Moving to Orlando - questions?

[Abreakey]

Hello.

I have been a lurker on this board for a long time, but this is my first post.

I am posting because my family is planning to move to the Orlando area soon. The odd thing is that neither my wife nor I have a job lined up down there. We are both confident, compentent computer professionals with strong resumes. My background is in Multimedia Development, computer graphics and animation. My wife's background is in software Quality Assurance.

We are looking to simplify our life, I have been responsible for large development teams (America Online for instance) operating in roles such as Creative Director and Marketing Director. I am hoping to find a position with an Orlando area company that can use my experience and talents as part of their existing creative team.

We are fortunate that we are able to move down to Florida while still looking for a position down there, so we are not expecting, nor asking for relocation expenses to be paid (as we are moving there soon anyway)

If anyone that reads this knows of any job leads or needs someone like me or my wife in their company please email me, post here, or PM me. I would love to hear from you.

Also, any advice as to where in the Orlando area I should consider setting up my residence? -- Is there a particular area that has a higher concentration of computer geek/multimedia companies?

Thanks for reading -- Adam Breakey

 

[helenabear]

Welcome to the DIS, Adam. I don't live in Florida, but I wanted to wish you all the best while moving. Also giving you a bump so others can answer your question. Good luck!

 

[olena]

Lucent is there, but I don't think they're hiring. My uncle was recently laid off from there. My Dad just moved down there. He works for the airlines though. Good luck and keep us posted....

 

[jamsmom]

Wish I could offer tips, but I don;t live in Florida. Although you have been a lurker, WELCOME since you posted your 1st post.

Good luck. Sure hope you get some good ideas here.

 

[Cindy B]

Well, a few years ago, Harris (in Melbourne) was looking for people. My DH was interviewed twice by them and turned it down... That is not exactly Orlando. But with the IT market the way it is, that may not even be truthful statement now.

Truth be told, the IT market is FLAT all around the country right now. And in Orlando, the wage difference is significantly lower than what he is getting paid right now.
If you can take a pay cut... significant pay cut.. by all means try. It was over a 20K annual difference for us, so we didn't bother.

 

[Pebblszzz]

Geekville is either Heathrow/Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs or SouthWest Orlando. All nice areas to live.

Good luck finding a job in IT, however.

I, too, am looking in that area for an IT position, and darn it, they're all in Heathrow/Lake Mary, and I live in SouthWest Orlando with all the other geeks! Sure, i could take a job up there...but I prefer to live a while longer, and not interested in the ole I-4 commute daily.

Good luck to ya!

Tip: I'm sure you've heard of it, and have probably visited it, but in the even you haven't, all the IT jobs I've seen in Orlando are listed in:

monster.com (I've found several here, all too far north for me)
dice.com
brainbuzz.com

 

[Dax]

Just a suggestion... How set are you on living in Orlando? I live in Lakeland, which is halfway between Tampa and Orlando and may allow you to broaden you search for jobs..just a friendly idea..and Lakeland has lower taxes too..

 

[Abreakey]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Peb - you mention that you could take a job 'up there', but you want to 'live longer' -- Can you explain? You also mention the I-4 commute. Luckily I am coming from the second worst traffic/commute area in the country, so a commute of 45 minutes is normal for here (Northern Virginia).

Lakeland? I haven't looked at that area. Are there jobs to be found in the area? Do people in Lakeland commute to Tampa or Orlando?

Thanks again.

adamb

 

[Pebblszzz]

The I-4 commute and living longer go hand-in-hand.

somebody dies during rush hour about three times a week on I-4.

If I were to take a job "up there" in Lake Mary, it'd take me 2 hours each way, and that's only if there are no accidents on I-4.

Some people don't mind traffic, I guess I'm spoiled with my current job - my only commute is to the airport twice a week or so, and I'm careful to schedule my flights during non-rush hour times. But I gotta give credit where it's due. The traffic is extra-bad right now due to the widening of I-4. When it's done, we hope things will improve dramatically.

If you're a Disney nut, you might want to brave the traffic and live down by me - I can park my car at WDW in under 10 minutes from my house, and watch the fireworks from my front yard.

Best of luck in your relocation!