Hi John,
I am going to post this in the off topic area as well but I figured I'd ask you as well here.

I am wondering if you know of the IT job situation in your neck of the woods. I would love to live in the UP but I don't know if the job will be there and if it is what the salaries are like. I know MI Tech is in Houghton, but are there jobs in the IT field? I used to be a carpenter but after a 15' fall with 30 barn trusses landing on my back and only breaking a knee cap I figured I'd let someone else take that risk. I got lucky!!

Thanks,
Todd

Todd-

I am never really looking so I cannot speak about specific openings, but I do see some from time to time.

I can speak about the general employment situation up here and that can be labled as slow. Not just because all of MI is in the dumps, but just because the UP economy has been slow for over 30 years.

So you should definately have something lined up before you move or at least be able to support yourself financially for a year or so until you find something. Stay here long enough and you will find something, it just takes a lot more patience and a lot more hard work. It is not like you are going to sit down, go throug the job listings up here, circle a dozen or two, fire off resumes and then have a half dozen interviews to go to. This is just not that kind of place. Many jobs actually come via word of mouth.

Hope this helps.

-John

Speaking of jobs and you dont have to answer this if its to personel, But I think I have a very vague idea of what it is that you do for a real job, But my question to you is this, does all this doom and gloom with the economy and the wild stock market affect how busy or slow you might be, or is the sevice you provide needed regardless of ups and downs in the different markets? I was thinkg as investers get more nervous they would be even more depedent on you?
Or I,m I way off?

John-

That does help alot. I guess I have to work my butt off for a few more years before I make the move. Maybe make a million first. lol

Thanks,
Todd

olsmann-

The ag commodity markets have really taken off in the past 12-18 months and that just makes my services that much more valuable.

-John

Hi Todd-

I realize it isn't the UP... but Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point, WI needs a good number of IT people.

Excellent place to work.

jobs.sentry.com