What jobs am I qualified for with a double major in History and English?

Question

I have a double major in History and English, plus my Secondary Teaching Certificate. I currently teach high school ap history classes, civics, and psychology. My job is very rewarding, but also very, very demanding. I pretty much from 6 am to midnight, with only a few hours to myself, and work all day on Sunday. I have helped develop several programs for my school, and the state I teach in. I'm burned out though, and am looking for a change. What careers would I be qualified for??? I am also very artistic, and love to do faux painting on walls in homes. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

I am not sure how flexible you are about relocating, but...that may not be a requirement. So have you considered being an Interpretive Ranger with the National Park Service, or in you State, County, or local park systems?

Consider that the "boomers" will be retiring in droves...and many vacancies will be open. With the current budgets, not all may be replaced, but certainly many positions may opening up. Your background and track record is sure to catch the attention of the National Park Service.

If you are burnt out, consider this: the teaching done by an Interpretive Ranger doesn't involve testing and grading of student papers. And another great point is the students you "teach" have self-selected to be in the park (for the most part) ...they WANT to be there. It's not like teaching students that HAVE to be in class.

If you don't want to deal with teaching, then work behind the scenes creating the interpretive displays in park centers or along trails and guided tour routes.

Most people don't realize the extensive holdings of the National Park Service. Besides the crown jewel parks (e.g. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Glacier, etc) there are numerous National Historic Sites and Monuments, etc scattered everywhere in the country. Visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm to find park sites near your present location.

If there is a facility near you, call and make an appointment to talk with them about possible employment opportunities.

For possible job listings, visit http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/usajobs.cfm

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Answer 2

You could give your name to contractors and tell them you are available during the summer to do faux painting.

Those degrees will qualify you for lots of jobs that only require a liberal arts degree. Look around at who's hiring, and see if there's anything interesting out there. Being a sales assistant at a media group, just about any kind of consulting, maybe administration in a nonprofit program somewhere.

You may be disappointed with the salary and benefits packages out there though. Some school departments take pretty good care of their staff to make up for the burnout factor.
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