[toy-cop1965]

I studied to be an EMT before moving to Troy NY for a year's study in 2001. I foolishly thought i would pay my way working as an EMT...people kept asking me 'well, who do you know?' Interviewers got more and more blatant as time went on, essentially asking me the same question. I was shocked to learn from a classmate some time later that most people 'volunteer' ie work for free - for years - just to have a shot at an $8 an hour job...I knew opportunities would be severely limited up there...but coming from nyc i just had no idea how limited. Sorry if i pissed on your dreams.

[GypsySoul22]

You see, I think a lot of us think (those of us from metro areas/bigger suburbs) that if you move to some simple, quiet, less competitive place it will be easier to work and have a quiet life.

Well, it's not always the case.

I figured (okay, call me foolish) well, living in Vermont/NH it would be easy to find something. I mean, hey, I am from this big place where I always worked and have the hard skills and aggression to get a great job. How difficult will it be in 'some small town' where no one is 'competitive' like in metro places?

Wrong.

Small towns=little opportunity and also it's more 'who you know' in these places.
If you had your own business, okay, maybe that would be easier, but for the regular person from another area just trying to break into an already poor job market your chances are pretty low.

Add to it wages are lower (more people willing to do anything to stay in the town and not drive 1 hour for work) then you have a problem finding a job.

They do not understand 'aggressive' job searches here (believe me I tried). The 'polite disinterest' eventually wears away at you until you just kind of sit defeated wondering what the heck is wrong with you. (for the record I tried the 'volunteer angle' and the 'hey how you doing, getting to know you' angle as well because despite being disappointed and bitter my life is not working out here, I'm still a pretty nice, friendly person.)

So, I think you have to weigh the 'crime, high taxes, big schools, whatever' against the 'lack of amenities (which I could live with), the lack of culture (in this area of VT/NH it's a crime what they charge to live 2.5 hours from Boston..there is nothing here apart from 'the college' to provide 'culture), and the lack of good jobs (no, can't live with that anymore).

Anyhow, good luck. I can only speak for 'my part' of VT, so experiences may vary.

[seraphene]

Thank you for the honest replies.
@ toy-cop-1965, you're not pissing on my dreams. I appreciate your input so that I know what to expect. Thank you.
@ GypsySoul22 I'm sorry things have not worked out for you up there, and I'm definitely taking into consideration your points about employment, or lack thereof. Thanks again for your input.

[BickleTravis]

Definitely do not move to Vermont unless you're already rich or you know someone who has already promised to hire you.

[seraphene]

Thanks, I wouldn't move without having employment and housing set up first. Gone are the days of grabbing a backpack and moving with nothing more than luck and a few bucks.