Is it worth leaving? (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: apartment, lease, headhunters)

[tidewater_boy21]

I am in college at the Virginia Beach area. I am not org. from here though. I have to say I really like it here. However I have always wanted to live in the Miami area. I am going to graduate in these economic times, is it really worth trying to move to Miami (of course I would have a job set up before I moved)? I am a city person and love it when its hot out. I know there is a lot that I have probably left out that you need to know, just tell me and I'll answer. I really need some input guys. Help me lol......

[doggiebus]

Your young and single, you like heat and humidity, no children (if you were married and had children I wouldn't recommend Miami), why not try Miami for year. You can always leave after your lease is up in a year. Live on South Beach, bring your car you will need one in South Florida, and have that job before you move here.

Are there any other places you were thinking about moving other than Miami?

[tidewater_boy21]

I am pretty much open for anything in South Florida. I am going to have a masters in accounting. So you know any of hot spots for accountants, if any? Yes, single, 21, no children. I have lived in the City and country. Can handle both as long as its within 30 min or so of any city.

[gymbuff]

Most people have a love it or leave it relation with Miami. If you MUST have an art scene,gallery openings, theatres, etc. Miami may not be for you. Not that we don't have that down here, but it's not the major scene. If you like the beach, beach volleyball, clubs, jet skis, swimming, hanging out at the pool, jogging, bike riding,marathons, awesome restaurants,etc. then definitely give Miami a try. A great paying job and single status mean automatic fun in Miami!

[tidewater_boy21]

Originally Posted by gymbuff

Most people have a love it or leave it relation with Miami. If you MUST have an art scene,gallery openings, theatres, etc. Miami may not be for you. Not that we don't have that down here, but it's not the major scene. If you like the beach, beach volleyball, clubs, jet skis, swimming, hanging out at the pool, jogging, bike riding,marathons, awesome restaurants,etc. then definitely give Miami a try. A great paying job and single status mean automatic fun in Miami!

I do like most of those things. If I did land a accounting job, what should I make sure my salary is before making any moving plans?

[gymbuff]

I have no idea, but why don't you check out these sites and see if there are any accounting jobs and take it from there.
If this were 10 years ago I would say Miami has a low cost of living, but you know this has changed. If an apartment is affordable, you might not want to live in the area. If you love the place, the rent might be too high.
Anyway try these: www.dadeschools.net
www.miamidade.gov.

www.miamigov.com
Good luck!

[kevinkagy]

I'd say, go for it. I'd secure a job first, but I think you'd like Miami.

[HopToIt]

Why not? Might as well try it. That's the only way you'll know man. With that degree, and it's a good one, I think you should be able to find employment. I'd look a little further north into Broward Co if I were you though. Just not a fan of Miami, for quite a few reasons. But anyway, I think you should be in the $50k-60k range with a M Acc. Maybe a little more if you have your CPA. But I think you should expect $50k, I wouldnt do it for less honestly.

[bale002]

Originally Posted by HopToIt

With that degree, and it's a good one, I think you should be able to find employment. I'd look a little further north into Broward Co if I were you though. Just not a fan of Miami, for quite a few reasons. But anyway, I think you should be in the $50k-60k range with a M Acc. Maybe a little more if you have your CPA. But I think you should expect $50k, I wouldn't do it for less honestly.

This advice is on the money (pun intended). You can try Miami, but it is better if you already have experience and/or are bilingual, not necessary but better, but you will probably have more chances from Fort Lauderdale up through to Boca Raton, even up towards West Palm Beach and Jupiter.

Just look at craigslist for southeast Florida for an idea of accounting jobs and there is no lack of headhunters with offices in the region.

If you land a job, you can come back to us and tell us exactly where it is, and we can tell you about the neighborhood and those nearby.

Good luck!

[miamiblue]

You're in the right position to go for it if you can land a job. Not to discourage you, but my friend's husband is an accountant in Miami and his firm recently laid of a bunch of accountants (including him).

I graduated college during the last major economic downtown (Dec. 2001) and it took me about 10 months to get an acceptable job in Miami. The few places that were hiring wanted to undercut on pay and benefits. Luckily, I am from there and was able to stay with my parents until I got on my feet, but it was really tough being just out of college, out of work, and living at home!

Anyway, go about it the smart way, do your research (look beyond CSI and the weather reports), land a decent job with decent benefits first, and then have fun while it lasts!