Taking the leap to NOVA from AZ

[Renebo]

We know it will be a challenge but worth taking. We are hitting all the advertised jobs now and plan to set up with temp agencies to start.

I think the traffic is the number one complaint that I have read about on the forum. We have been spoiled here in Phoenix since the highways are some of most advanced (6 lanes each way in some places).

Thanks for all the advice.

[ACWhite]

I know nothing about your personal qualifications (obviously) and absolutely wish you the best. Two general cautions that I would offer to anyone:

1) While there are a lot of good jobs here, there also are lots of good candidates. Education levels are among the highest in the country. Be prepared to face stiffer competition than you may have in the past. And, if you do get an offer, the pay may not be sufficiently higher to cover the increased cost of living here.

2) It's illegal (etc.) but we all know that some employers discriminate against people over 40. You made big life changes in the past, but like all the rest of us, you are older now than you were when you found jobs quickly before. And, it's not illegal to discriminate against people without a job at the time that they apply, but recent reports show employers do prefer to hire the employed.

So these are additional factors that suggest it's better to have a job lined up for at least one of you before you move.

I think people here are just concerned about how to reduce the risks for you. In my opinion, it's less risky and costly to take the time and spend the money to fly out for a few interviews before making a decision to move, than to not do that.

Again, good luck and hope we can welcome you soon.