Will my wife be OK in Roanoke? (Hampton, Lynchburg: credit, teaching jobs)

[mikeIT83]

Hello,

My manager is offering me a chance to transfer from Hampton, VA to Roanoke. I work for a pretty large company- and I will actually have a better chance of surviving the economic issues if I move out to Roanoke. (Long story)

A little about myself: I am 26 years old and have been married for a little over a year. I am working full time and taking 3 classes at ODU, and about half-way done with my 4 year degree. I know I can transfer credits to Roanoke College or VT.

A little about my job- I will be working a few locations out of Roanoke, but also in some other remote locations. (Martinsville, Cedar Bluff, Harrisonburg, SoBo and Lychburg) Im not worried about time management with work- It will be challenging- but I can manage it.

I want to continue my education- and it would be cool to go to VT but I am concerned with it being 45minutes from the Roanoke area. So I have to leave Roanoke College open. Is it a good school?

I currently drive about 35 minutes to go to ODU- so I am not toooo worried about the commute for VT.


My Biggest Question is:
The other variable is my wife. She has a 4 year degree from University of Texas in Microbiology and also has a Masters in Forensic Science from VCU. She is worried to death about finding a job. How hard of a time will she have at finding something 9-5 m-f for something that pays more than 27k? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated!

-MikeIT

[mccamp]

There are opportunities in Roanoke. Don't let the folks who have been around Roanoke and Blacksburg for years tell you differently. I'm in a specialized field, and I found a great position that pays fairly well. (I'm in communications strategy.)

The key is to network. Sending resumes into the ether doesn't work anymore--and that holds true for Boston, LA, Miami or any other city.

With her background, I would have your wife contact the folks at VT. Find out the department heads and the professors who teach in her field. They'll know of opportunities, head hunters or positions.

The NCTC (the Technology Council for the area) also has a job board. A number of high tech companies are hiring in the Blacksburg area. I don't know much about Lynchburg, but there may be some folks on this board who can help you.

She should also call the recruiters for the police departments in and around Roanoke. They may know of forensic jobs.

Remember, we're in the midst of a nasty recession, so a job hunt will take longer than normal. This is not Roanoke/Blacksburg, this is *normal.*

The good thing about Roanoke is the friendliness of folks. They're more than willing to help you out. Tell 'em you're new in town, that you you'd like to find suitable employment and listen to what they have to say. Not only will they give you leads, but they'll genuinely wish you well.

[mom51]

Sorry for the late reply, but with a degree like your wife has I would definately not move to the Roanoke area. You need a larger city with much more opportunities.

[Aspe4]

Your wife may want to explore community college teaching jobs as an adjunct professor. I live in an even smaller town in Virginia but my wife has two masters degrees and was able to find work as an adjunct math professor. Good luck.