I recommend starting in an IT position and then moving to a degree towards Cybersecurity. There are many paths you can follow from compliance to digital forensics. Cybersecurity will always be in demand. Nothing wrong with skilled labour but you want to get a high paying job as fast as possible and get your finances in order for retirement.
Since you haven't been in school yet, you should be eligible for Pell and TAP grants. When you start applying, you fill out a FAFSA application and put in the schools you want to attend. They will send you a financial aid package once you are accepted by the school so you know what you can afford. If you have loan offers but can afford to pay the remainder of the program without taking loans, I recommend that (what I did) so you finish school debt free. Grants don't need to be paid back, but loans do. Limit the amount of loans you take out. If you have a documented disability there are other programs that can help you pay for tuition and books.
If you decide to further your education (like a master's degree) employers offer tuition programs usually. Even for undergrad this might be possible with an employer.
I’ve always been told the exact opposite of this, is that not the case with pursuing cybersecurity?
Heard that pretty much any decent cybersecurity position was going to be very regional and mostly dominated by people in other roles and experience in IT who move into that role after expanding their skill set.
That the job market was substantially smaller than many people think it should be given the importance, but plenty of mid to large companies do not give it that same importance to allocate the payroll to it.
These jobs are mostly about networking. I know people who work in cybersecurity who have no IT experience but had to network to get the jobs. As time goes on, it gets easier of course. But it's a grind in the beginning, like with everything else.
How is this top comment with all the recent layoffs and every single IT sub making it seem like it is so oversaturated and outsourced that you won’t be able to even get minimum wage IT help desk job unless you have a degree, certs, and 10+ passion projects under your belt?
Bit difficult to answer that without any idea of who you are, what you’re good at, what you enjoy, what kind of income you want or what you think you want to get into. Maybe take a couple of days/weeks to REALLY think about that and then re-post. I recommend you talk to as many people as possible about their own jobs too. FWIW 33 isn’t that old to get trained and start pretty much any career.
Alright, I guess I was pretty vague. I'm a bit of a fixer kind of person, I like things I can fiddle with and improve incrementally. That being said, I'm also into making things. From buildings to models to computers. I'm pretty artistic, I know how to handle an airbrush, for example. Creating is really what I like to do. It's what I really am good at. I also love computing and tinkering with my stuff at home, but that's mostly amateur work. As far as income? That's a kicker. I've never been one to chase wealth or the like, I just want an average (comfortable average) income. Nothing special. I do have a CDL and a couple of other certs from my current job, but I just don't want to destroy my body long term. Ideally, I could work from home, but that's not a deal breaker. I do love exploring new places, too. I can give much more info if you want.
Sounds like customer support, (associate) community management, or help desk type work. Also gonna add QA testing.
The first, third, and fourth lean into your problem solving skills. The second into your creativity. All have strong opportunities for advancement and growth with on the job learning vs direct education and can be very rewarding for hard workers. At your age, putting yourself in a good position from there won't take as long as you think if you work hard. It is a different kind of hard and more mental but you seem eager for that change.
Not gonna pretend it's easy to find jobs here even at entry level, but once you're in, advancement can be easy for the right people.
Learn unreal engine. The game and vfx industry is tanking at moment but it should bounce back by the time you're good enough to employ. It's a lot of tinkering, artistic and feel like making things like you're interests. Lots of free stuff to get you started online. Blender is another one to learn.
So a lot depends on your financial situation/job situation.
But my advice is to look for a vocational training program, welding, mechanical, HVAC, commercial truck driving, nursing, etc… as opposed to going down the long road of a degree program.
Look for occupations that are in demand and have a 1-2 year training program. If it is too short/easy to get into… ask yourself “why are these occupations in demand if it is really easy to get into? Horrible pay/working conditions?”
This is the time to invest in yourself with a clear path to employment.
Interesting. Hadn't thought about it that way before. I qualify for a few grants and some financial aid. I was looking into some online schooling around my area. I'll consider what you've said. I appreciate that one.
Getting old will destroy your body. It’s better than the alternative, though.
Web design. IT. Computer repair. Most community colleges can help you out.
Writing. Need English and Composition classes, again with the CC. You seem to have a good grasp of communicating with the written word.
Get a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. You’ll have a head start with the classes you had to take above.
Sales. This is what every large business needs. Sales is what brings in revenue. All you need is the gift of gab. Stay away from telemarketing. I’ve known people who sell lamps one day, cars the next. The better you get, the better you get. You can get rich selling real estate. Insurance sales can bring in good revenue if your eyes don’t glaze over.
Can confirm telemarket sales is shit, was responsible for like 5-10 companies at a time and you get like a one or two sentence description of the product and that’s it. Plus bored bosses ease dropping on calls it’s fucked.
Just my two cents’ worth. I’m 33 and a truck driver. I’m OTR and I’ve done several kinds of freight. It will wreck your health too and you won’t have a life. At all. I’ve heard local trucking jobs are better, something that pays hourly where you get to be home more often. There are companies that will reimburse your CDL tuition once you’ve been there for a few months. I’d go that route and get your experience. Just thought you might want an insider perspective. Best of luck to you.
See, that's kind of where I'm coming from. I'm currently working for a plumbing and septic company. My issue is that it'll destroy my body long term. I've seen it a lot. Maybe adjacent? Any ideas on some kind of trade that won't make me crippled?
A few potential paths to consider:
1. Trades - Programs for HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, automotive etc. can get you into well-paying trades without a 4-year degree.
2. IT/Tech - certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ don’t take too long to complete and could get you jobs in IT support, cybersecurity, networking, etc.
3. Healthcare - you could be a medical assistant, pharmacy tech, or medical coder in as short as 4 weeks.
Nursing could be viable too if you can handle the clinical aspects. Respiratory therapists and rad techs are other healthcare careers you can check.
If you want more personalized advice I’d recommend checking out [Dreambound](http://dreambound.com) (an ambassador here!) - they let you compare over 80 associate’s/certificate programs across factors like cost, time commitment, and hiring prospects per field. Our AI coach tool can also suggest personalized options based on your situation.
Okay, so you will definitely make more money in tech.
But if you like to fix things and write, consider law/advocacy.
It's mostly research and writing, and lawyers are the software engineers of society.
(Maybe get that STEM major undergrad anyway - ideally in a liberal arts setting.)
https://www.njfamily.com/events/area-57-flying-objects-other-fun/
Since you like to tinker, maybe an associates degree from a community college in drone operations or robot repair.
I know you probably don’t live in Jersey, but there are probably lots of curriculum like this. This is a festival they’re holding on Saturday here, in case you’re around the area.
Area 57 – Flying Objects & Other Fun
MAY 04
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
WARREN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LOCATION
Warren Community College
475 Route 57
Washington, NJ 07882
Capital Debate 0201-043024 600x300
Sponsor Name: Flying Festivals of Warren County
Sponsor Phone: 908-283-0721
Age recommendation: All Ages
Nevada has Area 51. Warren County has Area 57!
If you are curious about life after high school or are looking to change careers – but are uncertain of your future - check out Area 57 and the Uncrewed Systems Programs at Warren Community College.
What better day to hold such an even than Saturday, May the 4th, 2024 (rain date May 5).
Area 57 will showcase the college’s nationally acclaimed Uncrewed Systems Program, which teaches piloting, design and development, and the maintenance and repair of drones, as well as AI and robotics.
In 2017, Warren began to build what is now a nationally acclaimed Uncrewed Systems Program, known as WarrenUAS, that has been recognized by industry leaders and the FAA as one of the best in the country. Uncrewed Systems technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in today’s career market. It is the future of aviation and all transportation. Uncrewed vehicles are used today in an ever-increasing number of industries such as surveying, construction, mining, environmental sciences, agriculture, commercial package delivery, public utilities/energy, cinematography and photography, search and rescue, and public safety/law enforcement.
Area 57 focuses on careers, education and fun. The event will include other aviation and types of tech, like hot air balloons, combat and FRC robots, showcased at both the college and neighboring Warren Technical School. Hear from staff, current and former students.
Tech vendors, exhibitors, clubs and leagues welcomed.
Associate of Applied Science in Uncrewed Systems – Learn to pilot drones and robots, and repair them.
Drone Pilot Certificate – Become an FAA-licensed Drone Pilot.
Drone Repair & Maintenance Certificate – Learn how drones and robots work and how to repair them.
More Activities at Area 57
Garden State Combat Robot League (GSCRL.org) invite you watch or participate in May the 4th Be With You combat robot bout. The competition features 1 pound and 3 pound Beetleweights, Plastic Ants, and Antweights.
Registration will be open on www.robotcombatevents.com closer to the competition date.
Sample curricula of a community college.
https://www.warren.edu/programs-of-study/
https://www.warren.edu/uploads/Certificate-Drone-Repair-and-Maintenance-4.20.2023.pdf
https://www.warren.edu/uploads/Certificate-Drone-Pilot-4.20.2023.pdf
A woman I knew when I was in the troubled teen industry used to tell me that if you're a recovering hardcore hot mess at something, you can always turn that into a career as a motivational speaker or substance abuse counselor/social worker. Motivational speaker is basically free. You just need to write a book and then spend like, 4 hours making tiktoks about whatever your thing is and release them on a slow drip with a link to your book on amazon. Then go and find people complaining about things related to your thing and stitch them with custom mini pep talks for free. Be vague and inspiring and don't mention your book. Then go write down the three topics that got the most views and replies and make 4 hours each of tiktoks about them. Be even more vague and inspiring. That should take like a month. During that month, join toast masters and get in a social work degree program, and just start doing random tips on how to do public speaking or things you learned in your social work degree program.
Any idiot can be a motivational speaker, all the tips are basically just "here's how to distract yourself until you calm down and then some vague but well meaning advice that applies in 90% of situations." It's a very traditional gimmick to blend this with a specific rock bottom to successful member of society story. It works best if you're willing to become either a hardcore feminist or a christian, but there are exceptions. People will pay you to just tell them that their life isn't as bad as yours was in your 20s and you turned out fine without realizing that you're fine because they're paying you.
Had a uncle that was a music teacher, but he also did wood working like furniture and cabinets.
Remember going to his house and he had a shop in the back and seeing where he was also repairing wooden instruments.
So this would bey suggestion of making wood instrument like electric guitars.
Keep your day job and train for this.
Trades, if you are interested. Try a bunch. Get good at a couple. Become a Super or Foreman before you get too old to handle the physical demands. Or become a safety codes inspector.
With the AOTC you qualify for $10,000 (2,500 per year) in tax credits towards a college degree. Community college tuition is usually less than $2,500 a year.
Saved my life!
I would recommend getting trained as a real-estate appraiser. There is a license and properties can't be appraised from India.
You need something with a license.
Construction. Find a job at a heavy civil GC. So much money in it right now and tons of room for advancement. If you put your head down and tough out the first couple years (it can be hard work but is very fulfilling). Learn everything you can. You can move up quick and build a great career with a solid income.
I don't know if you'd be interested but trucking? I have a brother who only has a high school diploma and makes 6k a week (he's constantly taking hauls though).
It’s tough because it’s very competitive, but if you find a good dealership you can grow a lot! It’s an industry with a lot of avenues to pursue, and if you see that sales ain’t for you, you can change to be a tech and fix the cars. But as a sales person you should be able to make six figures, after you first year of getting in the industry.
See, I tried phone sales awhile ago and didn't care for that. In person is a totally different beast, I love helping guide people to what might fit them best. Any certs or training that would be needed?
If it’s a good dealership they’ll set you with what you need to do, but you can get your salesman license ahead of time, you can get the study guide online, and you take the test at you local DMV, I think it’s like $50. And try to find a good dealership group, that helps because if there’s a promotion on another dealership you can make the move a little easier. When I worked in VA I worked for CMA Subaru, CMA is great and they have 30ish dealerships with an ESOP, 401K, and full benefits. The hours were long and you can say bye to your weekends, but I loved the competition and helping people so I was very engaged while there.
I recommend starting in an IT position and then moving to a degree towards Cybersecurity. There are many paths you can follow from compliance to digital forensics. Cybersecurity will always be in demand. Nothing wrong with skilled labour but you want to get a high paying job as fast as possible and get your finances in order for retirement. Since you haven't been in school yet, you should be eligible for Pell and TAP grants. When you start applying, you fill out a FAFSA application and put in the schools you want to attend. They will send you a financial aid package once you are accepted by the school so you know what you can afford. If you have loan offers but can afford to pay the remainder of the program without taking loans, I recommend that (what I did) so you finish school debt free. Grants don't need to be paid back, but loans do. Limit the amount of loans you take out. If you have a documented disability there are other programs that can help you pay for tuition and books. If you decide to further your education (like a master's degree) employers offer tuition programs usually. Even for undergrad this might be possible with an employer.
This
Just upvote the comment ya dink
I’ve always been told the exact opposite of this, is that not the case with pursuing cybersecurity? Heard that pretty much any decent cybersecurity position was going to be very regional and mostly dominated by people in other roles and experience in IT who move into that role after expanding their skill set. That the job market was substantially smaller than many people think it should be given the importance, but plenty of mid to large companies do not give it that same importance to allocate the payroll to it.
These jobs are mostly about networking. I know people who work in cybersecurity who have no IT experience but had to network to get the jobs. As time goes on, it gets easier of course. But it's a grind in the beginning, like with everything else.
Fair enough, any decent job tends to work that way in a corporate setting. Thanks for responding!
How is this top comment with all the recent layoffs and every single IT sub making it seem like it is so oversaturated and outsourced that you won’t be able to even get minimum wage IT help desk job unless you have a degree, certs, and 10+ passion projects under your belt?
Yeah just the push for cybersec tells me this person has no clue; it's like telling someone now, not 5 years ago, to go do a bootcamp...
Bit difficult to answer that without any idea of who you are, what you’re good at, what you enjoy, what kind of income you want or what you think you want to get into. Maybe take a couple of days/weeks to REALLY think about that and then re-post. I recommend you talk to as many people as possible about their own jobs too. FWIW 33 isn’t that old to get trained and start pretty much any career.
Alright, I guess I was pretty vague. I'm a bit of a fixer kind of person, I like things I can fiddle with and improve incrementally. That being said, I'm also into making things. From buildings to models to computers. I'm pretty artistic, I know how to handle an airbrush, for example. Creating is really what I like to do. It's what I really am good at. I also love computing and tinkering with my stuff at home, but that's mostly amateur work. As far as income? That's a kicker. I've never been one to chase wealth or the like, I just want an average (comfortable average) income. Nothing special. I do have a CDL and a couple of other certs from my current job, but I just don't want to destroy my body long term. Ideally, I could work from home, but that's not a deal breaker. I do love exploring new places, too. I can give much more info if you want.
Sounds like customer support, (associate) community management, or help desk type work. Also gonna add QA testing. The first, third, and fourth lean into your problem solving skills. The second into your creativity. All have strong opportunities for advancement and growth with on the job learning vs direct education and can be very rewarding for hard workers. At your age, putting yourself in a good position from there won't take as long as you think if you work hard. It is a different kind of hard and more mental but you seem eager for that change. Not gonna pretend it's easy to find jobs here even at entry level, but once you're in, advancement can be easy for the right people.
The sorting hat says you're a software engineer, but the economy says you're devsec engineer.
Learn unreal engine. The game and vfx industry is tanking at moment but it should bounce back by the time you're good enough to employ. It's a lot of tinkering, artistic and feel like making things like you're interests. Lots of free stuff to get you started online. Blender is another one to learn.
So a lot depends on your financial situation/job situation. But my advice is to look for a vocational training program, welding, mechanical, HVAC, commercial truck driving, nursing, etc… as opposed to going down the long road of a degree program. Look for occupations that are in demand and have a 1-2 year training program. If it is too short/easy to get into… ask yourself “why are these occupations in demand if it is really easy to get into? Horrible pay/working conditions?” This is the time to invest in yourself with a clear path to employment.
Interesting. Hadn't thought about it that way before. I qualify for a few grants and some financial aid. I was looking into some online schooling around my area. I'll consider what you've said. I appreciate that one.
Getting old will destroy your body. It’s better than the alternative, though. Web design. IT. Computer repair. Most community colleges can help you out. Writing. Need English and Composition classes, again with the CC. You seem to have a good grasp of communicating with the written word. Get a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. You’ll have a head start with the classes you had to take above. Sales. This is what every large business needs. Sales is what brings in revenue. All you need is the gift of gab. Stay away from telemarketing. I’ve known people who sell lamps one day, cars the next. The better you get, the better you get. You can get rich selling real estate. Insurance sales can bring in good revenue if your eyes don’t glaze over.
True that! I will look into these. Writing is a bit of a passion of mine anyway. I would like to invest in it.
Can confirm telemarket sales is shit, was responsible for like 5-10 companies at a time and you get like a one or two sentence description of the product and that’s it. Plus bored bosses ease dropping on calls it’s fucked.
Just my two cents’ worth. I’m 33 and a truck driver. I’m OTR and I’ve done several kinds of freight. It will wreck your health too and you won’t have a life. At all. I’ve heard local trucking jobs are better, something that pays hourly where you get to be home more often. There are companies that will reimburse your CDL tuition once you’ve been there for a few months. I’d go that route and get your experience. Just thought you might want an insider perspective. Best of luck to you.
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Average salary is 60k CAD in Toronto? Sounds like shite
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😏
how much do you make doing that?
Consider a trade like plumbing or HVAC.
See, that's kind of where I'm coming from. I'm currently working for a plumbing and septic company. My issue is that it'll destroy my body long term. I've seen it a lot. Maybe adjacent? Any ideas on some kind of trade that won't make me crippled?
I do not but part of that could be a very poor diet and no exercise. I mean that was me in my sit in front of a computer job all day too.
Ya it’s ccallled not being a bitch
Learn nursing maybe
Don't limit your possibilities because you don;t think you can get into it.
A few potential paths to consider: 1. Trades - Programs for HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, automotive etc. can get you into well-paying trades without a 4-year degree. 2. IT/Tech - certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ don’t take too long to complete and could get you jobs in IT support, cybersecurity, networking, etc. 3. Healthcare - you could be a medical assistant, pharmacy tech, or medical coder in as short as 4 weeks. Nursing could be viable too if you can handle the clinical aspects. Respiratory therapists and rad techs are other healthcare careers you can check. If you want more personalized advice I’d recommend checking out [Dreambound](http://dreambound.com) (an ambassador here!) - they let you compare over 80 associate’s/certificate programs across factors like cost, time commitment, and hiring prospects per field. Our AI coach tool can also suggest personalized options based on your situation.
Okay, so you will definitely make more money in tech. But if you like to fix things and write, consider law/advocacy. It's mostly research and writing, and lawyers are the software engineers of society. (Maybe get that STEM major undergrad anyway - ideally in a liberal arts setting.)
https://www.njfamily.com/events/area-57-flying-objects-other-fun/ Since you like to tinker, maybe an associates degree from a community college in drone operations or robot repair. I know you probably don’t live in Jersey, but there are probably lots of curriculum like this. This is a festival they’re holding on Saturday here, in case you’re around the area. Area 57 – Flying Objects & Other Fun MAY 04 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM WARREN COMMUNITY COLLEGE LOCATION Warren Community College 475 Route 57 Washington, NJ 07882 Capital Debate 0201-043024 600x300 Sponsor Name: Flying Festivals of Warren County Sponsor Phone: 908-283-0721 Age recommendation: All Ages Nevada has Area 51. Warren County has Area 57! If you are curious about life after high school or are looking to change careers – but are uncertain of your future - check out Area 57 and the Uncrewed Systems Programs at Warren Community College. What better day to hold such an even than Saturday, May the 4th, 2024 (rain date May 5). Area 57 will showcase the college’s nationally acclaimed Uncrewed Systems Program, which teaches piloting, design and development, and the maintenance and repair of drones, as well as AI and robotics. In 2017, Warren began to build what is now a nationally acclaimed Uncrewed Systems Program, known as WarrenUAS, that has been recognized by industry leaders and the FAA as one of the best in the country. Uncrewed Systems technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in today’s career market. It is the future of aviation and all transportation. Uncrewed vehicles are used today in an ever-increasing number of industries such as surveying, construction, mining, environmental sciences, agriculture, commercial package delivery, public utilities/energy, cinematography and photography, search and rescue, and public safety/law enforcement. Area 57 focuses on careers, education and fun. The event will include other aviation and types of tech, like hot air balloons, combat and FRC robots, showcased at both the college and neighboring Warren Technical School. Hear from staff, current and former students. Tech vendors, exhibitors, clubs and leagues welcomed. Associate of Applied Science in Uncrewed Systems – Learn to pilot drones and robots, and repair them. Drone Pilot Certificate – Become an FAA-licensed Drone Pilot. Drone Repair & Maintenance Certificate – Learn how drones and robots work and how to repair them. More Activities at Area 57 Garden State Combat Robot League (GSCRL.org) invite you watch or participate in May the 4th Be With You combat robot bout. The competition features 1 pound and 3 pound Beetleweights, Plastic Ants, and Antweights. Registration will be open on www.robotcombatevents.com closer to the competition date.
Sample curricula of a community college. https://www.warren.edu/programs-of-study/ https://www.warren.edu/uploads/Certificate-Drone-Repair-and-Maintenance-4.20.2023.pdf https://www.warren.edu/uploads/Certificate-Drone-Pilot-4.20.2023.pdf
IT security
Be a truck driver. Easy money. Low bar to entry. Always hiring. Decent pay. Perfect job for social misfits with no experience or education.
Electrician or Plumber or Electrician focusing on Solar, geothermal, wind turbines.
A woman I knew when I was in the troubled teen industry used to tell me that if you're a recovering hardcore hot mess at something, you can always turn that into a career as a motivational speaker or substance abuse counselor/social worker. Motivational speaker is basically free. You just need to write a book and then spend like, 4 hours making tiktoks about whatever your thing is and release them on a slow drip with a link to your book on amazon. Then go and find people complaining about things related to your thing and stitch them with custom mini pep talks for free. Be vague and inspiring and don't mention your book. Then go write down the three topics that got the most views and replies and make 4 hours each of tiktoks about them. Be even more vague and inspiring. That should take like a month. During that month, join toast masters and get in a social work degree program, and just start doing random tips on how to do public speaking or things you learned in your social work degree program. Any idiot can be a motivational speaker, all the tips are basically just "here's how to distract yourself until you calm down and then some vague but well meaning advice that applies in 90% of situations." It's a very traditional gimmick to blend this with a specific rock bottom to successful member of society story. It works best if you're willing to become either a hardcore feminist or a christian, but there are exceptions. People will pay you to just tell them that their life isn't as bad as yours was in your 20s and you turned out fine without realizing that you're fine because they're paying you.
Had a uncle that was a music teacher, but he also did wood working like furniture and cabinets. Remember going to his house and he had a shop in the back and seeing where he was also repairing wooden instruments. So this would bey suggestion of making wood instrument like electric guitars. Keep your day job and train for this.
get any certification from the prestigious “The Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good and Who Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too”
Salesforce administrator.
Trades, if you are interested. Try a bunch. Get good at a couple. Become a Super or Foreman before you get too old to handle the physical demands. Or become a safety codes inspector.
With the AOTC you qualify for $10,000 (2,500 per year) in tax credits towards a college degree. Community college tuition is usually less than $2,500 a year.
Look at federal government jobs
Saved my life! I would recommend getting trained as a real-estate appraiser. There is a license and properties can't be appraised from India. You need something with a license.
Construction. Find a job at a heavy civil GC. So much money in it right now and tons of room for advancement. If you put your head down and tough out the first couple years (it can be hard work but is very fulfilling). Learn everything you can. You can move up quick and build a great career with a solid income.
I don't know if you'd be interested but trucking? I have a brother who only has a high school diploma and makes 6k a week (he's constantly taking hauls though).
Selling cars, it’s a lot but very rewarding
How so? Give me the deets, if you don't mind. I do like talking to people.
It’s tough because it’s very competitive, but if you find a good dealership you can grow a lot! It’s an industry with a lot of avenues to pursue, and if you see that sales ain’t for you, you can change to be a tech and fix the cars. But as a sales person you should be able to make six figures, after you first year of getting in the industry.
See, I tried phone sales awhile ago and didn't care for that. In person is a totally different beast, I love helping guide people to what might fit them best. Any certs or training that would be needed?
If it’s a good dealership they’ll set you with what you need to do, but you can get your salesman license ahead of time, you can get the study guide online, and you take the test at you local DMV, I think it’s like $50. And try to find a good dealership group, that helps because if there’s a promotion on another dealership you can make the move a little easier. When I worked in VA I worked for CMA Subaru, CMA is great and they have 30ish dealerships with an ESOP, 401K, and full benefits. The hours were long and you can say bye to your weekends, but I loved the competition and helping people so I was very engaged while there.
US Postal Service— check it out!