Do many people move to a new city without having a job lined up?

[JayJay]

I know several couples/individuals who have done this within the last year or two. They move to places like Chicago but get jobs shortly after the move. All of them were highly skilled and felt confident that they'd get a job.

 

[rach2jlc]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

It was in 1956.

Btw, you've internalized the scare tactics, i.e. cost of insurance prohibitive to moving. FYI, Obama made it so you only pay 35% for your COBRA (basically equal to or less the usual employee contribution. COBRA used to be 101%, as your former company was allowed to clear cost of administration).

I don't think the problem is finding a job, the problem is finding a job people find worthy of themselves or of equal level to your current position. I've never had a problem working a job below my desired goals. Friday night I was remembering how I used to work for a valet service, in undergrad, and yesterday, I was remember selling cars before returning to university.

By insurance I was just thinking about cost of living in general. House insurance, car insurance, whatever. The **** ain't cheap.

Anyway, I agree with what you said. Nevertheless, I just can't see up and moving to a new place with no real prospects or leads. I guess I lack the intrepid pioneering spirit, but I'm staying put unless I've got good reason to move and a guarantee of something before I get there.

Of course, I guess a lot of factors could contribute. If you lose your current job and can't afford the cost of living wherever that is, I guess moving could be a good idea. Nevertheless, I don't think that's what the OP had in mind, either.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

By insurance I was just thinking about cost of living in general. House insurance, car insurance, whatever. The **** ain't cheap.

Anyway, I agree with what you said. Nevertheless, I just can't see up and moving to a new place with no real prospects or leads. I guess I lack the intrepid pioneering spirit, but I'm staying put unless I've got good reason to move and a guarantee of something before I get there.

Of course, I guess a lot of factors could contribute. If you lose your current job and can't afford the cost of living wherever that is, I guess moving could be a good idea. Nevertheless, I don't think that's what the OP had in mind, either.

I think as you get older, get more enmeshed where you are, gain more success in your current position or locale, it gets harder to move and probably, less wise. A dozen years ago, just heading out across country was the right thing to do for us. Neither one of us would likely have progressed in our careers as far as we have, if we stayed in Michigan. Sometimes, you just have to take that big risk for those big rewards.

 

[MsMcGillicuddy]

Eh, when I'm done with my overseas experience next fall I'm moving back to my adopted home of Seattle, job or no job. I luckily have kind friends there who own homes with second bedrooms who don't mind if I flop there while looking for a job.

I can't, however, imagine moving to a city without a support system in place and without a job lined up or school to attend. But I also think that if people decide they want to live somewhere new and think they can make it happen, then that's pretty sweet.

 

[Rambo]

I'm giving serious consideration to doing just that except I'm thinking about swapping countries, not cities.

 

[Tokyo Slim]

Originally Posted by Rambo

I'm giving serious consideration to doing just that except I'm thinking about swapping countries, not cities.

+1

I would have a much better chance of finding work in other countries... where I don't have a criminal record.

 

[Reggs]

I was talking about this very situation last night. When Americans took to the Oregon Trail they turned to cannibalism because things didn't work out. Only move if it's a sure thing.

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

I think as you get older, get more enmeshed where you are, gain more success in your current position or locale, it gets harder to move and probably, less wise. A dozen years ago, just heading out across country was the right thing to do for us. Neither one of us would likely have progressed in our careers as far as we have, if we stayed in Michigan. Sometimes, you just have to take that big risk for those big rewards.

Big +1. If you don't take an active role in controlling your life and career, someone else will do it for you.

 

[crazyquik]

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

Nevertheless, I just can't see up and moving to a new place with no real prospects or leads. I guess I lack the intrepid pioneering spirit, but I'm staying put unless I've got good reason to move and a guarantee of something before I get there.

+1 on this. Rach and I would still be in the old country I guess, while Pio would be getting on some rickety ship to cross the ocean. Every move I've made has been thoroughly planned out, scouting trips ahead of time to check for housing and line something up, already had a reason to move (job, school, etc) lined up, etc.

 

[Davidko19]

after graduating from a **** college,in a **** state with a **** degree I moved out to LA with no job.

It was tough getting one, I had to work at circuit city for a month to pay the bills, but it all worked out. I could be dumb but Im not dumb enough to fail.

 

[Big Pun]

Originally Posted by Rambo

I'm giving serious consideration to doing just that except I'm thinking about swapping countries, not cities.
Sick of FL? So surprised

What country out of curiousity?

 

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by Big Punisher

Sick of FL? So surprised

What country out of curiousity?
Not sure yet. I've got some serious living saved up so I've been tossing around a few ideas: A month or so in each of several different countries. A year or so in each of several different countries. A worldwide tour of all the countries I want to hit for a year or so I'm also considering option 1 around the US. No idea yet.

 

[x26]

Originally Posted by crazyquik

So I ended up on the city-data forums, because I was looking for something, and then saw several threads of people which all sounded like this: "I used to live in ________, I moved here several months ago, and I still haven't found a job. I need help." Or something to that effect.

Is it really that common to pack up your life and move across the country, just because you heard the cost of living was lower or there were more jobs, without having anything lined up?

Hah. Most people that post on city data are Full-marsupial. That place makes my head explode.

 

[yerfdog]

Originally Posted by crazyquik

So I ended up on the city-data forums, because I was looking for something, and then saw several threads of people which all sounded like this: "I used to live in ________, I moved here several months ago, and I still haven't found a job. I need help." Or something to that effect. Is it really that common to pack up your life and move across the country, just because you heard the cost of living was lower or there were more jobs, without having anything lined up?
If people from places like Detroit just did this, they would probably have an easier time finding work. A lot of times it's hard to get hired if you don't live in the area of the job already, because the employer isn't sure you are serious about living whereever it is.

 

[Tokyo Slim]