Should I move to SA without a job lined up? (San Antonio: student loans, find a job)

[SATX09]

I just want to ask for your opinions please. I am thinking of moving to SA. I have no job lined up but my boss is willing to let me be on unemployment from Massachusetts which will (after all tax deduction) be about $1300 monthly if I stay till August to finish year end book closing. This should covers all my basic payments that I need to make. I can collect unemployment for about 6-9 months. Do you think I can secure a job in that amount of time? I really want to move to SA. I do not have to worry about a place to live. I can live with family members for free for as long as I want but I must be able to find a job in this time to continue paying my student loans and others things. I am an accountant with a 4year college degree and 4 years of experience (1.5 in public and 2.5 in private). Is this realistic. Please be honest. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

[V3rtigo]

i wouldnt move to any city without a job unless youre open to the possibility of working as a waiter/waitress for 6 months.

[sapphire]

Sure, why not? Leaps of faith make you a stronger, better person. You don't mention kids or anything, so now's the best time to do things like that.

[amybeccaz]

Personally, I wouldn't. Are you able to collect unemployment if you quit your job? I thought those who were let go were the only ones entitled to employment.

Whatever you do, I wish you good luck!

[LindaGrace]

Before doing so, I would verify the unemployment deal - make sure that that's set in stone. I'd also verify living arrangements - make sure none of those family members will drive you out of your gourd while you live with them.

And finally, there are no guarantees. No one has any way of knowing whether or not they'll even have their own job in 6 months, much less what will be available.

[austindoxie1972]

If you have an accounting degree and experience, I think you'll be fine. I say go for it. I moved to DC in the middle of a recession (during the 90s). Had no job and even sold my car before leaving Texas. I also moved back to San Antonio in 2004 with no job and found one with little trouble. Crappy pay, however.

If your boss / company in MA will allow you to file for unemployment -- that's the only wrinkle. When the paperwork is filed, they have to accept / sign off on that.

Good luck!

[sinsativ]

And accounting/bookkeeping jobs in San Antonio are not easy to come by. Do you have any accounting software skills, if so, which ones. Most of the jobs that are out there require software skills and usability. I know at least 10 different ones and they still give me tests for skills before I get the interview. I've had my degree and experience for many years, but, it also depends on what kind of hourly wage you are expecting. Coming from Mass to SA, TX, you are going to be shocked at the wage difference for an "accountant" here as there.
Unless you have a Masters or CPA.
also as a previous poster, lindagrace noted, UE benefits aren't guaranteed until you start getting them, that last minute hiccup with the ex-employer may change everything and you never know.

[SATX09]

Originally Posted by amybeccaz

Personally, I wouldn't. Are you able to collect unemployment if you quit your job? I thought those who were let go were the only ones entitled to employment.

Whatever you do, I wish you good luck!

Thanks so much. I will have a little while to decide.

[SATX09]

Originally Posted by sapphire

Sure, why not? Leaps of faith make you a stronger, better person. You don't mention kids or anything, so now's the best time to do things like that.

That was what I was told by the people I know. I had been through so much this year (sad story) that i figure a change will be good for me.

[SATX09]

Originally Posted by sinsativ

And accounting/bookkeeping jobs in San Antonio are not easy to come by. Do you have any accounting software skills, if so, which ones. Most of the jobs that are out there require software skills and usability. I know at least 10 different ones and they still give me tests for skills before I get the interview. I've had my degree and experience for many years, but, it also depends on what kind of hourly wage you are expecting. Coming from Mass to SA, TX, you are going to be shocked at the wage difference for an "accountant" here as there.
Unless you have a Masters or CPA.
also as a previous poster, lindagrace noted, UE benefits aren't guaranteed until you start getting them, that last minute hiccup with the ex-employer may change everything and you never know.

What can I realistically expect? I know that with lower cost of living will also come lower wages. I just want to be able to find something to at least pay my bills and live. I don't need an extravagant lifestyle. Just want a peaceful life with good neighbors. I always realized that pay isn't everything. I took my current job for less pay than my previous one. I do like my job and love the people I work with but this place just have too many painful memories for me now. I just want to move somewhere. I have visited SA twice and like it very much. Thanks for your reply.