I received a note from a teenager thinking about moving to Hawaii. I answered him by email but I wanted to post it here for everyone’s benefit…
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On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:15 PM, <formmailer@secureserver.net> wrote:
Type: AimforAwesome-ContactformBasic
Name: xxxxxx
businessname:
email: xxxxxxxx
websites:
location: originally SF, now Minneapolis
Comment: First off I want to say that it\’s REALLY cool you are in Thailand right now, sounds like you\’re having a blast, I imagine!
I did have a blast here in Thailand for a short while – now it’s just family living, and loving it. We had a daughter recently and that’s been the coolest experience… Thailand is quite amazing though… after Hawaii come here!
okay then, my scenario/question is this: I’m 19 years old, and have recently expressed a desire to move to Hawaii. everything about it seems up my alley, the diversity, being a minority (I share that trait with you, I suppose :), and the the weather/seclusion.
my thing is, I am just wanting to ask advice on how to maneuver it in this economy…now I’m not trying to burden you, but everyone else in my life is really unsupported, and I guess I just want to hear one person tell me it can be done, and how.
I’m planning on saving up 6000-6500 for the period to find a job. I have NO problem working in the tourist industry (kind’ve what I want I’d say), although as time goes by, I’ll probably do IT.
6000 – even for a teen is pretty good. If you’re scared you’ll spend all your cash you’ll probably be OK. Try hard not to spend more than 1500 per month. Plan on paying 3x monthly rent to get into a place most charge 1st months rent, 2 month deposit.
so my question is…can I expect 10/hr working in the hospitality industry as a wage? also…am I being realistic wanting to move to Hawaii? and how long do you think it’d take to find employment in the tourist industry while out there in Oahu (or possibly, the big island)?
Yes, you’re realistic about moving to Hawaii with all you’ve told me here – seems like you have the right attitude. You just need to plan out a few things – like Craigslist.org to find a room and maybe mountain bike, other stuff. Use contacts you find on craigs or twitter to give you a lot more information about living there. Check out google maps – see the layout of Waikiki or wherever you want to live.
any answers would be helpful, and I’m grateful for any help I can get. I know food is expensive and so is housing…but then again, I’m from Northern California :)
thanks for your time,
No problem, hope I helped. Basically you just need to plan and GO. Forget people telling you that you can’t do it. You can. I was there at 19 – in the Air Force and if I was actually free of the air force, my god the time I could have had… lol. Just go – and make it work.
Find some friends or – search twitter for “moving to hawaii” and find people that are going. Chat with them about what all they’re doing. Hopefully you find someone you’re own age going, but you know what? You’re pretty unique for a 19 yr old thinking of doing this! Cheers to you, kudos and all that… Just WANT to make it and you will.
Good luck Stephen…
Hi I’m so happy to have come across this.. In the midst of being frustrated with where I’m living, kinda just googled in whatever cause I so badlyy need get away too. I’m originally from Boston & just moved to atlanta ..don’t like it very much, just turned 20 a few days ago & don’t want to go to college in a place I hate ..always was interested in Hawaii. But thanks to both for I guess, asking & answering & good luck to both! Hopefully one day we can meet in Hawaii (=
yes, you motivated me quite a bit, and now my goal is more clear. thank you very much for that :)