I guess I came out here overly confident. I found a job in a matter of a couple of weeks of trying after I got out of the military. When I got laid off from that job, I applied for three jobs, interviewed at two, and was offered both.
I thought it'd be a simple thing to pick up and move and find a new position. I was wrong. But on the other hand, I've learned that I *can* pick up and move, which is something I've always been afraid to do. And although Fort Collins isn't a HUGE city, it's far bigger than anywhere I've lived before. I've learned that I can in fact drive somewhere like this without killing myself. ;-) It's a novel concept!
you oughta try down South! Ga has a pretty good IT job market, from what I hear.
That's one of life's toughest lessons. When I was laid off the first time, I was certain that I'd find a new job very soon and that the job that I found would be a very good job. I knew that I was a very good engineer. At one point in that first job, the Tech Center where I worked did a review of all employees to see how each person was performing relative to pay grade. I was one of a handfull of people who was performing so far above expectations that I (and the others) received a raise outside the normal raise schedule. I'd continued to improve in that job and was certain that other companies would see my value.
My hopes were dashed on two realities. The first is that companies just weren't hiring engineers at that time. A very well-known oil company wanted me. Unfortunately, they had only one position and another candidate with over twice my experience. They looked all over to find an extra engineering position but couldn't find one. The second is that I'm lousy in an interview. One would think that I'd be pretty good considering how many times I've had to interview. Unfortunately, I just don't make a good impression. Everyone who's ever interviewed me and then worked with me has commented on how they never realized what a great employee or co-worker I'd be after seeing me in an interview.
I don't know what you do, so I can't comment on how your job market might be. The good news for you is that apparently you are good at interviewing. If you tried for three jobs, had two interviews, and received two offers, you must make a good impression. Half of success is being able to make that good impression.
Obviously, I don't really know you, but you seem to have put yourself into a good situation. You have a record of accomplishment, and you're moving to be near relatives and will have their help when needed. Washington is a neat place, so that part will be fun as well. If Washington just had 130 more like you, they'd have a Republican governor (or at least they'd have had to "find" another box of ballots).
Bill