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Hello,
Could you please tell how difficult it is to get a $10-15/hr FT job(any kind is fine) in Oahu(probably Honolulu metro area) or maybe even Kona.
Are qualifiactions, race, origin equally factor in the employer's decision? I'm pushing 30, originally from southern part of eastern Europe, but when thoroughly sun-tanned been misjudged for a southern european or even a hispanic by some. I speak English with a slight accent - is that a big problem there? Also I can communicate in some basic Japanese(can learn more if necessary) and speak fluent Russian.
Have spent the last decade in Chicago working in the IT industry. I was planning to move to a warmer part of the country. But California and Florida don't seem appealing because of crime and gangs among other things. Is there a lot of violent crime in Honolulu metro area, and are there gangs?
And most importantly - can you survive on the kind of my projected of income? I don't expect anything fancy - a small studio apartment rental in a safe area, nothing special in terms of groceries(I can cook for myself and I don't eat meat). And know how to catch fish pretty well. Also would love to use a safe public transportation if such a chance exists there.
Best place is Hilo side. Start off with $15 hr labor job, mostly stone work, and work up from there. I know there is work if you WANT to work.Housing is another story. Live rusticly and you have more to choose from,$350-$500 month. just be nice.
Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates for jobs in the wage range you indicated.The trouble is the cost of living in the areas you mentioned ,Honolulu and Kona is very high, so you would find your $10-$15 an hour job would not get you very far having to pay $800 to $1,000 a month in rent.
But anybody who wants to work would certainly not having trouble finding a job in Hawaii right now, Good luck to you.
The thing you have to keep in mind is that almost everything is expensive here. Other than that, Hawaii is a great place to live. You also have to decide what kind of environment you want. Oahu has the most people. It is crowded, and traffic can be bad. But, there is definitely more to do there than the other islands. My advise would be to come out here, and look around for yourself. That way you can see a little of what goes on here.
I do warn you, once you come here, you won't want to leave.
Read the other threads on Hawaii about jobs and housing. Housing is very expensive. jobs are low paying in the srvice industry. Remember many hotel and restaurant jobs are unionized and it is hard to get the best job and shifts. people don't leave their jobs. Be sure to get a job that includes meals. Food is very expensive. $7-8 for gal of milk.
Hello,
I live here in Honolulu, and I have to say, $10-15 an hr is pushing it for survival... I would recommend $20 and higher... there is a bit of a "local Predjudice" here, but if you tan well, and can speak some japinese, you should be fine! As for the crime here, there is a Meth epidemic that causes alot of "crazys" but they are mostly harmless, because the drug and the humidity, and heat literally make them brain dead. If you drive the speed limit, wear your seat belt, and use your blinkers, you'll never get pulled over... that can be a plus. the average rent on a studio will b e around $800 to $1200 a month downtown, with the rare $600 to $900 in the sourrounding areas... Good luck!
Jesse
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