HCOL Locations Can Be Bad for Your Job Search

"Secured a new offer in 6 weeks [after a layoff]. My key advantage was a willingness to relocate to LCOL markets." - Fishbowl, September 2023 

That is the dirty secret to landing good jobs, no matter what is happening in the economy in general or in your specific industry such as law, management consulting or communications: Be willing to relocate to uncool sections of the United States or the world.

In addition, the money you will save because you're not in the HCOL neck of the woods can accelerate your building of wealth. Also, your lifestyle could be enhanced. 

For instance, here in not-status-location Northeast Ohio there is plenty of no-fee outdoor activities. 


Think about it. There is no charge for access to Lake Erie or the beaches for swimming. That includes no charge for parking. The resort areas do not exploit or have seasonal surge pricing. Compare that to the East Coast.

During the deep recession of the 1980s, I had been laid off in the New York Metro area. One of the Big Three in Detroit, Michigan (which then hadn't been gentrified yet) made me an offer. It was for $20k more than I was pulling down in New York metro. Of course, it was LCOL. I began investing. Currently I am operating my most recent startup in, you got it, LCOL Youngstown, OH. You bet, I "got over" New York. 

Takeway: Never say you can't "adjust" to a non-buzzy location. All you need is one friend. If you take along your family you are all-set.

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). 

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