do you think my needing tose 80lbs is keeping from getting the job?

I am talking about a teaching job. I am also 53. I live in NYC and I am told they have glut of elementary teachers. I am probably one of the most popular subs around Others have gotten jobs But they all know somebody. What do you think?

Wed. May 16, 6:47pm

We all would hope it is not the weight.....but how do you rate yourself as a teacher? As a team player? As a leader? What are the skills they are looking for in a person to fill the position that you may or may not have? Try to be objective.

Unless you have health issues related to your weight, it is probably not that if you have proven yourself as a quality, dependable and likeable substitute.

Good luck.....do some soul searching and you may gain insights!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007, 11:28 PM

I agree with the "we all would hope.." part, but. I teach at the university level. Maybe it is just my particular department at my particular school, but I notice that a high value is placed -- both implicitly and explicitly -- on physical attractiveness.

You're in the right place to lose the 80 pounds, that is for sure! Why not make the experiment -- lose the weight and apply again next year?

Wednesday, May 16, 2007, 11:49 PM

Unfortunately, it's been shown in study after study that things like how tall you are and how thin you are DO have impact on your odds of being hired and in how much you will make. If you're really looking to get hired and don't have enough time to grow a few extra inches or lose that 80 pounds, at least find someone whose judgement you trust to go shopping with you to pick out a good, sharp "interview outfit" or two that creates a slimming line, and buy some taller shoes. Sad, but even as a self employed person, my business is thriving more the thinner I get.

Thursday, May 17, 2007, 10:28 AM

In my experience, though I've never been 80 lbs overweight, it's ALWAYS about who you know. If you say the other teachers got jobs, but they knew someone, I'd say, in addition to getting healthy here, you should make it a priority to start networking and meeting the people to know.

At my job in particular, I don't "know" anyone on a personal level who's high up. I want to switch positions, but the position that I want, whenever there's an opening, always goes to X's son, or Y's client's son, etc.

Hmm, maybe I need to know someone, and to grow a penis... Argh!

Thursday, May 17, 2007, 10:37 AM

while i can't see the extra 80 pounds, i can see several spelling and punctuation mistakes in your post. perhaps these are contributing factors? it's a bit difficult to assess your abilities as a teacher without more credentials, too. have you been substitute teaching for a long time in the district where you'd like to become permanent? do you have the necessary teaching certifications for the job you'd like? have you established relationships within the school district where you'd like to work full-time? have you attended any PTA meetings or other school-community based activities? if you get involved with the community where you'd like to be placed, the community can vie on your behalf if they see the beneficial contributions you can make to their school district. most students don't come home talking about the substitute teacher they had that day, but if you make yourself known as someone who takes teaching seriously and wants to contribute to the community, you may have more of a chance of being recognized and commended.

Thursday, May 17, 2007, 11:51 AM

Yes. Since you're asking, I believe you deserve an honest answer. Unless the job market is void of all qualified people, being 80 lbs overweight will prevent you from getting what you want in your career.

Thursday, May 17, 2007, 9:01 PM

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