Make a move to Grand Rapids? (sale, rent, house)

[Lucas80]

Hi everyone - new member as of today here. I like the site and everyone here seem like good people. I was born and raised in West Michigan and after living in Milwaukee for the last 13 years, I'm thinking serious about moving to GR. There is no job currently offered there and as a single 38 year old, would take a hell of a risk in making the move. Consider: I hate my current job, I have become disenfranchised with Milwaukee as a whole (they way they treat this side of the lakeshore is sad - among others) and most of my friends are either married and have disappeared/moved away. Within the last 3 years, I've decided not to get into a relationship because I know I'll be moving away - and have become lonely as hell in the process. In looking for your advice here...I am confident that my move will not involve thinking the grass is greener on the other side, but in clear knowledge I miss my friends/family and the warm beaches of West Michigan and home. I've been working hard on making contacts in my business there in GR during frequent trips back home, but nothing has paid off thus far. I'm trying to sell my home here in Milwaukee and would use the extra cash from the sale to bounce. Is all of this stupid? Should I have a job first before I move? Will I be happy starting over?
Any thoughts folks? Thanks in advance for at least giving me some constructive thoughts.

[JenM]

Hi, welcome to the city data forum! I don't live in GR, but have friends that do and they love it. GR, from what I've heard is a better area in MI to find work. I do, however, think it would be wise to find a job before moving here. I'd tell you that no matter where you moved to! Good Luck on your venture!

[magellan]

In what field of work Lucas80?

[Wabbit]

For you 'down-and-out' types who wonder how in the world ANYONE could choose to stay in Michigan and WHY. Take a cue from this Bostonian. After only a weekend he wonders why MORE places can't be like G.R.

COMMENTARY - AMERICA’S HEARTLAND - Why can’t we be more like Grand Rapids?

[chitown68]

Originally Posted by Lucas80

Hi everyone - new member as of today here. I like the site and everyone here seem like good people. I was born and raised in West Michigan and after living in Milwaukee for the last 13 years, I'm thinking serious about moving to GR. There is no job currently offered there and as a single 38 year old, would take a hell of a risk in making the move. Consider: I hate my current job, I have become disenfranchised with Milwaukee as a whole (they way they treat this side of the lakeshore is sad - among others) and most of my friends are either married and have disappeared/moved away. Within the last 3 years, I've decided not to get into a relationship because I know I'll be moving away - and have become lonely as hell in the process. In looking for your advice here...I am confident that my move will not involve thinking the grass is greener on the other side, but in clear knowledge I miss my friends/family and the warm beaches of West Michigan and home. I've been working hard on making contacts in my business there in GR during frequent trips back home, but nothing has paid off thus far. I'm trying to sell my home here in Milwaukee and would use the extra cash from the sale to bounce. Is all of this stupid? Should I have a job first before I move? Will I be happy starting over?
Any thoughts folks? Thanks in advance for at least giving me some constructive thoughts.

There alot of things in your post that I could relate to. Do I think that what you are doing is stupid. Not at all. You simply want a fresh start which involves returning to your roots. Your main obstacles are getting a job and selling your house. Even if you don't sell your home, see if there is a way that you could possibly rent in out if it continues to sit. As for the job market, it really will depend on what your field of work is. Offhand, I don't know what the major industry are in the GR's area. Find out what those industries are and if you have the skills to match. And if not, are you willing to train/take classes in order to enter a new career field?


So, in essence, my advice is as follows:


1.)Figure out what it is that you want to do for a job/career in GR. As you make contacts, don't ask them for a job upfront. Simply ask them for their advice as to how you could obtain a job in whatever field you are pursuing.


2.)Continue with the sale of your home. If you get a job before it is sold, see if you could rent the house out.


I hope that my advice will be helpful. I wish you the best of luck in your relocation efforts.

[Avenue]

I absolutely do not think that moving without a job is stupid. If you have the cash - and it sounds like you do - to be prepared to struggle a bit for employment then you should be fine. If you have good job skills then you absolutely shouldn't worry.

A few years ago I packed up the car and drove to Seattle. I had never even been out here before and was not sure what I was going to find. Long story short, I ended up at Microsoft and in a good situation, this would never have happened to me had I not taken the chance.

If Grand Rapids is where you want to be, then I say "DO IT"!!

[TimWhite]

I agree with the posts here so far. Continuing on in your present unhappy condition doesn't make sense. If we want our lives to change, we have to take steps to make it happen. I live and work in GR, and I love it. Not knowing what your occupational field is makes it hard to offer an opinion one way or another. The root of your problem seems to be, however, that you need a change, so go for it!

[suydam]

Originally Posted by TimWhite

I agree with the posts here so far. Continuing on in your present unhappy condition doesn't make sense. If we want our lives to change, we have to take steps to make it happen. I live and work in GR, and I love it. Not knowing what your occupational field is makes it hard to offer an opinion one way or another. The root of your problem seems to be, however, that you need a change, so go for it!

Seeing as the posts were from May of 2007, hopefully (s)he has already made the jump.