Need a life change, but can I find a job? (Detroit: house, rent)

[DrummerDave]

Right now I live in Southern Indiana. I have a great career, a nice house, and all the stuff I could really ask for.

But my wife and I arent really happy. Like they say, "Money cant buy happiness".

My wife grew up in the UP, and we would like to move back there together to be close to her friends and family.

But then comes the problem . .. . how am I supposed to find a job?
Im a computer programmer, and perusing Monster.com, I only saw maybe 2 of that type of job in the entire UP. Both in Marquette.
I dont think I'd be a very good construction worker or lumberjack, so Im not sure what to do.

Are there job opportunites for people w/ degrees? I dont mind changing professions.
I dont need to be rich, just be able to pay the bills. Im willing to sell my $200k+ home and simplify into a $50k home if I need to, but I need to know I can put food on the table before I do anything.

You guys have any thoughts?
- a possible Yooper-to-be

[cassy1]

Originally Posted by DrummerDave

Right now I live in Southern Indiana. I have a great career, a nice house, and all the stuff I could really ask for.

But my wife and I arent really happy. Like they say, "Money cant buy happiness".

My wife grew up in the UP, and we would like to move back there together to be close to her friends and family.

But then comes the problem . .. . how am I supposed to find a job?
Im a computer programmer, and perusing Monster.com, I only saw maybe 2 of that type of job in the entire UP. Both in Marquette.
I dont think I'd be a very good construction worker or lumberjack, so Im not sure what to do.

Are there job opportunites for people w/ degrees? I dont mind changing professions.
I dont need to be rich, just be able to pay the bills. Im willing to sell my $200k+ home and simplify into a $50k home if I need to, but I need to know I can put food on the table before I do anything.

You guys have any thoughts?
- a possible Yooper-to-be

Have you thought about moving into the country by where you live right now?

[mountain]

If you're a programmer with some experience, you might be able to find work in the university towns such as Houghton or Marquette (which you already mentioned), but it would be tough to find openings. If your wife's family is in the more remote areas of the UP, I don't know what to tell you.

[DrummerDave]

Originally Posted by cassy1

Have you thought about moving into the country by where you live right now?

I already do.
Its not so much the physical surroundings, but more the lack of social support, family, etc.

[DrummerDave]

Originally Posted by mountain

If you're a programmer with some experience, you might be able to find work in the university towns such as Houghton or Marquette (which you already mentioned), but it would be tough to find openings. If your wife's family is in the more remote areas of the UP, I don't know what to tell you.

Her family is in the Crystal Falls area - about 1hr from Marquette.

Well, I guess my plan is to finish my degree (I have 2 classes to go), and we'll see what happens after that.

I think what I'll do is put out some feelers in the area - send some resumes, etc. Have the family there ask around. Maybe I'll find something by word of mouth.

In the meantime, I plan to learn some popular (computer) languages that I dont know yet to help me when it comes time to find another job.

I've also been kicking around the idea of starting my own business, so I'll try to find a way to do some market research to see if it would hold water.

Here's hoping.

[oldengineer]

I just moved back to Wisconsin after spending a year in the UP. The economy up there is very depressed. Even when a job opens up there is a strong prejudice against "outsiders."

There really isn't a great deal of work in the UP unless you are connected to logging, mining, or tourism. I know, I've looked. I've two honors degrees (including one in geology) and I couldn't even get an interview at the local mine.

Whatever you do, avoid K.I. Sawyer AFB. It looks like a bargain, but it is a crime and gang ridden ghetto.

[Angel Bear]

I've also been kicking around the idea of starting my own business, so I'll try to find a way to do some market research to see if it would hold water.

That is exactly what I was going to tell you! I don't work in computers, but I started my own home business (I live more Metro Detroit though). It seems like you could have your own website and freelance/telecommute. I say go for it!

[ReaderReader123]

I am a graphic designer and my husband is a math teacher and we are considering leaving the state because we cannot find jobs. However, we are both recent college graduates. Perhaps with your experience you wll be able to find something. Good luck.

[zajinxyqat]

This was in this weekend's paper.

ECONO FOODS Is
looking for a Computer Person with: A+ certified. Great understanding of PC and Windows operating system. Ability to repair and install new PC and Peripherals. Ability to manage Windows Nework. A good understanding of Network Infrastructure and Network Topology. Able to manage Internet and Intranet Infrastructure. Great Knowledge of Microsoft Basic and C++. Ability to learn different applications. Ability to work with others and understand their scope of work. Willing to travel with some overnights and work after hours.
Please send resume to:
P.O. Box 1107,
Iron Mountain, MI 49801

The Iron Mountain Daily News

I currently live in Houghton Michigan. I am a student and love the area. As far as jobs. Monster didn't give me much when I moved up here. I am an non-traditional student and took a MAJOR pay cut. You are better off looking in the local papers (you can find Houghton's online at http://www.mininggazette.com or Marquette's Mining Journal.) Another option is to try the hospitals and state/national/city gov directly online. I will say something a little negative. One of my friends that wanted to stay in the area said they were unable to get jobs because they preferred to hire locals. Eventually she found one. Your money will go further as far as cost of homes in the Houghton area. Good luck finding something!

[huckster]

There is nothing in the U.P. I do work construction , and those jobs
a very rare even in the detroit area, much less in the up. I worked for years with friends who had to commute to lower mi from "up North". The economy is non-existent there, except for tourism and a marginal timber business.

Originally Posted by DrummerDave

Right now I live in Southern Indiana. I have a great career, a nice house, and all the stuff I could really ask for.

But my wife and I arent really happy. Like they say, "Money cant buy happiness".

My wife grew up in the UP, and we would like to move back there together to be close to her friends and family.

But then comes the problem . .. . how am I supposed to find a job?
Im a computer programmer, and perusing Monster.com, I only saw maybe 2 of that type of job in the entire UP. Both in Marquette.
I dont think I'd be a very good construction worker or lumberjack, so Im not sure what to do.

Are there job opportunites for people w/ degrees? I dont mind changing professions.
I dont need to be rich, just be able to pay the bills. Im willing to sell my $200k+ home and simplify into a $50k home if I need to, but I need to know I can put food on the table before I do anything.

You guys have any thoughts?
- a possible Yooper-to-be