As the title suggests, I am trying to find a way to move here. My parents moved out of the area to go to Arizona (I still cannot see why anyone would do that, especially when they already have a stable job).
Anyway, before I am able to move here, I need to finish college. I am planning on majoring in art, but I cannot decide on which field of art, since there is so many possibilities. I have considered graphics design, which would be helpful, since the future company that me and my friend want to start together would require skills in that area. However, I have also looked at becoming an architect, which is something completely different, but with my skillset, I could major in architecture.
So, out of those two majors, which would be more likely to get me a job in this area? Like I said, me and a friend are planning on starting a company together, but that will take quite a bit of time, so I need a job I can rely on before all that takes off.
Also, what place along 30-A would be best for me once I graduate? I am planning on rooming with a friend out here, but I am still unsure of what place would be good to start in. It doesn't have to be right on 30-A, but I want something pretty close to it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Replies
24
SoWal Expert
Best of luck to you, Matt. And when you figure it out, let me in on the secret. 
SWGB
Speaking as someone who knows many unemployed Architects currently I wouldn't suggest that route. Graphic design might work as you can work virtually.
Good luck to you.
P.S. Real Estate isn't exactly a sure bet either. ;-)
Good luck to you.
P.S. Real Estate isn't exactly a sure bet either. ;-)
Beach ComberAuthor
Makes sense, considering most of the building down here has stopped for now..
Is there any particular field of work out here that employs more than others? I know the tourist industry is huge out here, and it is an option to go into something like that, but that isn't my main plan at all.
Is there any particular field of work out here that employs more than others? I know the tourist industry is huge out here, and it is an option to go into something like that, but that isn't my main plan at all.
Beach Fanatic
Supposedly, Florida, in general, has a shortage of folks in the medical and dental fields. Given that the population is aging, and medical keeps expanding (like Sacred Heart here locally), seems that anything related to health care would be a good bet. And it pays better than the hospitality industry, for sure!
Beach Fanatic
Supposedly, Florida, in general, has a shortage of folks in the medical and dental fields. Given that the population is aging, and medical keeps expanding (like Sacred Heart here locally), seems that anything related to health care would be a good bet. And it pays better than the hospitality industry, for sure!
P.S. I know that the local dentists outsource prosthesis creation (like crowns), and I dated a lady years ago that was a trained, and naturally-talented artist who took up making them.....she said that it takes an artists touch to make them realistic. She worked from her home in Birmingham, and covered a WIDE territory....she was continuously busy and was raking in serious $$$. You can expand the idea from just teeth to eyes, ears, noses (think Michael Jackson), and pretty much any body part that can be seen and requires an artful touch to be aesthetically-pleasing. Just a thought!
Beach ComberAuthor
P.S. I know that the local dentists outsource prosthesis creation (like crowns), and I dated a lady years ago that was a trained, and naturally-talented artist who took up making them.....she said that it takes an artists touch to make them realistic. She worked from her home in Birmingham, and covered a WIDE territory....she was continuously busy and was raking in serious $$$. You can expand the idea from just teeth to eyes, ears, noses (think Michael Jackson), and pretty much any body part that can be seen and requires an artful touch to be aesthetically-pleasing. Just a thought!
That actually sounds like a really great idea. I have never thought of that before. It would probably work out really well as a double major. It would allow me to live here which would be great. Eventually though, I will want to work more in a career that has to do with graphics design. Like I said in my first post, me and a friend have a great idea for a future company here, and I will want to be working towards that.
SWGB
That actually sounds like a really great idea. I have never thought of that before. It would probably work out really well as a double major. It would allow me to live here which would be great. Eventually though, I will want to work more in a career that has to do with graphics design. Like I said in my first post, me and a friend have a great idea for a future company here, and I will want to be working towards that.
There's always grillz.
SoWal Insider
Matt, Matt, Matt....I think your priorities are a bit off-track.
First and foremost--you should put your time, money and effort to working toward the CAREER CHOICE that you want--then, only after you accomplished that fete, see how to make it work where you want to BE.
You're still young--too young to realize that you can never "go back" to that same place you left behind when you were hauled off to Arizona.
It would be a pity if you wasted your time, money and effort to become something you thought would land you a decent job down here, only to find out that either this place has changed so much it no longer appeals to you; or that your services are not required here and you end up bussing tables (a dream you can live right now and not waste the time, money and effort of obtaining a college degree).
It's nice to dream, but don't let your "dream location" trump your "heart's passion." One is portable and will last you a lifetime...the other most certainly will not.
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First and foremost--you should put your time, money and effort to working toward the CAREER CHOICE that you want--then, only after you accomplished that fete, see how to make it work where you want to BE.
You're still young--too young to realize that you can never "go back" to that same place you left behind when you were hauled off to Arizona.
It would be a pity if you wasted your time, money and effort to become something you thought would land you a decent job down here, only to find out that either this place has changed so much it no longer appeals to you; or that your services are not required here and you end up bussing tables (a dream you can live right now and not waste the time, money and effort of obtaining a college degree).
It's nice to dream, but don't let your "dream location" trump your "heart's passion." One is portable and will last you a lifetime...the other most certainly will not.
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Beach ComberAuthor
Well, I do have a career choice in mind. Since the career field for digital arts is growing, and it often allows for you to work from any location, it would be both a fulfilling career, and allow me to live here. Of course, there are jobs like that in the area I want to live, so it just depends on what is available at the time that I graduate. Considering that a large amount of people live here and have jobs they enjoy, I'm sure I can do the same.
SoWal Insider
Well, I do have a career choice in mind. Since the career field for digital arts is growing, and it often allows for you to work from any location, it would be both a fulfilling career, and allow me to live here. Of course, there are jobs like that in the area I want to live, so it just depends on what is available at the time that I graduate. Considering that a large amount of people live here and have jobs they enjoy, I'm sure I can do the same.
...when are you planning on completing your degree?
You also said you and your friend were planning on starting a business...how well capitalized are you two?
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Edited
Beach ComberAuthor
...when are you planning on completing your degree?
You also said you and your friend were planning on starting a business...how well capitalized are you two?
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I should complete my degree by 2013. I'm going to be taking classes during the summer semesters, along with spring and fall, so I will be done faster.
As for the business, it is just in the idea stage at the moment. It's success depends on me finishing college, so I can help fund it, and it also depends on other companies being willing to work with us at the very beginning so we can get it started.
SoWal Insider
I should complete my degree by 2013. I'm going to be taking classes during the summer semesters, along with spring and fall, so I will be done faster.
As for the business, it is just in the idea stage at the moment. It's success depends on me finishing college, so I can help fund it, and it also depends on other companies being willing to work with us at the very beginning so we can get it started.
OK, I see where you're at.
I think you're a little premature at asking recommendations of the best place for you to live along 30-A when you graduate.
I'll go out on a limb here and say that there's a huge (HUGE!) difference between being a teen living at the beach on his parents' dime and being a freshly minted graduate trying to find a job with benefits that pays enough to rent full-time along 30-A.
Put a photo of the beach on your computer's wallpaper and visit during Spring Break if you must--but keep your head in your books--and out of the sand--until at least 2012...things will be much, much different by then--I guarantee it.
Of course, if both you and your future business partner have sizable, 6-to-7 figure trust funds waiting for you at 21, then forget what I just said.
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Edited
Beach ComberAuthor
OK, I see where you're at.
I think you're a little premature at asking recommendations of the best place for you to live along 30-A when you graduate.
I'll go out on a limb here and say that there's a huge (HUGE!) difference between being a teen living at the beach on his parents' dime and being a freshly minted graduate trying to find a job with benefits that pays enough to rent full-time along 30-A.
Put a photo of the beach on your computer's wallpaper and visit during Spring Break if you must--but keep your head in your books--and out of the sand--until at least 2012...things will be much, much different by then--I guarantee it.
Of course, if both you and your future business partner have sizable, 6-to-7 figure trust funds waiting for you at 21, then forget what I just said.
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I know it may seem premature, but I am the kind of person who likes to plan major details way in advance, so I know what I am doing.
I know there is a difference, and I know living along 30-A can be pricey, but I have looked at the long term rental prices, and they range from 1000 to 2000 a month, and most jobs in the field of work I want to go into have an entry level salary of around 40k-45k, so I could afford that.
I'm trying to get to do college out near South Walton. NWFSC has the associate degree programs that I need to take before I transfer to UFC.
Beach Comber
First of all
PLEASE GO TO COLLEGE!
PLEASE GO TO COLLEGE!
As the title suggests, I am trying to find a way to move here. .....My parents moved out of the area to go to Arizona (I still cannot see why anYone would do that, especially when they already have a stable job). ROLL WITH THOSE WHO PAY THE BILLSLIKE NIKI...DO IT! (HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THIS AS MUCH AS I DID!)
ARIZONA IS REALLY HOT, YOU NEED POT HOLDERS TO GET THE DOOR HANDLE OF YOUR CAR OPEN. :rofl:
Anyway, before I am able to move here, I need to finish college.:funn: I am planning on majoring in art, but I cannot decide on which field of art,EVER HEAR OF WAN? :funn: since there is:funn: so many possibilities. YOU BETCHA! :shock: I have considered graphics design, which would be helpful, since the future company that me
and my friend want to start together would require skills in that area.
However, I have also looked at becoming an architect
, which is something completely different, but with my skillset
, I could major in architecture.
So, out of those two majors, which would be more likely to get me a job in this area? JOB? Like I said, meand a friend are planning on starting a company together, OH TO BE YOUNG AGAIN! but that will take quite a bit of time, ;-) so I need a job I can rely on before all that takes off. IS THIS MY HUSBAND TRYING TO MESS WITH ME?
Also, what place along 30-A would be best for me once I graduate?
TRY, UM, WATERCOLOR WORKOUT cOOL FOLK THERE TOO WHO HAVE LEFT OVER $$$ FROM THE STIMULUS TO BUY YOUR ART.
I am planning on rooming with a friend out here, but I am still unsure of what place would be good to start in. It doesn't have to be right on 30-A, but I want something pretty close to it. TRY THE BIKE PATHS. :funn:
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
SoWal Insider
I know it may seem premature, but I am the kind of person who likes to plan major details way in advance, so I know what I am doing.
...I know what you're doing too...it's called "Ready, Fire, Aim"
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Beach ComberAuthor
...I know what you're doing too...it's called "Ready, Fire, Aim"
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Not really. That would only be the case if I was trying to move here right now.
I am planning carefully so that I can live here eventually.
I am just trying to get an idea of what things are like here at the moment, regarding home prices, jobs, etc, just so I can plan with that in mind. Yes, I understand that some things will change, and I can adapt to that. I hope to be able to move here within the next five years, but that will only happen after I finish college, and after I find a job that could support me.
SoWal Insider
Not really. That would only be the case if I was trying to move here right now.
I am planning carefully so that I can live here eventually.
I am just trying to get an idea of what things are like here at the moment, regarding home prices, jobs, etc, just so I can plan with that in mind. Yes, I understand that some things will change, and I can adapt to that. I hope to be able to move here within the next five years, but that will only happen after I finish college, and after I find a job that could support me.
Have you even graduated high school yet?
What college classes are you taking this coming semester?
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Beach ComberAuthor
What college classes are you taking this coming semester?
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Since this is my first semester, I am focusing on getting my required core classes done. English, Math, Humanities, Foreign Language, etc. I'm also taking a digital arts class, and a C++ class. All of these credits are transferable to UCF. I could go straight to UCF, but taking these classes at a community college saves money. With the amount of classes I am taking, I should be able to go to UCF starting in the fall semester in 2010. It isn't too much for me at all. I've always been able to handle a large amount of work, and I know what to expect from college.
Beach Fanatic
There are not many jobs in this area which pay $45 grand, and I am willing to say that there are none which pay that for someone with 0-5 years experience.
If you want to freelance, go and live in a metropolitan area first, get some cred and clients, and then try moving to the beach.
You pretty much have to bring a job with you when you come here.
If you want to freelance, go and live in a metropolitan area first, get some cred and clients, and then try moving to the beach.
You pretty much have to bring a job with you when you come here.
Admin
Don't ever let go of the dream.
There's a lot of experienced, established graphic design and marketing folks here. Yet, we're still a small town. The clients you'll need will likely be in other places. Getting them means you'll need contacts and experience and the best way to do that is work for awhile in a large city, focusing as much on building relationships as you do on your graphics skills. The people who can do this surely have skills, but also sufficient talent.
I've always said I would dig ditches to live here (or bus tables) if I could afford it. Years ago affording it wasn't a problem. But the truth is, a person can live cheaply anywhere if their main payment are the things they love about the place. You can live cheaply even here but most people don't want to live cheaply.
I know for some like me (and I see quite a few here in SoWal), where we live is just as important, or more, as what we do for a living or what financial gains we achieve. Go ahead and put your cart before the horse. It's what you're supposed to be doing at your age.
There's a lot of experienced, established graphic design and marketing folks here. Yet, we're still a small town. The clients you'll need will likely be in other places. Getting them means you'll need contacts and experience and the best way to do that is work for awhile in a large city, focusing as much on building relationships as you do on your graphics skills. The people who can do this surely have skills, but also sufficient talent.
I've always said I would dig ditches to live here (or bus tables) if I could afford it. Years ago affording it wasn't a problem. But the truth is, a person can live cheaply anywhere if their main payment are the things they love about the place. You can live cheaply even here but most people don't want to live cheaply.
I know for some like me (and I see quite a few here in SoWal), where we live is just as important, or more, as what we do for a living or what financial gains we achieve. Go ahead and put your cart before the horse. It's what you're supposed to be doing at your age.
Beach Fanatic
If you don't dream, you go nowhere. If you don't plan (the longer the better), you go nowhere. If you listen to those who poo poo your enthusiasm to do the aforementioned, you go nowhere.
There is some good things to think about in posts above...they are the ones that sound like good things to think about, not the wet blanket, "get your head out of the clouds" posts). Dream big, think hard, plan well, work hard, be patient, and work hard some more....and, in time, you will live your dream.
Good to see a young person more interested in how to succeed than in how big of an ear dowel to wear.
There is some good things to think about in posts above...they are the ones that sound like good things to think about, not the wet blanket, "get your head out of the clouds" posts). Dream big, think hard, plan well, work hard, be patient, and work hard some more....and, in time, you will live your dream.
Good to see a young person more interested in how to succeed than in how big of an ear dowel to wear.
Beach Lover
Matt, you sound like a reasonable, responsible, and articulate young man. Determination is the most valuable currency you have at this point, so spend it where it counts. Your education and work experience should be your main concentration. Start working on your business plan Today. Don't let anyone tell you what steps are required to be successful in life or business, for it is different for all of us. When you do end up back here, Good Luck with your business and enjoy.
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
I would wager to say that the majority of people who live here do so beacuse it was their dream. Most are not here because their job brought them here! (except realtors...and they are dissappearing)
I visited here 4 years ago and knew in my bones that I wanted to live here. It sounds like it is in your bones too. Perhaps your parents moved to Arizona because it is not in their's. I even lived here one summer to see how I would like it...no question! It took a lot of planning and 3 1/2 years to get here, but when it came right down to it...it was blind faith and love of the area that got me here. Planning for the future should always be a balance of goals and dreams. Concentrate on your education with your eyes to the future. If you are meant to live here you will...always have faith in that! Your path might take you in a different direction, be open to that as well.
Not many young people have goals and aspirations, I admire your planning, questioning and determination!
Keep us informed!
I visited here 4 years ago and knew in my bones that I wanted to live here. It sounds like it is in your bones too. Perhaps your parents moved to Arizona because it is not in their's. I even lived here one summer to see how I would like it...no question! It took a lot of planning and 3 1/2 years to get here, but when it came right down to it...it was blind faith and love of the area that got me here. Planning for the future should always be a balance of goals and dreams. Concentrate on your education with your eyes to the future. If you are meant to live here you will...always have faith in that! Your path might take you in a different direction, be open to that as well.
Not many young people have goals and aspirations, I admire your planning, questioning and determination!
Keep us informed!
Beach ComberAuthor
I would wager to say that the majority of people who live here do so beacuse it was their dream. Most are not here because their job brought them here! (except realtors...and they are dissappearing)
I visited here 4 years ago and knew in my bones that I wanted to live here. It sounds like it is in your bones too. Perhaps your parents moved to Arizona because it is not in their's. I even lived here one summer to see how I would like it...no question! It took a lot of planning and 3 1/2 years to get here, but when it came right down to it...it was blind faith and love of the area that got me here. Planning for the future should always be a balance of goals and dreams. Concentrate on your education with your eyes to the future. If you are meant to live here you will...always have faith in that! Your path might take you in a different direction, be open to that as well.
Not many young people have goals and aspirations, I admire your planning, questioning and determination!
Keep us informed!
Thanks
I may actually be able to live near here starting in spring 2010. I found a college in the area that would be a great fit for me (and I need to live in the area for at least a year to be considered a resident), so I will be ready to attend UFC, and I won't be charged out of state tuition.
I also have a few friends who really want to live here, so we all may go in together to rent a place here after we all finish college.
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