Any advice for a twentysomething female looking to move to Charlotte (unemployment rate, neighborhoods) - North Carolina (NC) - City-Data Forum

gabrielle2507 · 02-25-2011, 04:01 PM

Born and raised in Seattle and looking to move to Charlotte. My field is the IT industry, so I'm looking to get a job with the govt or large company.

I have absolutely no idea about good neighborhoods and no family, but I need a change. Any advice would be great.

dragon_fly_12 · 02-25-2011, 05:38 PM

Have you visited NC before? Is there anything specific bringing you to Charlotte?

I would definitely recommend securing a job before you make the leap. The unemployment in NC is high and there are already many other IT professionals looking for work.

If you just "need change" - have you looked at other areas across the country? Places near DC and parts of VA have a much lower unemployment rate and offer a larger selection of gov't positions. Likewise, there are other areas around the nation that IT jobs can be found from NY to TX.

USCRugbyNo1 · 02-25-2011, 10:31 PM

Only travel in the daylight!

MTNesters · 02-26-2011, 05:33 AM

That's awfully far from family! Charlotte is a great city but totally different vibe from Seattle - will you miss the water? Have you thought about Portland, Oregon? That would be a change, but just not so far from your family. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Slakkie · 02-26-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabrielle2507

Born and raised in Seattle and looking to move to Charlotte. My field is the IT industry, so I'm looking to get a job with the govt or large company.

I have absolutely no idea about good neighborhoods and no family, but I need a change. Any advice would be great.

Depending on the IT job you want there are a lot of jobs but right now but many are contract and many of the major companies all have an 18 month rule so you can only stay 18 months than leave for a minimum of 6 months.

It is pretty hard to get full time because of the economy - especially in the banks. If you have a financial background it will help as the two biggest employers for IT are Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Duke Energy and Lowes also have a bunch of contracting jobs too.

I would put out your resume to some of the consulting firms. Charlotte has everything from the Mayflower Madam to the pimp on the street when it comes to consulting firms. Be careful who you talk to because some will do right by you and other will not.