Car guy jobs in a warm (all year) climate?

[Fat Hack]

Okay, I've come to the conclusion that I really NEED to re-locate to somewhere that is warm (or HOT!) all year...and someplace where there are actually JOBS for white males over 25 but under 50!

(Yeah, I know..."Get in line!", right?!? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

I've spent over a year following dead ends in Detroit and there just isn't anything available...not mention the crappy winter weather and HORRIBLE roads have ruined this place for me for LIFE! Need to move this Fall.

I know a few people (family and friends) in Florida, and I've been there a bunch of times. Really like it...but I'd be interested in hearing from HAMBers in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Alabama, Georgia, etc.

I'm a decent wrench, but I work slow...so I'd starve on flat-rate work...and I'm too honest to work commission! Believe it or not, the best skills I can offer to a business are clerical! I was an appointment setter for years, and I make a damn good receptionist/writer/cashier/clerk type of person.

(But you have to be female to do that here! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Below 60 degrees on the thermometer, I can hardly walk...much less do anything remotely physical. 80-90 degrees is my "comfort zone", and I can get around pretty well in that type of climate. Just have to come to grips with the fact that I'm older and far more fragile than I ever was...difficult when you're used to acting like Superman...but time and old age catch up with all of us!

It'll probably be October or so when I make the move to wherever. I'll sell the little ricer and drive the 49 somewhere we can both live out our final years in relative comfort!

Just interested to see what the job situation is like in various warm weather climates. I trust my HAMB brothers and sisters to give me good advice, so that's why I'm asking!

Thanks, Gang! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Deyomatic]

If you are looking for a job, stay out of AZ, unless you'll work for $7/ hour. Not sure about automotive stuff, but I heard a construction "offer" recently that a guy my cousin knows from a reputable company was looking for laborers and will pay $6-10/ hour. In 118* heat? Fuck that! That kind of wage for that kind of work should be illegal anyway. That's only one of the reasons that I'm thinking of going back to New England.

You'll LOVE the weather, though, the dry heat really makes a HUGE difference. It's 110ish today and you're fine with just rolling the windows down.

AZ has alot of weekly car stuff that mostly caters to Street Rods, but there is a large group of traditional hotrods etc here. TX isn't big on the weekly stuff, (except for the THEM Tuesday night gathering at MarkX's shop, near DFW) but it has the big Round Up every year.

[metalshapes]

Tucson, Arizona...

Dont move here if you plan on getting rich..
Wages are low.
The weather varies from warm to hot, which is great if you like it that way.
It still has sort of a "small Town feel" to it.
And I never have felt more at home in any other place of the world...( that I have been to, anyway...)


Good luck, Alex.

[mercury Bill]

New Mexico SUCKS BAD. The weather is nice. Nothing car related except a few guys with a clue. State goverment sucks unless your a cousin. Pay rate 7.00 to 13.00 unskilled, unless your a cousin. I would leave but my house is paid off (HOUSE) LOL, my trailer is paid off and I have alot of space for crap which dosnt rust. Come down for a visit anytime, I've got room. Just remember bring money, you may not make enough here to leave. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Bill

[Deuce Roadster]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Keep your Yankee butt up north.

That's what is messing up the SouthLand for all us real Southerners !!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It is warm around the Carolinas. Lots of work. Pretty women. Moonshine and old cars. Where I live it's 100 miles to the beach and about the same to the mountains. Roadster weather...most of the time
NASCAR.......4 or 5 Nextel Cup races within 250 miles....and it almost never snows in SC. Look at a map and find I20. That's the snow line. I have been in the middle part of the state for 30 years. Seen snow maybe 10 times. BUT watchout when it does. Everything and I mean everything shuts down. The snow is white ice and slick as owl poo. Even Yankees who "think they can drive in snow" mess up and wreck in the mess. No snow plows or snow equipment either. That's OK...it will ALL be gone in a day or two.

Go to a newstand and buy a Charlotte paper. Lots of stuff up for grabs.

With your Southern Heritage hat on Bubba, you will FIT right in down here , http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[cornfieldrodder]

Sounds like you would be a good service writer at a dealership. Check out the heavy duty truck industry. They tend to pay better than car dealers and sseldom care if your old and ugly. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hack, eveyone wants to go to warm weather, so the wages are driven down. It's the supply and demand thing. Notice that I've stayed in the frigid midwest. Some areas have a much better goo/bad weather ratio, though. Kansas, Nebraska, even southern portions of central midwest states like Indiana, Ohio, but never never Illinois. This state has the crookedest politics, lowest level of police accountability and the second worst roads that I've ever seen. I like southern Iowa, though. That may be where my retirement years are spent. Just some ideas from a guy who wants some better weather someday, too.

[wingnutz]

Fat Hack..., ask choprods for a job...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As a fellow upper midwesterner with a boatload of aches and pains I think you'll be happy with a move to Austin Texas..., Great food and great weather...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The economy took a hit a while ago but there's enough diversity to keep you gainfully employed and you'll be able to afford the cost of living there as well...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mark

[roadstar]

WTF....Dude Michigan is like prison. You can't just leave if you want. Hell I have been wanting to leave this hell hole for 20 years. I think it's some kind of curse or something we are born into if yu are born here.

I traveled the world as a youth with my father in his military carear. I never thought I would live in Michigan.
But as fait would have it I was born here and this was his last duty station. So I got railed http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Each time I go out west for something I realize how much I like it, mostly the mountian sceanery.

So once you guys set Gregg up with gainfull employment please consider me next.

I'm thinking Colorado would be perfect http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[2tall2beahotrodder]

To think i was looking for colleges in Michigan... lol

good luck moving.. we're trying and its too crazy...who knows!!

[roadstar]

Hell yeah..... who else is with us.

[Levis Classic]

Hack if you leave Michigan what are we going to do with all out discarded 6 cylinder engines?

[cornfieldrodder]

Yuo guys could come on over to Illinois. We have some jobs, quite a few hot rods and not much else, hence the available jobs. rockford has 10 % unemployment, but I see help wanted signs, so my gues is we have 10% unemployable. Shhesh, folks, ya gotta pass a drug test for most jobs!!!
Anyway, the weather is the same as yours with less snow and a bit colder. The place is drier than Mi, but that doesn't say much. A guy can find $8-10 parts house jobs and there's always alot of construction labor work. Remember my previous warnings!!!! I could always use more car crazed heretic freinds around here though.

[MercMan1951]

I'm reading this post with much interest...my family and friends are here, but Michigan is all I've ever known...never met someone from here who didn't "want" to be someplace else...sure, Michigan has it's picturesque spots...but somehow all of them are in the UP, which has a "summer" of about 2 months a year and winters that rival...Alaska...so I am enjoying all of your inputs as well as Hack...I have heard first hand about the virtues of Washington state & it sounds quite nice, mountains, nice climate, easy drive to the "city", diversity, but cheap property and lots of wildlife...but it's a helluva long ways away from here, i.e. the Fam. I'm looking for some kind of "mid" climate...not so harsh winters but not so "Michigan" winters, either...and not TOO far away from the Fam, Oh, and the job market has to support me as well... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[k9racer]

Here in North Alabama it has snowed less than 11 times in the last 40 years. When it does everything shuts down.Cheap property, taxes and cheap utilties. On the job front in the last 30 days I have had friends ask if I knew anybody who wanted a job. The openings were for brake specialties shop, A oil change and general mechanics.scrap salvage yard also the dealerships tor Buick and Chrysler. also Electronic assy and construction a plus if you speak spanish or if you have CDL lots of openings.Another friend runs a Cemetery need some one to keep up equipment and general work.Wages vary from 7 to 15 hr plus commision jobs.You will have to pass a drug screen and some jobs require a lie dector test. No auto inspection. Must have liability ins and most of the cops a cool but like everywhere else some are assholes.

[fab32]

Hack, I hope you realize that if you move and get a regular job you'll never catch up to Rocky's post count. On the other hand,if you stay here you'll leave him in the dust in about another 6-8 mos. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
I remember when you signed up, I think I had about 1000 posts and a little over 3-4 mos.later I got swamped by your wake. Where ever you land be sure your new employer lets you use the computer while your "WORKING" http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Frank

[gokatgo]

I left Michigan in 1991 close to my 21st birthday. Can't say that I miss it at all. Arizona has suited me just fine ever since. And as far as jobs go, I have always done better here than Michigan. Wages are lower than some places, but so is the cost of living. Most of my friends with crummy jobs own their own house and more rust free cars than most people. Good luck getting out of there, I think it is jail.

[Anderson]

Move to Texas dude...it's the new So-Cal!

[Bill.S]

There is always trucking,pays good but it doesn't leave you a lot of car fixing time.
MI has plenty of trucking going on,local and otr.

[38Chevy454]

Southwest is where you want to be for warm weather and lower cost of living. NV, AZ or NM all have had a lot of growth and opportunity.

[RileyRacing]

Ok, so my little bro made the break and ended up in Dallas. He loves it. I could've had a job with the UP in San Antone, but... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif for some reason we never left. Now, you Tennessee/Alabama guys... the wife was seriously considering Huntsville, cause of my Aerospace experience, but is it WORTH it... I know I'll never get what I made here, but if it's "good enough" it might do. We really like East/Central Tennessee, and I am a Diesel Tech by default, so would it be THAT hard to get a job down yonder? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jay

[k9racer]

J2 we still build rockets and rocket ship parts here.Even with a high security clearance the aero space is a little harder to get into now but the deisel tech is no problem.lots of aero space machine shops. Huntsville is the 3 rd largest area in Alabama, about 165 000 people in the general area.We also have a good Hockey team college and pro. We also have quite a few people from the detroit area who came down with Chrysler and GM manufaturing jobs.lots of drag racing circle track a few hot rod type events not to many trad auto yet but lots of tweed. I guess I should say I am sorry for hijacking fat hacks post. Bobby..

[Roothawg]

What about El Polacko? He's always needing guys right?
Then if he fires fat hack, we can all make fun of him... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Ayers Garage]

Hack, you say you'd be happy with 10 bucks an hour?

Shit dude, they're crying for people here who actually want to work. My female cousin just started at Home Depot working outside in the little tree, plant area for 11 bucks an hour. That's starting with no relevant experience.

My wife runs a construction company. She averages about 30 workers on the payroll at any time. She absolutely can not get people who want to work. She pays anywhere from 8 bucks an hour for "no speaky English" types who run a shovel, up to 17 bucks an hour for fellows who can speak fluent English and can drive a 1 ton truck with a trailer behind it without running over too much shit in the process.

[BELLM]

Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex is big but lots of good job opportunities. Austin is a great place to live

[hotrodladycrusr]

[ QUOTE ]
Hell yeah..... who else is with us.

[/ QUOTE ]

You ain't leaving without me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[choprods]

Im going to start selling Michigan REAL ESTATE.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifBut working from Home on my trusty Vintage computer here in missouri!
winter is enough here to suit me and its been better lately than a few years back.....

[hotrodladycrusr]

[ QUOTE ]
but I'd wanna live in the "old people's" part of Florida...the North Central Gulf side...been there before and really liked it...I was the youngest person I saw for days!



[/ QUOTE ]

you just wanna get in a little old ladies drawers who has one foot in the grave. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Grumpy]

FH, go to Arkansas. 1Load needs a friend!

serious though, I understand what you're sayin'! Ohio is the "other" Mich.
cold and rainy
cold and snowy
cold and dreary
Hot and 100% humidity
Hot and rainy and 99% humidity

damn, now I wannna move!

[Mutt]

I understand there's a demand for Bingo callers here in Charlotte county, Fla. A young stud like you should be able to find, through such a job, a nice, wealthy, elderly lady who would like her wrinkles pressed, allowing you to retire prematurely. Do you have any seersucker suits???? Does blue hair turn you on??? Change your name to Will Antestament, and come on down! (That way you can be their LAST will and testiment)

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mutt

[AHotRod]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif FLORIDA !
Gulf Coast http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifSunshine!
Warm! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Come on down to Weeki Wachee and see the Mermaid Show!
Did I mention that there are tons of Hot Rodders here too !

Money? Go to: www.salary.com (http://www.salary.com)

AHotRod

[Petejoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Hell yeah..... who else is with us.

You ain't leaving without me

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like the "GREAT EXODUS OF THE GAY MICHIGANITES"

If all of you guys leave, they will have to take another poll.

Nearly 20 studies of gay and lesbian populations have been conducted in the United States since the groundbreaking work of Dr. Alfred Kinsey in 1945. population counts (http://content.gay.com/channels/finance/glmoney/60years_000717.html)
Move to Ohio Hack... 75% cloudy days, 50% rain, three months of summer weather and all the Mcjobs you'd ever want.

[JOECOOL]

Plenty of jobs in the Omaha area,I can say I haven't seen it better here in my lifetime. Weather sucks,cold or hot ,little inbetween. Jobs are begging ,our retailers are always looking ,no such thing as minimum wage here,Menards pays $12.25 per hr. if you will work weekends ,I part time on a forklift at another store for $11.00 and they let me work when I want ,no schedule. Fast food is aroung $9 per hr. Unions have for the last three years brought in travelers from around the country because there are not enough bodies here.

[trey]

dude, live in wyoming for a few years. im ready to kick mother natures ass. i have two years, and im headed south east. anybody need a missile tech with a ts clearance?

trey

[tinyelvis]

Roadstar - Hack - Take me with you! I can work on computers anywhere.. just need some pals to go with! Man who doesn't dream of dropping everything, selling it all and starting over somewhere else. People do it - there has to be a way. I don't think I have the balls though!

[dixiedog]

Hack - 1/2 of my family is FROM Ann Arbor -Ypsi - they all made the exodus to Fla in the 70's & 80's, sounds like you need to be down here.

You & MUTT are right on with the north-central West Coast. The area is filled with Michiganders and Buckeyes, half the cars have "M GO BLUE" on there bumpers. The cost is living is fairly cheap, not real crowded for now, and weather is great, the pay sucks but you seem happy with that, if you want to get some property now is the time 'cause it's going up everyday. For that case, Jacksonville isn't even half bad, decent weather, decent money jobs.

You sound like you would do good working as a parts counterman.

PM me and I can get you some more info.

[jalopy43]

Hey Hack! Like the others said,come visit Alabama-Tennessee area. Lots of Michiganers have found paradise already. Rain, Humidity,but for the most part pretty decent.I.ve been here 10 years now, from Cali,and I think it,s like Ca.was 25 years ago.Maybe 2 weeks of cold weather,and 3-4" of snow. There are a shitload of automotive related jobs out here.Honda, and nissan are building new plants out here as we speak.You can drive almost any contraption out here without a hassel. Drag ,and circle racing up the wazoo! 'Yall come visit soon! Glenn

[296 V8]

Nice most of the year not to hot not to cold and plenty of work.Lots of hot chiks. Most inportantly lots of car stuff.
JUST MOVE TO CALIFORNIA AND BE DONE WITH IT
in & out burger pays $8.25 to start in roseville.
Your going to end up here anyway. Greg

[jdubbya]

[ QUOTE ]


Sounds like the "GREAT EXODUS OF THE GAY MICHIGANITES"



[/ QUOTE ]
I ain't going nowhere, that is unless I can find a sugar-mama out of state, that wants to spoil me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Damn Hack! ... Try a job hunt to the north of you, around Troy, Rochester, Sterling Heights, there are a ton of little shops that cater to a guy willing to work, Hell, even the Mcy D's in those areas pay well, due to the help shortage. Just my 2 cents

[gears-n-grease]

Head to Gainesville and I'll give you a job- I start at paying at $7 hr (If you dont have any skills I am seeking)and have a good track record of paying good if you stick around. You even work in the air conditoning.BUT IT IS NOT A CAR JOB. We build audio cabling for concerts and recording studios. Cost of living is good and there is NO state income tax. Crime is low and there is BBQ, tracks, orlando, jacksonville and COLLEGE GIRLS with in arms reach at all times.

[4t64rd]

Gainesville is a cool college town, but the last time I was up there picking up the 27 body, I noticed some of the girls had an aversion to dipilitory devices, especially in the armpit region. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Winternationals, Garlits place, Cedar Key if you want REAL small town, and doesn't George Clinton come through town once a year?

Bo Diddley lives nearby too

[Flexicoker]

[ QUOTE ]
Bo Diddley lives nearby too

[/ QUOTE ]

I saw him in concert, in Texas, where you should live, If only for the BBQ.

[jalopy43]

Girls with hairy armpits,or IN-N-OUT burgers,...???...Hummmmmmmm..????Good luck Hack! ,That's real nice of you Gears,and Grease!!.

[gears-n-grease]

Actually Bo Diddley lives in Archer about 10 minutes away- I have seen him at Wal-mart shopping a couple of times before I stopped shopping there. The sweet valley high girls are from here also(Cynthia and Brittney Daniels). So is Tom Petty. George Clinton is from Tallahassee. He usually plays a concert or two a year here.

There is on in-n-out still in town but I dont know about the hairy arm pit girls. I guess if ya end up falling for one you might be able to get her to trim it up a bit. Cedar Key is cool it is probably about 50 minutes away. It is a cool little fishing village .

[4t64rd]

She was coming into work on a bike at the pizza place katty corner from the UF administration building, behind the gas station. Kinda had a I- ran-out-of-money-in-the-90's-following-the-Dead-and-ended-up-here look to her. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[crewcutkid]

Move to Colorado- Yeah, I know, it snows, but you can buy a space heater! It gets dog-ass hot here in the summer...
There's a couple places fer sale in my neighborhood, you can blow the doors off the guy with the 502 chebby and make fun of the crabby old man with the model a replicar.-Crew

[Upchuck]

Hack come on up to BC, you can make your own climate in the winter just hurl more wood in the stove! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[cornfieldrodder]

Hack, I'm goin' to the Pileup. That'll give me a chance to meet you before you become "southern".

[roadstar]

Ok Greg is placed http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Now I'll settle for a high paying job in the streetrod industry. But I'm still thinking Colorado.

Oh and a 32 highboy roadster for a company car would be ok. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[whodaky]

Good luck with the move Hack. I have enjoyed this post and especially all the responses. Home is where the heart is!!! Geoff

[thatredcaroutside]

Hack, just remember if Florida doesn't work out you still have Alabama and Texas. I have been to all 3 this year( live in AL close to Huntsville) and I have to say Austin, TX is where I would like to call home. If I didn't have such a good job here I'd be gone. Chattanooga, TN would also be cool. It is so centralized to so many big cities that have concerts and car stuff. Good Luck