Electrician looking to relocate to VA help? (Richmond: for rent, mortgage)

[sunchzer0]

Hi, I'm a journeyman electrician in the lovely state of MI. And like many Michiganders I can't find any work. I've sent over 100+ resumes in the last 6 months and haven't even got a call back. So I recently started a handyman service company (like every other shop rat thats been layed off or took a buy out) and we are just barely scrapping by. And I know once winter hits any work that was here will dry up. So my question is: Is there any electrical work available in VA. I've found a few job postings and actually got a couple of offers, but unfortunately they say I'll only top out at about $18 / hour with a masters liscence and I was making $24 / hour on my last job, non-union even. How well can you live in VA at $15 / hr with a wife and a 2 year old son. The cost of living can't be that low. Thanks in advance for any replies. And any advice on any other parts of the country that are actually paying skilled workers a descent wage are appreciated. My family has to do something but we don't know what. Thanks

[EricD]

You can rent a decent townhouse in the Richmond area for around $700/month (2 bedrooms, 1 bath)... the one good thing about your line of work, is over-time. If you put in overtime, you might be able to make it... but it won't be fun. If your wife is able to work at all, it would be do-able... It seems like you'd be able to get more money, are you sure whoever told you that was being honest, and not just trying to get you to accept a low salary?

[sunchzer0]

I only talked to about 3 employers in VA and about 4 in NC and they all seemed to be right around the same wage $14-16 / hour for a journeyman. And as for renting a townhouse, $700- $900 / month is the going rate to rent a house with a yard here in MI. Shoot my mortgage is only $950 and I live in a real nice town called Fenton. It almost sounds like I may just wanna find something for $15 / hour around here and get the wife back to work and tough it out here. Maybe go back to school? Man I don't know what to do but I do know this forum has been very helpful in my decision making. Thanks for all the input.