So Long Milwaukee area (Wauwatosa, Brookfield: job market, transfer, tornado)

[LeaveWI]

Hello all- I'm FINALLY able to live up to my screen name. I've accepted a good position in my field in Tulsa Ok, and am leaving WI. I must say, as much as I've complained about it, I will miss it, esp a lot of the people. I'v e lived here basically my whole life, and will be leaving a lot of friends behind. I will NOT miss the climate of course. I used to say I would cherish the day I could leave WI, and never ever set foot here again. But as leaving time draws closer, my emotions get more mixed. I'm alittle bitter regarding the employers here, who never gave me a chance after I was "restructured" in Nov 2007. Whenever I get second thoughts, I just think back to how I was treated and that pushes me forward. It's funny, my same resume in other states portrays me as and "excellent candidate" but here I'm lacking in this that and everything else What makes me maddest is that it didn;t have to come to this. But I feel confident I did my best here to make it, and that I just wasn;t wanted anymore here.
Before I go, I'd like to give a public shout out to the following that made Wi life good.:

The good hearted folks of WI, those that stop to ask me if I needed help while cycling, or on the road.
The same folks that showed concern and consideration for their fellow man.
To all the good staff of Elmbrook Memorial hospital, Medical associates, Falls Derm, for taking such great care of me, and being available for short notice appointments.
Emery's bike shop for their wonderfull service- Thanks Bob, Ben etc

To Dr Theresa Hayssen of Brookfield Surgical for saving my life 5 yrs ago

To the Wauwatosa East REd Raiders basketball team, players coaches and parents for letting me be a part of the last 17 wonderful seasons esp this last championship year- for making me feel a part of the team.

To my friends who stood by me thru thick and thin- come down to OK tio visit!!
To my adopted family ,the Bakers of Hartford. I love you all for your own quirky ways

Last, but most of all, to my wonderfull partner and soulmate Shirley:
I love you more than anything, and thanks for being there and taking care of me so well. We WILL be together forever.

Sorry for the novel, but just wanted to say these things- so long WI It's been an adventure, but it's time to move on.

[ministers]

Hope you have a life of joy and happiness. May God Bless You and Your Family!!!

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by LeaveWI

I'm alittle bitter regarding the employers here, who never gave me a chance after I was "restructured" in Nov 2007. Whenever I get second thoughts, I just think back to how I was treated and that pushes me forward. It's funny, my same resume in other states portrays me as and "excellent candidate" but here I'm lacking in this that and everything else What makes me maddest is that it didn;t have to come to this. But I feel confident I did my best here to make it, and that I just wasn;t wanted anymore here.

You kind of touched a nerve with this one. In my opinion you're accurate about that. I was unimpressed with most of the hiring managers and/or HR people I dealt with during my time in Milwaukee.

I was a hiring manager and a very high ranking one at that, sr director level in a technical capacity, overseeing several departments and department managers. (I worked on the East Coast). This was a company HQ'ed in Milwaukee. I had not just good--but off the charts figures. Employees loved me and everyone I hired, is still there, so I obviously hired on-target. Tripling of efficiency with 0% growth in head count. Massive cost savings across the board. The city didn't want me either as far as I'm concerned. I put out feelers and got snapped off the job market elsewhere, immediately. Didn't hear a peep from anywhere in Milwaukee.

Finding a similar high income opportunity in Milwaukee is not going to happen. While I easily support my success on paper, I can't seem to get past the "worst case" opinion that people in Milwaukee seem to have. They don't believe anything. It always seemed adversarial and condescending, not like other places. Then they'll ignore the statistics, but nitpick your life story. Leaving a job is suspicious because why would anyone do that? Coming from elsewhere is suspicious because people don't come from elsewhere unless they're transferred. If you left Milwaukee and are now attempting to move back, that's suspicious because people don't ever leave! It must be because Milwaukee is so locked-down. People don't leave too often. I think it breeds suspicion, like people in a small town being doubtful of slick big-city types.

Anyone that can prove me wrong, I'd look forward to it. Or maybe I interviewed with the wrong companies. I would love to live and work there again sometime, but I don't see getting a comparable job for a six figure income there anytime soon. It's too hard of a market to break into, especially if you don't know someone's brother in law first.

And to you sir, good luck. I'm sure you'll do well.

[DaBears]

Originally Posted by LeaveWI

I must say, as much as I've complained about it, I will miss it, esp a lot of the people. I'v e lived here basically my whole life, and will be leaving a lot of friends behind. I will NOT miss the climate of course .

I was the same way...moved in 97 to Florida & there are some things I do miss but not much: friends, summerfest (or any of the fests)...I have only been back once in the 11 years I have been gone...

[trizkutt]

Tulsa? Blech. Enjoy the bible belt.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by trizkutt

Tulsa? Blech. Enjoy the bible belt.

Why the hostility towards a city someone is looking forward to moving to?

Having actually been through Tulsa a number of times, I always have found it to be kind of a neat, underrated mid-sized big city with a cool waterfront setting and decent streets infrastructure.

It might not be for you, but why attack someone else and rain on their parade?

To the OP, I hope you enjoy Tulsa. Very decent winters, springs (if the tornado season / severe t-storm season isn't in full throttle) and falls...summers are quite hot and humid, but they don't last forever. I think you may like Tulsa! But like many, I wouldn't be surprised either if someday again you decide to return to the MKE metro area!