Job market in FL right now? (Miami, Tampa: car insurance, high school, income)

[sunset7]

Hi,

I'm thinking about relocating to this area. I lived in Florida a while back, so I am familiar to aspects of Florida living. However, I understand that the economy is not the best right now, and that the job market there about a year ago was not doing well. What is the job market like there right now? I do not want to move there and get stuck in a situation where I cannot find work or not be able to find work that will give me the income to pay all of my bills (full rent, electricity, car insurance, etc.). My move date is set for around December; what is the job market like around this time of year there?

Thanks for your advice.

[Harbor Hopper]

You never mentioned the field of work. It varies widely between fields.

[Big House]

In general, the summertime always makes the job market very slow. But last fall, I saw a lot of hiring signs out there. So, . . . I would say it is difficult, but improving. HH is right though, some fields of work, or special skill-sets will vary the opportunities available.

[sunset7]

Hi,

Most likely I would get an office job to start (secretary / reception, etc). However, I would be looking to merge into a more creative field like graphic design, the arts, etc. I'm aware that these fields vary widely in what they actually pay, and am doing research on that. I'm more looking to find out information about the general climate in terms of actually being able to find a job, and if people in general are finding it hard to make ends meet in that area. Thanks so much!

[Big House]

Originally Posted by sunset7

Hi,

Most likely I would get an office job to start (secretary / reception, etc). However, I would be looking to merge into a more creative field like graphic design, the arts, etc. I'm aware that these fields vary widely in what they actually pay, and am doing research on that. I'm more looking to find out information about the general climate in terms of actually being able to find a job, and if people in general are finding it hard to make ends meet in that area. Thanks so much!

That is a tough market in which to find a job. I would try to secure something before coming. Something that you feel confident with.

[TamRE]

I was an Administrative Assistant Program Instructor at Charlotte Technical Center in Port Charlotte, FL teaching adults and high school students. Back in 2009 my position and the program was eliminated. The enrollment was way down because the clerical/secretarial field is not high in demand. Many offices are combining work and with computers, a lot of small business people do the work themselves.

It is very hard to find clerical type work in this area. It is extremely competitive. The starting pay rate is $8-$10 an hour. There are more medical administrative assistant positions than general clerical. Most of the medical secretarial type jobs require experience. Charlotte Technical Center also has a prorgram called Medical Administrative Assistant. The students do an internship before they graduate and most of them are placed in jobs.

Sarasota pays higher than Charlotte County. As far as graphic design type jobs, those are very rare and hard to come by in this area. You would have to move to a larger city such as Tampa, Orlanda or Miami. There are a few in this area, but they are mostly part time or temporary.

Here are some job search sites you can use to see what is available.

www.employflorida.com, www.jobfocus.com, www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.yoursun.com, www.snagajob.com, www.craigslist.com.


Good luck to you.