North Tacoma or Olympia? (gov't job?) (Seattle, Federal Way: housing, jobs, move)

[rheadabovewater]

Hi all, I've posted before about trying to figure out where to live in WA, and I've narrowed it down to either North Tacoma or Olympia.

My son is in Montesano and I want to be closer to him (I'm now in CA), but I really only need to see him on weekends. I'm an executive assistant and because I'm self-supporting, I will need to find a full-time, permanent job asap after my move to WA.

I really love Olympia, but I'm afraid that if I settle in Olympia, I may be limiting myself in regards to job opportunities. Benefits are very important, so that means I will focus on hunting for 1) a gov't job or 2) a job in a large corporation, in that order. Does anyone know how easy or hard it is to obtain a gov't job? I have an excellent resume and have supported execs at the President and CEO level in pharma/biotech for years, but I'm afraid a gov't recruiter will look at my history and think, "I don't think she'd be a good fit here."

I'm wondering if Tacoma would have more opportunities for me. This is a scary move because I'm not wealthy and need to plan as much as possible before I go.

I am burned out in regards to cooking so I want to live in an area that has a varied choice of good, ethnic restaurants. I tend to go out to neighborhood restaurants and get something to go for dinner... I love farmer's markets and have been to the excellent one in Olympia.

Sorry this is so wordy... Thanks in advance

[chazbabylon]

I would choose North Tacoma over Olympia, only because it's a closer commute to Seattle and there are many more ethnically diverse restaurants. Both areas are nice though.

[Sandy Nelson]

Rheadabovewater,

There certainly are a lot of State government jobs in Olympia. Another employment venue to consider is federal employment. There are many government jobs on Fort Lewis and McChord AFB (between Olympia and Tacoma). You can search for jobs at USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site
The drive from Olympia to Aberdeen is just under one hour and housing tends to be cheaper in Thurston County, versus Pierce County.
Good luck with your move.

Sandy

[rheadabovewater]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[Old Recruiter]

I would look into North East Tacoma- it is on the other side of the bay from North Tacoma- You are very close to Seattle- if you do get a job there- and you are only 10 min away from I-5 to go south to see your son or 20 min north to Seattle - They have just put some great resturants in Federal Way that cover just about any ethnic group you can think of. It might be a happy medium place for you to settle.

[rheadabovewater]

Thank you!!