Would you move for permanent employment?

CPO Tim Dickey — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 08:37:58 -0400

I recently relocated from Florida to Texas because of a job offer. In transitioning, I did not plan on moving halfway across the U.S. for a new job post deployment and near the end of my reserve career. It made sense to me that I would need to move to where the jobs are, am I the only one who sees things this way?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 10:15 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:15:25 -0400

Really depends. You have to weight the opportunity against quality of life. I was recently offered an opportunity (promotion) to take a position in NYC. The thought of living in NYC was intriguing. But, after weighing out the increased cost of living and the geographical displacement from my aging mother, I decided against it. Stayed put. This was an easier decision for me since I was already in a position that paid well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 11:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 23:45:15 -0400

I would have to say that I would move, because in todays economy you have to think outside the box and comfort zone or you may miss out on opportunities. I have already discussed with my wife that if I decide to get out of the Army after this enlisted that we will be moving where I can find work in what I want to do. To many people in my opinion have this mindset that they have to stay in one area for what ever reason they do, and miss out on a job that could be waiting for them.

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Oct 14 at 2014 6:22 AM

SFC Ian Lumgair — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 06:22:29 -0400

If I was comparing apples to apples.....yes. Let me explain I'm Fayetteville NC if I was to go from a city of this size 350,000 to one of similar size 250,00 to 500,000. then it would be no issue. Im there, but anything bigger, NO anything smaller would have to be a great job.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 14 at 2014 7:31 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 07:31:14 -0400

There are many factors that I would have to consider such as wages, benefits, cost of living, housing, potential for advancement, etc., but I most definitely would not rule it out.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Oct 14 at 2014 8:03 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:03:11 -0400

I did

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 14 at 2014 8:18 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:18:48 -0400

CPO Tim Dickey I agree and would do the same also. My wife is happy in Orlando and our in laws have moved here too. However, the job market, potential for raises or promotion, and the lack of state tax in both Florida and Texas are all factors to consider.

I made this decision to move to Orlando and looked at cost of living, housing, food, fuel, etc. It was close, but in the end, Florida won out for me over another state (not Texas).

As has been stated, in this economy you have no choice but move where the jobs are and where your money can go as far as possible.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 14 at 2014 9:57 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 09:57:04 -0400

As others have said, it is a balancing act. It would depend on my ties to the community. Right now, Yes. Nothing against where I live - Lacey is a great place. There is nothing holding me here, though.

For most of the last 16 years, the answer would have been no. My son was living with his mom about 80 miles away from me and was still a minor. I would not have been willing to move away under those circumstances, as I felt honor-bound (and wanted) to be a good, or at least present, father. As such I was making the drive twice every other weekend and spending time with him, until that tapered off and was replaced with other things he would rather do (not bitter, that's just a fact of having a kid in high school). Now that he is an adult, they live 120 miles away, and I haven't seen him physically in well over a year, let alone spent time with him, there's really nothing that would keep me tied to the area. It's nice, it's beautiful, and it's where my civilian job is. But you can find those three things anywhere (well, maybe not Detroit...). I have a lot of family and friends in the area, but would move for the right opportunity.

I think that it helped that I was a Navy brat, and never grew up with deep roots in any particular place.

Response by SGT Dion Francis made Oct 14 at 2014 10:13 AM

SGT Dion Francis — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:13:52 -0400

I am very open to moving for the job. Let's all face it PCS was sometimes a headache, but meeting a new squad, and building the camaraderie with them. Right now I look at my situation and A JOB, that is truly what it is. I am looking for a CAREER. I want to work with a company to better myself, them as a whole. NOT just doing the same thing day, and day out without any room to grow.

If the right company comes along with an opportunity for permanent hire, and the promise of growth, both financially, and academically BY GOD I am all in.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 10:43 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:43:47 -0400

You know...in today's economy, there really is no such thing as a permanent job or employment. An acquaintance recently moved to SC for that "dream job"..... family packed up and gone. Two months later, the company fires a bunch of folks - this guy is one of them. There are no garantees when it comes to employment - even our permanently ensconced Federal workers found out last year that it's possible to be sent home sans paycheck on the whim of congress. Moving the entire family is a big deal - especially if you have children in the mix. Most companies don't have moving allowances unless you are being hired into the big leagues so most of us will be moving at our own expense. As mentioned in previous comments one has to take into consideration ALL of the factors before making the move.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 14 at 2014 12:56 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 12:56:05 -0400

I think you are right on, CPO Tim Dickey. The RI & New England job market has bottomed out for me. Apparently there are too many applicants for the few IT Developer jobs out there while other jobs are being shipped overseas. There is no more OJT and companies are unwilling to hire people if they don't meet exact specifications or need ramp up time to learn a new skillset. I've only managed to get temporary employment with no guarantees. The last think I want to do is move away but my wife and I may have to make that difficult choice. It's a sad statement about our country when these are the decisions we have to make.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 14 at 2014 1:43 PM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:43:34 -0400

Yes, there are 3 places I'm willing to relocate to for a "permanent" job. Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and Atlanta.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 3:37 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:37:54 -0400

I relocated to the Northern Va/DC area from Chicago two years ago after my divorce to take a job here. I had a small business in Chicago that was doing ok but not the greatest. This job has afforded me opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have had, furlough last year withstanding. PO1 Private RallyPoint Member is right, even for us govies there is no such thing as a permanent job. You have to go where the opportunities are and weigh the risks and benefits. For me it's been more of a benefit than a risk. :-)

Response by PO3 Jody Wangen made Jul 18 at 2015 10:01 PM

PO3 Jody Wangen — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 22:01:51 -0400

did it 20 years ago. three years from now when my kid graduates will be willing to considerate it again