Potential move to Champaign (Chicago, Urbana: job market, school, university)

[kyle19125]

I'm a late 40-something gay WM apparently having my mid-life crisis and considering a move to Champaign from my very urban, very different existence on the East Coast. I'm a Retail Store Manager (have been for several years) and the prior 15 years a Waiter/Bartender and Restaurant Manager.

Everything I've heard about Champaign is pretty much what I'm after...a somewhat cosmopolitan(?)/laidback/relatively inexpensive college town. I've heard how it's colder, quieter (yippee) and relatively isolated in terms of proximity to major cities. I have two concerns that are unanswerable thus far through research.

First is whether or not I'll be able to find a job there. With the state of the current economy aside, what are the job prospects for someone looking for a
job as a waiter/bartender with years of fine dining experience?

Secondly, I'm entertaining the thought of opening a small business (food oriented) once established and wonder what is the current state of the gourmet food-to-go scene in town.

Thanks...I know it's a lot to process but would appreciate any firsthand feedback.

[JasmineFlower]

Well first, I have to ask where you heard that Champaign was cosmopolitan?

I think the job market is an interesting question. I can't speak to the retail market except I can tell you that many more stores are located in the Champaign area because of the university. It draws from the surrounding areas because they are lacking in stores. There are plenty of bars and a decent amount of restaurants of a decent quality, but I wouldn't say there's a ton of fine dining.

Opening a small business, that would depend on the food type, your target customer, your location, and your willingness to advertise. Many businesses have opened and been successful, but others have closed as well just like any other place. So, like for instance, Ko Fusion isn't something that I would think would necessarily be a hit in Champaign, but they marketed to the right crowd (professors, grad students, professionals in the area) and they were able to make their swanky japanese restaurant/sushi bar work and its great.

I would suggest visiting during the school year to get a good feel for the area, do not visit during the summer, it will not give you an accurate enough picture of what the area is like. Visit the Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy areas to get a feel for what the area has to offer in terms of retail and restaurants.

[Katiana]

I agree with Jasmine about the "cosmopolitan" atmosphere of Champaign. Most of the students are from Chicago, with a little more diversity in the grad school crowd.

I don't know where on the East Coast you live now, but if I were you I'd research Champaign's weather thorougly. Cold in winter, hot and humid in summer. In fact, I'd recommend going there in the summer, to see what the weather is like. Similar to Washington, DC in summer, actually. Winter can be very cold, below zero is not uncommon, not all winter but there are enough days to make it a factor.

No one can answer your question about finding a job, especially in today's economy.

[Illini87]

Hi, I am currently attending The University of Illinois at Champaign. Most of the students here are from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and I would say the majority of the college students are tolerant and open minded.

In terms of a job, I think you can land a job as a bar or restaurant manager. There are like two or three gay bars down here too, I don't know too much about them as I am a straight but I know gay people and they are some cool people.

Let me know if you any more specific questions.