Getting a job in Alaska from NJ (Anchorage, Fairbanks: unemployment rate, construction)

[peacelove90]

Hello. I currently live in NJ, but really want to move to Alaska. I've visited the state twice, and it just felt right. I saw the Alaska Railroad had some openings, and I work for a railroad in NJ now. The main challenge I see is getting a job from NJ. I know that Alaska has a high unemployment rate, so I think the job may go to Alaska residents. Do you think it's worth applying? Thanks.

[Music_Man]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Metlakatla]

It can't hurt to try. I can't give you any idea of how it will work out, but I can say many jobs in Alaska go to nonresidents because Alaskans aren't capable of doing them. The state has the least educated and the least capable work force in the country, most of them "fiercely independent types" who's prefer to cry about their PFD while the taxpayers support them.

Despite the high unemployment rate, I think that someone with something to offer and a good head on their shoulders can make their way in Alaska if they plan carefully.

[RayinAK]

These are some of the largest employers in Alaska. In this workforce, skills in the trades (welding, carpentry, construction, plumbing, heavy equipment operators, and so on) have always been in high demand:
https://www.careerinfonet.org/oview6...&id=&nodeid=12

In Fairbanks UAF can be considered a large employer:
https://uaf.edu/facts/

In general State, local, and Federal governments are the largest employers.

[riceme]

Seems that you would have a big draw since you work for the railroad. They definitely like to hire from within, more than almost anyone else I can think of. As Met mentioned, a lot of businesses recruit because there are not local qualified candidates.

[AlaskaErik]

Your screen name has me wondering if Alaska would be a good fit for you. Alaska is a very gun friendly state and it won't be incommon for you to see people open carrying their pistol. And the ones you don't see open carrying will be carrying concealed. As hostile as NJ is to the Second Amendment, I doubt you've even seen a real gun before. So if you're a hopolophobe and squeamish about guns, I recommend you look elsewhere to relocate. One other consideration...Alaska went for President Trump back in November. And we're not bashful about telling you how we really feel about Hitlery.

[Metlakatla]

I have rarely seen anyone open-carrying unless they're on their way hunting. Maybe it's more of a valley and Anchorage thing.

Not sure what national politics has to do with this. The only signs I saw in my area were for Sanders, btw.

OP, it's been my experience that most Alaskans keep their politics to themselves unless specifically asked about them. Unfortunately, as with anywhere else, every now and then there's a blowhard who feels he's got to try to shove his ideology in everyone's face, but most are better behaved.

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

I have rarely seen anyone open-carrying unless they're on their way hunting. Maybe it's more of a valley and Anchorage thing.

Not sure what national politics has to do with this. The only signs I saw in my area were for Sanders, btw.

OP, it's been my experience that most Alaskans keep their politics to themselves unless specifically asked about them. Unfortunately, as with anywhere else, every now and then there's a blowhard who feels he's got to try to shove his ideology in everyone's face, but most are better behaved.

I, too, don't see gunslingers in town. The only time I've seen someone carrying a firearm was while hiking in the Chugach for bear protection.

There used to be some political talk during and shortly after the election but I think many are just embarrassed by what's going on now so don't say anything.

Originally Posted by AlaskaErik

And we're not bashful about telling you how we really feel about Hitlery.

My, that's classy.

[Frostnip]

I'm up in the interior. I'd say it's unusual in my area to see someone open carrying unless they have an obvious reason to be, like they're fishing in bear habitat.

[RayinAK]

In Fairbanks I even see women open-carrying in Safeway and Fred Meyer. I see this all the time around Fairbanks and North Pole. I have seen spectators open-carrying at the local sled-dog races, gun shows, and so on.

And the politics? Just the same for the past 8-9 years.