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Thanks for the information. Yes, I am looking for a change of pace. The weather here being one of the top reasons I'm leaving, plus taxes here in Cook (Crook) county are stifling to business and personal life.
To the person asking about employment, we are looking to add an additional 10 staff members to start across a broad range of positions including personal assistants, sales, programming, design, etc.
It sounds like I'm in for a bit of culture shock, but I think I'll be focusing my efforts near Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix. Are there any loft style condos in any of the downtown buildings? Big, open, glass, steel, concrete, modern type of residences that you know of?
I am a 33 year old (married) woman who transplanted to the Phoenix area about 5 months ago. I live near old town scottsdale.
About the vibe here: I think you'd fit in, a lot of younger crowds here compared to north scottsdale. I have been downtown a lot for work and while it's nice, there's not as much happening/going on compared to old town. Personally I love it here- I don't live right in old town, but just outside of it so I feel like I can get away if I choose but I am 5-10 mins away from action if I want. Also very close and easy access to 101, which can get you anywhere.
North scottsdale is also nice, depending on your income level (Around Kierland commons area). A think a little bit older crowd compared to old town.
With regards to your tech hub question, that I'm not really sure about considering it's not my field.
About your suits, while it's true that it's a lot of people are laid back here, I also see well-dressed men your age around. It depends on what you do, and where you live. If you were to wear suits daily in north scottsdale, downtown, etc no one would blink an eye. But if you go to some other areas, well yes you'd be out of place. As far as old town goes it is a bit more relaxed here then those places, but not necessarily out of place for suit wearing. However I don't think you'd be comfortable in a suit, it gets far too hot in the summer for a jacket of any kind. I see a lot of men opt for nice polo shirts with dress pants when the heat comes.
I wouldn't move here if I were you, OP. A lot of aspects of living in Chicago that you're enjoying are non-existent in Arizona (in fact, that's the main reason why personally I am trying to make the move TO Chicago - in pursuit of better career and social opportunities).
Arizona boasts nice weather, laid back lifestyle, serenity, seclusion and a gorgeous desert landscape, but socially it's quite a boring place unless you're into the "pool party culture". You won't find much ambitiousness, intellectual curiosity and sophistication here. The atmosphere reeks of apathy. Phoenix quite an affordable and easy place to survive so there is little motivation for people to strive to get ahead. It's a great place to retire but as a young professional/entrepreneur I'd stay away.
For the things you're looking for I would definitely look into the Bay Area.
Denver, Austin, San Diego, Dallas, Seattle would also be way ahead of Phoenix on the list of places to consider.
socially it's quite a boring place unless you're into the "pool party culture". You won't find much ambitiousness, intellectual curiosity and sophistication here. The atmosphere reeks of apathy.
For the things you're looking for I would definitely look into the Bay Area.
Denver, Austin, San Diego, Dallas, Seattle would also be way ahead of Phoenix on the list of places to consider.
I don't think that's accurate. Maybe you're not in the right industry or associate with the wrong people. The partial truth to your comment is that people here demand more work\life balance. It's not like New York where 60 hour work weeks are expected. But I think that is what makes us more laid back and its a good thing. Tech companies need a good work/life balance because that leads to more intellectual curiosity and innovation.
I work in the same field as the OP and I can tell you that the Bay Area, Austin and Seattle are not the end-all for tech companies. It is extremely competitive and expensive to try to start a company in those areas. Competition for good employees is fierce. You have to know the right people in order to get the capital. Most of those new startups in those "cool" office buildings are surviving solely on venture capital investments. Once the money dries up, the company will as well and 2 more newly funded companies will take its place.
I'm surprised at the formal wear that is expected given that it is so hot. Why do people feel a woman's collarbones or shoulders are inappropriate (aka risque) is beyond me. I go to work to do a job, I go in stores to get what I need. If I were looking for a date, a tshirt, heavy sweater or skimpy top would not matter.
There is too much emphasis put on proper attire and hatred of sandals especially flip flops. Or maybe I'm encountering grouches.
I'm surprised at the formal wear that is expected given that it is so hot. Why do people feel a woman's collarbones or shoulders are inappropriate (aka risque) is beyond me. I go to work to do a job, I go in stores to get what I need. If I were looking for a date, a tshirt, heavy sweater or skimpy top would not matter.
There is too much emphasis put on proper attire and hatred of sandals especially flip flops. Or maybe I'm encountering grouches.
When you work for a company, you are a direct representation of them. If you deal with the public professional dress should be required. You need to appear professional.
"flip flops" have no place in a professional office setting.
As the old saying goes, dress for the job you want!
I don't think that's accurate. Maybe you're not in the right industry or associate with the wrong people. The partial truth to your comment is that people here demand more work\life balance. It's not like New York where 60 hour work weeks are expected. But I think that is what makes us more laid back and its a good thing. Tech companies need a good work/life balance because that leads to more intellectual curiosity and innovation.
I work in the same field as the OP and I can tell you that the Bay Area, Austin and Seattle are not the end-all for tech companies. It is extremely competitive and expensive to try to start a company in those areas. Competition for good employees is fierce. You have to know the right people in order to get the capital. Most of those new startups in those "cool" office buildings are surviving solely on venture capital investments. Once the money dries up, the company will as well and 2 more newly funded companies will take its place.
Believe me, I wish it were incorrect!
Which industry do you work in and where do you spend your pastime - I'd be delighted to join!
My friends work mostly in finance and all of us have the same complains and are actively trying to get out of this area, at least for the next 30 years.
Every time I go to a professional event I end up being the only one oddball wearing a business suit.
I was in Chicago several times last winter and it was a blast seeing people running around in suits, power ties, with briefcases, looking like they're in a rush and their time is valuable. Haven't witnessed that in Phoenix for a LONG time.
Thank you everyone for the additional information. I am still coming the 20th through the 1st to see things for myself. However, you have all given me some things to think about.
In relation to Flavia84's last post, I am much the same way. I like being surrounded by entrepreneurial/driven/business minded people which is why I am in search of a tech centric business surrounding. I also agree with Ajonesaz in that flips flops have no place in a professional setting.
Just to give an example, If I've learned just onne major lesson it's the way you dress for business. When I stopped wearing business casual and switched to full on professional business attire, business became much easier to close. People take notice, they approach you and ask, "What do you do?", and when I tell them, often times they refer me to someone in need of our services.
When you ask a business owner for a check between $3500 and $50,000, you can't be wearing a polo, cargo shorts, and a pair of flip flops. In my business, perception is everything. It's unfortunate, but it's true, and it's just one of the rules those in my line of business have to play by. I don't sell a physical product that can speak for itself. I have to speak for the products, and my attire is part of the process.
When I began wearing the proper attire, people stopped questioning me about my age, my experience, my capabilities, and most importantly my prices. Price negotiations ceased all together, and in fact, I found it easier to charge more. It's the perception that you have everything together, that you pay attention to the details, and are willing to go the extra mile (hot outside or not).
Now this may not always be the case with everyone or every industry. Believe me, I've met some real snakes in suits, but for what I do it's a requirement.
DeerValleyAZ, No, you do not need to appear sub 30. However, you do need to have a a great work ethic. The two PA's we select will be required to be within shouting distant 80% of the day. This will require travel, including one three week trip to China annually. We will also be operating off of Central Standard time. That means if it's 8am in Chicago, you're in the office at 6am answering phone calls, emails, business errands, etc.
We pay our people well above market rate. We hate turnover. We want long term employees, so we pay them well and incentive with bonuses to ensure longevity. Turnover costs us more in training and lost work revenue than it does to just pay someone well in the first place. We do burn the candle at both ends, and it's not an environment for 98% of people. I don't want to turn this into an employment thread, but this should give you an idea of the personality requirements to work with us.
Flavia84, if you're coming to Chicago be prepared for sticker shock. A descent studio or one bedroom apartment is going to run you $1700 to $2900 a month. If you need a two bedroom, you may as well move to the suburbs and buy/build a house.
Then be ready to pay $400 to $700 a month to rent a parking space. I know someone who purchased a parking spot, and it cost him $60,000. If neither of those are an option, then you have to deal with valet fees ($15-$20), parking garage fees ($32 for four hours), or even worse, the city meters.
Don't get me started on taxes. If you dine inside the city limits, there's an additional 12% tax. They also put a 10% tax on bottled water. Everywhere you turn there's a tax and a fee. The entertainment is great here. But the movies will cost you $18 per ticket plus concessions. Nightclubs are a $20 cover, mixed drinks start at $16, and a bottled domestic is $8.
Don't get me wrong, this is a great city, but to only be able to enjoy most of it six months out of the year isn't for me anymore.
Last edited by jrobinsonchicago; 05-10-2015 at 06:09 PM..
I disagree in general about the suit thing. Yes, it gets hot, that is why July 17th should be a Statewide Holiday for Willis Carrier. There are plenty of people in suits. Bright, driven, successful people all over the area. I find it interesting that you are in a tech-centric business and wear a suit...but if that has been working for you, so be it. This really shouldn't be a debate about business wear.
I would look for lofts in downtown Phoenix or possibly take a look at Tempe. There were some work/live areas but it sounds like you want to separate that. Maybe look at Marina Heights in Tempe for Office Space? 5 of the buildings will be State Farms' regional HQ but, if you are in Tempe you would have ready access to ASU students. As far as loft space...I think there is some in Downtown Phoenix...Artesian Lofts, Orpheum or Lofts at Fillmore...There was a push a few years back to build that kind of space.
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