Moving to Las Vegas Part II

Before all else, you want to understand the real reason why you want to move to Las Vegas. The reason isn’t that you want to golf more, gamble more or go to cool nightclubs. Those are all incidental to what it is you really want; FREE TIME. You want the free time to do the things that the normal day to day grind back home just won‘t allow.

You need income, so you need a job. How else are you going to pay for rent and car payments, gas, food etc.? If you really like your job back home, you can most likely do it in Las Vegas. Chances are that you don’t otherwise you wouldn’t be contemplating such a move. You are most likely going to have to take a job that pays less than what you’re used to. Stay away from sales jobs, management positions, most white collar type jobs. They can pay well but are not schedule friendly and that makes it tough to get the free time you want. What would be ideal is a graveyard shift job, seven to eight hours per day, maybe four or five days per week. Here’s some ideas’

Valet parking

Food server/waiter

Hotel houseman

Blackjack dealer

Security guard

taxi driver

Chauffeur

Professional gambler

Bartender

Barback

You get the picture. Some of these jobs may pay more or less than what you make, job satisfaction may be difficult to gauge, but they are low intensity jobs that will allow you the free time to do as you please.

Budgeting becomes very important. Either that or a slight lifestyle change. Get rid of that European sports car, do you really need to pay all that insurance? Buy yourself a four wheel drive pickup truck.

It’s a lot easier now to relocate to another city. You can use the internet to find and secure a new job and apartment. It wouldn’t hurt to save up a couple paychecks as a buffer against any emergencies. It is advisable that you not let ALL the people you know where you are moving, you are not going to provide “a cheap place to stay” for everyone.

When the inevitable questions are asked, just say that you’re going to return to school to finish up your four year degree. If you already have it, make something academic up. This usually stops any further questions and your happiness is none of their business anyway.

The right apartment is key to your happiness. In Las Vegas, it holds true that the less crowded the area, the better. Get an apartment towards the northwest part of town. The area is newer and it’s a lot safer. If given a choice, take the mountain view rather than a Strip view. Save money on rent, if possible, but make sure the complex has all the necessary amenities; heated pools, gym facilities, sauna, Jacuzzis, friendly staff. If you have to pay extra for a washer and dryer inside the apartment, I advise that you do so. Nothing sucks more than having to walk down to or drive to a Laundromat and wait while your clothes get washed. That’s a waste of precious time.

NEXT: MOVING TO LAS VEGAS  PART III  WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THE FREE TIME?