Moving to Tampa JOBLESS (St. Petersburg, Brandon: transplants, apartment complex, condo) - Tampa Bay - Florida (FL) -Tampa - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

grah8303 · 07-13-2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by druthb00

I can't tell you how many potential employees I've trained in the last year only to have them fail a drug test or background check when it came time to hire in from the temp agency. The one's who do pass? It's really a crap shoot as to whether or not they'll show up on time to work often enough during the first 90 days to justify keeping them. It's absolutely ridiculous. It's an entry level accounting clerk position for almost double minimum wage, and very decent benefits...yet it's almost like no one wants to work. I'm not trying to make anyone on here who's having trouble finding work in their field feel bad by saying that. It's just really exhausting knowing how many people are out of work, yet I can't find a couple decent employees.

The higher your income and skill level, the fiercer the competition is going to be. For the type of work you're looking for, OP, I think you'll find a positive attitude, common sense and good work ethic will put you way ahead of the game.

Do you have positions available now? What company do you work for? Can I send you my info?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MortonR

Do you have living arrangements here?

I ask because you're not going to get a lease without a current job, I would think. You're also going to have some up front costs like car license and insurance that are going to be a lot more than they are in OKC.

Having moved across country a number of times, some paid by employers, some out of my own pocket, I can tell you without exception that you'll never come out ahead...

RM

Got the lease covered. I might have trouble if a company wants to give it to me, but I've been in similar situations with housing and have had no problems getting a lease (I have a cosigner). I've had multiple $800+ dollar apartments where I didn't have a job... How do you think college kids get places to live? Cosigners......................

I'm not looking to come out ahead financially... I think it's pretty obvious that you always lose money in a move unless someone is paying your costs.

grah8303 · 07-13-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ7

Florida as a whole took a pretty big dive when the recession hit. OKC...lol, I don't blame you. I was in that city about 4 weeks ago and it has absolutely nothing that appeals to anything (cept maybe NBA and the Devon tower). Brick Town don't have **** on FL. Living in FL is pretty easy, there is no State Income taxes and rent seems to be cheaper than the north. If you are upbeat and can walk the talk you shouldn't have a problem landing a gig somewhere. As you know, you have to first meet people and build those professional connections. You can easily have a nice decent life and not make that much money in Tampa, it's not extremely overpriced. Speaking from experience though, your best bet to have a job lined up before you move to ANYWHERE. Fill out those apps, and prepare for landing a job to take some time. I can't and won't suggest anyone moves before they have something lined up, even a managerial job at Mcdonalds is better than nothing. Good luck

I agree with everything you said. I grew up on the outskirts of DC and have lived in quite a few different places, so it's not like I'll be in huge culture shock by moving to Florida. I know what it takes to meet people and that means being outgoing and talking to people even if they aren't making an attempt to talk to you...

Yes, OKC is no fun. It's hot, cold, and windy as hell all wrapped up in one big ball of terrible weather. It's also dry and dusty. I hate to say it because the people are actually quite nice here, but good riddance to this place.

I understand what you are saying about having something lined up, but how exactly do you suggest I go about that? No place will hire me without an interview, and to do an interview I have to be there... I can come down for a couple week to interview, but why pay to visit, come back to OKC, and then move down there? I'll pay an extra $500 just to make those 2 extra trips... That's almost a month's worth of rent. I'd be better off just using that money to be there for interviews....

MJ7 · 07-13-2013, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grah8303

I agree with everything you said. I grew up on the outskirts of DC and have lived in quite a few different places, so it's not like I'll be in huge culture shock by moving to Florida. I know what it takes to meet people and that means being outgoing and talking to people even if they aren't making an attempt to talk to you...

Yes, OKC is no fun. It's hot, cold, and windy as hell all wrapped up in one big ball of terrible weather. It's also dry and dusty. I hate to say it because the people are actually quite nice here, but good riddance to this place.

I understand what you are saying about having something lined up, but how exactly do you suggest I go about that? No place will hire me without an interview, and to do an interview I have to be there... I can come down for a couple week to interview, but why pay to visit, come back to OKC, and then move down there? I'll pay an extra $500 just to make those 2 extra trips... That's almost a month's worth of rent. I'd be better off just using that money to be there for interviews....

Alright you will pry it out of me (congrats). If you aren't going for a white collar job (in one where the employer usually always pays for your interview trip) then I would say the risk is yours to take. If you want to get a blue collar job or be part of the services workforce then you make a compelling argument. If you have past managerial experience there is of course plenty of cookie cutter department stores all over the area, St. Petersburg included. HOWEVER, many of these jobs will allow you to apply online for positions. So I would suggest doing it smart. Apply online, line up interviews all at once, if you can get 5-6 interviews, preferably more, all in a 2 week time span, I say take the gamble and move.

sware2cod · 07-13-2013, 03:48 PM

Your bigget obstacle will be finding an apartment. Most want to see your paystub and require income of at least 2.5X the monthly rent.

You can get a suite/room in an extended stay hotel for awhile. But what to do with your furniture? Maybe put it in storage.

You'll do fine as far as finding a job. I say "Go for it". Happy travels.

MJ7 · 07-13-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sware2cod

Your bigget obstacle will be finding an apartment. Most want to see your paystub and require income of at least 2.5X the monthly rent.

You can get a suite/room in an extended stay hotel for awhile. But what to do with your furniture? Maybe put it in storage.

You'll do fine as far as finding a job. I say "Go for it". Happy travels.

Very good point indeed, I totally forgot about that. You might have to lease from a duplex owner or a condo owner, so they don't ask for that information. You might want to also see about getting a short lease to start out with, some offer 3 month leases.

grah8303 · 07-13-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sware2cod

Your bigget obstacle will be finding an apartment. Most want to see your paystub and require income of at least 2.5X the monthly rent.

You can get a suite/room in an extended stay hotel for awhile. But what to do with your furniture? Maybe put it in storage.

You'll do fine as far as finding a job. I say "Go for it". Happy travels.

I wrote this in another post, but I'll say it again.... I have a cosigner.... I've gotten numerous apartments before with one while in college and after. I'm not even looking at places with long term options. Short term is the way I'm going and if it means staying in a hotel like environment then so be it. But yeah, found many apartments without a job before.

grah8303 · 07-13-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ7

Alright you will pry it out of me (congrats). If you aren't going for a white collar job (in one where the employer usually always pays for your interview trip) then I would say the risk is yours to take. If you want to get a blue collar job or be part of the services workforce then you make a compelling argument. If you have past managerial experience there is of course plenty of cookie cutter department stores all over the area, St. Petersburg included. HOWEVER, many of these jobs will allow you to apply online for positions. So I would suggest doing it smart. Apply online, line up interviews all at once, if you can get 5-6 interviews, preferably more, all in a 2 week time span, I say take the gamble and move.

Never had a white collar job and might never have one. Yes I want to be successful but like I said before, being a career rat hasn't been a priority of mine up until a year or two ago. I'm planning on going back to school to get some certifications so I can work my way up in the IT field, but only because I want to provide well for a future family. Personally, I think the corporate world is for suckers, but I'm willing to sell out at this point for my family (not for personal gain)... To each his own though.

With that being said (hopefully I didn't offend anyone in talking about sellouts), I'm seeing plenty of above minimum wage paying jobs being posted... They are even willing to train without needing experience. I'm pretty confident that as long as I'm open to new opportunities, and am willing to get my hands dirty, I'll be just fine.

Sunshinecc · 07-13-2013, 04:56 PM

In my research thus far, I found a property management company after seeing many rentals over the last 6 months managed and advertised by them. I contacted them and had a fairly lengthy conversation with one of the agents. I had the same concern - how do I rent when I may not have a job immediately upon arriving (and assured her I would be temping right away to start no matter what the assignment) and she told me not to worry. Although they do background checks they assume that if someone is renting, they have a job.

Now, that may not be the norm but I do not believe yours and mine is that unique of a situation. So, search your butt off...there are in fact options out there, you just have to dig.

grah8303 · 07-13-2013, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunshinecc

In my research thus far, I found a property management company after seeing many rentals over the last 6 months managed and advertised by them. I contacted them and had a fairly lengthy conversation with one of the agents. I had the same concern - how do I rent when I may not have a job immediately upon arriving (and assured her I would be temping right away to start no matter what the assignment) and she told me not to worry. Although they do background checks they assume that if someone is renting, they have a job.

Now, that may not be the norm but I do not believe yours and mine is that unique of a situation. So, search your butt off...there are in fact options out there, you just have to dig.

I agree. This will be my 6-7th time renting an apartment of my own (don't feel like thinking back to all the places I've rented), and have never been denied an apartment. There are 100's of apartment for rent, possibly 1000's, so I will just move on to the next one if one denies me. The beauty of real estate is that even if you don't get paid because someone moves out of your property, you can just sue them. The money will be guaranteed through contract. There is really no risk in renting to someone unless they have major red flags on their application.... Rental companies ensure they will come out with at least some profit through security deposits and extra rents....

grah8303 · 07-13-2013, 05:11 PM

Actually, I lied. I was denied once for a condo... The agent said that someone submitted an application at the same time as me and it was stronger than mine... So yeah, denials do happen, but my track record has been a good one.