House sold/Downsized/Now what?

[AlreadyHere]

Hello all,

After a whirlwind year, I've returned to the forums to find y'all moved! Good to "see" folks from earlier discussions here too. (My former forum ID was "Chessica," changed since I'm no longer residing in the Chesapeake region). Wasn't sure where to post this as it involves housing, work, relocation, resulting in a late-blooming midlife crisis.
:help:
Earlier this year, I sold my sweet home and moved across the country to a job/residency that resulted in disaster. It is too painful yet to discuss in detail. Suffice to say, I feel deeply gullible and foolish to have changed so much in my life without a clear contract.

As I was already on the opposite coast of where I'd been living, I took the opportunity to visit family in the PNW and assist with them with some health care issues. My work here is done. Due to the size of their housing and plans to relocate soon themselves, I am needing to also move on very soon. All my alternate considerations (Plan A and Plan B) have not panned out. I've learned that all "friends" who were encouraging change and had verbally offered temporary lodging should things not work out, are now saying they are not able to do so. http://www.simplelivingforum.net/images/smilies/sSa_sad%5B1%5D.gif My family back east is all estranged, and there is no possibility of connecting with any of them.

While I have the freedom of going anywhere in the States, at 54, I'm not honestly feeling the "excitement" of possibilities. I'm tired of moving around, sleeping on couches and ready to settle down for a while. Eager also to get back to work and be involved in a community. (Employment history of mostly Administrative secretarial, clerical support) I've lived in coastal cities/suburbs most of my life. Still sorting out the psychological and emotional impact of so many changes in the last few months.
!Splat!
On a bright note, the last few years of simple living have been rewarding -- only wished I'd had a clue years sooner! Not independently wealthy, but have some savings. Downsizing has been achieved to the point of all my possessions (including one kitty condo!) fitting into my little truck. So wherever I end up, it won't require a moving van. http://www.simplelivingforum.net/images/smilies/sHa_thumb3%5B1%5D.gif

My question is sort of chicken or egg: Do I attempt to secure a job first or housing? So far, it has been challenging to secure any employment while at a geographical distance.

I've really no idea what to do next or where to go. All ideas and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks for reading this far :-)
Jean

[Madsen]

Well your background sounds like your skills are fairly portable, so I would focus on housing first. Not just housing, but do some research on where in the country you'd like to live -- climate, demographics, etc. Find a place to live, then when you've landed there start hitting the streets and drumming up work.

[Rosemary]

Maybe you could find information about the job market for areas that you might like, as another data point for your selection.

[fidgiegirl]

A wise friend once told me to live where you want to live and figure out the job later. I was just worrying about my commute time, not a cross-country move, but I think it still applies. I could see where with your employment background you'd need to be able to attend in-person interviews and that it would be hard to get a job from a distance. So I agree with the housing suggestion.

And also, hugs to you.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Well I guess the usual questions are:
- where if anywhere do you already have a social network? do you miss it and want to go back?
- where do you like the culture? location and scenery? weather? affordability? etc.

Seriously though, don't move to somewhere with super high unemployment (here would be one example :)) unless you have other really strong reasons for doing so. Because it is going to be MUCH MUCH easier to get a job somewhere with less unemployment.

[herisf]

I would choose the general area that you want to settle in (coast, lake, mountain, east, west). Scout around to see if there's someplace in particular that calls to you. Start job hunting, and look hard. Depending on where you go, you may or may not be successful. Up here in the rural area of PNW where I am, jobs with your skills are hard to come by because they're taken by the locals first. Right now, folks would rather help their neighbor than someone from elsewhere. Despite that, it *is* possible to find a job, but it is highly dependent upon your skills.

If you're more concerned about day to day living then go where the jobs are first. Once you build up a nest egg and have strong feelings about where you want to live, then you can move there and job hunt. Good luck.

[pinkytoe]

Isn't it ironic, my life is boring and certain, so I dream about being in your situation...
If I were footloose and fancy-free, I would head to the area I love (in my case the Colorado mountains and because I have close relatives there). Then I would look for work.

[Mrs-M]

Welcome back AlreadyHere! I second finding a happy spot (geographical wise) to reside, then work on setting out and finding work. Being content and comfortable where one lives is so important. (Sending a warm hug your way). P.S. Hoping to see lots more of you here.

[AlreadyHere]

I genuinely appreciate your ideas and the warm welcome back! Since my initial posting, I've hit the ground running -- hard -- in several states to scope out both job and housing possibilities. In the near future, I'm going to dedicate some days/travel to specific areas and try to get a feel for things. Even a trip to the dentist resulted in some leads :-)

A lot of uncertainty yet much to be thankful about. It's great to be back reading these boards. I'll keep you posted on how things develop.

Jean

[Mrs-M]

Hi again AlreadyHere. Just wanted you to know, http://th165.photobucket.com/albums/u55/BJ_BOBBI_JO9/Smiley%20signs%20words%20and%20greetings/th_th23_29_107v.gif for you!

[AlreadyHere]

Thanks Mrs M! Love that emoticon!

[Debbie SE MI]

Hello
I am new to the group, I moved to N Arizona 2 1/2 years ago. My daughters were mid 30's with no grandchildren so I though It was a good time. Could not sell my home in SE MI so I rented it with option to buy. I rented in AZ thank goodness, I was their for 6 weeks when my daughter told me they were exspecting. So I knew at the time I would be coming back to MI one day, last August I fell and hurt my back (nerve damage). But I kept working knowing that I would not be able to do my job for long (Medical Assistant). Then the week before Christmas my neighbor called and told me my tenant was moving, he never told me. So I gave notice and moved to back home to MI the end of Feb, I am still looking for a job but happy to be home. So go where you will be happy and hopefully you and I can find employment, I am 56. We never know what life will bring, but I love living 5 min from my grandson.........

[poetry_writer]

My story is much like your story alreadythere. We are even the same age lol. I have no idea what to do next. Do I move before I find a job? Do I give up looking for a job at age 53 and live very VERY frugally the rest of my days (hopefully with income supplements along the way)? Do I take the smaller apartment closer to an area where I can walk more? Even though it is more expensive? I've done clerical work myself and those jobs are non existent in this area at the present time. We have much in common!

[AlreadyHere]

::::waving:::::
Hi Debbie SE MI, Hi poetry writer! Thanks for sharing your current experiences. We ARE more alike than not.

Debbie, I'm so happy for you that you're able to be near your grandson. Sounds like everything unfolded beautifully, with great timing. I believe it IS best to go where you want to be, particularly if you can be near family. Poetry Writer, I can easily relate to your questions. Also finding the office/clerical positions have diminished on both coasts. You may want to review the costs of the apartments you are considering. Perhaps after factoring in walkability, convenience to services, etc., what appears to be the more expensive option may prove more feasible -- especially as gas prices continue to rise.

Let's all keep posted as things develop. No matter what, change is inevitable ;)

Take care,
Jean

[poetry_writer]

I know that I can walk to the bookstore (a biggie for me!) , a grocery store, my bank and my church. That alone will save a lot in gas. I will also be closer to where friends live. I thank God that I have a roof over my head and food and clothes on my back. I enjoy hearing everyones stories. I do wonder what type of jobs I could find instead of the office jobs?....I cannot stand for long periods or heavy lift due to health issues, which limits me in many jobs.

[reader99]

I know that I can walk to the bookstore (a biggie for me!) , a grocery store, my bank and my church. That alone will save a lot in gas. I will also be closer to where friends live. I thank God that I have a roof over my head and food and clothes on my back. I enjoy hearing everyones stories. I do wonder what type of jobs I could find instead of the office jobs?....I cannot stand for long periods or heavy lift due to health issues, which limits me in many jobs.

A home companion job is good for people with physical limitations. Working in a private home, and you and the customer work out together what activities to do, within both of your limitations. This isn't the medical home care, no lifting or bathing the client. I did it for a while. Drove the guy places, made sure he took medicine and got to appointments and paid his bills. As much to benefit the grown kids living out of town, so they wouldn't worry so much, knowing someone was there every few days to monitor his condition.

Also a small side job could be secret shopping. www.volition.com (http://www.volition.com)

Also see your local council on aging, they often need people to lead and participate in activities in adult day care settings.

[poetry_writer]

A home companion job is good for people with physical limitations. Working in a private home, and you and the customer work out together what activities to do, within both of your limitations. This isn't the medical home care, no lifting or bathing the client. I did it for a while. Drove the guy places, made sure he took medicine and got to appointments and paid his bills. As much to benefit the grown kids living out of town, so they wouldn't worry so much, knowing someone was there every few days to monitor his condition.

Also a small side job could be secret shopping. www.volition.com (http://www.volition.com)

Also see your local council on aging, they often need people to lead and participate in activities in adult day care settings.

Good idea...I have not yet run across anyone needing this type service but many people surely do. I tried advertising for summer childcare positions. The pay was not worth even a short drive in this area.