Human Resources

[n0Mad]

It's time. I've talked about it long enough but it's time I got off my ass and did it. I will move to Atlanta and find better employment and warmer weather (can't stand the cold and it's coming in fast) down there.

The first step for any major life change is finding resources in your life to make the challenge easier. So, I'm tapping DGN to see who has the skillz to help me out.

~ Resume: I'm decent at writing resumes but I could definitely use a few people who know today's job market to look mine over and give it a polish.

~ Job Hunt: I am terrible at this. I don't even know where to begin. Heck, I don't even know what I want to do. My skill set analysis says I'd be great at PR so that's a start. I need somebody great at finding job leads or at least good at finding some head-hunters who are.

~ Apartment: I may have some old acquaintances down in Atlanta I could crash with but I don't want to impose. There's also a YMCA downtown that's less than $20/night but I don't know what the neighborhood is like. I'll need some affordable short term housing followed by some suitable long term living conditions. I've never had to find my own place. I've moved out twice but each time the living arrangements were taken care of by my roommate so I never had to worry. So, I need a realtor.

~ Anything else I'm missing?

I'm new at this. I'm scared. I'm confused. But I'm determined to make it happen. Even if I just load up my truck and live in the gutter until my savings account is depleted and I end up dead or in prison, it will happen. I'd just prefer to not have that happen and instead find a good job that might even assist in relocation costs and find a roomy pad in a nice neighborhood.

So if any of you are pros at any of these aspects and willing to lend a hand gratis, I would greatly appreciate your resource. Thanks.

[Msterbeau]

It's time. I've talked about it long enough but it's time I got off my ass and did it. I will move to Atlanta and find better employment and warmer weather (can't stand the cold and it's coming in fast) down there.

The first step for any major life change is finding resources in your life to make the challenge easier. So, I'm tapping DGN to see who has the skillz to help me out.

~ Resume: I'm decent at writing resumes but I could definitely use a few people who know today's job market to look mine over and give it a polish.

~ Job Hunt: I am terrible at this. I don't even know where to begin. Heck, I don't even know what I want to do. My skill set analysis says I'd be great at PR so that's a start. I need somebody great at finding job leads or at least good at finding some head-hunters who are.

~ Apartment: I may have some old acquaintances down in Atlanta I could crash with but I don't want to impose. There's also a YMCA downtown that's less than $20/night but I don't know what the neighborhood is like. I'll need some affordable short term housing followed by some suitable long term living conditions. I've never had to find my own place. I've moved out twice but each time the living arrangements were taken care of by my roommate so I never had to worry. So, I need a realtor.

~ Anything else I'm missing?

I'm new at this. I'm scared. I'm confused. But I'm determined to make it happen. Even if I just load up my truck and live in the gutter until my savings account is depleted and I end up dead or in prison, it will happen. I'd just prefer to not have that happen and instead find a good job that might even assist in relocation costs and find a roomy pad in a nice neighborhood.

So if any of you are pros at any of these aspects and willing to lend a hand gratis, I would greatly appreciate your resource. Thanks.

Aw. I will be very sad you go Scott. At least we will still get your entertaining banter here.

Both of my brothers lived in Atlanta for a some years. My older brother in particular would be a good resource to talk to. I'll talk to him and see if he minds me giving you his email address.

Him and my parents are in Greenville S.C. which is about 2 hours from Atlanta. The whole corridor from Atlanta to Charlotte has been growing pretty fast for some years now. Greenville in particular has been attracting a lot of European companies and the development their is beginning to reflect their tastes. You might check it out if you're not absolutely firm on Atlanta.

For job leads: Hotjobs.com, Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com are the internet biggies. Less reliable is Craigslist but I'd look through it everyday too. You may find something there part time or that at least gets you started. Also go to the online ads from the local paper. I think The Atalanta Journal is their big one. My bro may have other ideas.

PM me if you think I can offer any other help...

[StormKnight (1)]

Being a person who just made the long move, things I would recommend:

1. Make sure you have something firm in a job first. I came out here knowing what I would be doing. I would have not been well off without that fact. It lets you know that you are guaranteed income, and possible help with moving expenses from said job. To that end, get your name out to every lead you can get your hands on. At least something to pay the bills. Temp agencies, or employment agencies in the area.

2. Housing: I would consider renting or roommate services first. I wouldn't buy immediately (if memory serves, I believe the atlanta area is still pretty strong in housing comparatively.)

3. Your resume: get several resume types written for different fields you want to go in. Tailor each to a certain job. I keep a series of 3-4 resumes with various twists to bring up certain aspects I want the reader to get. Remember no more than two pages, with one being ideal. A resume is to be read in a minute, so the pertinents count. References should be another page.

4. Cover letter: Customized to specific employer. Again for one minute read. No passive sentences in either resume or cover letter. Let the company know you want to work for them. It is a promotional for yourself, sell yourself well.

Well, this is most of what I got from the one business course I took (managerial communications,) which I took specifically for the resume writing and communicating in corporate environments, ping me for more information, and the dealing with long distance moving logistics.

[n0Mad]

All good stuff so far. Thanks for the info guys.

Yeah, it will be hard to leave and I'll certainly miss City Club and my DGN buddies. But I'll never leave these forums and I'll still have a sister and brother-in-law in the area plus plenty of friends so I hope to visit when I can. I moved out to Colorado in late 2003 and left everything behind, so I know it can be done. And when I came back to MI in late 2004, all my old friends were here but I made plenty of new ones many of which are more endearing than my old ones. So, I know I have the ability to relocate and start a new life but it's still intimidating.

It's something I've been talking about for about two years now. The time for talking is over and I feel the time for action is now.

[Guest greyhalo]

Good for you. I know it's a tough decision to make, and moving can be stressful, but I'm sure you'll be happier there. I need to get away from the cold as well. But, I won't move until I have a job secured somewhere. There's a lot of growth in GA, esp. in Gwinnett County, outside of Atlanta. F*ck snow and ice!

[Simon Bar Sinister]

Good for you. I know it's a tough decision to make, and moving can be stressful, but I'm sure you'll be happier there. I need to get away from the cold as well. But, I won't move until I have a job secured somewhere. There's a lot of growth in GA, esp. in Gwinnett County, outside of Atlanta. F*ck snow and ice!

snow and ice = water.

You know - that stuff they're almost out of in GA.

[Oh_My_Goth]

If you need help with a resume, I can take a look for you.....

There are web sites to help you build one.....>>>>>Like This One<<<<<

The internet is you best tool when relocating, you can find a job, an apartment, or room mate.....

Search local want ads for that area.....

Take a minute to get your shit together.....I would advise having everything set before you go, otherwise you will be back within a year.....I have seen it happen all to often.....

Much luck to you, Sir.....I hope everything works in your favor.....

[Ice Queen (1)]

You mean I'll have two friends named Scott in Atlanta? All the more reason for me to visit again! The girls and I loved it when we were there in June! My friends were showing me houses and jobs while I was there. Believe me, it's tempting. While I am starting to really pursue moving closer to the Detroit area, I don't think the idea of moving to Atlanta, or Florida will completely be out of my head anytime soon. I'll PM you some information later, when I have more time

[Guest greyhalo]

snow and ice = water.

You know - that stuff they're almost out of in GA.

People in Northern GA have to conserve on water use. This is the situation in several Southern states right now.

MI might have water, but GA has more jobs and economic growth...

[n0Mad]

I just found http://www.atlantagothic.net through some keyword searches and I must say, it sucks! They don't even have a forum and there's not much on their event calendar at all. I don't even think they have a dedicated goth/industrial club at all; just random nights at other clubs. Nienna keeps telling me that there's no place quite like Detroit for the goth scene and as much as we rag on City Club, it really is one of the best goth/industrial clubs in the world.

*sigh*

Can I just take CC and all of you with me? Heck, I'll just take all of you with me and we can start our own club.

[Guest Megalicious]

Good for you. I know it's a tough decision to make, and moving can be stressful,

Not to stressful if you live out of a suitcase, sometimes I miss those days *sigh*

SCOTT, DONT GO!!!

I do like your plan B, everyone move there and start our own club

[Msterbeau]

Not to stressful if you live out of a suitcase, sometimes I miss those days *sigh*

SCOTT, DONT GO!!!

I do like your plan B, everyone move there and start our own club

Meh. The south is too hot in the summer. Goths don't like melting.

[StormKnight (1)]

Meh. The south is too hot in the summer. Goths don't like melting.

lol...well, there are a few nights in the Hawaiian goth scene that the heat helped make the place more...revealing. *innocent whistling*

[Msterbeau]

lol...well, there are a few nights in the Hawaiian goth scene that the heat helped make the place more...revealing. *innocent whistling*

I never noticed a problem with that at City...

Now if City Club would invest in a better heater (Or just pay the dam heat bill) in the Winter, we'd be all set...

[Guest greyhalo]

I just found http://www.atlantagothic.net through some keyword searches and I must say, it sucks! They don't even have a forum and there's not much on their event calendar at all. I don't even think they have a dedicated goth/industrial club at all; just random nights at other clubs. Nienna keeps telling me that there's no place quite like Detroit for the goth scene and as much as we rag on City Club, it really is one of the best goth/industrial clubs in the world.

*sigh*

Can I just take CC and all of you with me? Heck, I'll just take all of you with me and we can start our own club.

Atlanta and the surrounding area is much smaller than the Detroit metro area. So, no, the goth scene is not as big there. However, there is still a scene. Because the city is smaller, it might even be easier to meet people. I found that was the case for me in New Orleans. All the goths seemed to know each other. Another thing is that not as many bands play shows in smaller cities. I missed a lot of good shows while living in New Orleans. I had to drive to TX a few times for bigger concerts.

But, what are your reasons for wanting to move there? Will you find a better job? Will you make more money? Will you feel better during the winter? If you feel positive about the answers to those questions, dealing with a smaller goth scene might be a small sacrifice.

City Club might be there for me every weekend, but hell if I'm going to drive in severe weather and freeze my ass off there during the winter.

[n0Mad]

Not to stressful if you live out of a suitcase, sometimes I miss those days *sigh*

According to the Holmes and Rahe stress scale, moving is only ranked at a 20. But, let's see ...

Business Readjustment: 39

Change in Financial State: 38

Change in Responsibilities at Work: 29

Outstanding Personal Achievement: 28

Change in Living Conditions: 25

Revision of Personal Habits: 24

Change in Working Hours or Conditions: 20

Change in Residence: 20

Change in Recreation: 19

Change in Church Activities: 19

Change in Social Activities: 18

Grand Total: 279 - towards the high end of "risk of illness is moderate"

Meh. The south is too hot in the summer. Goths don't like melting.

That's why they're nightclubs. Much cooler once the sun goes down.

Another thing is that not as many bands play shows in smaller cities.

The Cruxshadows play DragonCon in Atlanta every year so I'm all set.

But, what are your reasons for wanting to move there? Will you find a better job? Will you make more money? Will you feel better during the winter?

~ I used to live down there ... two decades ago. There's a bit of nostalgia I have for the area.

~ Hopefully.

~ Hopefully.

~ Most definitely.

If you feel positive about the answers to those questions, dealing with a smaller goth scene might be a small sacrifice.

It's not like I need a goth scene. It's just something I enjoy on occasion. It's one of the only types of nightclubs I feel comfortable in. Worse comes to worse, I'll start my own scene. Maybe not quite opening my own club, but at least a scene. When I moved to Steamboat Springs, CO, there was nothing. Just a bunch of ski bums bar hopping and getting drunk. Wednesday night at the club I managed was Metal Mania/Biker Night because that's what the owner was into. It only got a couple guys showing up and turned off most of our regulars. So, when the owner was back in Michigan on business for a couple months and I was in charge, I turned Wednesdays into Gothic/Industrial night. All our regulars loved it and I brought the few goths that actually did exist in Steamboat (yeah, I was surprised; didn't think there were any) out of hiding and they started frequenting the club even on off nights.

Heck, White Wolf is headquartered in Atlanta (Stone Mountain) so you know there have to be some vampire lovers at least. I e-mailed the guy linked from atlantagothic.net and he sent me a reply already. He says most of them just use the LiveJournal Community they started and a few are on MySpace. But he told me to e-mail him any time with any questions I have and when I get down there he'll show me around. So that's cool.

[Ice Queen (1)]

in Atlanta they are trying to nurture the scene. They do have a dedicated goth club weekly and one once monthly, at least that I know of. Mind you, I was only there a week. Jsin seems to be the one doing everything I know of, he threw some good parties at Fetishcon. He's been doing it for years. I don't know anything about the board though. Also, by the time I got to the club, it was almost closing, so it wasn't crowded. I'm not sure what the turnout is usually like.

club info

[Guest greyhalo]

According to "Forbes," these are the best cities for jobs in 2008:

Top Ten Cities for Jobs

Rank City State

1 Salt Lake City, Utah

2 Wichita, Kansas

3 Austin, Texas

4 Atlanta, Georgia

5 Fort Worth, Texas

See, Atlanta is ranked #4.