[eee-J]

Here comes the barrage of "don't do its" - I know the employment picture is horrendous and the city's economy is dependent on two slumping industries, but here's my back story:

I live in Houston, Texas. I know the impression most people have of the city is that of economic growth, a diverse economy and a rosy employment picture. There is some merit to that, but like the rest of the nation, we are suffering - especially in Houston. While Texas might be rosier than the rest of the US, Houston is stuck in a rut due to over regulation and a cost of living that skyrocketted over the last half decade. We too have a bad housing slump, made worse by a rental market that is not in line with wages and high consumer costs on products owing to higher commercial rents and over-regulation.

I don't see long term opportunity for me here in Houston. I know there are stories stating how good we have it. Here's the truth - numbers are misleading: Some of the growth is in oil and gas, and I don't work or have interest in that industry. Most of the job growth is food service/janitorial/retail. Not to be racially unfair, but the vast majority - almost all of these jobs go to Latinos, illegal and legal. It's to the point that it is required with most service industry jobs you are fluent in Spanish. That goes for many low and mid-level office jobs as well. Our economic growth is fueled by immigration (population growth = more service sector jobs), not industry or construction.

I rent and can find housing at about 60% of my current costs in Las Vegas at about the same caliber. I lived in Arizona for many years and miss the climate, landscape and attitude of the desert/mountain west.

I am self-employed. Business was great up until the early spring of 2010 - it fell off of a cliff. I burned through my savings through 2010. Finally, in the spring of 2011, I got some new contracts. The problem is, the clients, despite their assurance of financial solvency are having to renegotiate payment amounts and/or can't pay a dime. Thus, my income is dependent on the emotions of my clients. Yea, I could go to court, but that's an expensive and cumbersome process that would earn me the reputation of suing all of my clients.

Never the less, in a past life - ten years ago - I did dealing school and did deal in the underworld. I realize it's a tough job market, and I am willing to work multiple part time jobs in the service sector just to make due.

I'd like to move back to the mountain west - I miss the egalitarian spirit, climate, panorama and slower pace. I also feel the worst case is equal opportunity to Houston, so there's only room for improvement.

...Anyway, my book is long enough. What I am looking for is someone to either talk me out of it and/or give me tips on a (cheap) relocation and job hunting tips - in any industry. I can make it on about $2800-$3000/month there, which is like 50 hours per week at $16/hr after tax. Any thoughts?

[eee-J]

PS I am thinking about moving at the end of the year... Maybe 3 - 7 months out.

[airics]

$3000 a month to start??? do you have any juice? without it, forget the Casino industry for now... you can count on $8.25 an hour... IF YOU CAN FIND IT...

[melrobdd]

"I did dealing school and did deal in the underworld." Hilarious!! So you would basically be a break in dealer. Let's see if your really lucky you could maybe get a part time job at the Plaza since there hiring. Other than that you would starve.

[eee-J]

Not to sound ignorant, but what kind of jobs are paying $8.25 (which is minimum wage in Nevada, correct?)?

Are we talking retail clerk? Are those really that hard to find. I know here there is a glut of minimum wage jobs, but to get them you need Spanish or a middle eastern language (that's where the growth is).

No, I have no juice in Nevada whatsoever.

[yellowsnow]

I would suggest you come out here to look for work and move only when you have a job that will meet your monthly expenses. Get a local cell and a PO Box or use a friend's local stuff. Come out and see for yourself. If you get lucky, great. If it doesn't work out you haven't lost much. Just a couple plane fares and a cheap cellphone.

You might be able to get a job dealing off the strip. BUT you would probably be on the extra board and pull in 12 or 15 hours a week. You could probably get a retail and a fast food job for minimum wage or just above. But it would only be part time.

[eee-J]

Originally Posted by melrobdd

"I did dealing school and did deal in the underworld." Hilarious!! So you would basically be a break in dealer. Let's see if your really lucky you could maybe get a part time job at the Plaza since there hiring. Other than that you would starve.

Oh yes - I know I would be a break in. I am fine with that. I would also seek work in the service sector or some sort of menial office job and treat any extra board assignment as supplemental income, at least until things get better (maybe 2 - 5 years).

I do have a college degree, by the way. Is it that bad for people with college degrees?

[dynimagelv]

nothing WRONG with having a degree.....it doesnt mean a whole lot coming in...you still start at the bottom....what it MAY do is improve your chances of moving up once youre in.

[Willy702]

Sorry to tell you but renting in Houston is cheaper than Vegas. Commuting is worse in Houston for sure, but your rent costs aren't going to go down in all likelihood unless you take a lesser place in a not so nice area. Houses are dirt cheap in Vegas for the time being but doesn't sound like buying is in your near future.

[eee-J]

12-15 hours per week as an extra board might equate to about $1400 per month. We're half way home.

I don't necessarily mean having a college degree and its relation to the casino industry. That would be more of a dream job than a practical goal starting off.