Should I GTFO?

Starcore

I live in Michigan right now, and if you didn't know, Michigan's economy is like the 2002 Detroit Tigers; it sucks.

I recently got lucky and came into a new job with a couple of friends in the tech support (Digital telecom) field. I've been working in tool & die/machining for the past 3 years.

My first week at the company, 4 days in, the company announces that it's consolidating it's operations from my location, the other MI location, and the NC branch to a single, new building in NC. The company is offering everyone who has a job (Even us, who were trainees) their jobs, at their current wage and position, in the new building.

I'm 23. I have no girlfriend, but I'm very close to my family. I've been mulling this over for quite awhile now (I've been at the company 5 weeks now) and the company is getting ready to start letting us know the incentives for both staying and leaving. North Carolina seems to have a booming economy, a comparable/better cost of living (Seems to be 500-700 for a one-bedroom apartment or a studio), and I'd be close to Charlotte.

I'm very torn on the issue. I have a lot of time to decide, and part of my decision will be, in fact, determined by the incentives we are offered to move. One major benefit would be the possibility for advancement.

So, my questions are basically;

-Is anyone familiar with the Concord/Charlotte area, and do they know good areas, bad areas, etc.?
-(As part of the above) What kinds of gaming areas/centers are there in NC?
-Is it worth it to get out of Michigan and go somewhere else?
-Would you?

BronzeDuck

I can't answer your first two questions, but have experience with your last two:
From what I hear of Michigan, yes, take the job and go, especially since there don't seem to be many people hopeful for a quick recovery for the state. I have heard almost exclusively good things about NC as well.
If you've been in the same area for a long long time, picking up completely and moving at a young age can be a very rewarding experience. With one month left before college graduation (and therefore my moving date), I was offered a job 250+ miles from what had been my home for the last 16 years. I took it, and it has been and still is tough at times, but the amount of personal growth I have achieved as a result of this was more than worth it, even had the job not worked out as well as it has.

Daenris

Get out. Unless you have a VERY compelling reason to stay, I'd suggest taking the job and moving. I just moved TO Michigan, but I would never have done it if it wasn't for a job working with people I've been working for for the past 3 years and the job is 100% guaranteed for at least the next 3. And I'm still young and I'm not even sure I want to still be doing this particular job in 3 years, so it was good enough for me.

VThornheart

My pseudo-sister lives in North Carolina, and when I went to visit I was blown away. I didn't stay long enough to figure out how the people are (whether they were welcoming or rude, etc...), but the scenery was certainly beautiful. I think when it comes to moving there from Michigan, you can't go wrong. Seems like a home run move... no offense to Michigan intended.

Uncle Long

I was born and raised in Michigan. I took my degree at Michigan State University. I now work and live in Alaska.

Leave Michigan; it's going to get worse before it gets better. There are little to no new job openings for skilled or unskilled labor, and all those kids that are going off to college are coming back with degrees and no place to work.

I'm close to my family as well. But, moving 3000 miles away has gotten me into a tough field to break into (journalism) let me experience life and do the things that I want to do (hiking and fishing and writing) and grow up a great deal in the process.

tsmvengy

You're 23 - move since you have the opportunity: a guaranteed job. You have the rest of your life to stay tied down to a place.

EggyToast

The research triangle is the hot spot in NC, which you won't be near. Charlotte's OK.

Both are better than most of Michigan; Ann Arbor is perennial hot but spendy.

Don't let family dictate where you live. If you're resourceful and smart, you'll be fine anywhere, and NC is not far enough away from Michigan to rule out vacations during holidays. On the plus side, if the job fell through after being in NC for a while, you're close enough to the research triangle that you can probably land a cool job and move closer to it.

It's not easy to move away from family by yourself. Little things are overlooked, like hanging out for a weekend night, or having your parents take you out for your birthday, or buying your groceries every once in a while. On the other hand, being truly independent is a fast track to really being "a grown up," which tends to give you better luck in relationships and friends, but you can also end up jaded. Once you leave home, you can't really ever go back.

An-D

I've lived in North Carolina most of my life, so that makes me a pseudo expert...somewhat. Not really.

I'm mostly familiar with the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) but and the area around Asheville, but I've ventured down to Charlotte a few times (not enough to be *that* familiar with it thought). Its a nice enough city though, and you're smack dab in the middle of Raleigh, Asheville and not that far from Atlanta from there.

From what I've seen from other states, the cost of living is significantly lower than what you're find up north (I currently live in a 2-bedroom apartment for 450/month). We have a pretty lousy gas tax that adds almost 15-25 cents more to gas than what you'll find in surrounding states so its kind of a win-lose situation.

As far as gaming goes, what do you mean exactly? We got Gamestops and EBs up-the-wazoo, and I'm seeing more and more Game Frogs (pay-to-play) as of late. More hobby/board game related stores exist, but you have to hunt for them. I *know* there is one in Gastonia (right near Charlotte) that does D&D, Warhammer and all that stuff)...so theres that.

But yeah, North Carolina is great if you give it a shot. Charlotte is definitely one of the more urban areas of the state, but you're not far from the mountains at all and all you need is like 20 minutes driving on the NC Blue Ridge parkway to fall in love with the area/state. I'd go for it.

Koan

I spent 18 years in Charlotte, (now living in Providence, RI) and I think you should make the move. Concord is about 20-30 min north of Charlotte depending on the parts you are driving to so you will be close enough to hit the trendy spots in down town, Myers Park, or the South End, but you will also have much cheaper rent by not living there. I would suggest living between the two areas because you will likely want to do more stuff near charlotte, also I think you will be fairly close to the University area. The place is to large to give any real advise on actual places to live, but there are places around. One thing that may help in the decision is if the company will pay for your move, moving a house of stuff from state to state can be kinda tough. I'll try and answer any other questions you could have.

Rohaq

GTFO, you may be close to your family, but this is a fantastic opportunity to move away - You have a guaranteed job and are moving to an area with a better economy. If you need to stay in contact wit hyour family, well, that's what phones and the internet are for. Unless you can't live without a family dinner every night, then go for it.

And if you can't go without living with your family, you should probably consider forcing yourself out of the nest; and that this is the perfect opportunity to learn to be independent.

urahonky

Yeah... Having been to MI, and lived in NC... I'd say get to NC. North Carolina is a GREAT place to live, and you'll enjoy it much more than you will Michigan.

Even though you're close to your family, there will be ways to keep in contact. It's not like you're moving to the top of a mountain and never sending word of what's going on.

Kalkino

I would say that if you are offered the chance to go works somewhere else for a couple of years then do it, especially while you are young. It will help focus your on how much you really want to be living where you currently do - if you spent 6-12 months away and can't stand it in NC then move back home with a bit of cash saved and try and make a go of it.

langfor6

I lived in MI for 26 years until I joined the Army.

Craziest decision I ever made, but it also turned out to be the best.

I'm getting out in eight months, and I have a whole new outlook at job searches. Before the service, I couldn't even fathom looking for work outside of the Metro Detroit area. I've been overseas for almost three years now, so suddenly North Carolina doesn't seem that far away.

I'm not suggesting you enlist, but leaving is probably a great idea.

Unless you have season tickets to the Tigers. I gave up my season tickets when I joined the service, and now I imagine they are impossible to get. They waited until I left the state to get good again.

It's ok. I still saw Mike Maroth pitch a one hit shutout against the Yankees in 2003, preventing Roger Clemens from getting his 300th win against us. I'm still bitter about that 20 K game in 1996.

OK, I got a little offtrack. Leave Michigan.

Penguin_Otaku

Honestly people that are close to their families kind of scare me. I love my family and everything, don't get me wrong, but don't be the guy who was afraid to leave because you were afraid of missing out on something with the family.

Thanatos

Like everyone else says, they're lining you up with a job in someplace that isn't a dying state. Take the opportunity to go.

Starcore

I'm pretty much on the same boat as what everyone says.

Family is important to me, but it's not EVERYTHING.

Tomorrow we'll be learning about our incentives to move, and that'll have a large dictation on what my decision is. But I, and a couple of the other guys, are leaning towards going already.

And in regards to the gaming, I'm mainly looking for Magic: the Gathering tournies. I like playing at FNM, and would like to try keeping up with it (When I can get to a regular schedule that is). So I'm looking for a hobby shop that sells and organizes tournies for Magic.

@langfor6: Dad has season tickets, he's been getting them the past...what, 5, 6 years? At least. They're pricey, but he gets upper-deck (Section 333 is usually about where he gets). So I'M not giving them up. :P

@penguin: The main worry about my family is my stepmom. She had a double lung transplant a year and a half ago and her health has been very wax-and-wane. But, on the same coin, maybe my stepbrother or stepsister will pick up the slack for me some. Despite the fact that they've both got kids on the way. So, it's less that I'm ridiculously attached, and more that I don't want to be gone if something horrible happens that I could've been there to stop (Even if I couldn't).

Penguin_Otaku

Starcore wrote: »

@penguin: The main worry about my family is my stepmom. She had a double lung transplant a year and a half ago and her health has been very wax-and-wane. But, on the same coin, maybe my stepbrother or stepsister will pick up the slack for me some. Despite the fact that they've both got kids on the way. So, it's less that I'm ridiculously attached, and more that I don't want to be gone if something horrible happens that I could've been there to stop (Even if I couldn't).

Don't ever make the parent your sole responsibility. She is each of your parent and the care/attention for said parent should be split amongst you. You've gotta have your own life too, man. My dad was so worried about taking care of my grandpa because everyone else was such a screw up that he felt obligated to take care of him to some extent. He loved my grandfather, yes, but he put a lot of problems on his shoulders that he didn't have to. In the end he was really burnt out when he passed away.

Rohaq

Starcore wrote: »

I'm pretty much on the same boat as what everyone says.

Family is important to me, but it's not EVERYTHING.

You can't do this: H/A tradition states that you must ignore all of the sensible advice and do the exact opposite

@penguin: The main worry about my family is my stepmom. She had a double lung transplant a year and a half ago and her health has been very wax-and-wane. But, on the same coin, maybe my stepbrother or stepsister will pick up the slack for me some. Despite the fact that they've both got kids on the way. So, it's less that I'm ridiculously attached, and more that I don't want to be gone if something horrible happens that I could've been there to stop (Even if I couldn't).

You've also got to think that f her health is uncertain, it's not something you should be basing this decision on: I mean what are you going to wait for? Her to get miraculously better, or to take a turn for the worst and.. for the need of a better way to put it, pass away? One might never happen, and the other is a rather morbid thing to wait for, and by missing out on the chance of a lifetime like this for her, you may place more stress on her shoulders, if she knows how big a break this could be for you too. Hell, I've seen people ending up resenting people that they care about based on situations like this, even if you don't think that'll happen.

Besides which, I'm sure she'd like to see you succeed

AresProphet

Don't forget the weather. Moving from somewhere with godawful winters to somewhere that doesn't get snow makes you appreciate the concept of climate a bit more.

Then again I don't know much about the weather in North Carolina. I am all too familiar with Michigan (and Ohio) winters, which spawn the "anti-suicide" forecasts in those states: the seventh day always shows sunshine, after six days of snow and clouds. The sunshine doesn't come, but it's always predicted.

Creepy

Can't address anything except "should I get the fuck outta MI?"

Yeah, you should. I was born and raised in Lansing and slowly Michigan is becoming a pit of despair. if you've been to Flint then you've seen where it's heading... There's just nothing on the near horizon to replace all the lost manufacturing jobs. I was just back to visit both the Lansing and Detroit areas & the economic forecast seems gloomy at best.

I like Michigan a lot but no way would I move back unless I was independently wealthy.

Hewn

I left Michigan about 5 months ago, although I was in the Upper Peninsula, which in and of itself is sort of a whole new Michigan experience. I can tell you I miss the Upper Peninsula like hell sometimes. But I don't regret moving at all, it's such a great experience breaking new ground on your own.

But everybody is right, the state is in a real economic pitfall. For young folks looking for job security and growth, there's just areas offering better.

I actually have a friend back home also being asked to relocate to North Carolina. Seems to be a popular decision. I do have some family in Raleigh, and they have enjoyed it quite a bit. Seeing as you're unattached, this is the time to move, see what you want and like. Nothing major would be stopping you from moving back, or elsewhere, if you hate it.

Creepy wrote: »

I like Michigan a lot but no way would I move back unless I was independently wealthy.

Totally. I want a cabin on Lake Superior for my retirement. That's heaven, right there.

Gafoto

You will enjoy winters so much more in NC. I live in southwest Virginia so the climate is similar and I've visited to NC quite a bit. The climate there is very nice, especially compared with a place like Michigan.

Starcore

Thanks for all the help/support guys. I'll probably make a firm decision in the next couple weeks. I'll let you guys know what happens, if you care.

@Hewn: Is your friend up in Marquette or the nearby area? My company has two branches in MI that're moving, one in Marquette and the other where I live, in Farmington Hills. Could be the same company...?

LondonBridge

I was in the Army at Ft. Bragg for five years and been all over NC. It has many great places to live including Charlotte. Don't think it's the South that it's all conservative and there isn't much to do. On the contrary, it's fun and has a good mixed scene. You're 23 so I say go for it!!!

Divebommah

I lived in Charlotte for nearly two years (2002-2004). It is quite prosperous, but not a very exciting town. You will need a car to get around in case you don't already. Cost of living is quite low.

Asheville is an AWESOME place to visit.

Good BBQ.

Way better than Michigan.

a penguin

GTFO.

I spent many a chirstmas holiday in MI visiting my grandparents. My parents grew up in Detroit.

I've aslo spent a bit of time in N.C. I'd move there myself if a competitively paying job popped up. Nice state, good weather. Charlotte's not bad. A definate step up from MI.

Iroh

The only way to really survive in Michigan is to have a technical degree so that you can work for an automotive or other industrial equipment oriented company. Otherwise you can't really move up the chain at all, if you even manage to find work in your field.

And Michigan weather doesn't suck, you guys just don't do the right things to appreciate it. There is no better place if you own snowmobiles or other offroad vehicles.

supabeast

North Carolina is booming. Raleigh Durham is a tech job festival, and money spreads all over the state from there. Do yourself a favor—go!

Hewn

Starcore wrote: »

@Hewn: Is your friend up in Marquette or the nearby area? My company has two branches in MI that're moving, one in Marquette and the other where I live, in Farmington Hills. Could be the same company...?

Marquette indeed! It's my friend's husband, to be more specific, so I don't remember the exact company. But I'll ask. Still, sounds like it's the same company, there can't be too many in Marquette on the move to NC. They are, like you, mulling over the decision.

Whatever you decide, hope all turns out well for you.

Starcore

@Iroh: Not necessarily true. I was in the tool & die industry for 3 years prior to getting this job. I worked machines, did expediting, and managed a stock room, with no prior training. I had an opportunity for management, too. Then again, I wasn't quite a "normal" case. You don't HAVE to have certification; it is, however, looked well upon and such.

@Hewn: lol, that'd just be funny. Small world sort of thing.

Tahnka

I did this exact thing when I was 22. I took a tech job with a company in Charlotte, and I lived in Concord. I moved from the west coast. Concord is sweet if you like small towns. Check out the apartment complex named "The Locke Mill": They're really cool apts that were converted from an old brick cotton mill. Across from the Locke Mill is an ice-cream factory that you can get cheap food from. Across the other street is a small market with really cheap pizza and hot dogs.

I have nothing but positive things to say about the Concord/Charlotte area; it's a beautiful area. The people are very laid back and they just like everyone. I found no racial tensions there at all, everyone is just people, it's very nice. And the fact that you are guaranteed a job, and probably a relocation package, makes this one a guaranteed success.

DO IT; MOVE! I speak from experience with this exact situation(I even moved there for a tech support job). It will be one of the best decisions you have ever made.

Hewn

Starcore wrote: »

@Hewn: lol, that'd just be funny. Small world sort of thing.

So I did some checking, and it would appear it's the same company. And they decided to move to NC.

Just thought I'd bump this to see if you'd made a decision, and if you wanted, I could throw you the guy's name. Him and his wife will be moving, not knowing anybody, figured it couldn't hurt to know people from the same home area and you'd likely run into him anyway.

Good luck.