The issue of jobs in Tampa area (sales, job market)

[overit2]

I've heard a lot about lack of job opportunities in Tampa. Is there a specific sector that this applies to or is it at all levels?

I ask because I currently hold a Program Manager role, Sr. Analyst role etc for a major airline. It is a possibility to transfer to a job within my company but I may also look elsewhere.

I guess I'm trying to identify if these lack of jobs are strictly in one sector or across the board? In other words is it easier to find a job as a Product/Program manager with a company vs say a retail job, etc. I currently have over 16yrs airline experience ranging from Executive Sales to Program Manager in Network...lots of analytical work and experience in tons of different programs. I understand there are a few big companies there that I could put out feelers for also, any suggestions with this type of airline experience?

[Stasia Ann]

Originally Posted by overit2

I've heard a lot about lack of job opportunities in Tampa. Is there a specific sector that this applies to or is it at all levels?

I ask because I currently hold a Program Manager role, Sr. Analyst role etc for a major airline. It is a possibility to transfer to a job within my company but I may also look elsewhere.

I guess I'm trying to identify if these lack of jobs are strictly in one sector or across the board? In other words is it easier to find a job as a Product/Program manager with a company vs say a retail job, etc. I currently have over 16yrs airline experience ranging from Executive Sales to Program Manager in Network...lots of analytical work and experience in tons of different programs. I understand there are a few big companies there that I could put out feelers for also, any suggestions with this type of airline experience?

Since you have airline experience why don't you just apply at Tampa Intl. and find out. What is your reason for asking? Are you planning on moving there from another City?

[SeaSpur]

You would think there are...but we have had 3 or 4 positions open for quite some time and just finally filled 2 of them. Didn't have many applicants either.

They aren't 40k+ jobs or anything but I am shocked at how the process has gone...even had a few people come in asking about jobs but only wanted their Unemployment Signoff sheet signed- didn't really care about the job.

A lot of people who don't have a job eventually (and I say this because it almost happened to me long ago) get into a "oh well, there just aren't any jobs out there...friends say it, newspaper says it, TV says it...no point in looking" mindset. Yet, they will be the first to complain about not having a job.

I know how hard being unemployed is but I also saw a huge difference between the go-getters and those who were waiting for a job to slap them in the face.

[overit2]

Stasia, yes the plan is to move from GA to FL. I could apply to transfer but it has to be a comparable salary/title position.
Seaspur, I think you are right. Granted the employment I would be searching would have to be comparable, at minimum around 60k a year so that might be easier with a transfer vs a new job, don't know. I'm just wondering if most of the 'hard to fill' spots are at entry level positions, etc vs more established career ones. I hear about the job market but not sure I quite grasp it from all levels kwim?

My fiance would be trying to find more at entry level or right above that with either a marina, small motor sports or even AC companies so perhaps his employment will be even more difficult then mine to locate, I just don't know. Obviously we will not be moving without all of this lined up first.