Are We Crazy?

[LovinRafiki]

Ok, I think I know the answer to this question, but I have to throw it out there for some opinions. Me and DH are planning to pack up and relocate to Orlando in July. We are both in our late 20s and really want a change. I have worked in the hospitality industry for almost 10 years and he is an experienced cook. We don't have jobs lined up yet, and I am not sure if we will be able to before we move, although we will try. Are we crazy? I feel like its a now or never time in our lives, but with the current job situation, I am a bit worried. So, give me your 2 cents. Any opinion welcome! TIA!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

You will be far better off if you have jobs in place. Look at housing options online and try to get a projected budget for living expenses down there. That will tell you how much you'll need to make. Maybe you can live off one income for awhile if the budget allows that while the other looks for a job.

I would NOT, especially in this economy, move without a job lined up. Florida seems to be one of the harder hit states too.

And what is significant with July? Is that when your current lease ends? Can you go month to month to allow yourself to leave without breaking a lease extension?

 

[tekoa]

I don't think you are crazy at all. I think with both of your work back grounds the Orlando area would be an ideal place to relocate. Good Luck!

 

[JessicaR]

I don't think you are crazy at all. You have no responsibilities but yourselves. No kids, no house. Go for it!

 

[dizneemom]

I definitely think go for it! I wish I would have moved there when I was younger w/out kids. I would get resumes out before I get there though and state in your cover letter when you will be arriving. Good Luck to you!

 

[S. C.]

You will be far better off if you have jobs in place. Look at housing options online and try to get a projected budget for living expenses down there. That will tell you how much you'll need to make. Maybe you can live off one income for awhile if the budget allows that while the other looks for a job.

I would NOT, especially in this economy, move without a job lined up. Florida seems to be one of the harder hit states too.

And what is significant with July? Is that when your current lease ends? Can you go month to month to allow yourself to leave without breaking a lease extension?

I agree with this!

 

[golfgal]

How much money do you have in savings and how long would that last if you could not get jobs right away?

 

[RadioNate]

Yes, at least without jobs it is a huge gamble. To the average tourist it might look ok but the hospitality industry here us really hurting.

My neighbor is a senior level f&b manager at one of the top tier hotels and he is lucky to work 3 days a week. The low level people are working less. His wife has nearly 10 years of experience in hotels and can't get a job. They are REALLY hurting.

Get a job 1st.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'd start researching job availabilities, make contacts, and submit resumes large scale. Check out Fla. chamber of commerce page (it will give you a snapshot of the landscape), and Orlando hiring sites.

http://www.flchamber.com/
http://orlando.employmentguide.com/

I would also have a couple of businesses or hospitals in mind (smaller scale), find out if they are hiring, research them well, make contacts, and submit resumes before going.

I would go for it, but I'd have a job (at least one of you) before relocating. I think it would be the safest way to go and you would still be going after your dreams. Good luck! You guys are very adventurous!

ETA- On the Orlando employment web page, they list a job fair in Orlando scheduled for 1/20/10.

 

[golfgal]

Also, from what others have posted here, the jobs in the hospitality industry in Florida don't pay much--barely above minimum wage.

 

[The Princess]

I don't think your crazy at all. I wish I would have done it.
Do it while you can.
Good luck!!!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I would go for it, but I'd have a job (at least one of you) before relocating. I think it would be the safest way to go and you would still be going after your dreams. Good luck! You guys are very adventurous!

I agree with this, in addition to what I said earlier. You don't want your dreams to become a nightmare when your savings run out and there are no jobs available.

My DH and I moved 6 months ago and I had a job lined up before we moved, my DH is still looking for a job because the economy is not very good. I had my job lined up about 2 months before the move itself, so we were able to choose and apartment and things that would fit into my income alone.

It's been great, and I'm so glad we moved. However, if neither one of us had a job at this point, we would have been far better off staying put where we were, even though it wasn't a good situation.

 

[Carly_Roach]

Ok, I think I know the answer to this question, but I have to throw it out there for some opinions. Me and DH are planning to pack up and relocate to Orlando in July. We are both in our late 20s and really want a change. I have worked in the hospitality industry for almost 10 years and he is an experienced cook. We don't have jobs lined up yet, and I am not sure if we will be able to before we move, although we will try. Are we crazy? I feel like its a now or never time in our lives, but with the current job situation, I am a bit worried. So, give me your 2 cents. Any opinion welcome! TIA!

I'll agree with others that it would be wise for at least one of you have a job lined up. But I'll close with a little levity from Sex and the City:

"Enjoy yourself. That's what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons; your 40s are to pay for the drinks."

 

[Nancyg56]

I would make sure that I had a job in place before I moved. I know that it seems to be the right time when you have no responsibilities but if you find yourself without an income for an extended period of time you may find the stresses are way more than you bargained for.

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

I would say definitely try and have a job lined up for at least one of you and Then--Go for it. Now is the time---no kids and that makes it much easier.
ENJOY and YES live your life.

 

[dakcp2001]

I did it, and it was by far the best thing I have EVER done! My parents were furious, everyone thought I was cukoo, but it turned out to be a great experience. I got a job via Disney's College Program, but I had never been to FL or Disney before and I had just finished college. Disney hires a LOT of people to work in the parks and resorts, have you checked their site? http://www.disney.go.com/DisneyCareers/wdwcareers/hourly/index.html

DIsney hires a lot of people, the pay is very low. You do better in a tipping job. You will get free access to the parks and discounts at most area resteraunts and bars/pubs. There are a lot of "SIN" night discounts (service industry night) as almost everyone in the area works all weekend and has Tues & Wed off.

I was totally broke, worked two jobs, and had the time of my life! I met a lot of people that will be lifelone friends. My ONLY regret is moving back home to get a "real" job. Boooo. Now that I am older, I realize a REAL job would be one that makes me REALLY happy. Not one that my parents approve of...