IT Jobs in north Idaho (Boise, Post Falls: employment, to live, shop)

[fishing_freak]

Hey everyone! What is the IT job scene like in north Idaho? Are there companies hiring? What about starting a computer technician business in, say, Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls or Sandpoint? Would a business like this do well in these areas or is this available already? Would a new business bring nwanted competition to existing businesses? Or would Boise be a more likely spot to be in IT? Thanks all!

[ejay]

My girlfriend works at a it type place and she got 800 resumes for one position. Their are some computer repair places here. Not sure how well they are doing though. Spokane may be a better bet. But I read in the paper that they are not doing as well as they would like. Boise may be a better choice...

[fishing_freak]

ejay,

800 resumes for one open position? That's insane! Wow, that's what I call competition for a job.

Is north Idaho like that for all jobs? I was under the impression that north Idaho was doing pretty well economically. Am I off base in my thinking?

Is Spokane really that depressed? I understand a lot of north Idahoans shop in Spokane for stuff they cannot get in north Idaho. What can't one get in north Idaho besides maybe high-end cars or warranty work?

The job situation is bad everywhere. One of the reasons I am considering Idaho is because it appears to be doing better than most places.

[IDASpaceman]

Zamzow the pet/garden store had 1 position and got 350 resumes...times are tough and pickin's are slim.

[fishing_freak]

That's insane amount of resumes for one job. I didn't think the economy was THAT bad...

What's the overall economy for any job up in north Idaho?

[zoso1979]

I can't speak for N Id, but times are very tough in S Id. Been here for over 20 years, it's ALWAYS been that way, lately WORSE. ID is a fantastic place, but employment has ALWAYS been challenging. I don't know where you heard that jobs were better in Idaho, but maybe someone should recheck their facts.

[ejay]

As far as I can tell jobs around here suck right now. Their is a lot of people coming up here from out of state with degrees. And they are working for less. If you wanna live up here you have to live on the cheap. And I mean cheap. My power bill has went up 80% more than it was 16 years ago. You used to be able to live here on the cheap. It is just not like that anymore. Check out craigs list in Spokane. It is combined with North Idaho. That will give you an idea of what s out there. And I will be honest with you because I don't want you getting pie in the sky dreams of this place. Most people we have known have gotten up here and they find out how poorly employers treat you here. You could get here and then months later be out of work. Self employment is the only way to work around here. If you can build a customer base your okay. You also have to know that the other guys that are here have already done that. So for the first year or so you will be getting your name out there. But I can also tell you that some give poor service and don't care. Eventually some one comes along and gives them some competition. Maybe it's you. Really look into North Idaho carefully before you decide on this place. It looks nice but it can drain all your cash and keep your dreams. As you go back to where you came....

[mistyriver]

I know of many, many IT people up here from Coldwater Creek alone, who came here to work there, got laid off or couldn't stand CC but loved the area and ended up staying and changing careers and making less money to stay here. When IT jobs come along, there are a lot of people already waiting for them. Not a good time or a good place if you want to stay in IT.

[fishing_freak]

I appreciate the info, guys/gals!

It looks like Idaho might not be the best place for me right now.