[KLLCLL]

Hello-

I've been using Indeed.com to look at job opportunities in the Las Vegas area, and there seems to be many. A lot more then in my own town... My only concern is, is it difficult to land a job in Las Vegas, from New Hampshire. I've never attempted trying to get a job from across the country. I'm 31 years old and will be moving with my wife who is 27. My background is 10 years with TomTom a navigation company, I was a Sr. Research Analyst for them. I now work for a Civil Engineering company as an Engineering Technician. I have two college degrees, one in Graphic Design, and one in Computer Information Technology. My wife works at a really well known hospital. She is an Administrative Assistant. This summer she is going to get certified in bar-tending because she has a great personality, and would rather work in a face-paced environment. She's going to be taking classes at Boston Bartenders School of America, so she can become a certified bar-tender.

We have about 20 thousand saved so far. We're both sick of winter, and how expensive it is to live in New England. The average rent around here for a small ****ty apartment is 1200+. If you want to rent a house you're looking at 1800+. Then pay for utilities which heating sucks and is very expensive, we heat 6 months out of a year. It is extremely boring in our town, there is absolutely nothing to do. And did I mention winter..... Snow, ice, freezing rain, slush, negative degree weather, with wind chill warnings that will make the snot freeze to your upper lip. We have vacationed in Las Vegas and have loved it. I know vacationing is much different then actually living somewhere full time. We're actually headed back out to Vegas in May for a week's vacation. We will be checking out the Henderson area. What are some of the safer areas of Las Vegas? The outskirts? I've heard to stay away from North Las Vegas... Any information would be great, especially from people that currently live in Vegas.

Thanks

[ScoopLV]

1) Bartending (at any location where there is money to be made) is an extremely difficult career to break into. Unless the bartender is young and very attractive. But even then, there is a career path of barbacking, assisting and then getting the worst shifts as a bartender. It takes several years to work one's way into one of the high-dollar spots.

2) Tech is the most under-paid workforce in the valley. Get used to making 1/4 to 1/3 what you make now. That's assuming you can even find something. There are some VERY qualified people on this forum who have been trying to make something happen in the IT field for years.

3) There are no outskirts of Las Vegas. We're surrounded by the Mojave desert. (Seriously, look at a map. Those little towns of Pahrump, Mesquite and Kingman are 60-100 miles away.) The fact that you're even mentioning the "outskirts" tells me you haven't done your homework. And that you expect people to spoon-feed you.

[lvoc]

There is a substantial civil engineering sector and a military liaison one which may offer you opportunity. I would attempt to achieve a position before moving. And I would look throughout the SW not just LV. Such jobs in LV will not pay at the San Jose level but probably more than competitive with your present position.

Scoop of course lives here but hates LV. So take his comments in that light.

He is however correct about the difficulties of obtaining a bartender position on the strip. It is however quite possible to start in the local casinos or the pubs. Those bartenders make a reasonable living.

The area near and outside the 215 will generally work for housing. There are bad areas in NLV but there are also very nice ones that would probably fit you very well. Overall this is a vast area with a very large set of choices all of which will be suitable.

[ScoopLV]

I don't hate Las Vegas. I don't wish this city any ill. I'm just profoundly disappointed in the average resident. Intellectuals generally find this city to be an awful place to live. It's cheap. There's plenty to do. But almost everything is tailored for the "Reality TV" crowd.

Being surrounded by ignoramuses gets old very, very quickly.

[KLLCLL]

Don't just assume I haven't done my research. Maybe your thoughts about what "Outskirt" means is different from mine. I know how to use a map and view Las Vegas I'm not stupid. I also have viewed the crime maps.. I'm just trying to get a better idea from the locals, but instead you come at me like I'm some moron. I'm looking for some advice that is all. I'm not in the IT field, yes I have a degree in it, but I didn't mention finding a job in the IT industry... I'm currently an Engineering Technician for a Civil Engineering company, with a focus on electrification. Also I never said my wife would be bar-tending full time. She would like to do it on the side.

[ScoopLV]

Exactly. You haven't done your homework.

You haven't done your homework about engineering jobs. STEM (except for medicine) doesn't pay in Las Vegas comparable to other cities -- too many people want to move here to escape the cold/taxes/cost-of-living. Las Vegas doesn't put a high value on STEM (except for medicine). This city puts a high value on youth and physical beauty.

You haven't done your homework about bartending. Any bartending job which pays well has thousands of people chasing after that job. A part-timer isn't going to get one of those jobs. So your wife will be bartending at Olive Garden or similar. And then, what's the point?

As for "outskirts" -- the Las Vegas valley is shaped like a giant, lopsided bowl. You either live in the valley, or you live a CONSIDERABLE distance away. Few people commute from Boulder City, let alone Pahrump.

[KLLCLL]

HI IVOC-

Thank's for your reply, we definitely plan to find jobs before we move. I would never just up and leave without having jobs. We have had our eyes on Nevada for a while. My father lives in CA so I've been there many times. I'm not too crazy about CA or the cost to live there. My father is actually moving out of the Lake Tahoe region, and into Reno to buy a house.

My wife would just be bar-tending on the side. She would still be doing some type of admin job.

[lvoc]

Originally Posted by KLLCLL

HI IVOC-

Thank's for your reply, we definitely plan to find jobs before we move. I would never just up and leave without having jobs. We have had our eyes on Nevada for a while. My father lives in CA so I've been there many times. I'm not too crazy about CA or the cost to live there. My father is actually moving out of the Lake Tahoe region, and into Reno to buy a house.

My wife would just be bar-tending on the side. She would still be doing some type of admin job.

Scoops knowledge is not nuanced. He does not understand what you do.

Again work your way through the job situation and you will be fine. LV is loaded with nice rentals in suitable areas. Rents are going up but still within reason. I would go for the job. Consider Tucson and perhaps Phoenix as well. Take the best job.

[NeedSun25]

Finding a bartending or serving job as a second job is tough. Managers want people who are very flexible, available, and willing to step in and cover shifts at a moment's notice. Her best bet would be to get a job bartending or serving full time, do that for a few months and then get the admin job and move to part-time status after proving to be a good restaurant employee. If you fill out an application with limited availability or only a desire for part-time hours you won't even get looked at, in most cases.

[SportyandMisty]

I've never been to New Hampshire -- hence my question: would Las Vegas really afford that much of a lower cost of living? The monthly rental rates you quote seem comparable. Of course, you won't need snow tires here, but you will probably need to replace your battery and have your AC serviced more often.

While your winter is harsher than ours, our summer is harsher than yours. Summertime air conditioning bills can be be quite surprising.

Definitely get a local address & a telephone number with a 702 area code.

Since you are visiting Henderson, look at Green Valley, Silverado Ranch, and Anthem areas for example. Also look at areas south of I-215. Don't write off North Las Vegas. Who ever told you to do so was either exaggerating or misinformed. Centennial Hills, Summerlin, and the southwest can all be nice.