Would it be a dumb idea to move to Calgary WITHOUT a job?

[Baxter Renegade]

I know a lot of companies are willing to do Skype interviews now (especially in IT I'd think). It's always a good idea to have a job before making the move, especially since the cost of living in Calgary is quite high.

There's many jobs available in your field, but also a ton of people applying for all these jobs. I'd recommend either having a job, or having a bunch of interviews lined up prior to making the move. You could always take a low paying, entry level job in a restaurant or labor role if you really want to get the move done, and search for your ideal role while still making some cashiola...

[Bunk]

I'd say if you have enough funds to secure a place to live right off the bat and to last a few months without a paycheque, go for it. There's no better city to take that kind of chance.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

Have you reviewed LinkedIn for jobs?

[Calgaryflamesgirl34]

Tempted to try the same thing once I'm finished school... I was looking for next spring but I might have to wait till next fall. Let me know how it goes for you!

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Calgaryflamesgirl34

Tempted to try the same thing once I'm finished school... I was looking for next spring but I might have to wait till next fall. Let me know how it goes for you!

Rerun has a basement suite available when you're ready.

[Calgaryflamesgirl34]

Perfect :P

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Cal23

I'm a networking/IT guy, not programmer, in retrospect wish I did that...much more jobs in that arena.


The only thing that worries me is I might screw up my chances, because they might say "this guy is a new graduate (thus no experience), why take a chance on him?" and hire someone local.

What do you think?


How easy would it be to get a job there? In Toronto getting a job anywhere (even a call center at Rogers) is next to impossible with the amount people that apply, nevermind the people with connections


Sorry, but what's the Mac?

As I say to my foster kids about any job, so what if you eff it up? you don't have a job now, what have you lost? I think it is more likely they would be impressed with your willingness to try.

That said the collary to that for you is if there is somewhere in Calgary you really want to work and don't want to queer things permanantly you might restrict yourself to positions or companies you don't really care about

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

I'm not convinced that Vancouver is significantly more expensive in terms of cost of living vs Calgary unless you absolutely have to live downtown or jericho beach or w/e. Food is cheaper there, gas is more expensive, transit is better, rent and parking are kind of rough in both places. Calgary is harder to navigate without a vehicle.

Calgary has had a ton of inflation in the last decade especially with food/drink prices if you like to eat out.

it's way more expensive.
the transit in Vancouver is massively overrated.

[Rathji]

I will echo the sentiments that Helpdesk work of some type should be not too bad to find. Depending on what your education actually is will depend on exactly how many choices you have. Let us know, and I might be able to point you in the direction of a couple places.

Worst case, as Hemi mentioned, Shaw and Telus have entry level positions that are typically available.

[Northendzone]

Maybe the op can take over Jairo's place, since he is well, wyou know.......

[Daradon]

Probably no better place in Canada to be in with no job. (Barring obvious examples for niche work) If you don't have a family or kids it could be a great adventure. As was mentioned, if you can't find a job in your profession quickly, you can jump on something temporary while you hunt.

EDIT: There's a good chance you'll end up with a better job (or at least a better salary) in Calgary if it really is so hard to find work where you are looking and there are more jobs here.

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by Cal23

I'm a networking/IT guy, not programmer, in retrospect wish I did that...much more jobs in that arena.


The only thing that worries me is I might screw up my chances, because they might say "this guy is a new graduate (thus no experience), why take a chance on him?" and hire someone local.

What do you think?


How easy would it be to get a job there? In Toronto getting a job anywhere (even a call center at Rogers) is next to impossible with the amount people that apply, nevermind the people with connections


Sorry, but what's the Mac?

My advice is less practical in concrete sense, but it sounds like you've been hard at work throwing up obstacles for yourself. You're right to be cautious, but instead of brainstorming all the ways in which you can't, won't, or might not succeed, spend the energy on figuring out how to get what you want. I know it sounds airy fairy, but it's true. Most success is had by people who don't realize that what they're after is very unlikely to be obtained.

[eddly]

No it is not a dumb idea. However, it really depends on your situation.

I moved to Calgary this past July from Kamloops without a job. I had been applying for jobs from May to July, but I found companies were generally only interested if I could get myself to Calgary for an interview. The job market in Calgary is good enough that employers are for the most part no longer willing to relocate you.

Secured a job in September and have been working since, although I am not overly satisfied with the position and I just started up my job search again.

[tenyardrambo]

If you have enough funds for rent for a couple months you can always get a part time job landscaping for cash, it will put food on the table but thats it. Things are looking very up here in Calgary.

[Rudee]

No guarantee you'll find work in IT here in Calgary. I know two people who have an IT background and they've been job hunting since early summer for suitable IT work. i.e. not low paying bottom rung tech support stuff.

[saskflames69]

Which city would be better for a university student? Vancouver or Calgary?

[MelBridgeman]

I am in IT and when i left my job last Feb I had a new one in 20 days - all thanks to the monster that is CP

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Rudee

No guarantee you'll find work in IT here in Calgary. I know two people who have an IT background and they've been job hunting since early summer for suitable IT work. i.e. not low paying bottom rung tech support stuff.

Well sometimes you gotta keep taking your lumps until you get somewhere. Take a crappy job and prove yourself, you will move up in no time if you are worth it.

[psicodude]

There are a ton of entry level IT openings in this city, especially if you don't carry any delusions that you should be making $50k per year coming out of University. The quickest place to start will be in PC sales at Future Shop, Best Buy, Memory Express, etc. or 1st level help desk. These places put a lot of stock into your personality and attitude as opposed to experience.

As for moving to Calgary, I personally would want a good $5000 in the bank or the financial backing of family before coming out here. Unless you are coming from another large city, the jump in cost of living can be a shock to younger people. Don't underestimate how much it will cost to get set-up in an apartment.

Any of the online job banks are a good place to start. I personally know a couple of people that started their IT careers here, for example: http://regionalhelpwanted.com/Search...62&ID=75485441

[Table 5]

Don't come to Calgary expecting it to be cheaper than the other big cities. I found it to be a lot more expensive day to day than I was thinking it would be (and I moved from an expensive city).

Rent is stupid high and pretty scarce right now....so it might be more economical to buy a place. Eating out is moronically expensive. Drinks are even worse. Groceries aren't cheap either. Parking is the highest in NA outside of NY for some reason. Transit is adequate, but compared to a big city, lacking.

There's no provincial tax at least.

The good thing is that there is a lot of work here if you're in the right industry, so chances are you'll be able to afford a lot of the above. I have a feeling good IT people are always needed.

Calgary is not the place to come if you want to save money. It's the place to come if you want to make more money.

Please stay in the right lane, use your blinkers, and take your backpack off on the train.