Job market in IT or education? (Murray: 2010, headhunter, school districts)

[Nikkia2112]

My husband and I would like to relocate to the beautiful state of Kentucky by the beginning of the 2010 school year. We live in suburban Atlanta where my husband works in the IT industry. I am a stay-at-home mom of 2 young boys but would like to get back into the teaching field. We desperately want to escape the rat race and live a more serene family-oriented life in the country. I am concerned, though, about the availability of jobs. My husband is willing to take a significant pay cut if it means he will have less stress and we can have more family time. There are NO teaching jobs here in metro Atlanta at all. Class sizes have been cut, and teachers have been furloughed. How is the job market for teachers and IT professionals in KY? Any specific areas where jobs are more plentiful?

I lived a few years in KY as a child, and I do know a few people in Madison County. My brother and his wife have a farm in Hart County, but they're pretty out of the loop when it comes to IT/teaching. Other than that, we have no contacts or networking ability. Any ideas on the best way to seek employment? My husband has been with the same employer for 10 years, so an out of state job search is a little daunting...especially in this economic climate.

We are not set on a specific area of the state, but good schools (public or private) are very important. We'd like to live "out" with some land but within a 15-30 min. drive to a decent sized town.

I really appreciate any input you can provide!

[kygman]

Nikkia, my son was going to ITT in Evansville, In., and was hired before he graduated by a big clothing company that has a plant in this part of the country. Hired him on making more than I was making when I retired last year! Don't know if the job is still there but Pella Windows in Murray was looking for IT personnel. I check out monster.com and also check out the state job site about jobs statewide. https://www.ekos.ky.gov:444/seeker/job_search.asp Go to the quick search and find the zip code of where you're looking for. Good luck!

[SVTLightning]

For the IT jobs you can go with some of the headhunter companies. They sometimes have leads on IT jobs that are not out there on the internet.

[Nikkia2112]

Thanks so much for the replies! Does anyone know what the job market is like for elementary school teachers in KY?

[kygman]

The way the state budget is right now I'm not sure how hiring in any department is. Might check with different school districts.

[dixiegirl7]

Warren County has some openings in middle and high school for next year due to a new middle/high school opening. It will be called South Warren and will be the biggest school in the state.