How bad is BAD? Accountant Job in Orlando, FL. Any Advice? ANY JOBS. What's the condition in Orlando? (Winter Garden: find a job, school)

[raj34787]

Hello all you Central Floridians!

So I'm an Accountant. I have a BBA in Accounting from a good school. I worked two years as an Account, and the prior two part time (while in school) as an Internal Auditor. I moved, and I'm currently living in Winter Garden, FL (eash Orlando right off HWY 50).

Here's the situation! Day-IN and Day-OUT I look for an Account (or similar role) opportunity. I mean seriously, I dream about searching every last website and calling every last recruiter! But so far NOTHING!

What's going on here guys! I don't even have any requirements, I just want a job in somewhat accounting area. I even apply for part-time, entry level no-where landing jobs, low, and I mean LOW down pay, and so far nothing!

I just moved here (well about TWO MONTHS now) with my family. (I don't know if I dare mention I'm from NYC)

But anyway, is this seriously how the rest of my life will be? Think I should just pack up and move back. I mean how bad is bad down here when time comes for finding a job.

[annerk]

That's a particularly difficult field in this area right now. It's a little easier if you are a CPA or a bookkeeper that can double as an office manager, but accounting? Almost impossible. On top of that there is a distinct distaste for NY'ers with many of the locals, even the ones who started in NY. Lose the accent and try to blend in as well as you can. (Advice from a former NY'er who very quickly realized that the accent and trendy NYC clothes were not helping me in the job search.)

[CTGirlNoMore]

Wow, that it interesting to know. My friend is an accountant and thinks when he gets t FL he will have NO problem finding a job as one.

[qdogfball]

Our company is looking, but only for a Tax accountant atm.

But, they also like New Yorkers..

Also, not to nit pick, but you listed you are looking for an Account opportunity.. hopefully that is a typo.

Positions ARE scarce, unless you know people.

[keithwand]

Trendy NYC clothes? What does that mean?
You see some pretty trendy stuff in my trailer park don't ya know.
Oh you mean shoes with no holes in the sole.

OK seriously; hopefully you find something. My son went back to school for his MBA in Accounting after losing his automotive job and finding nothing. He is still looking too.
It's rough out there.

[Bealiz]

Sometimes it is very hard to plan ahead in life. Of course moving to anyplace with a job lined up is the ideal scenery. In real life some situations are harder than being jobless or underemployed; escaping from domestic violence for example. I wish luck to all the brave souls who come to Orlando to reinvent themselves.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by annerk

That's a particularly difficult field in this area right now. It's a little easier if you are a CPA or a bookkeeper that can double as an office manager, but accounting? Almost impossible. On top of that there is a distinct distaste for NY'ers with many of the locals, even the ones who started in NY. Lose the accent and try to blend in as well as you can. (Advice from a former NY'er who very quickly realized that the accent and trendy NYC clothes were not helping me in the job search.)

So pretend to be something you're not?

Would you tell someone from Ireland say to lose the brogue?

People should be who they are, especially in a job interview.

Besides the resume is going to show their education and experience in NY anyway.

[chinesedoll]

I moved from NYC in 2007 with a B.S. and a Masters in Human Service. I currently work as a Support Coordinator for people with disabilities after going on over 30 interviews. I only make $28,000. Do not go into the interview in a suit. Please, make sure you omit the jacket. I went on serveral interviews in a suit, black stockings, polished shoes and hairstyle minimal with tiny earrings and no bling and they looked at me as if I was running for PResident. Style of dressing is a little bit more relax here.

On that note, be prepared to make just enough to get by when you do find something. Things are really different here and yes, FL is not too thrilled about New Yorkers. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is not always easy to find a job prior to relocating. I tried for months to find employment before I left NYC and it did not happen. The economy was beginning to crumble. A few years prior, perhaps I would have find employment before I relocated so don't feel that you did the wrong thing by not seeking employment before you got here. Some potential employers do not want to see a out-of-town address and phone # on a resume.

Maybe you should look into sending your resume to law firms. You may find something working as a paralegal for a while.

Good luck with everything. Stick it out. I guarantee, you will love it here.

[mrFlaBound]

I don't know if people here are implying that Florida doesn't like NY'ers in Accounting, or in general, but they certainly had no problem with my wife and I.
At work and outside, we have no problems.
I will say I did NOT change who I was when interviewing and neither did the wife, although the job I'm at, the first comment the interviewer said was "are you attached to the suit?" , I said "No" and he said "good, were not so into those here" in a joking way...

Also, the out of town address.. 100% makes sense.. the phone number not so much anymore, people realize that cell phones can easily be carried to a new residence.

[paleo99]

The only decent jobs they have in Orlando are Lockeed Martin and related defense contractor industries on the east end of town in Research Park by UCF.