Looking for Job Advice in NYC — Attorney / Bilingual Professional Relocating from Chile
Hi everyone! I hope this is the right place to ask. I'm looking for some advice and suggestions from anyone who knows the New York job market or has been in a similar situation.
In late August, my husband and I will be relocating to New York City. He'll be studying a Master's Degree there and got a full-ride scholarship plus stipend, so housing is not a problem, and we're planning to stay for about 12 to 18 months. We'll both be on work visas.
A bit about my background: I'm a licensed attorney, I specialize in Energy Law, currently working in Chile. I could technically keep working remotely for my current employer after the move, but honestly, I believe I could earn significantly more by finding something locally in New York (salaries in Chile are significantly lower than in the U.S.).
I'm fluent in both English and Spanish, plus a little Italian, but I want to be upfront — I'm not necessarily looking to land a position as a legal associate. I know the U.S. legal market can be tough to break into for foreign-trained lawyers, especially for a relatively short stay. That said, if there are realistic opportunities that leverage my legal background or bilingual skills (translation work, compliance, contract review, legal support roles, etc.), I'd love to hear about them.
Beyond the legal side, I have solid experience in customer service and client-facing roles. I actually worked throughout my adolescence at a music store, so I'm no stranger to retail and dealing with the public. I'm also completely open to other types of work — child care, working at a café, food service, you name it. I'm not picky, and I'm a hard worker. The priority for me is earning a decent income during the time we're there (USD 4.000 or more), but still having time to do other activities (i.e. 9-to-5 job and 2 free days a week, ideally, weekends).
So, my question for the community: what are the best and most realistic ways to find employment in New York given my profile? Are there specific job boards, agencies, or networks I should be looking into — whether for bilingual professional roles or for more accessible positions in retail, hospitality, or child care? Any tips from people who've been through something similar would be incredibly appreciated.
Thanks so much in advance for any advice or leads. I'm really excited about the move and just want to make the most of our time in New York!