Jobs in the Loudon area (Knoxville, Farragut: sales, apartment complex, crime rates)

[:-)]

Hi, everyone!

I'm a Southern California native, and I'm fed up with the struggle of looking for a job out here. Since losing my job, I've applied and reapplied to over 150 places but I've yet to hear from anyone after 3 months, even though my resume is strong and my ex-manager has given me sparkling reviews. I'm afraid I'll never find a job out here.

My grandparents live in Loudon. I'm seriously considering moving back there. They would be extremely happy if I finally agreed to go back east with them, but I'm hesitant to make the move, especially if I may not get a job afterward. I'm really worried about my circumstances and just looking for an improvement.

How is the hiring situation out in Loudon? I'm a college student, and a hard worker. My last job was in a fast-paced retail store, but I would be willing to do other work as well. I did some research and it seems there are lots of jobs I could do posted online.

Any other advice for a California girl considering moving to a small town? Sorry if this was a little long.

Thanks in advance.

[rpmgatech]

I think that I may be able to give you some advice. 4 months ago I moved to Knoxville (Cedar Bluff Area) from Atlanta (midtown). It was a MAJOR change for me. At first my wife and I were negative. I had just left everything I loved. My college, my wife's family, and the city of Atlanta. The first month or two were tough because we were so used to that urban/metro vibe that big cities like Atlanta have. We are also relatively young (she is 22, I am 25).

After being here for 4 months, I have to say that this is as close to utopia as you're going to get. Cost of living is low low low. People are super nice. Traffic congestion is non-existant (I laugh when some complain about traffic). And there has never been a moment where Knoxville hasn't been able to meet my needs. In other words, there has never been a moment where I wanted to eat somewhere, go somewhere, buy something, etc. that Knoxville couldn't offer. The only thing we don't have is family. But the good news is they will be coming here after they see that we are staying here long term.

Anyway. I highly suggest you come here because the pace is slow. The living is easy. It's absolutely beautiful and there is TRULY something for everyone. Knoxville is the PERFECT place to live. At least in my eyes. I have never been so negative about a city at first and then grown to love it so much.

Too many people look for a place to live as they would a place to vacation. That is a horrible idea. The important aspects of a place to live are the amenities, the people, the crime rates, cost of living, climate, etc.

Now, as for the hiring situation, my wife was able to find a job in the medical field within 1 month. She used craigslist, got 2 interviews within 2 weeks, and is now working in Farragut. She loves it. What types of jobs are you looking for? What types of salaries (realistically) are you trying to bring in?

I hope this helps ..

[:-)]

Thanks so much. Everything you like about Knoxville (nice people, low cost of living, less traffic congestion) is exactly what I feel I've been missing in California. In general, people are rude and unfriendly, the cost of living is extremely high, and it takes me five minutes to be able to get onto the street from my apartment complex due to traffic. I don't have to worry about leaving my college because it offers online distance learning programs, so I can keep on schedule with my graduation date. I also have family back in Tennessee, so I have no worries as far as that goes.

I'm your wife's age, and I was definitely worried about missing things I'm used to in the city, but your post has reassured me some. I know I'll miss the beach, but you take the good with the bad.

One of my main worries is the climate. I've only visited in the summer, when I have time off school, and found the humidity bearable and it's no where near as hot as it is here (122 is common in summer). But, I know it snows in the winter. I've never seen snow in my life and I think it's cold when it's 75 degrees.

As for work, I'd do anything I was offered. I used to be an assistant manager of a popular chain retail store. I do work as a freelance illustrator, but I'd prefer a steadier income from a part-time or full-time job in retail or sales or clerical work. At the moment, I'd be happy with minimum wage; I just need something to pay my bills. I can't find that out here. Not even McDonald's is hiring.

Thanks again, and I hope you continue to love your new city.

[rpmgatech]

Originally Posted by :-)

Thanks so much. Everything you like about Knoxville (nice people, low cost of living, less traffic congestion) is exactly what I feel I've been missing in California. In general, people are rude and unfriendly, the cost of living is extremely high, and it takes me five minutes to be able to get onto the street from my apartment complex due to traffic. I don't have to worry about leaving my college because it offers online distance learning programs, so I can keep on schedule with my graduation date. I also have family back in Tennessee, so I have no worries as far as that goes.

I'm your wife's age, and I was definitely worried about missing things I'm used to in the city, but your post has reassured me some. I know I'll miss the beach, but you take the good with the bad.

One of my main worries is the climate. I've only visited in the summer, when I have time off school, and found the humidity bearable and it's no where near as hot as it is here (122 is common in summer). But, I know it snows in the winter. I've never seen snow in my life and I think it's cold when it's 75 degrees.

As for work, I'd do anything I was offered. I used to be an assistant manager of a popular chain retail store. I do work as a freelance illustrator, but I'd prefer a steadier income from a part-time or full-time job in retail or sales or clerical work. At the moment, I'd be happy with minimum wage; I just need something to pay my bills. I can't find that out here. Not even McDonald's is hiring.

Thanks again, and I hope you continue to love your new city.

Cool! Well if you decide to move here, just message me if you have any more questions or are just looking for some friends (we are new ... still trying to meet people). Since I am new, I may be able to help you with adjusting. As for the beach, I think anyone would miss the beach. But the good thing is that you can always vacation to the beach!

[:-)]

Thanks again, again.

I'll definitely be looking to meet new people if I move. Can't live without friends (who hopefully like to play Rockband and drink good beer? jk).

At this point, I'm super tempted to bring the move up with my grandparents. They might be able to fix me up with a job for when I get out there. That would be great.

I'm researching jobs still, but I'll keep ya posted.

[rpmgatech]

Rockband and beer sounds like fun to us and many of my friends here.

Good luck.

[Brian]

I grew up in Loudon, now living in the Atlanta area. Most of my relatives still live in and around Loudon.

From what I am told is that the job market in the Loudon area is in really bad shape now. It won't hurt to ask your grandparents/family to help find a job for you.

I don't miss getting sick with the flu, wearing coats or living through the occasion brutal weather.

Good luck.

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by Brian

I don't miss getting sick with the flu, wearing coats or living through the occasion brutal weather.

With all due respect, Atlanta weather is pretty variable, not semi-tropical, and not a lot different from here, a bit warmer but more humid.

[:-)]

Originally Posted by rpmgatech

Rockband and beer sounds like fun to us and many of my friends here.

Good luck.

Good. And thanks.

Originally Posted by Brian

From what I am told is that the job market in the Loudon area is in really bad shape now. It won't hurt to ask your grandparents/family to help find a job for you.

My grandpa is a pastor, so he has a lot of people he knows who have businesses and may need people. He'll be asking around for me, and if he can fix something up, I'll be going out there. Probably in January or February, sooner if the job can't wait.

In the meantime, I'm looking for jobs out here. I went to a job interview yesterday, but it was for a place that kind of gave me the impression of a scam (commission only, door to door, use your own vehicle, no training). But, that's one job interview more than I had last week.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by weisgarber1

With all due respect, Atlanta weather is pretty variable, not semi-tropical, and not a lot different from here, a bit warmer but more humid.

Exactly. Knoxville natives have no idea what the phrase "brutal winter" entails, and that is a good thing.