Posted on 08/23/2023 10:46:04 AM PDT by wastedyears
So as the title says, I'm looking for some help in relocating to South Carolina. Mostly with just getting a job; I shouldn't have much trouble finding a place to live. I'm in Brooklyn, NY and work in the security industry; a fire and life safety director to be specific. We're responsible for handling any emergency that happens in our building until the incident commander takes over. It's a huge responsibility. The lack of communication and general lack of professional behavior from a few managers that we work with has really soured me on the job as a whole, and I want out.
I'm looking to get back in to office administration. I'm more comfortable in an office, instead of being on alert for basically my whole shift, having to run to the fire command station every time an alarm happens. I do have some years as an administrative assistant; it's been a while, but it's not like I'd be going in blind and getting thrown to the wolves.
The security company I work for is terrible - you're basically on-call 24/7, and might be sent to another building, even if you're not certified for it. That's a big no-no as far as the fire department goes. Like if you're certified for a hotel, but you're in an office building, they want someone with the proper certification for that office building. I know it's also blowing them up, but they're flying by the seat of their pants, paying out overtime in cash. It's extremely poorly run, and they're taking on contracts they can't properly staff. It sucks and it's depressing, I'm not at all happy here.
I'm more than willing to learn new things, like software and skills. I'm not comfortable with making travel arrangements though; last time I went anywhere was to visit my friend in Charleston last summer, and that's why I want to move. South Carolina would be preferable, but I'm open to the whole of the south. Generally better weather, definitely nicer people, and a lower cost of living. It's also more aligned with my personal beliefs, which is why I'm on here despite having lived in Brooklyn for most of my 37 years.
Any help would be hugely appreciated, as you'd be helping a fellow FReeper achieve their goals and restart life.
“Never Knock Your Current Employer. Period. Ever. For Anything. Especially on a public website. Doesn’t matter if you don’t name names. Or think you have anonymity. It says a lot about your mindset, which will leak into your communications and interviews with prospective new employers.”
Outstanding advice—a positive attitude is critical in getting a new job.
That means creating a narrative (yup, just like they do in the mass media) which is your story told the way you think the employer wants to hear it....
You do not want to lie—but you can emphasize what you want to and ignore what you want to ignore...
;-)
That requires doing research on the prospective employer to figure out what they want to hear. If they have an online presence that can be done from afar.
Ideal narrative: “I know this business. I have been doing this type of work for x years. I have solved many tough problems like ....... and I can be doing that for you....”
Rats, and I've always led with, how much vacation time do I get and can I work from home.
continued...
That positive attitude means not saying anything bad about Brooklyn. Why? Because when we say something bad we give off “bad vibes” and we appear negative.
You want to be focusing on the good reasons why you want to make the move—could be better weather, less traffic, friendlier people, lower cost of living (framed as positive—I want to be able to buy a house...)...etc...
Lol.
My wife was terrible at interviews.
I used to remind her: “The purpose of the interview is to get a job offer. Every word out of your mouth needs to be focused on that.”
All the other stuff is irrelevant if you do not get an offer.
Rock Hill, SC (next to Fort Mill) is similar.
Greenville, SC as others have said is a nice small city and is close to Anderson, Clemson and Spartanburg which all seem to be growing. Ryobi in Anderson, SC seems to keep expanding (new buildings along I-85) every time I drive through that area.
I love Aiken, SC (small town) but the best job markets near there would probably be in Augusta, GA or Columbia, SC.
I thought Kansas was flat until I drove across the Canadian province of Manitoba. Made Kansas look like the Rocky Mountains.
Before relocating here I strongly advise you to spend some time here in the summer. It gets hot here, very hot. Depending on what part of the state you go to, do your research. It will be a culture shock and probably not a good one in some places. I’m not trying to discourage you I just want you to make an informed decision. I have lived in SC all of my life, it really depends on what you want. If you want a laid back place with lots of outdoor activities, cultural activities, and great restaurants go for either the Greenville or Columbia area. If you want a ghetto-thug like life then Myrtle Beach is the place. If you are a horse person who likes nice places, Aiken. Camden is also horse country but they are very proud of their contribution to our nation’s independence. High culture, great restaurants, great shopping but lots of humidity from June-October go for Charleston. If you don’t mind cliques and being talked about then any small town will work. Small towns in SC do have the hospitality but it’s a fake one. Hope this helps....
Kansas is the “flattest” state. The real flat parts make up for the hills in the east. Highest point is a non descript hill like all the others, just inside the KS border with a little monument there. Its on private property but the fine owner has allowed public visitation since at least ‘76.
One other has mentioned northern Canada as being very, very flat.
Cary, NC
Containment Area for Relocated Yankees
Was a nice, small town in the 70s and some into the 80s, but is a fast-paced, liberal-invested s-hole now....same can be said for Raleigh.
Well you might want to leave that part out.
Washington is a communist stronghold. All the food people can leave, then the rest of the state be separated from the continent and left to drift.
I’m on here, obviously not a democrat. As for political leanings, start at: I finally accepted 9/11 was an inside job two years ago, that no aircraft were flown into buildings that day, that the stock market and “worth” of money is completely made up, and that the Biden we see on TV is not the same Biden that was VP.
Oh, and “Michelle” Obama is really named Michael.
Do you have any certifications?
A quick google search shows quite a few fire safety type job openings in SC.
Personally, I’d prefer to live farther from the coast, where hurricanes are a potential problem.
Huntsville, Alabama?
My dad was a narcissist (died early 2020), mom was a narcissist as well; cooled down, but still is. I had to learn to lie. I’m not at all happy about it, but I can put up an okay front.
I have no problem with telling people that I’m not happy where I am, and want to leave the negativity behind.
Just be aware that New York City folks tend to come across as “negative” to southerners—that is why you will need to put a tight leash on that.
(I am from CT but lived in Texas years ago and since returned—had to make personality “adjustments” when I moved to Texas. “When in Rome do as the Romans do.”)
I do not advocating direct lying—I am a supporter of choosing what to emphasize and what to ignore.
If you tell a direct lie body language usually gives you away.
Interview success is not “rational”—it is emotional. You have to “bond” with the interviewer—make them feel you are “like them” on an emotional level.
Kansas is tied with Maryland at #21 — with an elevation difference of more than 3,000 feet.
Canada’s far north is very flat. It’s tundra up there, so it’s basically a massive swamp in the summer.
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