Moving back to jersey (oh no) (Newark, Belleville: insurance, employment, school)

[srg1990]

Hello all.

Here's my situation.

When I was 14, my parents thought it would be a good idea to move to Arizona, from Jersey (they made a good decision, for the most part)... I always told them when I was old enough though, that I was moving back. I love New Jersey soo much. The people (yes), the weather (yes), the congestion. I love it all.

I'm 18 now, and as much as some of you might suggest otherwise, I've decided to move back next month, in June.

Now, I'm moving to Belleville, that little town bordering Newark, and that being said, it isn't the nicest area.

My main concern is that I only have one year of college under my belt, and moving cross country will definitely hinder my option to back to school for a while. With that, I will be starting from scratch.

I was thinking about joining sprinkler fitters union next year, but until then, I'm super concerned about healthcare, and benefits, over anything, really.

I'll be living with my aunt, so my only expenses are the $200 a month I'll be giving her.

What would you guys suggest I do to get started? I know employment is taking a hit everywhere, but I would assume with Newark, and other large cities within driving distance, I would be able to find a little not-so-bad full time job job somewhere.

Out here in Tucson, AZ, when a fast food joint opens up, there's a line around the block to try and get a job there.

In your experiences, what would you suggest to do?

As incoherent as this was, I thank you

[BobKovacs]

Well, with one year of college and little experience, I wouldn't count on finding a full-time job as easily as you think you will- unless you're willing to work for peanuts. And I'd look again at the fitter's union- they're not exactly overflowing with work right now, so the chances of getting in are pretty slim.

[Lucky Lady123]

I have to agree with what BobKovacs posted and if I was you I would stay put. Good luck in whatever you do decide in the end.

[Alex07860]

Hmmm....let's see, 18, single, no kids ...I'd def move to jersey. if it doesn't work out, you can always go back to AZ. I'm not saying that it will be all roses or peaches & cream, it will be hard but I think you're young enough that whatever mistakes you make now, will only help you in the long run.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by srg1990

Hello all.

Here's my situation.

When I was 14, my parents thought it would be a good idea to move to Arizona, from Jersey (they made a good decision, for the most part)... I always told them when I was old enough though, that I was moving back. I love New Jersey soo much. The people (yes), the weather (yes), the congestion. I love it all.

I'm 18 now, and as much as some of you might suggest otherwise, I've decided to move back next month, in June.

Now, I'm moving to Belleville, that little town bordering Newark, and that being said, it isn't the nicest area.

My main concern is that I only have one year of college under my belt, and moving cross country will definitely hinder my option to back to school for a while. With that, I will be starting from scratch.

I was thinking about joining sprinkler fitters union next year, but until then, I'm super concerned about healthcare, and benefits, over anything, really.

I'll be living with my aunt, so my only expenses are the $200 a month I'll be giving her.

What would you guys suggest I do to get started? I know employment is taking a hit everywhere, but I would assume with Newark, and other large cities within driving distance, I would be able to find a little not-so-bad full time job job somewhere.

Out here in Tucson, AZ, when a fast food joint opens up, there's a line around the block to try and get a job there.

In your experiences, what would you suggest to do?

As incoherent as this was, I thank you

If it were me, Hunterdon County on down through Gloucester County. Maybe a few sports NE of that map. If you choose not to take that advice, good luck.

[srg1990]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments.

Maybe I won't find work as easily.. I'm running with the simple "there's more people, hence places to work" idea.

I personally don't care about making a lot of money. Just enough to get by. I'm only moving because I miss and love my friends and family back there.

And yes, if I mess up bad, I can always just move back to AZ and continue on with my life.

Gotta start making those big life decisions sometime, eh?

[Obrero]

I would start making them after you finish college. Another 2 or 3 years stuck in AZ at college might seem like a lifetime but getting a degree will put you in a much stronger position when you hit NJ.

[Stone28]

The Fitters may not be booming right now. But most of the fitters I know are working enough hours to maintain their insurance and other benefits. The key with the metal trades is learning to weld. If your a good welder you can work with other trades such as the Boilermakers or the Iron Workers or the Dock Builders when the Fitters are slow.

I just want to tell you one more thing Srg . Its your life do what you want to do. I know from experience from people watching people "take it easy and just get by" while they were in their twenty's and now those same guys are in their fourt'y and fifty's and have to jump at every call they get to work. I have also known people who worked many hours and sacrafised when they were young and now they can relax in their later years and pick and choose which jobs they take.

[metaljaybird]

To be honest, the market isn't the greatest, but probably better than most of AZ. You are young, so why not take the leap? 200.00 a month is a paltry responsibility, heck, you could probably pay that working at McDonald's until you find a real job or school.

I think you're on to something with going for a trade rather than college. It seems that white collar workers are a dime a dozen, whereas trade jobs are paying better to start, and are in more demand.

If the economy ever takes off again, you'll be in a prime position to make some bucks gaining a skill.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by UKOK

I would start making them after you finish college. Another 2 or 3 years stuck in AZ at college might seem like a lifetime but getting a degree will put you in a much stronger position when you hit NJ.

+1. This is the right answer. You are only 18, invest 4 years of yourself at Arizona University or even Pima Community College. I think ITT has a campus in Tucson, if you want to go down that route.