Thinking about moving to Muskegon -- Attending school (Saginaw, Owosso: rent, travel)

[Bcbooker]

Good afternoon,

Me and my girlfriend have been considering moving in together this fall and attending Baker College together. I've done a small bit of employment research and I've noticed your state is in a pretty sticky situation economically.

She already lives in Muskegon, and holds a decent job, enough to pay rent anyhow but what about my chances at finding work? I'm a 20 years of age and I'm majoring in Elementary Education. I do have a small amount of money saved up, enough to pay 2-3 months of rent in case of an emergency or something falls through.

I ask those of Michigan, Muskegon area or not, how successful do you think this move would be as far as finding work, and living costs in Muskegon. I turn to ask you this information because I cannot rely on just one source, my gf.

Thank you!

[malamute]

I'm not up there in Michigan but I think the same advice would work almost anywhere but especially where the economy isn't real hot, just make sure you have a job lined up before moving.

[tuebor]

If you're just looking for an entry-level unskilled job to pay the rent while you're in school, you'll probably find something. If you're looking for a decent job, that will be harder to find in Muskegon.

But why Baker? Muskegon Community College is much cheaper and the credits will transfer to public Michigan universities. It's literally just down the road from Baker, so you and your gf can easily ride together to school. After you get your associate's degree and establish residency, you can transfer to Grand Valley State U. It's a much better school than Baker, and it's only 45 minutes away from Muskegon. Or finish school where you are (if there are good educational options there) and then move to Muskegon.

[Michigan Refugee]

Dear BC,
I'm glad that I stumbled onto your blog. I graduated from Baker College of Owosso last year majoring in elementary education with a content area of language arts. Baker has a great program. The problem...is Michigan's economy is absolutely horrific for teachers!! You can't buy a teaching job in Michigan and will have to move out of state to get a teaching like all the rest of us Baker grads had to do. Taxes are high, gasoline is high and tuition for school is high! Also, when you are ready tograduate in your senior year you will have to take the MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) along with PRaxis II examinations. You will have to be tested twice and pay the cost of being tested twice. All of the other states require the Praxis examinations...Michigan doesn't and instead has the MTTC, which was really put in place to keep out of state teacher candidates from coming to Michigan. Unfortunately,...it has had the reverse effect of keeping Michigan teachers in because other states do not recognize the MTTC! I've traveled to Muskegon and like the area as it is on Lake Michigan. I grew up in Genessee county and later lived with my family in Saginaw county, Chesaning, Michigan. Michigan has gone to the dogs compared to what it was when I was growing up as a kid. Really...you'd be better off getting your teaching in another state.