Wandering if relocating is the best move. (Phoenix, Tucson: find a job, schools)

[prospective_law_student]

Hi, I am a single african american mother. I have a pre teen daughter and a 6 year old son. I am originally from California. I am having a hard time finding a job and making way for myself and my children. I have been out of a job for a year, I have a Bachelors degree in criminal justice, (that doesnt seem to matter) I also have my CBESt to become a sustitute teacher. Still cant find work. Im frustrated and finally decided to relocate where there will be better opportunity for myself and my children. I have been told by a few friends that Phoenix will be a great starter place to find work, continue my education, and get my children involved in activities. I cant take only one person advice i would like to hear from people who have once been in my shoes.
My plan is to relocate to a state where i can find a job that pays good, the school system are beyond great for my children, I can be comfortable to work and save money at the same time. I also want to be where I can find work fast and if need to lean on government assistance until i find a job will be applicable as well.
Please if you have any advice feel free to do so! Including if Arizona is not the place.

[JAinAZ]

Tucson PD was on the news the other day saying they are adding 100 police officers by the end of the year. With a BS in criminal justice, you should have a leg up on other applicants as far as education goes.

Just curious, but have you applied to any LE agencies in CA? Seems with your education, you should have some prospects there.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend you move here without a job, but you should be able to apply to an agency and make one or two trips here for the testing and interviews. Most departments are used to people from out of state appplying and try to make it as easy as possible for them. Good luck.

[Dangerous Dave]

Have you looked at USAjobs?

[desertinbloomaz]

Hi. I am somewhat in the same position as you are. I have a bs in criminal justice too and there are very few jobs available in that area due to many government job freezes in AZ. I am currently working at a bank as a fraud specialist to not only have an income but also make my resume stand out to the next employer. I've applied for a few jobs in the crj field but from the replies that I've received I seem to lack experience. You can try looking at city of mesa jobs and scottsdale, they seem to hire the most from what I've noticed. Indeed.com and usajob.gov are also good sites to look at regulary since they always have new job postings. I hope that helped some.

[observer53]

Arizona puts funding for education at a very low priority, so your phrase "better than great" raises some concerns. Because money spent is not the sole determiner of a good education, there are some very good to good districts here in the Phoenix area...I'm not as familiar with Tucson schools.

[normcrok8]

If you are in California and having those difficulties, it will be harder in Arizona.


EDUCATION.
If U conduct the research U will quickly find out that AZ does not consider education a priority. In fact, AZ ranks among the lowest states in school funding, graduation rates and testing scores. Perhaps schools are not a priortiy because Phoenix is generally a transient town and no one cares? Just look at the city of Glendale as an example. They lay off police, fire fighters, teachers, etc, from budget cuts, but wont hesitate to subsidize professional sports teams and their stadiums at taxpayers expense. It really is quite sad. If you want 'better than great schools,' move significantly East, as in the East Coast.

JOBS
Jobs in AZ also dont pay well, at least 20% below average for numerous things, especially for teachers. AZ is a right-to-work state which also guarantees low wages. If you want to work at McDonalds or Walmart, AZ is a good fit.

GOVERNEMNT ASSISTANCE.
There almost isnt any. AZ IS VERY FRUGAL AND IS NOT THE STATE TO NEED GOVERNMENT AID. This includes Healthacae/Medicaid and Unemployment. Especially unemployment. AZ doesnt want to pay squat for anything.

Based on your needs, I think the East Coast or another liberal area like Minnesota or Wisconsin is best for you.

Nonetheless, dont move ANYWHERE without a job lined up first.

[Foxychoconaps]

Originally Posted by prospective_law_student

I have been told by a few friends that Phoenix will be a great starter place to find work, continue my education, and get my children involved in activities. I cant take only one person advice i would like to hear from people who have once been in my shoes.
My plan is to relocate to a state where i can find a job that pays good, the school system are beyond great for my children, I can be comfortable to work and save money at the same time. I also want to be where I can find work fast and if need to lean on government assistance until i find a job will be applicable as well.
Please if you have any advice feel free to do so! Including if Arizona is not the place.

Hi there I just read your post. Although it's 3 years old I would like to reach out to you to see how u like it in AZ. I just posted a thread asking for more info about the single life there for Black singles? I am moving to Tempe from cali. Did u ever make that move to AZ? Please let me know how you like it so far? We're u able to get settled in?

Have a great day.

[jamies]

Deleted comment. Oops - zombie thread I didn't read the date.