Can a middle-aged single mother with two teen survive, and thrive in New York State?

[Sgoldie]

You're right. The original question is "Can a middle-aged single mother with two teens survive, and thrive anywhere?

The short answer is that in NYS you will have a nice variety of different places to choose from which all offer enticing ways of life. Several places are affordable and some are not. The big bug-a-boo is whether you can find a job in any of them, these being scarce especially in the more affordable areas.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Sgoldie

You're right. The original question is "Can a middle-aged single mother with two teens survive, and thrive anywhere?

The short answer is that in NYS you will have a nice variety of different places to choose from which all offer enticing ways of life. Several places are affordable and some are not. The big bug-a-boo is whether you can find a job in any of them, these being scarce especially in the more affordable areas.

and depending on your skill set too. Some cities are transitioning from manufacturing to more service based jobs like education and health care. Some have high tech jobs too, but it depends on what is open and what you can do at such places.

[cardboy2454]

no you can;t. fact of life here in nys right now.

[plattsburgher]

I know I will get slammed, but I know that up here there is a real need for people skilled in retail management. That and tourism is our biggest job market for what it's worth. We graduate tons of teachers and counselors and most go elsewhere, but I know I have seen ads for Verizon and TJ Maxx within the past week and I have no idea what the starting salary is, but I would bet that housing would be cheaper than where you are now. The schools are great. Peru district is a cool little district with quality teachers and you won't have to pay city taxes........You can rent an apartment here because there are so many and a huge project just being finished near campus........We have sooo much retail and a new Walgreens is being built and we just got a Target and Best Buy advertised last month and I see Borders ads quite a bit plus the college had a bookstore manager position recently. Think we are getting a new Taco Bell and they just enlarged and renovated a KFC......Know it probably isn't a dream job, but you can look at New York One Work Force..........or the Press Republican...........also the local hospital pays very well and always needs unit clerks or patient registrars and if you are competent you move up quickly. I have worked there for 7 years and because of our union have gotten 7 pay raises and I am just part-time. If you were working full time you would get step increases as well. Just a thought. You can google CVPH and jobs and you will get their website. Lots of teens up here.............good kids. Mine just had her prom last weekend and the teachers/faculty had an after prom party that had swimming, etc. until 4 am. My daughter was exhausted, happy and sober..........people do care up here.......

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by plattsburgher

I know I will get slammed, but I know that up here there is a real need for people skilled in retail management. That and tourism is our biggest job market for what it's worth. We graduate tons of teachers and counselors and most go elsewhere, but I know I have seen ads for Verizon and TJ Maxx within the past week and I have no idea what the starting salary is, but I would bet that housing would be cheaper than where you are now. The schools are great. Peru district is a cool little district with quality teachers and you won't have to pay city taxes........You can rent an apartment here because there are so many and a huge project just being finished near campus........We have sooo much retail and a new Walgreens is being built and we just got a Target and Best Buy advertised last month and I see Borders ads quite a bit plus the college had a bookstore manager position recently. Think we are getting a new Taco Bell and they just enlarged and renovated a KFC......Know it probably isn't a dream job, but you can look at New York One Work Force..........or the Press Republican...........also the local hospital pays very well and always needs unit clerks or patient registrars and if you are competent you move up quickly. I have worked there for 7 years and because of our union have gotten 7 pay raises and I am just part-time. If you were working full time you would get step increases as well. Just a thought. You can google CVPH and jobs and you will get their website. Lots of teens up here.............good kids. Mine just had her prom last weekend and the teachers/faculty had an after prom party that had swimming, etc. until 4 am. My daughter was exhausted, happy and sober..........people do care up here.......

I think the Plattsburgh area would be a good choice for a family. It is also close to Montreal. So, there are cultural emenities within an hour.