I'm thinking of moving to Hawaii. What tips can you give me? I know it is difficult to break into the job

Question

market, however I am a Master's level Social Worker. Please help... I don't know about housing, transportation or anything else really!

Answer 1

You have been given alot of great information already...but I thought I would add a few other thoughts...
I am not sure where you live but if you in California or Florida etc..it will basically be a lateral move for you. Other than that, yep you will think its expensive in some ways. There are like IslandPrince stated jobs for those who have degrees... its more of a problem with people who do not have specific skills to get one job that will support them, hence working two jobs mostly in tourism (basically because thats what keeps the islands afloat). Its true there is excellent public transportation and alot of it depends where you live on the island on whether you need a car.
Personally before I made the jump..I made many trips over at all times of the year so I could see exactly what I was in for...I investigated (probably over investigated) where I wanted to live...because even though your in Hawaii each town has its own "feel".......I decided on the North Shore because I wanted the country feel...but am still able to drive to the city in 40 minutes when I want to. We have lots of "chain" stores now.. Costco..and Costco prices are bascially the same everywhere.. so if you a huge milk drinker buy it at Costco! There is also Safeway or on the mainland its Von's.. it always has specials. There are many farmers markets..and lots of roadside fruit stands. Gas is cheaper than in California (I was just there)..I can't speak for the other states. Clothing is not the same issue as the mainland.. you just don't dress the same..period! And don't need the same kind of clothes or amounts. We have "Ross for Less" here , so you can find clothes reasonable and even a Macy's , Sears, Home Dept, Lowe's, Kmart, Walmart...so see..its ver "civilized" here .
Everyday I walk up even going to work...I am in paradise..I take my board to work and change clothes on the way home I surf!! Can it get better....ummmmmmm.. not sure where!
I wish you all the best.. but do your homework!!
And.. you will meet friends!!!
Aloha!!

Answer 2

As an MSW you shouldn't have that much dificulty in placing for a job. Kaiser, St Jude Hospital, and Tripler (Military) Hospitals are in Oahu just to name a few. Also there are many social programs on the islands including nursing, consultation, private practice support, children's services, adult mental health services, psychiatric services, etc. Some positions may also require that you be an LCSW. The health services sector is understaffed at the moment. And with the forecast of babyboomers approaching retirement age, the need for health workers will extend far into the future.
First, land the job! Your employer may subsidize some of your moving expense.
We'll deal with housing after you get the job.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Thee are MSW jobs available.Maybe you have to work for the city or state but I know a lot of people who do & they are happy. You might want to look up the payscale, but it's probably higher than you think, but so is the cost of living.Housing: thehonolulustarbulletin.com & thehonoluluadvertiser, are the 2 daily newspapers. You can look in the classifieds for both housing & jobs. Places go fast so make sure to call them asap if you see something that looks good. 1 person or maybe 2~$700-$1000/mo. after utilities. Gasoline $2.65/gal (highest in the US, luckily you don't need a car, we have one of the best bus systems in the US(award winning) $2 per ride or even cheaper if you purchase a monthly pass. Parking is hard to find & expensive.I think if you havea MSW & submit your resume to a bunch of placed now you'll have a good chance of getting a job.craigslisthawaii.com may even have more listings.

Answer 4

You probably should make some connections before moving there so that you don't have difficulty obtaining a job or you could offer your services to an organization there on a part time basis until you find something full time. Just remember, the native Hawaiians will get the priority when it comes to the job market.

Answer 5

The housing is kind of limited and very expensive there, probably one of the most expensive in the country. You "may be" able to find a social worker job with your degree. But, the housing is especially hard and expensive over there. The rent for a studio apartment goes for at least $750/mth and up. Most of them rent for at least $900/mth. You can check out the prices at http://www.craigslist.org. "Sometimes", they have state jobs with openings for social worker. Right now, the Judiciary is recruiting for social workers for other islands at http://www.courts.state.hi.us/index.jsp. You can also do a search for information on http://www.google.com yourself. The bus system is quite good and you can get around to most places by bus.

Answer 6

Take a visit over there and check things out. You could talk to people and find out about jobs and where to apply. You might even be able to do a search for a forum and find someone willing to send a local paper to you.

The only thing I know about Hawaii is that it is expensive.A friend of mine just got back from there and milk was like $8 a gallon. lol

Good Luck!

Answer 7

It is very expensive. First you should get a job in the travel/tourism industry. You can be a travel agent, make connections, you can travel there very cheaply. I know travel agents who live there half the year and live on the mainland the rest of the time. Or you can get a job at a major chain hotel and get transferred there eventually.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 8

My best tip is to relax. I've lived here three years as of this month. It took me a full year to learn how to work well with the locals. So, don't let the differences get to you. Just relax when working/talking with them and take the advice other locals may give you. They're giving it to you to be helpful, so listen.

Answer 9

Well you could search the NASW job bank on-line if you are a member. It is socialworkers.org. When I have moved long distances I have been able to do initial phone interviews, then combine the second interview with a short vacation.

Answer 10

Get a job over there before you move. You will be looking at extremely high rent or payments. Everything is more expensive since it needs to be shipped in.