New in town - North Fort Myers (Miami, Sanibel: salon, real estate)

[Shinyfirefly]

Hi!

My family and I just moved here from Miami a month ago. We found a great apartment, cheap rent for a VERY spacious and beautiful place. I do enjoy living here so far, for the most part, it's quite a change from the hectic life of Miami, although it takes some getting use to.

My husband has full time employement with the state, however, I am a nail tech and although I thought I'd find work here in a nail salon since I have a lot of experience and no matter how bad the economy in Miami I was always able to find a spot in a salon.

I didn't realize how dead everything is around here...wow! My husband lived here 5 years ago and I use to come visit every weekend, I can see the drastic change in such a relatively short time.

I'm trying to babysit since I do have experience in that field as well and I'm certified. I've managed to find a couple of parents on craigslist and babysat a few times but nothing full time yet.

I made these nice flyers and wondering where I can post them...I'm looking for bulletin boards and such. I know Panera has one, can anyone suggest places where I can post my flyers?

[yachtcare]

Most of the supermarkets have bulletin boards...Publix, Winn Dixie, Sweetbay, et.al. and of course Wal Mart.

If you dont mind travelling from NFM a bit, go post some flyers out on Sanibel. If you get one good full time gig out there, where the people really like, and are comfortable with you, you'll be making a decent decent living, and dont really have to spend time looking for more "work". They have a tendency to refer the people they like, to their friends around the island as well.

[twobums]

On Sanibel. the bulletin board at Jerry's, by the elevator, seems to be where locals look for services & products.

[Shinyfirefly]

Thanks for the tip! I haven't been to Sanibel at all, will definately check it out!

[justNancy]

I use Craig's List all the time. That's how I found the condo I'm renting. However, be very careful. I'm not saying to be paranoid, since I've met a lot of good people online, but do your homework! I'm sure you know you've got a lot of competition, especially in this market.

I haven't lived on Sanibel in many years, but word-of-mouth is the way most people hire, especially if you live off-island. Just like anything else, it's not easy to get started.

I wish you a lot of luck. Have you called local churches? I don't know if you read the local newspaper, but there was an article in the Fort Myers News-Press yesterday about a man who helps people find jobs. Send him an email for advice.

South Fort Myers man runs Job Search Support Group | news-press.com | The News-Press

[hiknapster]

A woman certified in child care with experience could just make a go of it in Sanibel, though. It can't hurt and may be very, very worth it.

[justNancy]

I wasn't trying to discourage you, only saying to be realistic. I spent a lot of years babysitting for extra money, and it was always through referrals because I lived in the area. If I had children, leaving them with a stranger from a flyer on a bulletin board would not be an option.

If you don't mind a suggestion, since Sanibel has been brought up, have you thought about contacting resorts in the area? Many of them offer babysitting services. I don't know if it will help, but if you drive to the island, drop off your resume with the real estate offices that rent cottages & condos.

Also try this site Babysitters, Nannies, Pet Sitters, Caregivers, Housekeepers & Tutors and Private Lessons - Care.com
I don't think it costs anything to join.

I wish you a lot of luck in your search.