I just cannot continue to work for the same rate as 10 years ago

[mdovell]

I would agree you have to move. I'm all for the internet but if you cannot move you are at a real disadvantage.

Here's a few other ideas:

What if you could do the google helpout to find clients?
https://helpouts.google.com/pwelcome

I have a feeling your licenses are based on the state right? As long as you don't cross state lines it should be OK.

I would also recommend maybe learning Spanish. Having expertise is fine to a point but if you enable yourself to gain more it can help. Then maybe take a B line to Houston. Still a low cost of living and unlike the Dakotas this should be sustainable. You aren't going overseas just going ahead one time zone.

[Ih2puo]

If you had skills and worked hard you wouldn't be making the same thing as you did ten years ago even in the substandard backwards south. Your salary is probably high compared to the low cost of living in the third world America. Look in the mirror!

Steps down from his high horse.

[andywire]

I agree with the voice of the crowd... If you can uproot for a better job, than do it!

Alabama is a nice place to visit, and also a nice place to retire to. It just doesn't offer a great abundance of job opportunities, particularly high paying ones.

Originally Posted by JrzDefector

I'm not sure Atlanta is much better, but places with lots of retirees are a good idea in your field. Research where the wealthy ones end up.

Alabama does have a sizable retiree population. It's the cheaper alternative to Florida.

Originally Posted by Ih2puo

If you had skills and worked hard you wouldn't be making the same thing as you did ten years ago even in the substandard backwards south. Your salary is probably high compared to the low cost of living in the third world America. Look in the mirror!

Steps down from his high horse.

Employers pay as little as they have to in order to keep you from leaving. If the OP has very few local options, than it is difficult to negotiate for higher pay. It is possible that the OP is a victim of the region they work in, where employers have an overwhelming advantage when it comes to negotiating (dictating) wages and salaries.

[Jukesgrrl]

Good heavens, those salaries are worse than Arizona. And for them not to have risen for ten years ... what hasn't risen in price just THIS year? Decent toilet paper in those big rolls is climbing to close $1 PER ROLL, even if purchased at a discount store AND using a coupon. Laundry detergent is ridiculously expensive. I wish I had stockpiled a garage-full when I moved here nine years ago. It's not like those things are luxuries you can do without. Chain restaurant dinners that used to cost $10 are now hovering closer to $15. And I would not eat out before I would fail to tip properly. I keep reading that unemployment continues to drop, but salaries certainly aren't growing. As you say, a person can't raise children with stagnant wages and prices skyrocketing. It's not as if kids get cheaper to care for as they grow.

I hate to say it, but I can't think of what you could do short of moving. If Atlanta suits you and you can get a higher pay there, I'd go. If that doesn't work, consider Texas. The COL might be cheaper there. I have a friend moving to Dallas from San Diego and she calls me weekly speaking in amazement at how much further her money is going in her new area. It would be good for your oldest child to start high school in a place s/he can expect to stay for four years. This summer seems a good time to make your move.