Advice and suggestions. (2015, average, jobs, career)

[Nissan05]

Well I decided to post in here because I've read so many stories on moving....here's mine.

I've been in North Carolina since 1999. Lived in multiple cities in the NC area and also have visited surrounding cities in NC., military, graduated college and got a job. (Mechanical Engineering). Well I was working like everyone else, a "career", but lived in a state and did a job where I did not want to live (tired of the state) and job (career development, upward mobility).

I had been feeling this for the past 4 years or maybe more. I was at a time being stagnant and you would say settling because hey, I have a job and money so....well, I recently left my job in July 2014. I had no job lined up, but felt that if I stayed I would be like many of my coworkers or those who wish they could leave, but the "stability or financial security" kept them there or having kids, family, house, etc (which is understandable). It was a feeling of living in an area, moving, but yet going nowhere. LOL . My lease is up in the end of Jan 2015 and I notified my apartment manager I'm not renewing.

I've been wanting to move to a different state, new beginning, I've looked at Houston, Atlanta, Tampa, Cali (Expensive), etc..etc. I've been on the job hunt, but have found out like everyone else, since my resume address is NC that's where most of the recruiters are calling about as far as opportunities. I'm thinking if I could move to one of the aforementioned states, change my address, then that would increase my chances of opportunities within that state.

Wherever I move to, I plan on making a long-term (life) residence. I have no kids, no ties to North Carolina, single, have 7 years engineering experience

It is difficult finding an apartment because of no verifiable income, but I fortunately have family who will co-sign on an apartment if I do make a move decision. They do have their concerns on myself finding a job, but I am open to taking a job that may not be in my career field and pays less to get on my feet.

The options I have since I have not renewed my lease is

1) To go home with my parents (which I don't desire to live for long-term) and still look for jobs in different states, but now my resume would have an Indiana address (I see the same difficulty in finding a job out-of-state as I've experienced in NC)
2) Make the move to a different state, acquire an apartment and go from there.


Just interested in people's opinions, advice, and anyone who may have similar stories.

On another note: What does everyone think average salary should be for someone with my experience. 7 years in engineering work force

[RoadWarrior12]

Salary will vary wildly depending on position and location.

Regardless, I'd say Houston. It's going to be just different enough, and just similar enough - although you will have to realize that the king of BBQ is beef.

Good luck. Good choice. If you don't do it now, you never will.

Also, don't move to Colombia (Cali), not many jobs for foreigners in that state, and really sketchy. If you want MecEng jobs, Barranquilla is where it's at. If you were talking about California, it's NorCal or SoCal - LL Cool J is the only one that went to Cali.

[harlowvart]

I would make the move, maybe renting a room from a friend who lives in the area, look for a job, then get an apartment.

[Suncc49]

Average salary is going to be tough because you quit the job you had. People are likely to lowball you and it will take a few years to catch up.