Reason most people want to leave Phoenix

[mateo45]

Dunno whether anybody's mentioned it, But Harper's Magazine had an interesting article about AZ that speaks to a lot of what folks are saying here:

"Tea Party in Sonora": Ken Silverstein of Harper’s Says Arizona is Laboratory for Radical GOP Policies

[kdog]

Originally Posted by phxgreenfire

Actually, I just read an article recently that mentioned the exact job I'm looking for. In Phoenix it pays mid- to high- $20Ks. The average salary for that exact position nationwide is $53K. Hmm... why is that?

Because there's a lower demand for that job here. Simple as that. Salaries are all about supply and demand.

[Finger Laker]

Yep - either that or the job just isn't that special or difficult to perform

In my industry it's so hard to find good talent that you can be securely employed if somewhat competant with salaries comparable to other areas when you factor in COL.

The employment situation here could get better and we definitely need to do more to improve the quality of our talent base and the employers who come here.

However, there are a lot of good jobs out here and a lot of people who are doing well.

I wouldn't say the economy was solely based on growth alone, but there was an obvious demand within that sector.

When you had the population growth and overall demand do you just ignore it?

I don't think you really can. It definitely burned way too hot and got a little speculative, but that doesn't change that there was a real demand for housing, commercial space & infrastructure above the norms. This lead ot an increase in construction, development, sales, insurance and many other related services.

When it tanked all those sectors took the hit.

Construction unemployment is some of the highest in the nation - but it's just the opposite side of the cycle. Unfortunately you had some people move here when it was hot and they were often the first ones let go when it cooled.

These types of workers aren't just going to find jobs based on some high paying white collar jobs moving in - it's a miss.

So not only do we need to focus on job diversification, but also job growth in targets where the unemployed are reasonably qualified (or can become qualified) to work.

This isn't just an AZ issue though - In fact our neighbors to the north in NV have it even a little bit worse.

[Ritchie_az]

I'm making just slightly over the national average for my profession here in Phoenix.

[Ritchie_az]

Originally Posted by phxgreenfire

And I'm not saying that #3 ranking is bad, just that given Arizona's track record they're likely not very good jobs.

First, you don't know that. You are just trying to paint as dark of a picture as possible over what is a very good picture. Just like the '60's... paint it black.
Second, what makes it a "not very good job"? That you don't qualify for it? Or that it may be "beneath" you?

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by Ritchie_az

First, you don't know that. You are just trying to paint as dark of a picture as possible over what is a very good picture. Just like the '60's... paint it black.
Second, what makes it a "not very good job"? That you don't qualify for it? Or that it may be "beneath" you?

That it's beneath me. Plain and simple. That sounds arrogant, but it's how I feel. I did a lot in the past to build up relevant work experience so that I don't have to work those jobs.

And to kdog... the positions I want are just in short supply here, whereas they're easier to come by in other cities. Because there just aren't many of them here, my guess is that it's easier for companies that do offer those positions to hire at significantly less pay instead of having to compete with each other to attract candidates. The thing is, my field has a symbiotic relationship with companies and actually depends on corporate headquarters being in town... which is why these positions aren't easy to find here.

[Poncho_NM]

Thanks for those who voted in the polls! It was a good turnout and I found the results interesting.

Some of the discussions got a bit heated and off topic. It appears the thread has run its course so it is closed.