How is the job market for Human Resources, Fine Furniture sales and Office/Clerical positions? (San Diego: living, cost of living)

[gathernomoss30]

My mom and I are in Yuma right now (I'm getting dental implants across the border in Algodones) and we're at a bit of a crossroads, at the moment. We're both in major life transitional phase (I'm recently divorced and I'm in the process of earning an AAS in Graphic Design online through the Art Institute. Mom's going through a less-than amicable divorce and neither of us are currently working.) and need to figure out where we are going to move to find jobs and get our lives back on track.
My mom has a BS in Human Resources and lots of experience in High End Furniture sales My mom is mainly interested in government jobs, but has her sales experience to fall back on, if need be. I am studying graphic design and I have experience in office work and guitar sales, also.
We are considering San Diego, since we're so close by (I lived in O.B. in '05 for a few months with my ex and worked in Mission Valley. The people were very nice and there was a lot of work, at the time.)as well as Phoenix, since we're already in Arizona. I know a city can change a lot in five years, so we really need some info on the job market in both areas! So if anyone can give me some info on the current job market in San Diego (can it be any worse than the non-existent job market here in Yuma?) we would greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much!

[moved]

Jobs of any kind are hard to come here these days. If you don't have one lined up, or have a lot of $$ saved up - don't move here at this time!

I'm on my second umemployment claim and don't really want to be on it for another year. I'm and Administrative Assistant, and I'm waiting to be rehired by the Federal Government. The State of California has furloughed employees, the County isn't hiring, and I don't think the City is either.

[djxpress]

I wouldn't consider moving to SD "to find jobs". This would be probably close to the last place I'd come if I was looking to start the job hunt. If you had something lined up, that's another story.

There are a couple of major guitar companies out here, Carvin and another one I forgot the name of.

[gathernomoss30]

Wow, it's that bad, right now? This is all good to know. Starting over really sucks! Me and mom have been forced into this situation due to a series of unexpected life events, so we're both just trying to keep our heads up and stay calm and figure this out.

[loveautumn]

Sorry to say but my advice...don't come here.

[synthetic]

The job market everywhere is bad, but the cost of living here makes it tougher to last. (Unless you plan to do it homeless, at that its still tough)

[gathernomoss30]

Okay, I get it, jeez!

[jlber]

Go to Texas.

[junniemartin]

try to find at craigslist its best source for finding job these days

[MovingAloha]

Well most folks have been telling you not to come ;I'm not going to do that. Only you can gauge what you can withstand. I will say searching for work in San Diego has to be aesthetically more pleasing than searching in Yuma. Before any Arizonans start "Hate'n," I have not lived in Tuna,only visited and that was enough for me!
San Diego's lure is hard to give up on; but if you decide not to make the move West, look to Austin, because it is a great place for relo in this economy. Good Luck to you and your Mom.