briantroy

Hey Ned, I am Hispanic, and I attended junior high/freshman year of high school in an area where my family was definitely not welcome: signs posted in front yard, notes left on porch, etc. Perhaps it is because we lived in an upper class area, but I am really not sure. I attended a year of college in a very different state, but the same region, and was outright told I should "go back to my country." And, about 4 years ago, I drove through the same general area with my ex-girlfriend, who happens to be African American, and people stared at us like we were from Mars. It was hard to eat a meal at a restaurant because every time I looked around I was being glared at. Twice we were pulled over without cause, questioned, and let go after our IDs were run. I hope this explains why I am a little "picky". I have traveled the world, I have a post-graduate degree, and I am smart enough and educated enough to know I will never return to particular areas of our country again. I understand that each place has something to offer, but sometimes it just isn't worth it. I appreciate all your input, and I respect your views!

Thanks again, Ned. Here is an example of what I heard from a coworker. Not sure if it applies to seasonal hospital personnel: No more unemployment benefits for seasonal workers - May. 31, 2012

Thanks, Ned. UIB seem to be the biggest factor for me right now. I am so used to having a regular paycheck and knowing where the next one is coming from, that I feel nice and secure. Doing the travel thing is, frankly, a bit scary. My greatest fear is losing the home I have worked so hard to keep through the financial crisis and losing nearly half the value. Only now am I getting close to having my head above water. The last thing I need is to lose because I decide to go traveling. I guess I just need to know there is a safety net out there should things get bad. I guess I could also take assignments in places I don't want to visit if it got that bad, but that kind of defeats the whole purpose of my wanting to travel. I have vacationed in certain regions of the country and experienced, let's call it, "a not welcomed feeling" because I wasn't the same color. I don't want to every experience that again.

Interesting. The hospital built and owns an apartment complex, but they charge you extra if you have a pet since you have to live alone. I will have to check into the 'tax home' you mention and learn how that works. I'm not sure what the laws are like in AZ, but just today I heard some states no longer allow UIB for 'seasonal' work when it is understood that the contract will end at a certain time but then begin again at a certain time. I will have to do some checking. Thanks!

The 9 month job is not a travel contract. That particular job is deemed a season job and is with the actual hospital, not an agency. I'm aware I will have to be looking for work, I guess I am just wondering what a "suitable" job is. In other words, will I have to move across country to take a position? I am an RT, so my options are limited. I only posted here because there aren't any sites like this dedicated to travel RT jobs.

Thanks guys! I didn't mention that I am an RT, but there aren't any travel RT websites so I figured nursing was close enough! The biggest problem, however, is that there are about 50 times as many travel nursing jobs as there are travel RT jobs. Because I have a condo I want to keep while traveling, I am very worried about money and making sure the mortgage gets paid. So, even if UIB only helps make that payment during any potential dry spells, it would help. As for taking assignments in particular places, I have vacationed in nearly every region of the country and there are certain areas I do not ever care to see again. Ned mentions that one "cannot turn down suitable employment without losing eligibility" and I guess that is what it boils down to. What is considered "suitable employment?" I can understand if I am offered something where I want to go, but I am not going to accept something in a place I have been before and hated. Is that "suitable?"

I have been thinking about leaving my full-time job of 10 years to travel. But, I recently heard that unemployment benefits are not available if I refuse to take an assignment somewhere I don't want to go. Given that, I have heard about a place in Arizona, a place I would like to visit, offering 9 month seasonal jobs. Does anyone know if unemployment benefits are available for the 3 remaining months if a travel job isn't available or they do not offer a full-time position?

That's exactly what I was afraid of. I would never want to be pushed into taking an assignment somewhere I don't want to be just because I can't wait for an assignment in a place I want to see. If I finish an assignment in Seattle and the company says I have to accept a job in Louisiana and I will not get UIB if I refuse, then I don't want to take the chance.

Hi Guys. I am thinking of leaving my full-time position I have had for 10 years to take a travel assignment. I have always wanted to travel, but only now do I have the freedom to do such. But, there are only certain areas of the country where I want to work (Pacific Northwest, Northern California and parts of Arizona and New Mexico). My greatest fear is leaving for an assignment and, once complete, not being able to find another position I am happy with right away. In other words, I don't want to be forced to take a job, just because I need the money, in an area where I know I will be unhappy. I am curious if it is possible to collect UIB until a position opens in an area where I will be happy. Thanks!

Thanks for the help guys. Yuma is a 3 hour drive from where I live now, so flying there isn't a problem. The position being offered is a full-time position so I will be there in the busy and slow seasons (warm months and screaming hot months). I am really most curious about the culture at the facility itself. I don't want to leave the my FT position only to find that management at YRMC is unbearable. Thanks!

Hi All, I am a respiratory therapist thinking about taking a position at YRMC. I am just curious what people think of the organization/facility/management and city in general. Any info in appreciated. Thanks!