is it true getting a "white collar job" easier to get in Florida than most states around it? (Tampa: renting, insurance)

[ialwayswin001]

I hope nobody takes offense to my topic title, but I've been told by two different people from Florida that it's easier to get jobs in Florida that requires a degree than most states around it. I am from NC with an associate degree in computer information technology, and my co-worker said it was harder for her to get a job here than in Florida because of the many competition and we have a lot of good colleges in such a small area. The other person said that in Florida there are more people working in AC, landscaping, pest control, and pretty much everything that relates to the typical weather and environment in Florida.

The reason I am asking is because I've always loved Florida and always wanted to live there, I got a job offer to live in Orlando but the company is known to layoff people after the contract ends, so instead I got a job as a helpdesk at HP here in NC. I am hoping within a year I move to Florida closer to the Orlando, Daytona, Tampa side.

[StreetSmarts]

i've heard that as well, i think there is some truth to that.

in FL, so many people are in and out, in and out, that there are probably more positions available, so that could be part of it.

its not out of the norm for people to stay in FL for 3-5 yrs.

[kyle19125]

I think most would argue the opposite is true. There are disproportionately far fewer white collar jobs in Florida as the third most populated state due to it's primary status as a service economy, and far more applicants for those type of jobs as many want to move here for the weather.

[EditorJul]

I think that, when it comes to jobs, the skills you have are much more crucial than the location. There are an abundance of jobs here, but if you don't have the skills employers are looking for, it will be harder to get them. Because of my husband's skill set (a niche of tech skills for DNS configuration and load management for web sites, plus aerospace engineering to fall back on) and my skill set (travel/tourism writing), this area has much more in the way of jobs for us than if we had gone to another state. On the other hand, if we pulled out our other skills (general copyediting and proofreading for me and systems architect skills for him), we would be able to find those sort of careers elsewhere. If the only skill I had was "typing" and if the only skill my husband had was "web site design", we still might be able to get decent jobs in either state, but we'd be competing with a lot of other people.

There's also a trend of a lot of mid- to senior-level career folks who are absolutely sick of life in the northeast, where the entry level jobs are, wanting to move to places like Florida, so competition for those jobs can be a bit more aggressive--but that's why having specializations and resume boosting experience matters.

[Lamigra1200]

Are the costs of living higher in Raleigh. Triangle cities NC, vs Central florida? I'm referring to property taxes, valorem non valorem, vehicle tags and registration, state tax, utilities, heating & air, electric etc. Also are the public schools and local non ivy league colleges guaranteed a good job and lifestyle after investment

[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by Lamigra1200

Are the costs of living higher in Raleigh. Triangle cities NC, vs Central florida? I'm referring to property taxes, valorem non valorem, vehicle tags and registration, state tax, utilities, heating & air, electric etc. Also are the public schools and local non ivy league colleges guaranteed a good job and lifestyle after investment

I'd say housing (buying) is about the same. Not sure about renting though, maybe higher here in Orlando. Jobs typically pay a tad more in Raleigh and Charlotte than in Central FL.

We do not have car tax like NC. FL has no state income tax.

No, UCF will not guarantee a good job or lifestyle.

[floridamove]

But fl charges you for everything compared Charlotte NC. Toll everywhere in Orlando, insurances up the roof in comparison. House cheaper in NC now. Food expensive in Orlando. The no state tax in exchange for other stuff. Wages lower compared to cost of living in Orlando. Weather is the only thing I like and school system where I am located now.

[floridamove]

Air on basically year round and the utility bill alot higher in Orlando

[StreetSmarts]

^^^ yes, most definitely. we ran our air a lot (probably close to every day) even in the "Winter."

[LifeIsGood01]

Yes, but only because the starting pay is $8 an hour and you have to work the drive thru.