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+--- Thread: Relocation, have question, and need advise (/showthread.php?tid=2183)
Relocation, have question, and need advise - lluberesm - 05-19-2008
Aloha Everyone,
I don't know if you remember me, but we met here in Punaweb when I first became a member about 2 years ago. I fluted the sight with relocation questions, housing, and many more kinds of questions. I was smitten by the friendliness and willingness to help and made very good online friends. Although I've been lurking and posting on and off, I am now getting the ball rolling on the move and have "just a few" more questions if you guys don't mind.[8)]
We are still in the process of making our move and every day that goes by we inch a little closer. I will be making the move by no later than next year. I will be there before that if all goes well after our final research trip this coming July\August.
Once we come home from our trip and have all our immediate and most important questions answered we will immediately be putting our home up for sale and start to actively look for one in Hawaii.
I am curious as to how many trips you have taken before making things final?
What kind of research did you do and how?
Did you stay at a hotel when doing the research or did you rent a small place for the time you were there?
During my last trip I traveled with my kids and our research was not very fruitful since we had to go back for naps and all things "kids". However, this time we will be traveling w/o the kids. We feel this will give us an earlier start in the mornings and a later end in the night.
What if anything can anyone reading this suggest as to a plan of action during our trip so that we can get most out of it?
We would like to come back with answers to our main concerns that are as solid as possible so that the jitters we have can be somewhat be defused.
We are thinking of possibly renting there and searching for a home once we have a set routine of work for us and school for the kids. Since there is a chance (on account of the slow real estate market) that after we sell our home we will not be gaining as much as we could have 2 years ago we figure that a rental is a good idea to start out. What do you think about that?
Also, does anyone know what the job market is like right now? Since we started our research we have been concerned about being able to get a good job that will at lease pay the bills. It was so much of a concern that I threw myself into school shortly after I got back from my last visit and will have my masters in management before we move. I am scheduled to finish my degree this coming September.
Does this make a difference in the kind of opportunities that will be available for me? If it does, is it a sensible thing to look at career opps when I am there in a few months?
I apologize for all the questions, but I am full to the brim with excitement and would like to be as organized as possible for this last research visit.
ps...If missed correcting any typos please excuse me as I recently had a freak (or stupid) accident at home and almost lost my right hand. I am typing with one hand (my left one). On top of that the letter L keeps getting stuck on my keyboard.
Mahalo
Lenny
Lenny
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - Guest - 05-19-2008
quote:
Originally posted by lluberesm
...
Also, does anyone know what the job market is like right now? ...
Hate to break it to you.... The Job Market Sucks.
In just the last few months, many people have lost their jobs because of Aloha and ATA airlines shutting down, the Cruise Lines shutting down, etc.
Just in the last month alone...the unemployment rate increased a full percent in less then 30 days!
Heck, just the other day I noticed that
The Job Market Sucks big time on this island. If you want a good job in Management... Try Oahu.
Not much to Manage here on the Big Island.[
]Best of luck with your move.
-------
Moved
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - JerryCarr - 05-19-2008
Aloha, Lenny. Multiple visits are very helpful if you can afford them. It gives you a chance to experience life here at different times of the year (yes, there are seasonal differences) and to stay in rentals in different neighborhoods. The Bear and I were fortunate to have both worked for a company that sent us to Honolulu quarterly for trade shows for several years before we moved. We would take vacation time for at least a few days after each trade show, sometimes staying on the BI as much as 10 days. We initially bought a lot in Orchidland, but eventually settled in an existing house in HPP. We love our neighbors and neighborhood for the most part, and you will know when you find the right place.
Having said all that about visiting, getting a rental to start would be a good idea, especially if you are not able to manage numerous and/or lengthy visits. I know people who had several six-month rentals before finding the right neighborhood for their families.
The job market does seem to be weakening, and you should be prepared for the "newcomer cold shoulder" from a lot of employers. There is a reluctance to hire recent transplants because so many of them decide the island is not for them and leave after a while. (Sometimes this feels like racial discrimination if you are caucasian, and there are big differences of opinion as to whether race or recent arrival is the real issue. I'm sure there is some of both going on.) Of course, if you have some critically needed skill such as medical or engineering, it would be relative easy to find a job. You should check the on-line version of the Hawaii Tribune Herald and the state Labor Dept. website for advertised job listings. You should also be aware that some jobs are not advertised and approaching companies which might have a need for your skills could get results. Do a lot of research before you start your job search.
Hope this advice helps. Use the search function here on Punaweb to tap into the past discussion of these issues. There is a massive amount of information here.
Cheers and good luck,
Jerry
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - DanielP - 05-19-2008
Lenny,
We got a one month rental inHPP at a fair price off of VRBO.com. Also a rental car from priceline and flew with flier miles. Very efficient.
Dan
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - missydog1 - 05-19-2008
Hi Lenny,
I'm so glad you're making progress!
We made three trips before the final move.
2000, looked at property, then 9/11 put our plans on hold
early 2002, found a real estate agent and looked hard, but didn't find a place
July 2002, with our mainland house sold and knowing our budget, we made an offer through our agent and arrived to inspect and set up the move for 30 days later.
However, my husband had lived on the island in the 70's and there was no real learning curve for him as to the island and culture, the only issue was finding a home. ONLY!!!
Finding a rental from afar might have been harder than buying a house, actually, because we had an agent working for us. Good rentals may be found in other less advertised ways, and maybe the way to go is a short term or "vacation" rental that is furnished.
I'm worried when you say you don't have a job, and have kids. It is SO expensive here, and not at all easy to get hired, from what I hear. Some people get transferred here by an existing job. I actually don't know anyone who found an adequate job upon arrival, only people who got by at the lowest subsistence level while making contacts, and eventually found their way into something that approached covering the bills, after a few years.
I would not move here without having either enough savings to tough it out or a secure job, especially not with young kids. It's expensive to go back. So I feel your enthusiasm but I sure hope you are being pragmatic with the amount of money you'll need.
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - lluberesm - 05-19-2008
Mahalo Jerry and all, I appreciate your information.
So so sad to hear about the employment situation at this time. I guess it will be easier for my husband to find work. He works for a machine building company that caters to other companies and manufactures in the plastic industry. i.e. bottle making, recycling companies and just about any company that deals with plastic all around the world. He is the foreman for the electrical department, and also programs the machines. Basically he has just about every mechanical skill.
I on the other hand work the corporate world as a consultant in the multilingual department for one of the leading phone companies. I deal mostly with marketing and sales. Although I must say this is by far not my dream job. [:o)]
I am getting my masters in business with a concentration in management. I took this route because it was the best and fastest way to get my degree. After all this hard work to finish it I sure hope it helps!
I am curious though as to how we can overcome any resistance to hiring us because we are "new comers."
QUOTE:
"The job market does seem to be weakening, and you should be prepared for the "newcomer cold shoulder" from a lot of employers. There is a reluctance to hire recent transplants because so many of them decide the island is not for them and leave after a while. (Sometimes this feels like racial discrimination if you are Caucasian, and there are big differences of opinion as to whether race or recent arrival is the real issue. I'm sure there is some of both going on.)"
Living and working here on the east coast I have yet to experience anything close to racism. Prejudice is everywhere and it's in my opinion an opportunity to educate someone on who you are or just ignore it.
However, if it were a case of racism, (you mentioned "especially if you are Caucasian") how hard is it on those that are not like us. We are Hispanic.(wow feels weird talking about this)
As to a subdivision the last time we visited we were shown just about every subdivision that our time there allowed. We visited several homes as well, thanks to JohnDirgo. (Thank you again John)
We pretty much fell in love with two places..Leilani Estates and Nanawale. I cannot recall if it was Anialoa, Tiki Gardens or both, but I think these were the only two places we immediately took off the list. Al the rest were possibilities given we found the right home for us.
One last thing...when we last visited we did not do anything touristy. W stayed at a hotel, but woke up to walk around and mingle with the local people. We shopped at the Hilo market and others as well. How can we have the best local experience this time around? Especially since we will be kid fee and no restrained by "nap times." [
]Lenny
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - lluberesm - 05-19-2008
Mahalo KathyH
I have been told through my research that it is not recommended to attempt to get a job before you actually live there. Also, that even upon moving it is hard to find a job that will at least suffice. That is one of our biggest worries. We would not like to lose our hard earned home here and then find that if for whatever horrible and unfortunate reason we have to move back we will go from being comfortable home owners with a nice sized house to renters in a tiny overpriced apartment. It is the reality of what we know will be the consequences if this terrible nightmare were to happen that has us up in arms about having a secure net to catch us if we fall.
With that said, we plan on making sure at least one of us has a job that will cover absolutely all the living expenses. What little debt we have we are getting rid of before we make the move. We do not want to carry any bills with us. Instead, we figure if we cannot both be employed by the move, as long as one of us is we do not have to tap into our savings and it allows for the other to slowly look for the right job.
Thank you for the stern and realistic warning. It really is the best kind of information we need.[
]Lenny
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - Johnnycake - 05-19-2008
Aloha Lenny, These are all good advices...but I would hook up with a top Realtor that really cares to guide you through the process..I strongly recommend David Deweese with Aloha Coast Realty. He will help you make your dream come true..tell him Juan sent you. Mahalo
http://alohacoastrealty.com/agent-David+Deweese-2.html?PHPSESSID=dc1b6e39866dbdd819273f853c5f4de8
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - Beachboy - 05-19-2008
quote:
Originally posted by lluberesm
Mahalo KathyH
I have been told through my research that it is not recommended to attempt to get a job before you actually live there. Also, that even upon moving it is hard to find a job that will at least suffice. That is one of our biggest worries. We would not like to lose our hard earned home here and then find that if for whatever horrible and unfortunate reason we have to move back we will go from being comfortable home owners with a nice sized house to renters in a tiny overpriced apartment. It is the reality of what we know will be the consequences if this terrible nightmare were to happen that has us up in arms about having a secure net to catch us if we fall.
With that said, we plan on making sure at least one of us has a job that will cover absolutely all the living expenses. What little debt we have we are getting rid of before we make the move. We do not want to carry any bills with us. Instead, we figure if we cannot both be employed by the move, as long as one of us is we do not have to tap into our savings and it allows for the other to slowly look for the right job.
Thank you for the stern and realistic warning. It really is the best kind of information we need.[
Lenny
hey the reality of a move here is this. The economics here sucks big time! Better plan on tapping into your savings big time. Plan on being stretched from every financial angle possible!
If you two wanna work in the service industry like other people from different ethnic backgrounds....those jobs are everywhere at $7.00 an hour! I spent over a year looking for a good job with no luck, and I'm local!!!!! I finally had to return to Oahu to work,and my bank account dropped over 5 figures during this time of unemployment too. I hope you can justify the move to this island say over Oahu or Maui. Without a doubt the Big Island is the Food Stamp island, so keep in mind that the job market isn't that big.
I'd imagine a great percentage of people who moved here in the past year are newly retired "Baby Boomers" who are living their dream of paradise through their retirement. The people who have moved here far from retirement are the ones who struggle the most, and they are the one's who seem to find trouble at ever turn too.
One thing people really need to understand is the difference of living here, and vacationing here. It's like night and day. Being here for a week or two can be awesome, being here for six months with your bank account being depleted daily can take it's toll,especially if you have kids...like myself!
Just make sure you have all your "ducks lined up"? Otherwise your paradise can turn into a living hell in no time at all!
" If God had intended us not to masturbate he would've made our arms shorter."
George Carlin
RE: Relocation, have question, and need advise - missydog1 - 05-19-2008
quote:
We would not like to lose our hard earned home here and then find that if for whatever horrible and unfortunate reason we have to move back we will go from being comfortable home owners with a nice sized house to renters in a tiny overpriced apartment.
yes, that is pretty much what happened to myself and spouse ... or what is in the process of happening, after five years of negative cash flow ... thus the "stern warning." But, and it's a big difference, my husband was retiring. Anyhow, the cost of living is a harsh reality. A lot of members here are extremely adept at living frugally. I live very modestly, but I don't make all my stuff or grow all my food, etc.. (nor seriously wish to, because I already did that in the 70's and after awhile I burned out.)
I don't know much about the job market here, but I see a lot of former mainlanders working at Home Depot. Other places I go, most everyone working has a local accent, so that may tell you something. Considering all the people who have moved here ...
thinking about it, I see more "new" faces mixed in with local folks at the national corporations. Macy's, Honda, Home Depot. Not the government jobs or the local busineses. Medical practices, somewhat, depending on the office.
I think the Kona side has more opportunity for newbies, but it costs a lot more to live there.
Good luck, and I would at least test the waters for employment in advance, to see how it feels to interview here!
This reminds me, I had a guest at my former rental, who stayed for a month and interviewed for all sorts of modest jobs around Hilo. She seemed capable and experienced to me, but she was rejected by all of them, so she ended up not moving here. Hmmm.