[stacgolfs]

Greetings All,

I'm ready to make the move to the Keys, and I need help. 2008 was a really tough year (lost my mom, my job to a layoff, got a new job w/ the same company, and had reconstructive knee surgery). Facing these difficult times in my life has helped me to realize that life is short, success can be fleeting and knee surgery hurts . It also helped me to realize that I truly want to pursue a different life, not just relocate to a warm climate.

Currently, I work for a large, VERY well known corporation in Kansas City. If I never see another cubicle again or attend a meeting that results only in the need to schedule yet another meeting, that will make me a very happy woman.

I'm hard working, honest and reliable. I'm smart, innovative and passionate about my work. I would like to bring my skills to an organization that will appreciate them and that will allow me to thrive, and in turn, help my employer's business to thrive. Although salary is always a concern, I'm much more interested in how I feel at the end of my work day than the salary that I earned.

Finding a job is the only barrier I have to making the move. I'm 39 years old, debt free, no children or other people to consider in my decision to make this move. I'm ready...so please, if anyone has advice, a job opening or other pertinent info, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks!

Stacy

[Strel]

Originally Posted by stacgolfs

Greetings All,

I'm ready to make the move to the Keys, and I need help. 2008 was a really tough year (lost my mom, my job to a layoff, got a new job w/ the same company, and had reconstructive knee surgery). Facing these difficult times in my life has helped me to realize that life is short, success can be fleeting and knee surgery hurts . It also helped me to realize that I truly want to pursue a different life, not just relocate to a warm climate.

Currently, I work for a large, VERY well known corporation in Kansas City. If I never see another cubicle again or attend a meeting that results only in the need to schedule yet another meeting, that will make me a very happy woman.

I'm hard working, honest and reliable. I'm smart, innovative and passionate about my work. I would like to bring my skills to an organization that will appreciate them and that will allow me to thrive, and in turn, help my employer's business to thrive. Although salary is always a concern, I'm much more interested in how I feel at the end of my work day than the salary that I earned.

Finding a job is the only barrier I have to making the move. I'm 39 years old, debt free, no children or other people to consider in my decision to make this move. I'm ready...so please, if anyone has advice, a job opening or other pertinent info, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks!

Stacy

"Finding a job is the only barrier I have to making the move."

LOL

That is a mighty big barrier, considering how expensive the Keys can be. What kind of job?

If you don't want to work in the tourist industry, you may have a hard time finding a job down there. Even better, finding affordable housing (I don't know what your means are), is damn near impossible. There are 1/4 acre lots in Key West and Stock Island that go for $1 million. That's just for the land.

And renting...unless you can find some rent-restricted housing (like Roosevelt Gardens) you have to be fairly well off to rent a decent place down there. There are places...but they are hard to find and the locals snap them up quick.

Anyway, if you are interested in being a tour guide for people coming off the cruise ships, I know someone that runs a very successful company down there. The ability to drink large quantities of alcohol without passing out is a prerequisite to employment. I don't know if they are hiring, but if you PM me I may be able to contact them.

[stacgolfs]

Hi and thanks for your reply.

Tourist industry is great! I'm a great bartender as well. I fully expect that the service industry is how I will make a living. I understand about the land costs, but have no interest in owning property. A room or very small apartment is fine for me, I'm sort of a "less is more" kind of gal. I would really appreciate you contacting your friend on my behalf. Sorry, I don't know what "PM" means, I'm guessing it's an instant message type thing but I'm unsure how to set that up in this posting system.

Thanks again,

Stacy

[RMD3819]

I have a few general comments. I am not an expert on the Keys, having been there a few times and worked a temporary job in Key West in 1983.

Positives:
-You are relatively young and have no kids or school issues. Freedom and flexibility are a plus.
-You have a good work ethic, although I am not sure how much that will be appreciated.

Negatives:
-In general Florida is not a "start over" state. People get mesmerized by the weather and palm trees and move south with this fantasy that everything will be OK once they get to Florida. Then they get here and are miserable. Life here is not like on the post cards and you actually have to work (sometimes 2 or 3 jobs) and pay bills. The fantasy evaporates when they realize they can't go to the beach everyday.
-The Keys are expensive. Research and more research. Especially housing. Get something lined up.
-DO NOT move here without a job or a wad of cash. This will spell disaster unless you have cash to get out.
-I don't know your current income but my guess is tourist jobs in Key West will pay WAY less than you are making now, probably without benefits. I'm just going on the idea that Florida salaries are usually way lower than up north.

[Guntersville Boomer]

Stacy-- I know how you feel, I am fortunate enough to actually be able to retire at age 49 the end of this year. I already have my retirement place set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama. I was born and raised in Florida and have been here my whole life so I am ready for a change although I do plan to come back in the winter months! I know the state very well and the folks who said the keys are expensive are right. Many of the hotels, etc. in the keys have low paid workers who can't live there and take a bus in everyday, they actually live off the keys more up toward Homestead/Miami. If you want that feel but have a chance at a better paying job and more affordable living, take a look at Sanabel Island. It is an island off of the Fort Meyers area, on the Gulf Coast. It is a beautiful place, bike paths all over, quiet and laid back area with the beauty of the gulf like the keys. There are several small motels and restaurants out there so you might be able to work on the island or maybe look at living on the island and working in Ft. Meyers. Readiing your post just made me want to give you another option where it feels like the keys but without being as costly and where the job situation might be better. Go out to Craigslist for the Ft. Meyers area and look at the jobs and housing posted and see how it looks to you. Best of luck no matter what you decide......