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Currently I'm looking to move to either Chapel Hill, NC or Providence, RI next summer. I applied to dental residency programs in both areas, and I need to rank which is my first choice and which is my second in the next couple weeks. Based on my ranking, and the ranking of the programs, I'll be matched with a program (and area) by the end of January.
My girlfriend would like to move with me, but she would have to find a job. I might be able to support both of us for a while, but that would be a last resort. We would probably end up spending a period of time long distance if she could not find a job by the time my residency started (July).
What I'm wondering is how long you think it might take for her to find a job in the Chapel Hill area, and when she should start looking if she can't start working until May or June. She has been a legal assistant (secretary in a law office) for about 4 years now, but is flexible in the positions she's willing to take (though she'd prefer something that wasn't heavy customer service).
We've already looked at the other pros and cons of both areas. I'm leaning towards Providence based on my girlfriend's temperature preferences (she's fine up until 80 degrees, but she'd rather be at 5 degrees F than over 90), but if she's more likely to find a job in the Chapel Hill area, we might switch over to Chapel Hill as a first choice, which certainly has its own advantages.
It just depends. Your friend may find a job rather quickly, but the reality is she may be looking for a few months? Chapel Hill is probably a tougher market than some because of UNC and students having an edge where employment is concerned. Of course any college town might be the same?
Will she have a car? That will make things easier.
When my husband and I first moved back to the area it took him 5 months to find a job and myself a little over a month. The jobs are out there but it takes time, commitment, and patience to throw out enough resumes to get them.
There will be some competition when she gets here as there are loads of people coming to chapel hill for residencies/med school/dental school/law school - and include Duke and Central in that mix. So, potentially a good number of spouses/partners will be looking for jobs.
As far as the weather goes.....if she does not like part of June all of July and August with 95 plus degrees and high humidity, it might take a while to get used to the weather! I personally love the hot and humid, but I believe I am in the minority.
You also may want to call the dental school and see if they have any assistance for finding jobs......
It is over 80 here pretty much from early July to mid-September, with the worst in late Jul/early Aug. Definitely something to think about if that's a deal-breaker.
If she is not picky about "admin work", there is a temp agency that serves the university that I'm sure someone with experience could get into, and it could lead to something permanent.
Yea, the heat is definitely an issue, and we've talked about it. The flip side of that is that I have a cold issue. There are also other factors that we are looking at besides weather, and employment is a big one. It won't matter how hot or how cold it gets if she can't make the move because she can't get a job.
I can't believe I am saying this as I am a raging feminist but I would think the decision would be based on what is best for your career. Admin jobs are going to be available just about everywhere. On the weather issue, I would say cold and snow and dangerous driving would make me not want to go to RI. I hear the economy is more depressed there than it is here. Am I right?
In the triangle you are only a few hours to the mountains or the beach where you can cool off in the summer . That would make me lean towards N.C. And nothing in the world is like Chapel Hill. Most folks fall in love with the quirky place and don't want to leave.
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