As some of you know, I am currently in Charlotte, North Carolina, looking for possible employment. My brother, who moved his family down here two years ago, and I sat down and crunched some numbers to indicate how much money I would need to make in a new job down here, should the offer come along. I basically found out that I need to make more per year than anticipated to be able to live comfortably, without strapping myself too tight. When my brother told me how much more, I said to him, "Oooh, I don't think I can get that."

But I decided to take a look around anyway, since I was down here recently on vacation and purposely stayed down here longer to look around to see what the job market was like. I emailed my resume to seven different job agencies, because I knew that they would know what jobs were available, and what the pay would be for someone with my level of experience. The first couple of agencies that I contacted told me honestly that they did not get jobs in that would pay the kind of money that I was looking for.

But I did go to a job agency today who told me about several job opportunities that could possibly pay in the range that I'm looking for. Then another job agency that I spoke to told me that the salary that I was looking for was "doable", and that they would market my resume to see if any companies were interested.

Wow, it would be soooo exciting to finally get out of crappy Ohio and be able to live in another area. The thought of it is both frightening and exciting at the same time. I've lived in Ohio my whole life, and a change right now would be good. Of course, my parents are not too happy about it, because they already had three other kids who moved out of state. Adding to the fact that I'm the last kid who lives close by, I'm the youngest, and the only girl in the family just adds to it.

So now comes another hard decision: Do I stay in Ohio where I know I won't be able to get the money that I could get here in Charlotte, but where I would not have to pay rent, because the place I own is paid for? Or do I move to Charlotte and have to pay rent to live somewhere, but I would definitely be able to make decent money. Yes, it is a hard choice, but I think moving to Charlotte would most definitely win. I feel that there is nothing in Ohio for me job-wise anymore. Shoot, everybody is moving the heck out of there, and I can't say that I blame them one bit.

I definitely will keep you all posted, but I think if I get a good-paying job in Charlotte with the chance to move, I'm gonna take it.

move to charlotte, and rent out your property in Ohio. You'll be rolling in $ and it'll be an adventure

Are you OK with looking back and never taking this chance? If so, you should stay. If not, get your ass out of Ohio and get your Charlotte on!

DO IT, Nancy. Rent your old place out. Don't take this the wrong way, but you need a little excitement.

Do It Nanc... you answered your own questions. Perhaps you can rent out the home you own and use that cash to defer rent in Charlotte? Thereby giving you options.

I live under 3 hrs from Charlotte

do it and good luck

I pray that you make whatever move is best for you and that whatever move you make, makes you happy!

Love ya Nan-y!!

There is a quote which goes "Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is."

Good luck to you!

WillyWonka said:

You know the neatest stuff!

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Right! WillyWonka is awesome!

Good luck!

Thanks to all who posted, I appreciate your support. I probably would sell the place that I have right now, since it would be a pain to have to try to rent it out, especially if I were to move so far away.

LittleSmedley said:

Co-sign to this.

And Good Luck, Nancy!!! I wish you all the best.

psychodelicide said:

Being in a neighboring state (Michigan), I can tell you that the midwest is tough job-wise, but its even tougher to sell a home. Trying to sell now will not get the most value from your home. If I were you, I definately would rent it out until the market turns around a bit and you can get your moneys worth from your property. I know it's a tough decision, but do you have any close friends or maybe your parents that could look over the property on a local basis?

We are currently working on selling our home after almost two years on the market....fingers crossed...we have signed a purchase agreement and it should only be a matter of time before we actually sign the closing papers.
Two years is a lot of money wasted in taxes and utilities, not to mention a 2nd mortgage (it sounds like you have it paid for though)...still, alot is invested just trying to sell a home right now.
[Edited 6/16/07 8:02am]