Life throws a curveball... Doh!

Found out today that I'll be without a job starting november 1st. Company is going to mothball the place until march. So, now I've got an opportunity to move. I think i'd like to mov to Florida now. I've got a few family members down that way. Looking at moving to the Gainesville area. Anyone live around that area and have something to say about it? My professional field is in IT both in management and programming. I've got to say I'm pretty good at a lot of things and take pride in my work. Anyone know of any employers looking for good people? How about the cost of living around there? Any other areas I should take a look at relocating to in Florida? I'd prefer to stay away from Miami maybe even all the way up to Orlando. Thoughts?

 

Sorry to hear about your situation, I had a similar experience at Christmas and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise... Good luck, the IT field will keep your search short I’m sure 8)


Hmm... Headlines from Yahoo this afternoon

Florida Exodus: Rising Taxes Drive Out Residents

Florida Exodus: Rising Taxes Drive Out Residents - Yahoo! News

 

Well, I'm in Gainesville so I can give you some perspective. Jobs are about as easy to come by here as they are anywhere else I guess. I do know of two LFS that I'm learning a lot from so there is that. This is probably the norm, but we've got a local reef site. I'll tell you one thing, for two months out of the year it is pretty much dead. Summertime is when all the UF students clear out leaving the area with about 40,000 fewer inhabitants. Florida football is. Well turn on any sports network and you'll get the idea. Gator games are an addiction to say the least. Traffic isn't bad unless it's 5 o'clock (naturally). If I were in your position I'd contact Shands or North Florida Regional Medical Center for job availabilities. You may be able to work at UF. Honestly I wouldn't know where else to look in the IT field but I'm sure it's there. Florida's pretty great if you can take the heat. That's the only thing that can wear ya down IMO. Shoot me a PM or something if you've got anything you'd like to know about.

 

FYI Florida is one of the highest rating states for unemployment....I've been looking for a new job for a year and a half...I'm stuck cooking for the time being....

 

Its tough to find a decent job here, thats for sure, but property is dirt cheap. Houses in my area have dropped by about 50% of what they were 3-4 years ago. Another fun fact is if your having a hard time making ends meet not paying your mortgage isn't all that big of a deal . . . I know people that haven't paid it in over a year and a half and are still in their homes.

~Will.

 

I have been out of work since February.

Things will turn around, keep your head up.

 

Many thanks for this post. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this in an insightful manner. Karma++