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quote:
Originally posted by Seeb
Prices are high
wages for non union jobs are low
who your related to matters more than what you
think of it as moving to a small town in the rural south
I've lived in the rural South, and it's far worse here. I got sent here by my job, so didn't have to deal with the discrimination. Many employers say they don't want to hire someone who might get homesick and move back to the mainland in six months or a year. That's true in some cases, but it's also a convenient cover for racial and ethnic discrimination.
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Oahu is a lot more worse than here. More competition ... I hate to bring it up but experiencing it more than once for myself I know it's out there and it's unfortunate for anyone that has to go through it.
That being said, sometimes we let people push our buttons and I also hate to say it but some people can be victims of their own will. So yes it boils down to attitude and aloha spirit. I believe if you work hard you can fit in and earn respect. But like with any job, gotta pay your dues first. Maybe I should say some jobs have more competition than others. Personally I can usually tell pretty quickly if a job is a good match for myself. If not, not worth it to me so I find something else.
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sputnut - I think one thing in your favor is that you've done a lot of different things so you aren't limiting yourself. On the other hand a lot of what others have posted here is probably true, unfortunately. You might stand a better chance finding a job in Hilo and of course that doesn't mean you can't live in Puna, many people do that including myself, but it's a pain.
Bringing your job with you is the best option and then there's the possibility of self-employment and I can see one or two opportunities you might have, but suspect those will be construction related which you seem to want to get out of. I understand that completely but constructions is starting to pick up here.
The astronomical observatories also hire people for jobs that don't require qualifications, maybe worth thinking about that although there aren't too many opportunities right now and that would definitely mean working in Hilo or on Mauna Kea, i.e., not Puna. If the TMT project finally gets going then I think a lot of local construction jobs might be on offer - we're talking a year or two from now though.
You seem to have a good attitude so suspect you'll stand a better chance than many people who want to move here, but it's a tough environment unfortunately. I have qualifications coming out of my pocket but am still looking to have to leave here after 17 years, so just be aware of that.
Tom
http://apacificview.blogspot.com/
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There are certain jobs that are highpaying due to location and the comparison to Oahu- with it's astronomical cost of living. The medical center and the schools have some of these jobs. They pay across the board salaries and it's the same as Oahu. This is all a matter of perspective of course. Since I am a single mother with three kids I will be "poor" anywhere I live, but I live in Hilo for less money than I was living on in Austin Texas. The housing is cheaper (nicer house that I rent) and the food is cheaper (I know it sounds crazy but I eat a lot of brown rice and get the kids McDoubles at McDonalds and supplement with fresh produce of whatever sort is cheap at farmer's markets or grocery stores). When I buy uncooked beef, I only buy the grassfed beef anyhow, and that is also cheaper here. Ditto for the milk from Apple Mountain. MY childcare costs also went down here, as compared to Texas. I do agree however that it's like a "smalltown" here. If you want anonymity, you wont find it here. IF you want your kids to have to answer for their actions, because "so and so's auntie saw your kid doing something and they told so and so- and that person happens to be the cousin of one of the teachers at the school"- then this is the place to live! I happen to like other people getting into my kid's business to some extent because I see in places like Cleveland- what can happen if people dont feel that responsible sense of community. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now... (and I dont meant to generalize everyone in Cleveland so sorry if you are from there)
