more likely place for a black man to succeed columbus or dc area

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by tweezy

this tread isnt about race, its about people who make the decision to be individuals, when your resume is good and loaded with great work history but you have maybe a few to many tattoos or dreads etc. i dont blame the people who have put themselves in a position of BOSS, they earn the right to choose who they want with their company, what I'm seeing as someone who grew up in columbus and now lives in d.c area, if you apply your self out here, the sky's the limit, whether you have a criminal record or didnt get higher education, you get a chance, from what i remember about Columbus is nothing like that, its what they say out here, A RED STATE, meaning very conservative. if you've made mistakes in your past and grew but get looked down upon, you might understand what i'm asking.I'm not pointing fingers or making excuses, I'm asking a genuine question, which city is better for a black man with some flaws in his past and chooses a look that might be stereo typed by people who dont understand. thanks for your opinions

Based upon your clarification, I would say DC.

[Huckleberry3911948]

i personally know some very successful AA men. impressive. the area was a factor, but so was the attitude. employment is 85% attitude. few believe this fewer understand it.
eddie murphy is fiction.

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by stationplay

as far as 6 figures goes...i mean...you can make 6 figs anywhere if your qualified.

[damovinguy]

Go to Washington, D.C. I hear they have a half-white President running the show there now. HA!

As for Columbus, you will fit in wherever you believe you will fit in. It is all in your mind.

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by damovinguy

Go to Washington, D.C. I hear they have a half-white President running the show there now. HA!

OKaaaayyy. generaly the population in Columbus is less tolerent of things different (OK they are darn right xenophobic). The place is fairly liberal, so they are less likely to hold race against you than they would religion or culture.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by LewLew

Tweezy,
I think amywhere in the midwest and also other parts of the country aren't as "open-minded" as say D.C., California, Washington State, NYC, etc. I am not sure that it's the actual part of the country or the companies that are hiring in those areas. You are correct that coastal areas tend to be more understanding, and "sky is the limit" I think you said to....remember that there are HUGE companies there, worldwide companies, government, etc. There are many more opportunities for all types of people...however, it comes with a price. You'll have to make twice what you would in Columbus to live well, and you'll have 10x's the competition for every job you seek.
I'm glad things seem to be working out well for you in DC. If you really want to get back to Columbus, get that great BOSS job in DC, and make your way back. Then, maybe you can be one of the first to start being the guy who makes that difference in the area.

I think your post is on target with everything.

I live in California, and the "live and let live" attitude here definitely comes with a high price. A lot of middle income foks have gotten frustrated and left and others are considering it.

[NeoSoulBrotha]

I moved here from Baltimore about a year and a half ago, so I'm familiar with both DC and Columbus work environment.

It's more about the line of work you're in and the company you're with than the locale. Larger, more traditional organizations will have a more conservative business environment and stricter requirements for hiring, smaller organizations and startups will be more flexible. You'll find a greater diversity of companies in DC, however there's lots of qualified people competing with you for jobs and a much higher cost of living. There's a good mix of opportunities here in Columbus, although either way you can expect to spend a month or two in your job search because of the economy.

What type of job opportunities are you looking for? I may be able to refer you to some good resources.

Jonathan C.
ASCEND: The Black Professional Association of Columbus
www.ascendbpac.org
www.meetup.com/columbus-black-professionals