[pianogal]

Ok...I know I'm sticking my neck out here...BUT...
I just don't understand the issue with the jobs. Unemployment in Central Florida stands at just 2.9%. This is not hearsay or personal experience - this is a statistical fact. The following is personal experience.

My son's friends are all in their 20's - most of them having graduated in the last year or two, some just graduating, others have been in the work force for a few years. NONE of them have had any problem getting a job in Orlando in their chosen field.

For example:
My son is already at work as a systems administrator for a central florida company - he's a senior majoring in computer science with a specialty in S.C.A.N. (secure computer administration and networks). He is 23 and on salary with benefits.

His best friend just graduated from Police Academy and got a job offer the next day. He is currently a rookie with a local police department.

Another buddy graduated from fireman/paramedic school and immediately was hired to work with the Maitland Fire dept. - he is currently applying for a position with the Orlando Fire Dept.

Another friend graduated and is employed with a national company, writes books in his spare time and has already published his first book and is working on number 2.

Another graduated with a business degree and is in managerial training with a building supply company.

I could go on...but NONE of his circle of about 15 friends have had any problem finding jobs. NONE of these jobs pay minimum wage and they all have benefits. A couple have already purchased a condo.

Is it because all these young people have grown up here and have contacts? Perhaps in some cases -but now all. The young policeman had no contacts within the police department - he was sought after because he graduated 1st in his class.

[Floridasunshine]

I know Publix pays its computer people good money, Tampa Electric, Verizon all pays computer jobs very well. My son left his job as Sgt with Police dept after 14 yrs, and he got job right away making what he was making as law enforcement and no stress.

[Jammie]

HI Pianogal, you're always so positive and I love that. And yes, it appears that there are a lot of jobs in places like Orlando, Tampa, etc. (Probably Miami, too, but we weren't interested in living that far south.) But where I'm running into problems in my search for a full time job that offers group health insurance is in the smaller cities in Fla. I don't mean tiny towns with a population of 500, but in towns between 10,000 and 50,000 people. As time grows nearer for us to be free to enjoy the Fla. sunshine, I do have one last alternative. There's a company called Spherion that I will get in touch with. It appears that several of the factory jobs have now changed from hiring permanent employees to hiring temp to hire. There are also places that offer group health insurance, but it can take up to one year until you are eligible for it. Those two things just seem to be a new practice because I've kept an eye on different places for over two years already. Oh well, I just know the right thing will come along at the right time if I just remain vigilant.

[sunrico90]

If the person wants to work and the skills are within the locale, he/she should be able to find employment. Jobs that require training or certification will be easier to satisfy if the person really wants a job.

Market saturation for some traits can make almost impossible to land a job, this also can drive the wages down. Diversification of skills is a must in today’s market; employers are also evaluating the individual actions to make him/her more qualify for the job.

The employer wants to get as many skills as possible for the money and if a person can provide 2 or 3 skills is a for sure HIRED....

[pianogal]

Jammie...understand what you are saying concerning the health insurance. My son had to work for 6 months before he qualified for health insurance at this job. The job before this he had to work for a year and it was with a national company! Health insurance has gotten so expensive employers are more stingy with it. Even at my job, there is only 1 time of year there is open enrollment. If you miss it, you have to wait until the next year to get on.

With all the different kinds of work experience you've had - I can't imagine that it would be that hard to find a job - finding a job with benefits may be the issue.

I know you could find something here in Orlando - but it IS harder in a smaller community.

[sunrico90]

See site for 2014 Florida employment projections, can be view by county.

http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/ep.htm

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by sunrico90

See site for 2014 Florida employment projections, can be view by county.

http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/ep.htm

That was pretty cool but not consistent across the county where I live...

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

That was pretty cool but not consistent across the county where I live...

Which county?

[Floridasunshine]

I put my resume on this website a few yrs ago. Florida career link
I found it useful and interesting on who is hiring. I cant work due to health right now,

[lilironcha]

go to bellsouth.com, click careers and enter miami as keyword and search, they give you free medical insurance after six months of employment.