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What would you do if there aren’t enough job listings to apply in your hometown?

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What would you do if there aren’t enough job listings to apply in your hometown?

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  1. RebeccaI

    With so many companies offering remote work these days, I'd work on looking for a position that offers remote opportunities. If remote isn't an option, then I'd expand my search and accept that I either need to commute longer or move.

  2. Anonymous

    It depends on the situation. If I wasn't tied down in any way, (homeownership, children, etc.) then I would be inclined to look elsewhere. If there are circumstances such as those listed above that make it more difficult to up and run then I would be mindful about making a decision with that in mind. At the end of the day, we all need income, and if opportunities aren't available in your area then you have to go out and find them!

  3. Austen

    When I was 'stuck' and felt I had no options in my local area, I did my homework. People can move ahead farther and faster if they move for a job. I moved from the Midwest to the West Coast and it launched me into a new 67% higher pay range . Yes - the CoL was higher, but it was also liberating, educational, empowering and gave me the best life I could have ever hoped to live. When we take the reigns of our lives and make decisions to create a better life, it gives us strength we never knew we had! Yes, it can be scary - but if you decide to live with excitement (instead of calling it scary) you will find new possibilities and create your best life!

  4. Nina Thomas

    Start looking elsewhere. That's how we ended up living abroad for 6 years!

  5. Jackie Ghedine

    It depends on what you do for a living and if it's something where you have to be there. Most jobs aren't in a hometown and commuting has become part of the norms (sadly).

    What are your situations and circumstances for how far you can go? Is there a remote option allowing you to look beyond your town, even your state?

  6. Anonymous

    Search for remote options!

  7. Dorrie Thomas, ASP

    Try remote work options & consider relocation if that's an option - personally, I went on the road consulting for a few years, which helped boost my career portfolio as it exposed me to lots of different areas around the country and I got to go home on the weekends if I wanted/needed to. It's not an easy life living in a suitcase, but it CAN be done! Requires the right mindset for sure, and not every career path would open that door obviously, but for me - my kids were grown, I was single & fearless... I still travel for work every week, but I have a home location and a work base studio my company provides everything but food and sundries so that and my long days short week schedule allows me to be home 3.5days and work 3.5 days... be flexible and open minded, the right fit will find you!

  8. Sweet Caroline

    How far away is the major city to you? I have always had at least an hour commute because the type of job I have requires me to be in a city or immediate suburbs.

  9. Daphne Valcin

    I've seen a lot of research that shows that over 70% of jobs are not listed. This can mean that, if you have the time and capacity, having a networking plan in place that might include networking events or reconnecting with your internal network and making sure that those who you know and trust are aware that you are actively looking for a job since others might be aware of opportunities. I hope this advice is helpful for you or that the advice of others in this comment string might be helpful for you based on what works best for you.

  10. Cymone Gates

    I say move. Unfortunately this has also happened to me. I absolutely love my hometown and being close to family, but there were no jobs for me so I had to move elsewhere. Luckily there was a major city with more opportunities about 6-7 hours driving away or a short 1 hour flight. After the move I was still able to go home often enough for me. Due to COVID I started working remotely full-time, so look into that as well if you really would not like to move, but sometimes it’s just something you have to do.

  11. Katrina B.

    Broaden your search area or move to where you find a role.

  12. Kymberly P. Jones, PMP

    Start your own gig!

  13. Anonymous

    When the recession occurred around 2008-2009, I was forced out of work due to a plant closure. There were no jobs within a half an hour drive from my residence. I broadened my travel area for work and found a decent paying job to help support my family through a contractor. The 55 minute drive and work were tough, but I stuck it out and kept looking while I worked. I also completed my Associate's Degree during that time. It was enough to get our family through a tough time and I got more experience in those short 11 months as well. Good luck!

  14. Anonymous

    Thank you, everyone, for your replies! I was just wondering how do I know if the remote job listing I am applying isn’t a job scam? How do I know it’s a legitimate?

  15. Laura Kell

    Do your research on the company - ratings from job sites, social media, etc.

    The old saying "if it sounds to good to be true, it must not be" doesn't always apply. Almost 2 years ago, I landed a job with a California company who had just acquired a small East Coast Canadian company. (I am in Nova Scotia, Canada). This is literally my dream job - I now work from home 100%, make 25% more than in my old job in the town I lived in at the time and can basically set my own schedule. You never know until you put yourself out there!

    Best of luck.

  16. Marlene

    I would attempt to induce into school and attempt working for the schools. Possibly a childcare, as well. Small children require assistance also. I accept that everybody is competent of learning and instructing modern things. We are able to always learn and develop.

  17. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer

    There's an assumption in your question that job postings are the only way to get a job...that if a job isn't posted, it doesn't exist.

    THIS ISN'T TRUE - for a lot of reasons. Networking is your best bet - always - for not just a job, but a great job.

    I don't know what level you are at, but here is what I teach my clients, in terms of how to use their job search time:

    If you are just out of college: 75% job boards; 25% networking

    If you have been out a few years, 50%/50%

    If you are looking for a more advanced role: 25% job boards; 75% networking

    If you are looking for an executive/C-suite role: 100% networking

    Hope this helps!

  18. Saudia Santure

    Super helpful!!

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