Moving to Cape Coral/Fort Myers (University, Springfield: sales, house, job market)

[TheBeerBaron]

My girlfriend and I have both recently earned Master of Arts in non-US history degrees from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. I currently work at a very high end liquor store and wish to continue my career in that field. However, I am open to other options. My girlfriends parents live in Cape Coral (her father recently retired from the upper echelons of Shell Oil) and are considering purchasing us a house out there. Furthermore, my sister lives in Fort Myers and has a pretty decent job at Gulf Coast University. I believe the job market for myself has hit a ceiling in Springfield. So, we have decided to move. All I have read or heard is how poor the economy in Cape Coral/Fort Myers is, yet a quick online search shows far greater opportunity than Springfield, is it really that bad still? It does not matter, I think the decision may be beyond my concerns at this point anyway. I was just curious of what is currently going on out there? Is there a place in the job market for educated young professionals?

[rikoshaprl]

There are plenty of liquor stores but they generally don't require a college degree to get a job there. If you are getting a free house I'm sure you will be able to scratch out a living. Plus you have family here.

[brianjb]

Not to be a downer, but I have never heard of a liquor store job that requires an advanced degree. I have heard of people that work there with a GED.

Florida, as a whole, has a bad economy. They pay you in 'sunshine'. That means that generally the pay in Florida is less than other states or cities, because you get the added benefit of year round beautiful weather.

Also SW Florida's economy is largely based on tourism. You won't find any big industry or a lot of companies headquartered here.

[TheBeerBaron]

I know, working at a liquor store does not require a degree at all. I am hoping for more advanced positions in the industry such as distribution or management. I was just curious about general situation. I know there is a Total Wine and a World Market in the area, is there any other retail outlet I should look at, for worst case scenario jobs?

[rikoshaprl]

Originally Posted by TheBeerBaron

I know, working at a liquor store does not require a degree at all. I am hoping for more advanced positions in the industry such as distribution or management. I was just curious about general situation. I know there is a Total Wine and a World Market in the area, is there any other retail outlet I should look at, for worst case scenario jobs?

I use ABC Fine Wine and Spirits on Del Prado. They have many stores.
http://www.abcfws.com/

[brianjb]

Here is what I would recommend. You can apply at most jobs online. I would change your cell phone number to get a 239 area code number. That way you will appear local. Then when you apply for jobs use your GF's parent's house and your 239 cell phone number. That will at least make you appear to be local. You will probably have a better chance of getting a call back.

You might also want to go down for a long weekend (or a week if you can); but at least Thursday-Sunday or Saturday-Tuesday. Then spend the whole time going around town hitting the pavement and apply at every brick and mortar store. Some stores don't list all jobs online, so you may get the best chance of getting a job this way since you are face to face.

Hopefully you will get a job that way, and tell them you need a 2 week notice. That will give you time to bring your stuff down.

[equalrightsforeveryone]

Originally Posted by TheBeerBaron

My girlfriend and I have both recently earned Master of Arts in non-US history degrees from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. I currently work at a very high end liquor store and wish to continue my career in that field. However, I am open to other options. My girlfriends parents live in Cape Coral (her father recently retired from the upper echelons of Shell Oil) and are considering purchasing us a house out there. Furthermore, my sister lives in Fort Myers and has a pretty decent job at Gulf Coast University. I believe the job market for myself has hit a ceiling in Springfield. So, we have decided to move. All I have read or heard is how poor the economy in Cape Coral/Fort Myers is, yet a quick online search shows far greater opportunity than Springfield, is it really that bad still? It does not matter, I think the decision may be beyond my concerns at this point anyway. I was just curious of what is currently going on out there? Is there a place in the job market for educated young professionals?

An MA in history Hmmm.
And wanting to go to work at the liquor store. I don't know but something seems all wrong here.
Shouldn't you be looking for a real job in your field, the people that paid for your education must be proud,,,,,,,
Not that working in a liquor store is a bad thing, but why take a job from somebody that doesn't have the opportunity to get one that requires a MA.
Lots of less educated people need these jobs around here, unless of-course the position requires a MA in History.

[Izmack]

Equal, that response really proves what kind of person you are.

Originally Posted by equalrightsforeveryone

An MA in history Hmmm.
And wanting to go to work at the liquor store. I don't know but something seems all wrong here.
Shouldn't you be looking for a real job in your field, the people that paid for your education must be proud,,,,,,,
Not that working in a liquor store is a bad thing, but why take a job from somebody that doesn't have the opportunity to get one that requires a MA.
Lots of less educated people need these jobs around here, unless of-course the position requires a MA in History.

[wpc691]

Is there a place in the job market for young, educated professionals? Absolutely, as long as you're a professional doctor, nurse, engineer or accountant. Historian? Not so much. In liquor distribution, you're competing against folks with degrees in Food & Beverage Mgmt and MBA's. I'm thinking your best bet is to land another job in a big liquor chain (Total Wine), and work on getting a sommelier certification (there are good ones, and useless ones). That will qualify you for maybe an entry level buyer job for a chain like Total, or a route sales job peddling wine. You'd have more prospects in California, but I suppose less competition in Florida. Good luck

[safak]

hi, i just finished pharmacy school and passed my florida license exam.

does anyone know of a good go-kart track that is hiring in the area?