Moving

[ashnurse03]

Hello, I am moving to Texas soon and I was wondering if anybody could recommend some nice scenic and safe towns to live and work in. Any location really, I am just trying to find the best place for my fiance and I to work/live. We have always dreamed of living in Texas and we are finally going to make the move, but the question is where? We have been looking at cities down by Houston near clear lake and league city. Is this a good area? We are not even sure if we are looking in the right spot. Perhaps Dallas area? I heard that is nice too. I am in the process of transferring my nursing license now, so as soon as that goes through we would like to start moving. My fiance has a criminal justice degree but is not having any luck with that here in Illinois. He will be looking for something along those lines in Texas. He is also interested in getting into the oil industry at an entry level position. any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank You! :-)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Since you're relocating as a couple, it would be best to focus on a location in which your fiance can find work... you have more flexibility since you are a nurse. A degree in 'criminal justice' does not equate to qualifications as a peace officer. He will need to investigate eligibility requirements and hiring practices in various locations if that is the direction in which he wishes to go. If you're looking for something in the Houston vicinity, you may want to investigate Huntsville. The state prison in that location is always hiring corrections officers - I believe they provide training for newbies. It's a very nice city about an hour north of H-town in a very green 'foresty' part of the state. Nice hospitals & home to Sam Houston State University.

Since he has no previous experience in the "oil industry" -- btw, we call it the "oil business" - pronounced 'Awl Bidness' - LOL. But I digress. I have relatives who have/are working in this sector. There are generally three types of 'entry level' pathways. New grad petrochemical engineers and geologists can always count on jobs. Brand new Computer Science/IT folks can find jobs. Certified welders and pipefitters are in demand. - but without educational credentials or a skilled trade, the only other way is manual labor - e.g., roughneck, roustabout mud-logger, tool pusher (yep, those colorful job titles all exist). ... and they do hire and train newbies. Wages are significantly higher than other types of jobs, but the hours are long and working conditions are dirty and somewhat dangerous. Just give it a google... there are a lot of information sources and recruiters.

The down side? Oil production work (getting it out of the ground) takes place in locations that may not have the most desirable living conditions. Housing may be scarce... but the rural hospitals that serve those areas are bursting at the seams, so you probably won't have much trouble finding a job.

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress.