moving to Jacksonville.... (Orange Park: relocation, income, job)

[courtney81k]

hello! I am from and am currently living in a small town about 2 hours from Pittsburgh, PA. I have been wanting to relocate to FL for 2 years now. I finally graduated college last May and got my associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

I would like to teach preschool or do something with children. I love south Florida but I dont think thats in my price range right now. So I have been looking at Jacksonville. It seems affordable, its a big city, and a beach nearby

I was wondering if this is a good place to relocate and what the average salary is for working with children.

I have no idea so any comments would be appreciated!! Im 25 by the way and not married...but my boyfriend lives in Germany at the moment and hopes to join me soon!

[riveree]

Originally Posted by courtney81k

So I have been looking at Jacksonville. It seems affordable, its a big city, and a beach nearby

I was wondering if this is a good place to relocate and what the average salary is for working with children.

Jax is nice, it's not as affordable as it once was, but it's still reasonable compared to many other parts of the country (and no income tax is a big plus).

You didn't give much detail about what you're looking for in a relocation, so I don't know if we can yet advise whether it might be a good fit for YOU. You did mention South Florida, and Jax is definitely not like South Florida.

Teachers are in need here. Unlike South Florida where school enrollment is dropping, in NE Florida we are having to build schools to keep up with demand.

[robbin5371]

I currently live in Boston and purchased a townhouse in Jacksonville Fl as my plan is to move there in the near future. I thought I would originally take a transfer with my company but when I got there they wanted me to take a 20% pay cut from what I am making! So I am on the hunt for a job that will pay me. I was with my current company for 10 years. Any ideas? Does anyone know of a head-hunter in Jacksonville? All assistance is appreciated!

[5FLgirls]

[quote=courtney81k;1393847
I would like to teach preschool or do something with children. I love south Florida but I dont think thats in my price range right now. So I have been looking at Jacksonville. It seems affordable, its a big city, and a beach nearby

I was wondering if this is a good place to relocate and what the average salary is for working with children.[/QUOTE]

Teaching positions are always available if you've got a good resume. Preschools are always opening up in Jacksonville as they develop new areas. One way to look into this is to look for a job and then a place to live. I don't believe that preschool pays very well, and most preschools in the area are only open from 9-12, except for day care centers which are open all day. I do know that nannies make between $12-$15/hour and some even make $20. Why don't you send your resume to a few places and then follow up with phone calls? Growing areas are south Jax (210 area), Orange Park and Intracoastal West area.

[5FLgirls]

Originally Posted by robbin5371

I currently live in Boston and purchased a townhouse in Jacksonville Fl as my plan is to move there in the near future. I thought I would originally take a transfer with my company but when I got there they wanted me to take a 20% pay cut from what I am making! So I am on the hunt for a job that will pay me. I was with my current company for 10 years. Any ideas? Does anyone know of a head-hunter in Jacksonville? All assistance is appreciated!

You're talking huge differences in cost of living and housing between Boston and Jax. It's unrealistic (not impossible) to expect to be paid the same amount in Jax. Why don't you just transfer down and take the pay cut and then just job search. It's easier to job search when you already have a job. Head hunters can be a waste of time. Why don't you start a new thread asking for advice in your specific industry?