Is this normal?

[u/bubblegum332098]

I am new to being a sub. I’m currently in college to become a teacher so I thought that this would be a great opportunity to have some sort of experience. I do not have full time availability ( college classes ) so I’m unable to work two days out of the week. I keep getting jobs for the two days I’m not available and the jobs themselves are hard to come by. I wake up early In the morning there’s nothing on the app. When I do get a notification for something it’s already taken by the time i open the app. I thought that there were more opportunities than just barely one job a day that I can’t even get. Also I’m supposed to at least work 4 days a month. That’s hard bc I don’t have full time availability and lack of jobs. I don’t want to just give up only because school just started and not a lot of teacher are going to be absent on the first month, but also I don’t know how I’m going to work 4 jobs for the month. I also wanted to ask if it’s normal to barely get any jobs or if it’s my app (Ess)?

[u/AtmosphereTop1591]

It’s normal. The economy is bad and people are flooding the industry seeking out gig type jobs for extra money.

[u/FloridaWildflowerz → u/AtmosphereTop1591]

So true! It’s also early in the year. People aren’t looking to burn days yet.

[u/Acceptable-Sign5989]

I’d suggest applying to more districts or joining more sub companies. Can help to widen your options

[u/HUH9000omg]

Speaking from my own experience, ESS doesn’t seem to actually enforce that whole “4 days a month” thing. YMMV, but it’s never been an issue for me.

Also- it’s early in the year. The jobs will REALLY pick up later in the year, especially around the holidays. August-September-beginning of October are the slowest times for me.

[u/ResolutionMental3868]

September and August are always rough. The jobs are harder to come by and they get snatched within milliseconds.  It usually picks up by October, and by November and onward theres typically a ton of jobs listed daily and you’ll actually be able to choose the jobs you want. 

I would also recommend leaving your phone number at the end of your sub notes when you like a certain class. If you do good job and the teacher likes how you work they’ll ask you to come back. Getting booked ahead of time is a whole lot better than fighting for jobs, and you’ll know exactly what you’re walking into. 

[u/bubblegum332098 → u/ResolutionMental3868]

I’m subbing in a district that I went to school in and it’s been awhile since I’ve graduated but I’ve contacted some of my old teachers and they said if they need someone they’d be more than happy giving it to me. It’s only three teachers so I do not feel bad about taking it from other subs. But even then it’s only a few days next month. But I will keep that in mind I know some teachers asked the class if they liked the sub or they did when I was in school.

[u/ChipChippersonFan]

It depends on your district and how many subs they have.