[Rwarky]

In your opinion, which Floridian cities are the best for obtaining a decent paying job? Which are the worst?

[deeni]

My experience is that Tampa is one of the worst. I have been trying to get a job there for months now. I finally got called for an interview but there was MAJOR competition for it. And it only paid $33,000.

I gave up on Tampa and started looking at Fort Lauderdale and am having much better luck. So far I have gotten 2 interviews for jobs ranging from $40-45,000. Definitely a step up from Tampa. Too bad rents are much higher in the area. Might even things out anyway.

I also have experience with Gainesville. I would say the job market is ok there. I was making $33,000 but the major employer there is the University which is currently on a hiring freeze.

[eaglecall]

Overcrowded ciites of immigrants usually have lower paying jobs. For example, Miami is a very 3rd world economy style city. Middle class in Miami is almost completely gone. There is a good higher class, and a lower poorish class. What usually pays good in an average American town, here is paid very cheap. Why? because there will be always somebody who came here yesterday starving and will do the same job for 5 bucks an hour. On the other hand, you have the companies and corporates making big profits from this tragedy and of course they have good paid professional positions.

So basically, you need to have a good degree in South FL to make a good living, just like in the 3rd world countries. And it will be worst day by day.

[PG77]

Originally Posted by deeni

My experience is that Tampa is one of the worst. I have been trying to get a job there for months now. I finally got called for an interview but there was MAJOR competition for it. And it only paid $33,000.

I gave up on Tampa and started looking at Fort Lauderdale and am having much better luck. So far I have gotten 2 interviews for jobs ranging from $40-45,000. Definitely a step up from Tampa. Too bad rents are much higher in the area. Might even things out anyway.

I also have experience with Gainesville. I would say the job market is ok there. I was making $33,000 but the major employer there is the University which is currently on a hiring freeze.

I had to leave Tampa for employment reasons, so I know what you are saying. Been there done that. But am now in Seattle with a job, but miserable in this place.

[deeni]

PG77, I am also wondering if I need to leave the Florida area completely. I have tons of family in Philly but the area is miserable (I spent 26 years there). However, I know I will be able to get a decent paying job. I am debating this right now and I just don't know what to do.

[PG77]

Originally Posted by deeni

PG77, I am also wondering if I need to leave the Florida area completely. I have tons of family in Philly but the area is miserable (I spent 26 years there). However, I know I will be able to get a decent paying job. I am debating this right now and I just don't know what to do.

I know exactly what you are going through and it tore me apart. I started out in Jacksonville and made my way to Tampa and then to Bradenton/Sarasota. I worked in the title insurance field (which seemed like the only field I could get a job in Florida) and when the housing market went down, my job opportunities did also. I got another job in Sarasota and it turned out to be something completely different than what it was supposed to be. I never wanted to leave there, but I had no choice. I had no desire whatsoever to return to Ohio (where I am originally from) so I ended up here in the Seattle area because my sister lives here and I had a lead on a job which I got, but I hate it here. I would come back there, but it would be no different jobwise and I also suffer with osteoarthritis in my knees and the humidity there doesnt help. I, myself, am struggling with what to do here. I am contemplating a move to Phoenix because of my arthritis and because it is warm and sunny there and I think the employment situation is better there. I wish I could help you with your decision. All I can say is, try as hard as you can to find a job there if you really love Florida because, if you are like me, you will find yourself someplace that you absolutely hate and have to pinch yourself everyday because you cannot believe you are actually here. Good luck

[the9thwonder]

I'd say Jax is one of the better, and Miami is one of the worst. My 2 cents.

[compelled to reply]

You are really talking about the lesser of six evils

1. Orlando area (diversified for a FL city, but still the minimum wage capital of the nation)
2. Fort Lauderdale area (only with the assistance of two axillary commutable mediocore job markets and some technology)
3. West Palm Beach area
4. Tampa area
5. Miami (bump it to #2 if you speak Spanish, home to a lot of Latin American headquarters)
6. Jacksonville area

[PG77]

Originally Posted by the9thwonder

I'd say Jax is one of the better, and Miami is one of the worst. My 2 cents.

The "red light running capital" are you in Tampa? Or are you in Jax? I almost got ran over in a crosswalk in Jax. They dont believe in pedestrians there.

[the9thwonder]

Originally Posted by PG77

The "red light running capital" are you in Tampa? Or are you in Jax? I almost got ran over in a crosswalk in Jax. They dont believe in pedestrians there.

Yikes!

You mean it's that bad there now too? I am in Orlando, and it is bad here too. Orlando is the "angriest city in america," and combine that with the 7th "most dangerous city to live in," and "number 2 in road rage"... yup. Orlando is a real treat. TRANSLATION: it sucks.