Sigh

I think this is the first time since I was like 12 that I haven’t had a job. I am now into the third month without work and am starting to flip out. I survived the first few months in Brazil by subbing for a local school and by dipping into my savings. The pay was good but far from steady, as I had to wait for someone to get sick for them to call me in. On the English teaching side of things, I had hoped that I could get a job at ACBEU after completing their six month training course. I knew it was risky as I would be paying for work and not earning from it, but decided after hearing from a number of sources that I would probably get hired to take the plunge. I really worked my ass off, crossing my t’s and dotting my i’s, smiling to all of the right people. Well, come to find out they aren’t hiring this semester, so bye bye gringo. Another roll of snake eyes for me.

Until I can get my citizenship in the next (praying to god) 5 months, there are few options open to me. I have already been offered a job but lost it because of my visa status. Things are further complicated by the Master’s degree schedule, which blocks off evenings and makes it difficult to seek work in a language school. Add to that fact that because I am not an employee at the school where the program is held (out of 25 people I am the only one) the price has jumped an unanticipated R$ 375 to US$ 550 per class.

In terms of private English classes, I continue to find that it’s for the birds. It’s good when my students show up, and, you know, pay, but private arrangements are so much less formal and the students less committed to show.

I expect that after I get citizenship maybe, just maybe things will start to ease up. If I can get work at the school, then maybe I can get a paycheck, and just maybe I can go out and buy a pair of jeans.

Until then…well. I went out and bought a stapler today. It cost R$20 (due to the third world haha-stay poor-fuck you tax). Until then I survive.

I tell ya [shakes fist at the sky]. Sometimes living the adventurous life has its disadvantages.

Which side of the hedge are you on?