Moving to Austin. No Job, but have an idea. Would like some feedback (San Antonio: home, job market)

[Bavinator]

Hi everyone,

Short story- I was stationed in Texas for a few years, got out of the military, and moved back home in NJ/NYC area. Finished my degree, got more work experience under my belt, and looking to move back to TX.

I got some networking connections, but nothing to write home about. Got a pretty good amount of money saved up as well. I was thinking of moving there and working Uber and Lyft for a few months, just to get on my feet and build a foundation until I find a permanent gig.

What are your thoughts? Austin or SA are on my list of potential spots to move. Also, additional information- I am looking for work in Marketing or Project Management, as these are the fields I have experience in.


Thanks folks!

[10scoachrick]

I gave a bit of thought to driving for Uber or Lyft...until I considered how lucky I am NOT to have to deal with Austin traffic on a regular(commuting) basis. I reckon that part of the plan "could" be done; but trying to make a living at it doesn't seem all that attractive.

I suppose the job market for your field might depend on your area of expertise.
Lots of folks will tell you the COL is lower in SA, especially for housing; but the job market may or may not be there.

Good luck!

[Bavinator]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

I gave a bit of thought to driving for Uber or Lyft...until I considered how lucky I am NOT to have to deal with Austin traffic on a regular(commuting) basis. I reckon that part of the plan "could" be done; but trying to make a living at it doesn't seem all that attractive.

I suppose the job market for your field might depend on your area of expertise.
Lots of folks will tell you the COL is lower in SA, especially for housing; but the job market may or may not be there.

Good luck!

Thank you! Yeah, having lived in the usual NJ and NYC traffic up here, I found Texas traffic mild in comparison lol. And the cost of living out here is ridiculous! I think driving for Uber and Lyft would be a great "transitioning job" until I find something better.

[RoamingTX]

Originally Posted by Bavinator

Thank you! Yeah, having lived in the usual NJ and NYC traffic up here, I found Texas traffic mild in comparison lol. And the cost of living out here is ridiculous! I think driving for Uber and Lyft would be a great "transitioning job" until I find something better.

What you might find is that you better damn well learn the landmarks, roads and routes fast or you’ll end up seriously pissing off locals. But Austin surge pricing makes it fun.

[Bavinator]

Originally Posted by RoamingTX

What you might find is that you better damn well learn the landmarks, roads and routes fast or you’ll end up seriously pissing off locals. But Austin surge pricing makes it fun.

Good tip! Thank you! Do you drive out there?

[RoamingTX]

Originally Posted by Bavinator

Good tip! Thank you! Do you drive out there?

I do every now and then. My brother was killed by a DUI driver and I’m a strong believer that ride shares do a ton to slow that down.

I was born and raised here, so I know a bunch of side routes. I also use Uber/Lyft/RideAustin every time I go out - it pisses me off to no end when some dipstick is too busy juggling his phone to figure out that he needs to be one lane over.

[Bavinator]

Originally Posted by RoamingTX

I do every now and then. My brother was killed by a DUI driver and I’m a strong believer that ride shares do a ton to slow that down.

I was born and raised here, so I know a bunch of side routes. I also use Uber/Lyft/RideAustin every time I go out - it pisses me off to no end when some dipstick is too busy juggling his phone to figure out that he needs to be one lane over.

Oh man, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

Yes, drinking and driving is no joke. ride sharing does help in that sense.

Would you recommend it as a transitioning job, as I mentioned?

[RoamingTX]

You’ll be dipping into your savings a bit, but it’s worth a shot.

[ashbeeigh]

With your military background I'd go with San Antonio. Your network would be bigger and you're practically a shoe in for most jobs when you say "veteran." Austin is close enough to come up when you need to and you won't have to get into your savings as much living there. Then once you get tired of San Antonio use that savings to move up here in a few years.

[DMChicago]

Double dip?