I'm 22 and from California, am I crazy to move to Simpsonville? (Greenville: homes, find a job)

[KRL1234]

I am a recent college graduate from California and I am seriously considering moving to South Carolina. I have the opportunity to stay in Simpsonville while I find a job and establish myself. My problem concerns the fact that I have never really had to go out on my own, establish my own relationships, etc. since I went to college with a group of friends from home. Now I find myself back home, completely discontent, and feeling that throwing myself into a complete unknown could serve me well. The size of Simpsonville and the fact that I would have to stay with family friends who are not exactly in my age group, makes me a bit nervous about being able to meet people. Basically, I find it very difficult to get to know a person who I am not surrounded by on a consistent basis, i.e. work, school, roommates, and I don't want to feel like those are my only options. I know I need to get out of my comfort zone, but any help would be great. So if anyone knows of some good social events in the area for a young male or where to find such things, please let me know. I appreciate hearing from anyone who's had a similar experience or has any words of advice.

[Sonrise]

Originally Posted by KRL1234

I am a recent college graduate from California and I am seriously considering moving to South Carolina. I have the opportunity to stay in Simpsonville while I find a job and establish myself. My problem concerns the fact that I have never really had to go out on my own, establish my own relationships, etc. since I went to college with a group of friends from home. Now I find myself back home, completely discontent, and feeling that throwing myself into a complete unknown could serve me well. The size of Simpsonville and the fact that I would have to stay with family friends who are not exactly in my age group, makes me a bit nervous about being able to meet people. Basically, I find it very difficult to get to know a person who I am not surrounded by on a consistent basis, i.e. work, school, roommates, and I don't want to feel like those are my only options. I know I need to get out of my comfort zone, but any help would be great. So if anyone knows of some good social events in the area for a young male or where to find such things, please let me know. I appreciate hearing from anyone who's had a similar experience or has any words of advice.

Hi,
My wife and I moved here from Burbank 2 1/2 years ago and loooove it here. Any questions, feel free to ask me.

[plasticman]

Young people should move around while they're able to. See different parts of the country. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb- that's where the fruit is! (From an old codger who wished he had seen more of the country.)

[suecen]

I agree - do it while you're young - you have the opportunity now - take it - what's the worst that can happen? You move back to CA. Good luck with your choice - wish I were in your situation!!!

[ckeegan]

I moved to Greenville from Pennsylvania when I was 24, but I did have my parents here, who moved to Greer when I was in college.

You will have no problem meeting people...believe me. I am so glad I made the move, and I've never looked back.

I have helped several 25ish year olds (and some much older [er...wiser!]) make the move from California, and I know for a fact, they don't regret it either.

[cmm1959]

My wife and I moved to Simpsonville from Long Beach 2 years ago.Although we love it here we still looking around for better career opurtunities.

[MichelleEllyn]

Originally Posted by plasticman

Young people should move around while they're able to. See different parts of the country. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb- that's where the fruit is! (From an old codger who wished he had seen more of the country.)

Originally Posted by suecen

I agree - do it while you're young - you have the opportunity now - take it - what's the worst that can happen? You move back to CA. Good luck with your choice - wish I were in your situation!!!

[Tinabean]

My two cents..... you should start by moving out here first. You have some family as a support system in case you need any help, get homesick, etc... This is a fantastic way to begin to get comfortable exploring the WORLD of opportunities in front of you. Moreso now than ever, this is a global economy and the world is a lot smaller place than it used to be. The folks who are readily adaptable to change and other cultures will benefit greatly. Travel affords an education indepent of that you receive in college. Move across the country to a unique place with different food, language (yes language, y'all ) and cultural preferences is a terrfic start. You gain an understanding of how to function in different environments. Then move on. Once you get your wings, find a job in the NorthEAst for a while. Everyone has to endure a winter and that cost of living once in life to appreciate when you have it good Check out South Florida -- way different culture there. I used to say New Orleans but it is still too dangerous after Katrina so wait for a few more years on that one. Then go to Mexico, Costa Rica, and wherever you dream of. Use your 20s to explore everything of interest to you (except drugs! nothing good comes of drugs ever!) and to build your education and work experience as you go. Life is what you make it through your choices! Good luck to you. Be careful!!! Soak up the cultures, help where you can but always keep your guard up until you get a good feeling for who can be trusted. Circling back, that is why starting out in a new place with at least some family is an excellent start!

[NewYorkBorn]

Hello,

I am new in the Greenville, SC area (2 years living here) and I understand completely what you are going through. I moved here from New York City 2 years ago looking for a better quality of life. As you know New York is the most expensive city in the US and money does not stretch very far there.

The Greenville area (Greenville, Simpsonville and Mauldin) are all lovely areas however South Carolina has one of the highest rates of unemployment. Most of the jobs in this area are related to working in some kind of manufacturing/factory facility. Office jobs exist but they are few and far between and usually do not pay very well.

My advice to anyone thinking about moving to South Carolina is 1) Transfer with a company and have a job already waiting for you when you arrive (that is what I did). This way you will have a foundation already set up. 2) Have plenty of money in the bank, because trying to find a decent paying job in the state of South Carolina is very hard (they do not want to pay people what their talent is worth). Not sure what type of work you do but saw that you mentioned living with family and getting a job.

In the end the living in the Greenville area is great, but only if you have money otherwise it is difficult to get jobs especially if you are not from South Carolina.

Good luck.

[KRL1234]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I have heard that the Greenville area has been largely untouched by the poor economy. Are you referring more specifically to tech/industry jobs? I'm from San Francisco so I can understand that, but in terms of the opportunity for jobs with a bachelor's degree, how would you rate the area. I am not concerned with establishing a career, just finding something quickly that's not a restaurant, retail or sales. If anyone else has an opionion, I'd appreciate it.

Originally Posted by NewYorkBorn

Hello,

I am new in the Greenville, SC area (2 years living here) and I understand completely what you are going through. I moved here from New York City 2 years ago looking for a better quality of life. As you know New York is the most expensive city in the US and money does not stretch very far there.

The Greenville area (Greenville, Simpsonville and Mauldin) are all lovely areas however South Carolina has one of the highest rates of unemployment. Most of the jobs in this area are related to working in some kind of manufacturing/factory facility. Office jobs exist but they are few and far between and usually do not pay very well.

My advice to anyone thinking about moving to South Carolina is 1) Transfer with a company and have a job already waiting for you when you arrive (that is what I did). This way you will have a foundation already set up. 2) Have plenty of money in the bank, because trying to find a decent paying job in the state of South Carolina is very hard (they do not want to pay people what their talent is worth). Not sure what type of work you do but saw that you mentioned living with family and getting a job.

In the end the living in the Greenville area is great, but only if you have money otherwise it is difficult to get jobs especially if you are not from South Carolina.

Good luck.