Feel like I'm stuck here (relocation, jobs, cheap, climate)

[Finglonger]

I'm 25 still live with my parents and I've been looking to move out of the Akron area, and that hasn't been an easy task. I've been trying to look in new locations for work, but can't seem to gain any good leads. Originally I wanted to move to FL, and after taking a trip there and not gaining anything, I decided to put that off for a while. Now I'm looking into something a little more realistic such as Columbus, OH and Pittsburgh, PA, both of which are only a 2 hour drive from here. Could it be my lack of professional experience that turns away out of area employers? Or is it that employers are now getting more particular about hiring candidates within the city?

I don't have much stuff to move, so that's not the issue there. Akron's a dead area with high unemployment. My line of work is in computers (programming and web design). I've recently also started doing Android development. What could I do to get around these barriers?

[loveautumn]

are you currently working? If so, I would save up ALOT of money and move where you want to live. It's an employers market everywhere in the country and unfotunately your skillset isn't all that rare, so you would have a better chance of finding a job if you actually made the commitment to move to a city. I'd definitely suggest Pittsburgh over Columbus...what about Chicago?

[Ellwood]

You might have to expand your state search to possibly California or Texas in order to find employment in your field.

[jwv651]

Originally Posted by loveautumn

are you currently working? If so, I would save up ALOT of money and move where you want to live. It's an employers market everywhere in the country and unfotunately your skillset isn't all that rare, so you would have a better chance of finding a job if you actually made the commitment to move to a city. I'd definitely suggest Pittsburgh over Columbus...what about Chicago?

Chicago's job market is horrible and the cost of living is high. I'm moving out of IL asap. The state of IL is ridculous the way it is run by the politicans. They are crooks.

[chance2jump]

If you're working right now, is there a chance you can transfer within the company?

If you're not working right now, focus on where you have the best chance at landing a job with your background, then plan trips.

Applications also have a say in it --- many employers shy away from out of states apps if they think they will be paying relocation, and also for the stability factor. If you're not in the area, you have a higher likelihood of coming in, not liking it and moving back home. Case in point, my office in NC hired a gal that was relocating from FL. I'm not sure she made it to the 6mth mark before she put in her resignation and moved back to FL.

[GrainOfSalt]

Go for Pittsburgh. It's a nice city. Three rivers is beautiful at night, and there is a lot to do. Go Steelers! LOL Much nicer than Columbus, imo.

Lots of computer jobs too.... my brother lives there and works in that field.

You are wise to get out of Akron. I think Ohio sucks!

Good luck!!

[Osito]

I am in a similar situation as you, stuck in Denver, CO and all I want is to get out. I also like Florida but the job market is horrendous there (in S. Fl anyway can't speak for the northern half). I agree with the poster who said you should consider Texas, as parts of Texas have a good job market. Very south-east Texas might also have a similar climate to that of Florida in ways. But look everywhere you can picture yourself living and being happy there. I definitely would start saving money for a major relocation and be willing/ready to travel for interviews, etc. I hope this helps.

[NYChris]

I keep reading in various forums that florida has a terrible job market. Just wondering what websites have information on various locations throughout the country as to what their job market is like. Especially what types of work are easier to find than others, etc.

[Finglonger]

I'm just going to post a quick update. I'm thinking about putting the move back into the south again. I just don't see myself happy in Pittsburgh or Columbus. I'm affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder and when it's snowy and cold outside, I get majorly depressed and Pittsburgh or Columbus will not be an escape from that. If I at least moved somewhere where it doesn't snow as frequently, maybe Carolina's southward, I wouldn't be so affected, but I'm miserable in Akron. I feel like I need to do something quick since my Unemployment ran out. I did manage to pick up a work at home job with Examiner.com, but I don't that will make a living, plus I do develop my own android apps, and that also doesn't make a living. Although, I am starting to make games, which is what I think people want. If I made better in those 2 work at home jobs I could at least move and know that those 2 sources of income could follow me if I moved. Maybe now since it's starting to warm up, Seasonal Affective Disorder will not be much of a barrier now and I'll be able to be alot more productive in my searches.

[NorthStarDelight]

Have you considered Atlanta? It being such a large metro area, there should be plenty of opportunities for people in your field, not to mention tempting and contract positions that you could take advantage of.

Atlanta has a low cost of living and much sunnier winter climate that would probably help out with your S.A.D. (Although we were shut down for almost a week last Jan when we got hit with a snow/ice storm...lol). The summers here are long and hot, with humidity to boot, so be forewarned about that. And it goes without saying that you want to live as close as possible to your job, or the traffic monster will be coming to get you.

In any case, I would pick out a place or two to consider moving to, and spend at least a week there to see if it's an ideal place for you. A nice thing about Atlanta, too, is that we have plenty of cheap "extended stay" motels around here, which is perfect for getting a toehold in this area.