Moving to Roanoke, THINK TWICE! (Lynchburg: movers, salary, taxes)

[Justme2010]

If you're in the IT field, don't jump gun before you evaluate all the options carefully. Your skills will not translate into business opportunity easily.

I've looked at quite a few business related web applications hosted by some companies/organizations here at Roanoke. Honestly they are not cutting edge, that is ok, but they can be so much more efficient and add substantially superior use experience given a reasonable investment...
and you feel like you're talking to the wind... I definitely did not know the status quo culture here before I moved here... and I deeply regret that decision...

Sorry this sounds ranting but I have to be faithful to facts...

[Mr_Jonas]

Be happy you are in Roanoke, you could be in Lynchburg!

[Teebyrd86]

First off I am sorry your not having much luck in Roanoke. But personally I think your posting title is misleading. You are basically telling everyone not to move to Roanoke.. When in fact you are talking about persons in the IT field. Roanoke is a great place to live and work.. though it may not be for you. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by Justme2010

If you're in the IT field, don't jump gun before you evaluate all the options carefully. Your skills will not translate into business opportunity easily.

I've looked at quite a few business related web applications hosted by some companies/organizations here at Roanoke. Honestly they are not cutting edge, that is ok, but they can be so much more efficient and add substantially superior use experience given a reasonable investment...
and you feel like you're talking to the wind... I definitely did not know the status quo culture here before I moved here... and I deeply regret that decision...

Sorry this sounds ranting but I have to be faithful to facts...

[headnsouth]

Originally Posted by Justme2010

If you're in any field, don't jump gun before you evaluate all the options carefully. Your skills might not translate into business opportunity easily and you should have a job lined up or a solid business plan in place before you relocate anywhere.

I definitely did not take the time and effort to research my field here before I moved here... and I deeply regret that decision...

Sorry this sounds ranting but I am ranting...

There you go, Justme2010, I fixed your post for you.

[Justme2010]

"If you're in any field, don't jump gun before you evaluate all the options carefully. Your skills might not translate into business opportunity easily and you should have a job lined up or a solid business plan in place before you relocate anywhere.

I definitely did not take the time and effort to research my field here before I moved here... and I deeply regret that decision...

Sorry this sounds ranting but I am ranting..."

"a job lined up":
Consider to eliminate this option (quite likely not many businesses in this region can afford the salary I'm expecting, CV is available via PM), hence, don't even go that route... And most importantly I'm not interested in the usual 9-5, century-old work mode... and think about the rising gas cost (not just for me... hint: drive LESS...). Don't get me wrong here, each minute I put into work is a quality minute... Would big business in the area open to project or contract-based work? Would they be able to open to flexibility?

a solid business plan :
I tend to think for IT work, two things are most critical provided need exists:
a) Perception, is this person really capable of what he/she claims? Would he/she be better than the usual crowd?
b) Is the price reasonable and delivery speedy?
And all the better if he/she happens to be very likable, like good-looking, humorous... perceptive... bla.. bla...
And this element is a real variable...

[PaperTrail]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

First off I am sorry your not having much luck in Roanoke. But personally I think your posting title is misleading. You are basically telling everyone not to move to Roanoke.. When in fact you are talking about persons in the IT field. Roanoke is a great place to live and work.. though it may not be for you. Best of luck!

This was exactly what I thought too when I first saw the thread's originial post. Well said, Teebyrd.

Roanoke and its surrounding region certainly caters to some jobs a lot better than others. Anything blue collar does well, as do restaurants. White collar work is scarcer, but far from absent, especially if you're aiming toward industries such as banking, higher education, or health care. It can be hard for some to find their niche, but I believe this area offers enough to make a good chunk of its people happy.

[Justme2010]

"On misleading..."
Take it easy, look at from any perspective, it may not be a good idea that too many people move here, then you got too crowded...

"Roanoke and its surrounding region certainly caters to some jobs a lot better than others. Anything blue collar does well, as do restaurants. White collar work is scarcer, but far from absent, especially if you're aiming toward industries such as banking, higher education, or health care. It can be hard for some to find their niche, but I believe this area offers enough to make a good chunk of its people happy."
The pace of connecting to these selective industries is way too s l o w...

[j1n]

Do NOT, under any circumtances, move to Roanoke or the surrounding areas.
**Be forewarned!!**
It's all flat and ugly, with no decent weather, no heavily forested areas or wildlife, no jobs, unfriendly people, bad food, poor air and water quality, no culture, no shopping, and absolutely nothing to do. Oh yeah, and it's super-expensive with ridiculous taxes, heinously crime-ridden, hopelessly traffic-choked, governmentally corrupt, and on the verge of sliding off into the Atlantic.
Please don't move here.
The few of us that do reside in this wasteland will silently suffer and bravely struggle on alone.

[Justme2010]

Originally Posted by j1n

Do NOT, under any circumtances, move to Roanoke or the surrounding areas.
**Be forewarned!!**
It's all flat and ugly, with no decent weather, no heavily forested areas or wildlife, no jobs, unfriendly people, bad food, poor air and water quality, no culture, no shopping, and absolutely nothing to do. Oh yeah, and it's super-expensive with ridiculous taxes, heinously crime-ridden, hopelessly traffic-choked, governmentally corrupt, and on the verge of sliding off into the Atlantic.
Please don't move here.
The few of us that do reside in this wasteland will silently suffer and bravely struggle on alone.

I'm afraid you're not contributing to the discussion.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by Justme2010

I'm afraid you're not contributing to the discussion.

Actually, I feel that I am. The point I am trying to make (with a little attempt at some lightheartedness and humor) is that this area is a good area. And your original point was a good one...to think twice. Actually, maybe even think 4 or 10 times before committing to an area. And certainly, to anyone considering moving anywhere...do your homework. But to make blanket negative statements about an area is unfair and prejudicial.
I have a friend who was having a tough time finding IT work in the area. He got a little down on the Roanoke valley. Then he got hooked in with some movers and shakers, landed a first "good" and then a second "great" job. Now he's pretty psyched to still be here...because it's a good place to be.