What is the job market really like in Orange County? (Los Angeles: real estate, mortgages)

[steph826]

I'm wondering if unemployment is really as bad in Southern California as I've heard people say it is?
I live in Florida, and I'm looking to relocate. I really don't like it here, but I am spoiled by the weather and access to beaches so I think Orange County or surrounding areas would be ideal for me. I really can't think of anywhere other than California could be liveable for me (aside from staing in Florida).
I only have an AA, and can eventually complete my BA online through the college I am going to in FL even if I move out of state. I do have some job experience, as I've been working in an office setting for the past 11 years and spent the last 3 years working in accounting/payroll/financial reporting & analysis. Would it be terribly difficult for me to find a full-time job in the Orange County area? Any input would really be appreciated, I will definitely be leaving my current job and current city in Florida within the next year.

[Wurzig]

The job market stinks. My advice is to not move here unless you have procured one ahead of time....

[MonkeyKid]

I would not move to Orange County if I were you. the unemployment rate here is probably hovering around 16-17% if you count the u6 data. Wait until we get out of the the current depression, i mean recession if you want to move here.

You also have to factor in that without a degree you will be placed on the bottom on of the pile. There are plenty of folks with your exact background but with a degree who are unemployed.

If you are lucky enough to find a job, be prepared to take a drop in living standards as the housing/rent market is still out of wack here, incomes are still too low for how much renter's are being charged.

Good Luck

[Donna in st.joe]

I am not so sure that the unemployment is that bad. We are thinking of relocating to orange county as well. My husband has just recently applied for multiple accounting jobs in oc. There are many of them available and he has only begun to scratch the surface! Just keep looking. Good luck to you!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Donna in st.joe

I am not so sure that the unemployment is that bad. We are thinking of relocating to orange county as well. My husband has just recently applied for multiple accounting jobs in oc. There are many of them available and he has only begun to scratch the surface! Just keep looking. Good luck to you!

With the exception of Boeing, engineering isn't too bad either.

According to

Unemployment Rate: Irvine city, CA, California; Percent; NSA

Irvine unemployment is 6.9%

From Google:

Orange County unemployment is 9.1%
Los Angeles County is 12%

Google - public data

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Donna in st.joe

I am not so sure that the unemployment is that bad. We are thinking of relocating to orange county as well. My husband has just recently applied for multiple accounting jobs in oc. There are many of them available and he has only begun to scratch the surface! Just keep looking. Good luck to you!

What you don't know is how many people are applying for those postings that look so plentiful. Its not that there aren't any jobs available, its that there's an amazing amount of competition for them, usually from VERY qualified people. Even the low end jobs have people standing in line for their chance.

[AKgirlinCA]

Another thing to keep in mind, jobs here don't pay well enough to compensate for the high cost of living. Even $20/hr + is not enough here.

[MonkeyKid]

Originally Posted by Charles

With the exception of Boeing, engineering isn't too bad either.

According to

Unemployment Rate: Irvine city, CA, California; Percent; NSA

Irvine unemployment is 6.9%

From Google:

Orange County unemployment is 9.1%
Los Angeles County is 12%

Google - public data

those are official numbers, those are the numbers the media and government like to parade around with to make people believe the depression/recession we are in is not as bad. They want to keep the sheeple spending money on things they don't need to prop up our phony economy. Those numbers don't include folks who have given up looking for work and folks who are forced to part time work. Individual cities may vary but I stand by my previous post that the "real" unemployment rate in OC is closer to 16-17% maybe even slightly more.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by MonkeyKid

those are official numbers, those are the numbers the media and government like to parade around with to make people believe the depression/recession we are in is not as bad. They want to keep the sheeple spending money on things they don't need to prop up our phony economy. Those numbers don't include folks who have given up looking for work and folks who are forced to part time work. Individual cities may vary but I stand by my previous post that the "real" unemployment rate in OC is closer to 16-17% maybe even slightly more.

I know it isn't a fair question, I wonder what the numbers would be if real estate/finance/construction were not considered. Those sectors may be doing so bad that they bring the overall numbers up. It doesn't make the situation any better - unemployed people are unemployed people not paying their mortgages and not purchasing goods and services.

But, for other major OC industries: Are technology, healthcare, and government employment doing so bad?

[MonkeyKid]

Originally Posted by Charles

I know it isn't a fair question, I wonder what the numbers would be if real estate/finance/construction were not considered. Those sectors may be doing so bad that they bring the overall numbers up. It doesn't make the situation any better - unemployed people are unemployed people not paying their mortgages and not purchasing goods and services.

But, for other major OC industries: Are technology, healthcare, and government employment doing so bad?

I have relatives working for the county and their departments have/are experiencing layoffs, they managed to get some of them back with Obama money but one that runs out they are back at square one. This is for a segment of county employees that help save the county and state money. go figure.

My barber's wife is having trouble finding employment as a nurse and she is as qualified (degree/certs & experienced) as they come.

Everytime I go to an "unemployment gathering" most of the older men I meet are laid off tech people i.e. IT or engineers