Re: charlotte, NC
SpySly wrote:Hi! I am looking to relocate from Mass. to Charlotte, NC, and am beginning to wade through all of the different jobs out there. First question, Can I expect $45,000 a year? I know the cost of living is much cheaper there, anything has to be cheaper than Mass. Second question, should I find a place to live first (thinking of buying a home) or should I get a job first? Thanks for ANY help you can give me! SpySly
$45K sounds reasonable for that area, but it really depends on your experience.
As far as buying the house is concerned, I would hold off until you accept a position. I know a nurse who was determined to move to a new community. So she moved there before securing a position for herself. Unfortunately the nurse didn't do her homework, and found out after she purchased her home that there was a RN program at one of the local community colleges. There were no jobs to be found in her area because the market was saturated with nurses.
So find the job first, and then worry about a house. I would then make sure that you get the hours you need to make it work. Some facilities are over-staffed, and send nurses home. I know...it sounds unheard of, with the national shortage and all...but there are a few pockets of the country in which there are too many nurses. For example, I have heard that the entire state of Minnesota is actually experieincing a nursing surplus.
I hope this helps. Good luck. Let us all know how things turn out for you.