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Hello. After some consideration, I think I've decided where to move to: Seattle. (Runners-up is Chicago; I currently live in Milwaukee. Boston was also considered, but decided it's too expensive/housing seems too tight there...) Would be looking to move very soon. However, I don't have a job lined up beforehand; I've not had luck in getting hired from another city in the past (I work for the city of Milwaukee as a file clerk---not an IT person or have a highly-lucrative resume to employers, apparently), and after months of looking, this time's no different. Thus, starting to have doubts on whether I should move without a job lined up first (in this economy), or whether I should go cross-country at all (vs just going down to Chicago; I'd be close to family in northern Indiana, at least).
Has anyone here moved without a job lined up? Or has thoughts on moving to Seattle vs moving to Chicago?
Further input to the above:
- I'd like to try to pursue work involving my writing skills (technical writing, copywriting, etc) and/or my clerical skills. Thought Seattle's tech industry might be strong in that regard.
- Per research done on Bureau of Labor & Statistics' website, Seattle's unemployment rate is 9.1%, while Chicago's is 10.3% (national average of 9.3%).
- I've spent most of my life in the midwest (in Indiana/Milwaukee), save a failed attempt to move to Portland, Oregon 9 years ago. I didn't have a job lined up then either, and was forced to move away after less than a year after not being able to find work (the economy then was also in a recession). Though I didn't have as much money saved up as I did now (or planned it as well/less technology on hand)...
- I'd rather not stay put in Milwaukee (I hate it here... my apartment's lousy, not fond of the local culture, I don't like my current job, and said job is facing what amounts to a pay cut in 2012, after this year's union contract is up/the state's Tea Party governor-led union busting).
- My interests include: comics, animation, writing, and computers. Politically, wanted someplace fairly liberal/gay-friendly/diverse. Not a big outdoorsman, admittedly. Being near Canada would be nice (for Seattle's case), as I've always liked Canada. I don't have a car, so I'd be taking mass transit everywhere. Do like Chicago's weather/food/sports teams (well, it being more of a hockey town) better than Seattle's...
- I thought I could try to arrange work through a temporary agency after moving.
Hello. After some consideration, I think I've decided where to move to: Seattle. (Runners-up is Chicago; I currently live in Milwaukee. Boston was also considered, but decided it's too expensive/housing seems too tight there...) Would be looking to move very soon. However, I don't have a job lined up beforehand; I've not had luck in getting hired from another city in the past (I work for the city of Milwaukee as a file clerk---not an IT person or have a highly-lucrative resume to employers, apparently), and after months of looking, this time's no different. Thus, starting to have doubts on whether I should move without a job lined up first (in this economy), or whether I should go cross-country at all (vs just going down to Chicago; I'd be close to family in northern Indiana, at least).
Has anyone here moved without a job lined up? Or has thoughts on moving to Seattle vs moving to Chicago?
Further input to the above:
- I'd like to try to pursue work involving my writing skills (technical writing, copywriting, etc) and/or my clerical skills. Thought Seattle's tech industry might be strong in that regard.
- Per research done on Bureau of Labor & Statistics' website, Seattle's unemployment rate is 9.1%, while Chicago's is 10.3% (national average of 9.3%).
- I've spent most of my life in the midwest (in Indiana/Milwaukee), save a failed attempt to move to Portland, Oregon 9 years ago. I didn't have a job lined up then either, and was forced to move away after less than a year after not being able to find work (the economy then was also in a recession). Though I didn't have as much money saved up as I did now (or planned it as well/less technology on hand)...
- I'd rather not stay put in Milwaukee (I hate it here... my apartment's lousy, not fond of the local culture, and my job is facing what amounts to a pay cut in 2012, after this year's union contract is up/the state's Tea Party governor-led union busting).
- My interests include: comics, animation, writing, and computers. Politically, wanted someplace fairly liberal/gay-friendly/diverse. Not a big outdoorsman, admittedly. Being near Canada would be nice (for Seattle's case), as I've always liked Canada. I don't have a car, so I'd be taking mass transit everywhere. Do like Chicago's weather/food/sports teams (well, it being more of a hockey town) better than Seattle's...
- I thought I could try to arrange work through a temporary agency after moving.
Any input is appreciated... thanks!
If you don't like the local Milwaukee culture, why would you consider Chicago; it's a bigger Milwaukee with better shopping and lots of superior attitude. Also, the Cook County unemployment is at 11%.
Seattle is a 180 from Chicago/Milwaukee. I'd try going out there...if you don't like it, Chicago and Milwaukee aren't going anywhere soon.
If you don't like the local Milwaukee culture, why would you consider Chicago; it's a bigger Milwaukee with better shopping and lots of superior attitude. Also, the Cook County unemployment is at 11%.
Seattle is a 180 from Chicago/Milwaukee. I'd try going out there...if you don't like it, Chicago and Milwaukee aren't going anywhere soon.
Yes, I was considering going to Chicago if Seattle didn't work out (after a year or so) as a "backup" plan...
This is what I would do..I would VISIT Seattle first for about a week, stay in a hotel if you can't afford a hotel, try a motel, if not sleep in your car. But try to get a feel for it, when you're there get up everyday at 7:00am and go job hunting like crazy. I wouldn't personally move without a job unless I had enough money saved up.
Location: Pittsburgh (via Chicago, via Pittsburgh)
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Ignore biased opinion about which choice is "better" from certain people on citydata. Visit both places and choose what YOU like best. Moving without a job is always a risk though, no matter what city.
After some more thought (and a lot of other input/queries like this post), I've decided to stay put for the time being (until April 1st---my apartment doesn't allow me to move out during winter months). Giving me time to *try* to find a job before moving, or attempt networking... though I'm still not fully confident on achieving either one. My number of connections on LinkedIn, etc., isn't exactly sky-high.
Re: Seattle: I was there for a week to explore it (back in May), but didn't do any interviewing or such.
Re: Charlotte: I don't want to live in the South, sorry. Want somewhere less conservative/more gay-friendly than there (and without being as warm/humid year-round).
Seattle is one of the most expensive areas of the country (although it sounds like a place that you would like). I would not move there without a job unless you have a few months savings in the bank. Glad you decided to stay put for now.
Based on what you like, I think Seattle would be perfect. But I wouldn't move until I had a job.
That's not always ideal, unless your in a senior level occupation, few employers will invest their recruiting time in someone from out of state.
Here is a breakdown of various Seattle occupations and how their doing, the first two I personally work in, the rest is just what I've picked up via word of mouth.
construction trades-three major projects taking place; the Alaskan Way viaduct, the Evergreen Pt floating bridge, and the expansion of the north light rail line.
manufacturing-boeing boeing and boeing. This company is the driving engine for the entire region.
admin/office (entry/mid-levels). not bad judging from craigslist, decent temp market too.
professional-this is where it gets a little unpredictable, the more specialized you are, the harder it will be. I know a couple that were both attorneys that gave up and left the state. But I know a couple first year teachers that found work right away.
I think if your willing to do something indirectly related to your career untiil a better position comes along, then you'll be fine. The only caveat is wages are going down but I think that's a problem everywhere.
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