Authorized to Work..but where is it?
Authorized to Work.. but where is it?
At long last, after almost three months of haggling and anxiety-ridden nights, my Employment Authorization Card arrives. With this piece of plastic, I can officially work for a whole year after my graduation — anything that is related to my field of study (journalism).
Now all I need is a job offer. Lately I’ve applied to photojournalist positions at small newspapers outside of Michigan, and the latest is a photo retoucher position at The AP. Hopefully something will come through soon, as I’m not allowed to remain unemployed for too long.
However freelance is an option to staying employed. Ann Arbor doesn’t offer a deep well of freelance opportunities as New York does, but I’m looking and following leads whenever I can. If you’re nearby (in Michigan or another state) and need a photographer, please feel free to contact me.
Another option that resides dormantly at the back of my mind is returning to Singapore to start my own photography business. Doing that may be impossible in the U.S., considering I have wrangle with legal issues all the time. Also, I have a bigger support base back home, whereas here it might be tougher to get references. The only kind of business I can support here is a freelance one.
This is my current day-to-day struggle: finding work. Although remaining in the U.S. to gain invaluable work and shooting experience, it’s good to know that I have a backup plan to fall back on. Going back to Singapore isn’t bad — especially since I’m beginning to miss it — it’s just that I’d like to tap opportunities that I won’t likely have back in Southeast Asia.
Same here, but slightly different. I am Management major, so It is quite flexible for me to find job. However, I can’t see my self trapped in cubicle all day long, therefore, I plan to go back later this year. I find US is great for learning, so I’ll stay for a bit longer.