Web Developers/Software Engineering Jobs........ (Anchorage, Wasilla: look for a job, construction, living)

[Wings and Waters]

Currently, my fiance and I live near Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to that, we lived in Phoenix, Arizona. We are now seriously looking at a more permanent move to Anchorage.

Currently, I am a project manager in the construction trades. However, as the industry is cyclical and I know a plateau and possible downward trend is coming, I am looking to change career fields at 40 years of age. I have dabbled with web development for a few years, but nothing too serious. Now, looking at where I am career wise and where I could be, I am excited about the possibilities should I pursue the web development/software engineering path.

We were looking at the Wasilla area and I would have no issue with the daily drive to Anchorage. The question then is, what does the web development/software engineering filed look like in Anchorage? Are there decent job prospects? Jobs plentiful? Etc., etc., etc.

Also, my fiance is currently VP of her company but she is looking to do something more as well. Once relocated, she is seriously considering getting another degree in Nursing. It seems as though this is a very large field with plenty of opportunities in Anchorage. Correct?

Any insight and words you all may have is greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

[Frostnip]

Have you ever been to Wasilla?

If your wife wants to go into nursing she should consider doing her re-education before leaving WI rather than after coming here. The UW system is a lot stronger the the UA system and there you'd be paying in-state tuition right from the jump there. And yes, there are lots of nursing jobs here. The competition for those jobs is gonna be much steeper in the Anchorage area than in more remote postings, though.

My feeling is that you'd honestly probably have better luck landing a living-wage job in the construction trades than as a programmer in the Anch area, especially as you're experienced at one and new at the other. Plenty of companies here need on-site techies for networking and the like, but programming and web development is more easily outsourced to places where workers are cheaper and more copious. I can't back that with numbers, though.

[Parnassia]

I'd agree with Frostnip. Make the move(s) to the new professions before moving up here. You'll probably have a lot more opportunities and it will probably cost you a lot less to make the transition down south. If either don't turn out as you'd hoped, you won't be stuck in a high COL location you don't like or face a very expensive move back. Once you've shifted, search for specific positions in those fields up here and move for them.

As for software and web engineering couldn't say. It might be worth looking for opportunities that apply that sort of innovation with the petroleum and resource extraction/construction industries down south and relocate to those firms that operate in AK. When I think of AK I don't think of it being a hub of information age design.

[AlaskaErik]

Our granddaughter recently graduated from the UAA nursing program. It can take years just to get into the program.

[EllieKay56]

My daughter was a nurse in Wisconsin. Two years ago they moved to Alaska. She had multiple offers and they paid for the entire move for her and her family.
Get your degree first and then look for a job. Often with nursing they want experience nurses too.
On a side note, they love Alaska and everything about it. The kids (4 total) have adjusted well. Her husband is not working but has a nice little side business making furniture.
They are coming back to Wisconsin for the 1st time for a visit in June, we are looking forward to seeing them.

[Wings and Waters]

Love all the replies and I appreciate them.

We have been to the area and love it. We are both outdoors people as well. As a fly fisherman, hunter, mountain biker, photographer, etc., I can not think of a better place to be. Add to that, my interest in general aviation, its about perfect. The better half was there twice last year and I've never seen the look in her eyes as when she talks about it. She loves it.

Now, will it happen.......

[Northrick]

Good luck with your relocation!