What's the secret? (Knoxville, Oak Ridge: rent, salary, lease)

[tn_dreamin']

To getting a job in Knoxville from out of state? There's gotta be a way cause I know others have done it before.. I am so dissapointed right now, my dh needs to find a job BEFORE we move, we don't have extra money to just move and then get a job. My dh is an airforce vet I thought that would mean something seeing as TN is big on military, it's just all so frustrating, we REALLY want to move! I'm so bummed!

[gemkeeper]

What is he qualified to do, TN_dreamin? What did he do in the military and how about other job experience?

Maybe if you let folks on the forum know what he is looking for exactly and what he is skilled at, someone might point you in the right direction.

You are very wise to not make the move until the jobs are secured. The last thing you want to do is to move to a new area where you don't know anyone and not have a job!

There have been many posts about the job market not being all that great right now to begin with nationwide and in TN. I sure hope something comes up for you both.

[mysticfire0213]

Tn Dreamin--we are in the same boat! Good luck to you-and if you get some good tips aside from here, please share!!

[tn_dreamin']

Thanks gem! I appreciate that! He was a civil engineer in the military but it's different than civilian. He fixed stuff on base, his wartime job was building up bases so he can pretty much fix almost anything. He has some college but was deployed so much that he hasn't finished his degree in construction management BUT he still has his gi bill and plans on finishing it so...
Mystic, I'll definitely fill you in if I come across some good tips, hopefully we'll both be able to get the heck out of MD soon..

[daniellec]

I dont know. We lived here for 6 months before my hubby found a job. He tried for a solid 6 months. He is an electrician been one for 13 years. He was told everywhere that he applied that he was over qualified. He took a job for 16 an hour and had to pull teeth to get it and wait 6 months for it. We took a 20K a year salary cut to come here. It hurts. definatly make sure you have the job in writing before you come here.

[hiknapster]

That sounds like what happened to my husband. He got "We don't pay that Floriduh money here, boy."

[bfskinnerpunk]

I'm not sure if he could work for the state or school system, but they recognize his time in the military for pay purposes.

I had a two step pay increase for my two years in the Army. Florida offered no such recognition.

[creeksitter]

Has he been looking with the military/research contractors in Oak Ridge? Does he have a security clearance? Should we even ask that last question?

[tn_dreamin']

Thanks guys! I don't think he's checked with the military contractors yet, I'm not sure though, how would he go about doing that? He looks on monster and usa jobs all the time. Yes, he does have a security clearance because of being in the military.
Oh, and thanks for the suggestions, every little bit helps!

[gemkeeper]

Tn_dreamin', there are websites for companies that do have military construction contracts. I'll DM you.