Wife is an IT director...we're looking to move to OC..Help! (Irvine: low crime, headhunter)

[moneylightning]

As I said, my wife is an IT director, I'm an author/public speaker. We love So Cal like most do, but we are looking to move from Michigan. You read a lot about how bad the economy is, jobs are scarce, and you read stuff to the contrary. So, I thought I'd ask those who live and work here. Thanks!!

[TurcoLoco]

Could you elaborate what exactly you are asking?
Do you/does she already have a job lined up and your concerns are more about lifestyle, cost of living, where to live, etc. or there is no job for certain and you are thinking about making the move first?

[moneylightning]

Thanks TurcoLoco..I'm looking for a talk show host position, it's what I do here. My wife is an IT Director. The big question is her position, is the market for IT professionals a good one? Are those type of positions easier to find then say a skilled labor position? We're looking for places in San Clemente. We would make the move first if we had a good idea of what to expect.

[Sondeera]

Depends what kind of IT person she is. My understanding is that the IT market is very specialized. Best bet would be to do some poking around on Craigslist.org/Monster.com/etc. just to generally feel things out and then contact a headhunter in the area she hopes to work.

As far as hosting a talk show. Well, I can only say that this is Southern California, land of the actor. I imagine you are going to be up against some stiff competition.

[moneylightning]

Hey Sondeera! I'm sure your correct! I am a published author, and do a lot of public speaking, mainly seminars. Not trying to sell you my resume, but I think I'd have a good shot at creating something good for myself. It is specialized for sure, I am going to mention the head hunter thought..Thanks!

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by moneylightning

Thanks TurcoLoco..I'm looking for a talk show host position, it's what I do here. My wife is an IT Director. The big question is her position, is the market for IT professionals a good one? Are those type of positions easier to find then say a skilled labor position? We're looking for places in San Clemente. We would make the move first if we had a good idea of what to expect.

I'm not in the IT field, but IT jobs seem to be pretty common in Orange County, especially in Irvine. I doubt that you will find very many IT openings in San Clemente, if that is what you are asking. It's not a large business hub.

Maybe the IT folks will be able to give you a more informed perspective once they get home. In the meantime, try: www.indeed.com

As far as a media job is concerned, OC is not really a hot spot for entertainment. You would have to head north to LA for that.

[CAVA1990]

A lot of IT jobs like mine can be done from anywhere. She might be able to line something up that's virtual/work from home and then it won't matter what's available there. Has she explored that angle?

[Joe Van Fossen]

Agreed with the above... I used to work in the electronics industry at an Irvine based company. There are a lot of high tech companies based, or with offices, in Irvine (Broadcom, Microsoft, etc.). There's also need for IT professionals in other fields as well, but it really depends on what your wife specializes in. I also recommend scoping indeed for jobs, since it aggregates most of the big job searches.

I can't really speak to the public speaking/talk show host part of your question, but I would imagine there are more opportunities in LA for that kind of work.

[moneylightning]

Thanks Pacific2 and CAVA1990...The idea is relocating based on weather, low crime...We live about 30 miles outside the city of Detroit, and it's just miserable, I mean miserable. Neither of us are big on the entertainment scene, really looking for a sleepy beach community and thought San Clemente fits well. Based on what I've read here, a commute to and from work is inevitable and that's fine. I've read about Irvine, sounds like a place Karen might have some success.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Joe Van Fossen

I can't really speak to the public speaking/talk show host part of your question, but I would imagine there are more opportunities in LA for that kind of work.

Dice is good too but what she may want to do is contact a third party IT recruiter in the area who can get her resume in front of some hiring managers. They should also be able to give you some scoop about the local job market in her particular field.