Torn and Terrified! (Scottsdale, Fountain Hills: rentals, neighborhood, living)
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I am not a big union fan but here in Arizona they can and do fire people for no reason and you have ZERO recourse. The boss can come in one day and say, "your services are no longer needed" and out the door you go. The state of Arizona has no recourse for those people. The only recourse would be if you were fired based on religion or gender. Although it would be VERY difficult to prove this and one would probably have to hire their own lawyer $$$.
I came from a very Pro Union Blue State in NY Dellnec and some of the absurd wages paid to UAW employees to sweep floors for $28/hour finally caught up to them. Unfortunately, really no happy medium in this country depending on the state. Either strong union presence (promotes laziness and coasting (especially long tenured school teachers)). Or Right to Work where you basically better not give any boss a reason to dislike you or else..... All I can say living here is I never was a part of a union so there wasn't any adjustment other than knowing I have to be on my toes and make sure I don't give anyone a reason to give me the pink slip.
I came from a very Pro Union Blue State in NY Dellnec and some of the absurd wages paid to UAW employees to sweep floors for $28/hour finally caught up to them. Unfortunately, really no happy medium in this country depending on the state. Either strong union presence (promotes laziness and coasting (especially long tenured school teachers)). Or Right to Work where you basically better not give any boss a reason to dislike you or else..... All I can say living here is I never was a part of a union so there wasn't any adjustment other than knowing I have to be on my toes and make sure I don't give anyone a reason to give me the pink slip.
Just to clarify, right to work has nothing to do with employment at will, which is what you are talking about in terms of termination.
I don't know that these issues are what the OP is really concerned about in terms of employment, so let's steer back toward her questions.
Location: In an alternate universe according to some
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Monica, from someone who's chased "paradise" all over the U.S. and I'm here to tell you it only exists in each persons mind. Every place has it's drawbacks, I mean everywhere. I can also tell you something we've learned in our 15-20 moves, it takes a good year to figure out if you like someplace or not that's why I suggested renting out your current house, preferably on a year lease so you are locked in to staying here for that length of time. This gives you time to fully discover what's good here and learn if you can deal with what you don't like here (there will be some things I'm sure) and then decide if you want to stay.
I've said many times that I'm no fan of AZ and neither is my wife BUT that's just our opinions specific to our situation and you can't base your decision solely on opinions of people you don't know.
From all these posts you're coming with your eyes wide open, you know it gets hot here in the summer but it's nice in the winter (or all those snowbirds/rv parks wouldn't be here) now all you have to do is make the leap and keep your backup plan so you're not feeling stuck here.
I do have friends there....they both love it! One of them just moved there September 2011. She loves it. She says she doesn't regret it at all. The only thing is she misses friends back in Wisconsin. The other friend who's been there for three years now says it's the best decision she could've ever made, but she too miss friends. They both had visited Phoenix several times before moving. I am really unhappy in Wisconsin and just want to get out!!!! The only family I have there is my mother...which I'll miss, but my husband and I are in need of a change!!!! Maybe I'll look into other states as well....
Don't move for a change. Not a good reason. But I, like your friend, love Arizona and the desert, and I live in Oregon in the Coastal Hills. I have lived and worked and raised my family in Arizona full time year round and visit often now . I have also done the snowbird thing. My wife and I just came down for three weeks to see how she delt with the summer heat. I am a duel state resident. But ........ Arizona is not for everyone and quiting a job and jumping into the unknown is a really bad idea.
I'd say just make the move. Before my gf and I moved back here from Hawaii, I kept hearing from certain friends about how its impossible to find jobs (was in the middle of the recession.) I relayed that info to a successful friend of mine and he said "here's the thing... think about the people who are telling you this, what do they all have in common?" (they were all kinda lazy losers.)
There are jobs here, just as long as you put the effort in to find them. My gf and I both found good jobs within 2 weeks during the recession, and things are a bit better here these days. In fact a friends daughter who just moved out here from Michigan was able to land a job while here on vacation.
I'd say just make the move. Before my gf and I moved back here from Hawaii, I kept hearing from certain friends about how its impossible to find jobs (was in the middle of the recession.) I relayed that info to a successful friend of mine and he said "here's the thing... think about the people who are telling you this, what do they all have in common?" (they were all kinda lazy losers.)
There are jobs here, just as long as you put the effort in to find them. My gf and I both found good jobs within 2 weeks during the recession, and things are a bit better here these days. In fact a friends daughter who just moved out here from Michigan was able to land a job while here on vacation.
Never say "Impossible" and the loser jobs are a dime a dozen and plentiful. You paint with a broad brush. I am one of those who often say "No Jobs", and I am well educated, and was well employed when I worked. I would be considered a success, and I know of nobody who would say I was a loser. Many jobs are available because Midwesterners find they can’t cut it in Arizona and leave the Valley of the Sun for greener pastures. So yes there are jobs, but your odds of being the one hired are not good.
After reading your post several times, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what anyone says here, you are trying very hard to talk yourself out of the move.
Shadow91, I'm not trying to talk myself out of the move, I'm just trying to be smart. Before I came to the forum I was absolutely positive about moving to AZ, but I wanted to do more research and get a feel for the city from those who has and does live there. I didn't want to just relocate without knowing more info on job prospective, housing and culture. I don't think there's anything wrong with that...Yes there have been comments that have swayed my decision slightly but I'm glad I have more information that will help in my decision.
I have not read all the posts, OP, but believe that your happiness, well-being, and general safety is all relative to the type of neighborhood and community you choose. We were fortunate that my husband researched extensively and for desert living....Fountain Hills is the ONLY city we would feel safe and thoroughly enjoy our community. (Yes, I know I will get alot of flack for saying that but for us, the small town atmosphere next to Scottsdale for major shopping is perfect.)
We love it here but do miss our MI lakes and greenery from time to time. It is so quiet at night it is unbelievable and I enjoy seeing the city lights twinkle on the horizon over the ridge down the mountain in the evenings. I used to be an RT and do believe you will find work here and ample job opportunity in the medical field with the vast array of facilities in the Valley area. Our next door neighbors hail from WI and frequent the Saquaro(?) lake when they yearn for water sports.
It sounds like some change will do you good, OP, and your aunt is willing to open her home to give you and your husband a chance for change. I must say I love boasting to family back in the midwest of wearing flip-flops and sundresses almost all winter.... Good Luck and your aunt will be a wealth of information as a local!
Last edited by makeitagreatday; 07-22-2012 at 09:58 AM..
Shadow91, I'm not trying to talk myself out of the move, I'm just trying to be smart. Before I came to the forum I was absolutely positive about moving to AZ, but I wanted to do more research and get a feel for the city from those who has and does live there. I didn't want to just relocate without knowing more info on job prospective, housing and culture. I don't think there's anything wrong with that...Yes there have been comments that have swayed my decision slightly but I'm glad I have more information that will help in my decision.
I've been doing tons of research also and still do. Especially on housing and communities to live in. I'm definitely going with Gilbert or Chandler. I have Aldo's spoken w people who kno the area well and say you can't go wrong. My 2nd option is Queen Creek (mainly cause right now housing cheaper there) but being in no rush I will see if the market slows on new builds in order to buy in Gilbert.
I'm excited about pulling the plug and going mainly to start a new future in gorgeous area and not see snow again and high taxes.
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Good Luck and your aunt will be a wealth of information as a local! 
