Relocation advice (Raleigh: insurance, headhunter, find a job)

[Caramelprincss]

I'm a single mom of 3 who wants to relocate with 2 of my children. I have a family member who wants me to go to Orlando FL area but I'm kind of interested in the Raleigh NC area. My best friend will be relocating late this year as well and is going to the triangle area. I can't wait that long to go since I have a child who will be in school. I'm sick of NJ as is my 11yr old. Any advice. I'm a creature of habit so afraid of such a major step but I need a new start. I just lost my job this week for being out 2 days (my baby is in ICU & job called me while she was being prepped for surgery to fire me, they even cancelled my ins same day) employers here and the environment have really turned me off. Any feedback on both these areas will be helpful. I'm so stressed (sending this from my baby ICU bedside). How do people just leave with nothing & make it???

[DanielChang]

I don't think it's legal for them to cancel your insurance without offering you COBRA. I'd look into it.

I'd also look into a job or moving in with your friend until you find a job, since being homeless and jobless and having the responsibilities of kids to feed is probably not a good idea. Moreover, if you are both homeless and jobless, you might be found to be neglecting your kids and you might lose your kids.

The triangle has a lot of opportunities, but it's not paradise, especially for the broke and unemployed.

[jfre81]

Do not move there without a job. I really can't stress this enough.

[saturnfan]

Not much assistance available here. Medicaid is very hard to get.

Things may only get worse for you here unless you have a skill in demand. Almost no public transit or subsidized housing.

Good luck.

[House Lady]

on the insurance. Some policies will continue to cover ongoing situations, especially if they had a waiting period to begin with. You are under a lot of pressure right now, but perhaps the social worker at the hospital and the Insurance Commissioner for NJ would be worth a quick call. Both may be able to help you interpret your policy and protect you. The social worker should be able to help you get short term asisstance. Moving now would be enough to drive you over the edge. It is stressful as well. If you have a chance, look at CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com or other to see what the prospects for your type of job may be. Good luck!

[mia78]

Definitely don't consider moving down here until your life situation is more stable. Look at jobs online and see what they're paying in your field. It may be a lot lower than what you expected. We're from NJ and dh took a $3.00 pay cut here in NC.

Even if you move in with the friend, you don't want to be a burden and risk destroying that friendship.

You need to file for unemployment. That'll take some time to come through. Medicaid wasn't hard to get for my children at all.

[Caramelprincss]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if it was clear. I'm moreso asking how is life there? I have a degree/skill & already know to do the research. I'm not looking to live on the system (never have & don't knock those who do). Their illegal actions are being investigated already. I've wanted to relocate for some time but always been a bit afraid. So asking what steps those who've relocated took to do so. Did you just up & go or did you over plan it. I already know one must be able to make a living. My friend & I are curious how people handled their transition process. I'm tired of NJ & was already planning on leaving just trying to organize it all. Again thanks for the input.

[saturnfan]

I got a job through a headhunter (IT) and moved here 20 years ago from New Orleans.

Company moved us. Worked out well.