Options for Alaska move - engineering jobs? (Anchorage: job outlook, transfer)

[lanthiriel]

Hello! Sorry if this winds up being a bit of a novel, but I need some advice/opinions. My husband is graduating with an engineering degree in June and is hoping to get a job as an entry-level geotechnical engineer (BS, but with Masters level coursework in key geotech areas). Anchorage is our top choice for places to move to (from Oregon) for a job--mostly because we would be super excited to live in Alaska, but also because I would be able to transfer my job. He kicked off his job search about three weeks ago and has some phone calls in and applications pending.

My question is, what should we do if he doesn't have a job lined up by July? We would really like to drive to Anchorage, but I know that there's a bit of a small window (May - September) where that's safe and reliable. My husband currently works for a large retailer and could potentially also transfer his part-time job to Anchorage. If we decide to just make the move in August whether or not he's found a position, that might give him the leg up to keep looking through the fall and winter. That said, I'm a bit nervous about uprooting us to a place with a higher cost of living without him having a job.

That said, can anyone speak to what the civil engineering industry looks like up there? It seems like there are more jobs in Alaska than Oregon, but enough to make it worth the move? We really want to leave Oregon, but would theoretically be open to moving elsewhere in the country (though, as I said, Alaska is currently the only place we "want" to move).

Part of me wants to follow my heart and take a risk while we're young (but not that young) and don't have kids. But part of me is worried that we're cutting his career off at the knees by moving to a small community. Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?

Also, I'd love to hear from people who love Anchorage! I know that everyone says it's not "real Alaska," but I'm very much looking forward to the urban/rural blend.

[roadfamily6now]

he should have no trouble finding a job. good luck

[jdhpa]

There may be something here that would help (mechanical rather than civil, though):

Mechanical Engineering Jobs » Blog Archive » Mechanical Engineering Job Outlook

Best of luck

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by lanthiriel

but I know that there's a bit of a small window (May - September) where that's safe and reliable.

Just to clarify... The five times I've driven the highway up, coming from Portland & Seattle, has all be in the winter. November & January. It's a little more challenging, but still completely doable. And for the drive up, you'll want to get a copy of The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner . In my opinion, its the best guide to the drive.

[lanthiriel]

It's good to know that the drive isn't too terrible in the winter. I've heard lost of good things about The Milepost; I'll have to order a copy.

[lanthiriel]

Originally Posted by jdhpa

There may be something here that would help (mechanical rather than civil, though):

Mechanical Engineering Jobs » Blog Archive » Mechanical Engineering Job Outlook

Best of luck

Thank you!

[highlife2]

He should have an exit plan in case you decide to leave him. This is the LAST place a single male wants to be. There are good engineering jobs up here once you prove you know what your doing.

[gobrien]

Leave it to "Highlife" to add a really inappropriate comment.

[highlife2]

Originally Posted by gobrien

Leave it to "Highlife" to add a really inappropriate comment.

Hey man, I call it like it is, I know guys that want to put a bullet in their head because the male to female ratio is so mess up up here, they cant leave because they have kids with their ex's.

He just needs to be aware things can get really really bad over night. I dont know if these are just issues that everyone sweeps under the rug or what?

[blackzzz01]

Are you dangerous to others or just to yourself?

You're an odd one alright.