command of the language often means better job opportunities. While life in the United States may seem confusing at first, as time passes you will learn more about your new country and the opportunities it provides.

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The Cultural Orientation Project--http://www.culturalorientation.net, for more information contact sanja@cal.org
Last Updated: 4/25/00