The Job Thing
For those who have asked how the job hunt is going, we don’t really have any news yet. Because what other news would there be than “we have a job!”. None, really. Anything that happens before “we have a job” is really just more “we are still looking for a job”. Tony has resumes posted nationwide. He has had countless phone interviews and follow-up interviews.
I can tell you that the job market here locally is dead. Despite distributing his resume everywhere here locally, there are almost no openings, no money. He’s had a few calls and inquiries but not like the rest of the US. It is depressing. When you live in a depressed area, you assume it is like this everywhere. This process has really shown us that that isn’t necessarily true. The unemployment rate here in Michigan is twice the national average and the outlook is grim with a projected increase in unemployment in the next two years! When I say depression, I am not being dramatic. The unemployment rate here has not been so low for so long since the Great Depression.
So there are feelers out there in Texas, Chicago, New York, Columbus, Virginia, Arizona and other areas. Basically if they are hiring, we are interested. As much of a huge inconvenience it would be for us to have to move right now, we may have little other option if the only offer that comes in is from out-of-state. Plus it would be highly beneficial for all of us to get out of here and to a place with a more stable economy and more to offer our family so this may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for all of us.
We are trying to do some house hunting in preparation for the need for a quick move and it is SO stressful from so far away! Thanks to Vietnam, we’ve earned enough for a free ticket so at some point (hopefully soon) I’m loading up the baby and heading out of town to find us a new abode in person. That will help. Until then, I’m scouring Realtor.com.
There is still the off chance that an offer will come in from Michigan. But it is seeming less and less likely as the days turn into weeks turn into months.
Job-hunting? TOTALLY stressful. Uncertain futures? BLOW CHUNKS!!! Some days I am really really freaking out. Most days I try to keep a positive attitude, I try to assume this is all happening for a reason and that we desperately wanted change anyway so this will be most excellent for all of us.
If anyone knows of any job openings for a computer security expert, let me know. 
February 7th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Ugh I wish this was all over for you! I can’t believe how calm and collected you are. I would be in a straight jacket if I were you!
So terribly sad 
Michigan job market does suck and it AINT gonna get any better any time soon
Use that plane ticket and come to Houston on Saturday
February 7th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I would think there are a lot of openings for Tony’s type of work… especially out here on the West Coast, but I’ve heard N. Carolina, Boston and Texas are big computer areas too. Hope the “perfect” job/place fall into your laps soon!!
February 7th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
If he finds something in AZ let me know. I’ll help you find a house, tell you where the good areas are ect..
February 7th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Ok, I know you want Texas, but prettyprettypleaseVirginiaissoclosetome!
I hope an ideal situation turns up for you guys very soon.
February 7th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Leslie - Maybe I will!
Chris - we can’t afford the West coast ::cringe:: At least not California. Can you imagine finding housing for 9?!? Eeek. If you know of anything in your neck ‘o the woods, let me know!
Kelley - will do! It is nice to know someone in AZ.
G - OMG, you would make the best neighbor ever!
February 7th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Not quite as far as Texas but OKC is a good place to live with reasonable house prices.
As fas as jobs go, try this link
http://oklahoman.careercast.com/js.php?qInd=Computer+%2F+IT+Professionals&pp=25&view=1&q=security
Best of luck,
Erinn
February 7th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
A little birdie told me things are looking good for Houston:)
February 8th, 2007 at 10:33 am
When you say computer security — is he a network engineer guy? That’s what my husband does. I think his official title is lead network engineer/security specialist. He is currently trolling for something a little higher up the management ladder, so there is the off chance that his position will need to be filled, but it probably won’t be immediately. My brother is a multi-media programmer in Columbus. He keeps telling us we should move there because the computer job market is so strong right now.
February 8th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I wish (oh how I wish) I had a job lead for you in Michigan! However, having faced the economic “depression” and job finding dilemma in this state, I can only commiserate with what you and your husband are going through. We seriously considered moving elsewhere as well, and would have if not for the perfect job opening up for R at the perfect time.
Sigh. the best I can do is cheer you on and hope that something comes along soon for all of you.
February 8th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
What about portland?! Don’t count us out!!!! Portland has a great IT world! My school district is hiring for a tech specialist that will help the school arrange for computers and tech classes for all age levels. Tony would be more than qualified and it starts at $75,000. I know you guys probably make more than that but you could live great on that here. let me know, I’ll send you the link.
xoxo