Author Topic: Missing Boise UPDATE: OFFER RECEIVED (Read 761 times)

ARgeek · « **on:** July 28, 2011, 04:38:22 PM »

Hey Gang,
I visited Boise with my now wife in the summer of 2009. I have been trying to relocate us out there since December to no avail. Opportunities for my line of work, Software Quality Analyst, seem like hen's teeth out there. I did have a couple interviews with two local companies (PM for more details), one went superb and the other not so much. In the end I was not offered positions. I have no problem getting interviews in Des Moines, but it's quite discouraging job searching out of state. My wife is ready to buy a home here, but I still have Idaho in the back of my mind. Logically, I just can't bring myself to moving out there without a position secured. For now, I will have to settle on yearly vacations out to the Gem State. Thanks for hearing me out. What have I missed since I visited last? I still "stay in touch" by reading the Idaho Statesman every other day. Go Broncos!

NoviceHunter · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2011, 04:46:50 PM »

I'm not sure we have a long-term sustainable tech base here. Two major employers, which keep lots of tech folks around to provide a labor pool for the few smaller companies. But both of those major employers are getting smaller by attrition, so when they're toast.... Local and state government have done nothing to address that eventuality. No talent pool means no startups means no talent pool... loop.

Salt Lake City has a much larger tech industry, if you want to get close.

ARgeek · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2011, 05:16:09 PM »

Thanks for your comments. Haven't been to Utah yet.

9Shooter · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2011, 06:12:38 PM »

Although it may not pay quite as well as private sector, BSU is a good place for steady work if you can find the right position. Sometimes the various colleges will post for their own IT spots, but for the university as a whole, keep any eye here http://oit.boisestate.edu/aboutoit/job-opportunities/ and you may see something pop up that would be a fit.

Evergreen · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2011, 11:44:41 PM »

Buy a house in Des Moines??

Really, you might want to think about that a bit.. I just cannot even bring myself to think about living in a place that gets to -30F in the winter, is flat, liberal and empty. Last I heard Iowa was quite on the left side of things. I guess because of the undesirable location, perhaps many companies are able to setup and operate their cheaply and bribe people with nice wages to attract them to the place. I know that Alaska actually was paying people to come there at one point. I've also heard North Dakota is very affordable and there is quite a few nice job offerings in various industries there. At least, in Alaska you have beautiful mountains and scenery. Sorry, to anyone here who is a native and loyal Iowan. I just cannot bring msyelf to live in the Plains, especially the icy cold Northern Plains.

If you don't mind getting a permit to drink alcohol , Salt Lake City might be a feasible option. Nice mountain scenery around there. I just love wine and beer too much, so Utah may not agree with me.

I'm going to check out Boise myself and looking forward to seeing what it is like here. If Oregon wasn't so expensive, maybe I would stay, but the Californian and East Coast transplants are driving out the local people with their larger bank accounts and liberal politics.

pv74 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2011, 12:05:04 AM »

Des Moines is not all that bad...
They have nice gun shows (used to go to them when I lived in the Omaha area).
Remember a nice rifle range in that area as well...
It's in the center of the country and not all that far from major cities, such as Chicago...hell, you can drive to Florida in a day from there...

My suggestion to the OP is to broaden his skill set and consider other career paths...
I did see something in the software field in Boise in the ARFCOM team job forum a few days ago...

GrayWolf · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2011, 12:24:00 AM »

Evergreen,

Have you thought about being self-employed as a software consultant in some capacity? If you have the skill set, you might consider database or web site creation.

Just a thought.

GW

Evergreen · « **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2011, 01:59:01 AM »

GrayWolf, I have considered and I am open to many options. Right now, I am trying to launch my own web-based medical/dental software business that will operate under a cloud-structure. I am seeing a lot of potential in the web world. I am essentially taking over the family business of 25 years and trying to keep it alive in this crazy world. I've been an .NET application developer for the last 11 years or so, so I am right now learning a lot of new technologies.

Despite, the numerous amount of people offering web design and web programming solutions, there does seem to be a great demand for web developer and designers, because the amount of websites are increasing, as well as the demand for innovative web solutions. A lot of people are looking for local developers as it is harder for

I'm not sure where my path will lead, but I am hoping there might be some potential when I move to Boise in utilizing my software and development knowledge.

BTW, Wolf, was your question directed at me or ARGeek?

He is the OP and also is involved with the software field.

If I was the OP, I would look into starting a business that offers web-based solutions, but a startup is never easy and you need capital to start the venture.

Quote

Des Moines is not all that bad...
They have nice gun shows (used to go to them when I lived in the Omaha area).
Remember a nice rifle range in that area as well...

Well, I guess I really don't know much about the place. All I know is, I cannot live in places that are very cold and flat. I really need mountains and some above 0 temperatures. I never enjoyed the -20F days I had to face living in Bend, but at least I could see gorgeous snowy mountains on a rare clear day in the winter. On another note, I hear Midwestern people, the more rural ones, are very hospitable, down home and friendly. I know in Oregon, most people just hate outsiders (at first), probably because the state has been invaded by our friendly Southern Neighbors.

ARgeek · « **Reply #8 on:** July 29, 2011, 07:05:50 PM »

Quote from: pv74 on July 29, 2011, 12:05:04 AM

Des Moines is not all that bad...
They have nice gun shows (used to go to them when I lived in the Omaha area).
Remember a nice rifle range in that area as well...
It's in the center of the country and not all that far from major cities, such as Chicago...hell, you can drive to Florida in a day from there...

My suggestion to the OP is to broaden his skill set and consider other career paths...
I did see something in the software field in Boise in the ARFCOM team job forum a few days ago...

Good to see you are active on this site still. I don't know if you remember, but we chatted on the phone before I visited last. I met you and a bunch of other guys for pizza too at Idaho Pizza Company. You also mentioned at that time broadening my skillset as well. I would, but I enjoy what I do and I am good at it. It takes a company with a semi-mature software methodology to recognize the need for QA folks and so far I haven't found many companies like that in Boise.

Evergreen,
Des Moines, IA isn't too horrible. It's close to flee to Minneapolis, Omaha, Chicago and Kansas City. Salaries are good, homes prices are reasonable (not as cheap as Boise), and our unemployment is among the lowest in the nation. Our last winter was also quite mild. We also drastically overhauled our CCW permit issuance last year. Like you said there are no mountains, and very few lakes and most of the land around here is private. I keep telling myself I can't eat scenery, but I still want to get out there.

nacrotek · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2011, 10:41:58 PM »

The company I work for here in Boise is looking for software developers and quality engineers. I emailed you the details.

Best of luck!

-Preston

rixret · « **Reply #10 on:** August 10, 2011, 08:22:05 PM »

You guy's don't mention what your wives do. What about them getting a job out here to support you while you're looking for gainful employment in your field. I once knew a guy who did just that. They later split, he stayed here in Idaho to enjoy the great outdoor opportunities, don't know what happened to her. Maybe went back home to the NorthEast.

ARgeek · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2011, 07:46:58 PM »

UPDATE:

Well after 3 rounds of interviews I finally got an offer I have been trying to get for the past 6 months. I won't reveal the company's name, but they are contracted by the State of Idaho to pay Medicaid claims. Pay is the same (quite high for Idaho) as I make here, 401K match slightly less, and health benefits slightly better, I would get about the same amount of PTO days as I get now. They did not offer any relocation assistance which I estimated would be around $3,000-$4,000. I could do it for considerably less using a Penske truck, but I don't know if I want to deal with the hassle.

I find myself in quite a predicament. I got the impression from the recruiter that I was near the maximum pay grade for the position. I could make more, but it would require me to take on managerial responsibilities which are within my capabilities, but I am not ecstatic for. I am also interviewing with companies in Des Moines and I have a strong potential to increase by gross pay here by 30-40% easily. I just interviewed yesterday and I should know by Friday if this pay bump is coming. My wife, a self-proprietor, has an established clientele here (hairstylist) that would take at least 3 years or more to recreate in Boise. We have very little debt, no kids, and no house to sell. We could make my salary work and she could get a retail job while she waits for her occupational license. If we are going to do this move it's either now or not any time soon.

I'm also thinking that if I end up not liking my employment there I would have to take a pretty big salary cut or change careers to maintain my standard of living. There were only 1-2 other companies in Boise market that I found that were hiring people in my profession. Both companies paid considerably less than this position.

To add to another variable to the equation, we made an offer on a home we absolutely love (prior to offer from Idaho company) and our offer was accepted. The home is in prime location and has great opportunity for equity building since we got for a great price and needs some fixing up. The seller has agreed to every repair request and allowance we have asked for. There's literally nothing he hasn't agreed to. We have spent about $1000 total (good earnest check, home inspection) so far on the transaction and we our scheduled to close the first Friday in October. I can still back out, but I will have pissed away the $1000 dollars if I do.

Also, if we start having children in the next 3 years I am sure I am not realizing the importance of having family nearby. I won't have that support structure out in Idaho and we most likely we will be flying home for the major holidays.

I consider myself a very logical person, and my head is telling me that I am financially set here, but my heart is saying take a chance. I am thinking about declining the Idaho position, but hinting at the need for more money. They told me they put out their strongest offer, but I think there may additional wiggle room. In the meantime I should hear back from my interview here. By then I should be able to make an informed decision.

What would you do?

zona5101 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2011, 08:28:10 PM »

well if the offer comes from a company that starts with and M and ends in an A - plan on lots of overtime but without the extra pay (IT is all salary employees) and no bonus either. Hopefully your offer is from someone else.

ARgeek · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2011, 08:44:00 PM »

Quote from: zona5101 on August 24, 2011, 08:28:10 PM

well if the offer comes from a company that starts with and M and ends in an A - plan on lots of overtime but without the extra pay (IT is all salary employees) and no bonus either. Hopefully your offer is from someone else.

Crap...

Brother dan · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2011, 12:27:40 AM »

well....how bad do you want to live in Idaho?

NoviceHunter · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2011, 08:52:58 AM »

I was in exactly the same boat, and I moved, because I love Idaho. And I've had to deal with every one of the negatives on your list. And I wouldn't change a thing. One thing is for certain, given your circumstances, it won't get any easier to move in the future. Only harder. Pick where you want to live, and let the rest work itself out. IMO.

AR10ER · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2011, 09:05:08 AM »

Quality of life, that was my deciding factor.

zona5101 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 25, 2011, 03:16:18 PM »

ARGeek...there are other QA jobs here. My GF is a QA Manager/Business Analyst/Multi-hat IT person and has been successful moving from one company to another here in the valley. Its not easy but not impossible. And on the plus side M*A has lots of really nice people who work there - the people are great its just dealing with the state is a PITA and causes lots of fires that are put out with working extra hours.

ballardw · « **Reply #18 on:** August 25, 2011, 11:59:27 PM »

If the job is connected with the actual Idaho Medicaid payment project save as much of your salary as you can. The company has been doing poorly in actual performance. I do not know how long the contract runs for but that part of the company may not be the most stable.

If I were in your boots I would try to find out how many positions might go away if that contract goes belly-up. If the company has any seniority type retention program newer hires, i.e. you, may be short.

ARgeek · « **Reply #19 on:** August 28, 2011, 09:37:19 PM »

After much deliberation with my wife and many sleepless nights I ultimately declined the initial offer. I made a promise to myself before I started interviewing that I would not accept less or the same as I was making here. I questioned that promise, but held true to it. If they come back with a higher offer things will get interesting.

ballardw · « **Reply #20 on:** August 29, 2011, 12:48:51 AM »

Noticed in the news the other day the company got hit with a $3million non-performance penalty and the contract has been revised so that the previous annual contract is an upper limit in case of more problems.