Making the move in November (Hilo: transplants, apartment, find a job)

[CaliChick02]

So the plan is to save as much money as possible to make the move with my boyfriend, he has Hawaiian family on both Oahu and Maui. We are also looking at wwoofing for a little while to learn about organic farming eventually. I have retail management experience and I have a merchandising job (retail) currently here in San Diego, I am talented but I am no longer happy here and with the people I work with. I am thinking about freelancing my photography on the side (I have shot engagements and weddings before) but I suspect that will be more of a hobby than a reliable source of income. I also have 5 yrs restaurant experience if I need to get back into that... I will have enough saved to give us 2 months to find a job, get an apt/car and we don't expect to rely heavily on family for food, just a roof til we get settled. We don't want to get the apartment until we've secured jobs. We are not materialistic whatsoever and all looking forward to the slower pace. I absolutely adore Hawaii and feel as though I belong there, I have been researching for over a year and yes I have been there. Feel free to throw encouragements/suggestions/luck my way, I feel like this is a good plan. I am ready!!!

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by CaliChick02

So the plan is to save as much money as possible to make the move with my boyfriend, he has Hawaiian family on both Oahu and Maui. We are also looking at wwoofing for a little while to learn about farming eventually. I have retail management experience and I have a merchandising job (retail) currently here in San Diego, I am talented but I am no longer happy here and with the people I work with. I am thinking about freelancing my photography on the side (I have shot engagements and weddings before) but I suspect that will be more of a hobby than a reliable source of income. I also have 5 yrs restaurant experience if I need to get back into that... I will have enough saved to give us 2 months to find a job, get an apt/car and we don't expect to rely heavily on family for food, just a roof til we get settled. We don't want to get the apartment until we've secured jobs. We are not materialistic whatsoever and all looking forward to the slower pace. I absolutely adore Hawaii and feel as though I belong there, I have been researching for over a year and yes I have been there. Feel free to throw encouragements/sugesstions/luck my way, I feel like this is a good plan. I am ready!!!

I will try to throw good luck...
Jobs are extremely tough to come by right now. Check out the Hawaii Tribune Herald. hawaiitribune-herald/ If there is any way that you could transfer with your job, do it. It would even be worth changing jobs now to a company that has stores in Hawaii so that you could transfer in 6 months or so.

Two months living expenses will not go very far, especially since locals don't like to hire recent transplants. Not having a real address (wwoofing) won't help the job search either. Sure, anyone can get a quick job picking mac-nuts right now, but how long can you do that before your back is ruined? (Mac-nuts are picked off the ground, not from the tree)

[hotzcatz]

Hawaii Tribune Herald is mostly for the Hilo side of the Big Island, I think they are looking at Oahu or Maui, weren't they?

I think Maui has some wwoofing, probably more than Oahu. There might be something on Craig's List or you could post on Craig's List that you are looking for work. Have your family check it out first, though, in case it is a scam.

Generally, you get jobs around here by being recommended by friends or family or being hired by friends or family. Fortunately, you have family, so let them know you are planning to move over and have them start looking for jobs for you. More than likely, it will be by their recommendation that you find employment.

Can you take a six week "vacation" from your job just in case everything falls apart or looks hopeless then you'd have somewhere to go back to? Try not to burn any bridges sort of thing, ya know?

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Hawaii Tribune Herald is mostly for the Hilo side of the Big Island, I think they are looking at Oahu or Maui, weren't they? ...

OOOPS. Missed that part!
I saw wwoofing and just assumed Hawaii Island...

[CaliChick02]

Having a hawaiin address and phone will definely not be a problem. We recognize 2 months is not that long, but are hopeful still. I will certainly not burn any bridges here, and I have strong recommendations. The store I currently work at is also in hawaii but they cannot guarantee a transfer. I have interviewed at other stores, one that wanted to hire me but knew I was moving in November but said they would send the hawaii store my info. I can certainly contact both stores once I get there so they know I am serious. However, I will be looking elsewhere as well and hope to have recommendations from family. We wanted to wwoof bc eventually we would love to grow our own food, we are really just a couple of hippies and I think the leap of faith is certainly worth it.

[KoaKine]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

OOOPS. Missed that part!
I saw wwoofing and just assumed Hawaii Island...

DOH!!
like I havnt dont that lol

[mdand3boys]

Since you have at least a chance of a transfer, DO IT. Go thru all the motions, etc. After you get here and have the job, then go looking for the job you really want. It will be so much easier for you.

[Jimbo's]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

Since you have at least a chance of a transfer, DO IT. Go thru all the motions, etc. After you get here and have the job, then go looking for the job you really want. It will be so much easier for you.

He's right, I think if you have a chance to do it then jump on it. In the short time I have been here I have met so many great people, honest and caring people that would have taken 10 years to meet on the mainland. It's worth a shot if you can do it, good luck and I hope everything works out for you.