Post: #1

Hey, Captain Ahab here (formerly Commander Shepard). I wanted some advice.


I am moving to Tampa in about three weeks with no job and 1500 bucks in the bank. I got a B.A. in Political Science with an almost major in English minus the foreign language requirements. I am in my 20s, decent looking, and have above average intelligence and work ethic.

Plan of attack:

-find a sofa bed somewhere in the city, asking price 200 bucks.
-suit up and look for work, cold calling and on site requests for interviews my preferred option.
-land job
-save up enough to get an actual room in a part of town I prefer.
-begin my new life.

Good things:

-I have family in Florida who are supporting me. The 1500 cash may go up a bit if the promised support follows through.
-I have a friend in Tampa (not sure if he wants me staying at his place forever but a few days until I find a spot is no problem).
-I have hope. (lol)

Bad things:

-low money
-no job lined up.
-I’m a minority (black guy).
-Florida isn’t the best state to find a job right now.

Things I have done so far:

-Got a Clearwater, Florida number on Google Voice.
-Will be visiting a friend in Jacksonville and family in South Florida to reestablish connections/potential support network.
-changed most of my social networking sites to indicate I am in Tampa, Florida.

What else should I be doing? Also, What else can I do to improve the odds of success with this move?


I am not sure how far that 1500 will float me. I know I will have to get my license transferred, car registered, and new car insurance within ten days of stepping foot into the State. I am hoping there aren't anymore unavoidable costs.

I am just looking for advice.

And yes, if it comes down to it, I will happily live out of my car. Staying where I am at is not an option, neither is delaying my Florida move until I have a job or have a lot of money in the bank.


I know El Mechanico is the Kingpin in the area and will contact him once I am in Tampa.

Post: #2

Good luck. I've done something similar with only a few hundred in my pocket. Hell, I might do it all over again in a few weeks with an oil job. Wake up early, take a shower at a shelter or truck stop if you have to and apply like crazy all day.

Post: #3

(05-06-2012 06:03 PM)houston Wrote:  Good luck. I've done something similar with only a few hundred in my pocket. Hell, I might do it all over again in a few weeks with an oil job. Wake up early, take a shower at a shelter or truck stop if you have to and apply like crazy all day.

Thanks. I guess that is all one can really do.

Post: #4

I'm in a similar situation and have been feeling anxious as well. Every time it starts to get to me I remind myself that I could be dead tomorrow and how pissed I would be that I pussied out on my plan. Sometimes you need a change and the only way to make it happen is by diving in.

Post: #5

Just don't give up.

Post: #6

Here..
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/apa/2983868639.html
We need to get you in the trailer park asap so I can bang the place out.

Seriously though don't worry about the car and licence for a while. The shit went up so it will cost maybe 500 bucks. We have tons of snowbirds here and everyone has out of state plates. no big. You won't be sleeping in the car in this heat. I burned my lip today getting a drink in the car from my cup. There's more of us rooshians here than you may think. Let me see what I can do.

Post: #7

Trust me guy, this shit will only make you stronger. You're gonna look back in a few years and give yourself a pat on the back. Most guys would be so scared to do this.

Post: #8

I'm doing a similar move to Miami Beach but I don't have to worry about a job.

I'll be putting down some serious coin for rent and the move however, and hardly know a soul, so its still anxiety producing.

Like you said, I'm constantly reminded how short life can be (people in their 20s getting cancer or auto accidents). You just don't know when its going to be your time so do what you really want to do.

Post: #9

(05-06-2012 06:26 PM)houston Wrote:  Trust me guy, this shit will only make you stronger. You're gonna look back in a few years and give yourself a pat on the back. Most guys would be so scared to do this.

This is no big deal. The most fucked up people in the world move here and it works out fine. This place is set up for it. I don't know about Tampa though. You should move to Pinellas county. Cleaner/ better people/beaches/girls.

Post: #10

LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL


Look man, I hate to break it to you but you are day dreaming big time. Look these other cats can pump you up but I am gonna give you the real deal....you said it urself that you are black male....I don't know if you've seen the unemployment figures but that shit is 16% for AA's and almost 40% for AA's in their early 20's and almost 10% for AA's with college degree's...plus you have no experience and your going to the backwards ass florida?

Post: #11

(05-06-2012 10:15 PM)Caramel Communist Wrote:  LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL


Look man, I hate to break it to you but you are day dreaming big time. Look these other cats can pump you up but I am gonna give you the real deal....you said it urself that you are black male....I don't know if you've seen the unemployment figures but that shit is 16% for AA's and almost 40% for AA's in their early 20's and almost 10% for AA's with college degree's...plus you have no experience and your going to the backwards ass florida?

And I suppose you lived here in Tampa bay and know how the place ticks?
Most the people here don't want to work or could pass a drug test on their best day. You could make the cut for that alone.

Post: #12

Homeboy sounds like a race troll. "You're not white? Don't move and try to do something with your life!"

Post: #13

(05-06-2012 10:15 PM)Caramel Communist Wrote:  LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL


Look man, I hate to break it to you but you are day dreaming big time. Look these other cats can pump you up but I am gonna give you the real deal....you said it urself that you are black male....I don't know if you've seen the unemployment figures but that shit is 16% for AA's and almost 40% for AA's in their early 20's and almost 10% for AA's with college degree's...plus you have no experience and your going to the backwards ass florida?

Actually i wanted to point out the OP comment about black being a bad thing (wtf).

The majority of blacks (if not all) that are not doing well in life probably lack education in their lives and this can be applied to other individuals from other races who are also not doing well. You will hardly hear an educated black brother complaining about opportunities, because they know they create their own opportunities and they dont need other people to create it for them.

Get your education right, dress well, speak nice and race wont be a problem. The majority of corporations know that what gives them money is their human asset, if you are an intelligent brother, you will hardly be struggling to survive unless you want to.

Also, you are only moving to another state, so whats the anxiety all about? Many of us here left our home countries and had to adapt in totally different cultures, man up and make your move.

Post: #14

(05-06-2012 06:25 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Seriously though don't worry about the car and licence for a while. The shit went up so it will cost maybe 500 bucks. We have tons of snowbirds here and everyone has out of state plates. no big. You won't be sleeping in the car in this heat. I burned my lip today getting a drink in the car from my cup. There's more of us rooshians here than you may think. Let me see what I can do.

Cool Cool. I spoke with a friend this morning who has had an out of state tag and license for well over four years. I guess the license conversion stuff is not that big of a deal. I can avoid the out of state license conversion, registration for a bit. I have some minimal car repairs (refilling fluids mostly) and that should push my moving total to about 1950 instead of 1500. I got a check engine light on though due to some electrical sensor and will have to get that fixed up once emissions time comes around. Considering you are a mechanic you may be able to help me out/profit.

I do want to get started on the path towards Floridian citizenship as soon as possible. But first thing is first, move, get a place to sleep, get a job. Having done all three the rest of the stuff should be a lot easier to take care of.

Post: #15

(05-06-2012 06:26 PM)houston Wrote:  Trust me guy, this shit will only make you stronger. You're gonna look back in a few years and give yourself a pat on the back. Most guys would be so scared to do this.

I am, in a way, but the alternative is just not feasible. Life is too short to be in a place you do not want to be.

Post: #16

(05-06-2012 06:38 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(05-06-2012 06:26 PM)houston Wrote:  Trust me guy, this shit will only make you stronger. You're gonna look back in a few years and give yourself a pat on the back. Most guys would be so scared to do this.

This is no big deal. The most fucked up people in the world move here and it works out fine. This place is set up for it. I don't know about Tampa though. You should move to Pinellas county. Cleaner/ better people/beaches/girls.

Interesting. My friend, who I will be staying with temporarily, lives in Pinellas County. He told me that is the better spot to be. He recently was at the "Taste of Pinellas" event selling tickets and watching Sheryl Crow. Took a nice picture of that "big moon" on the ocean. I will be there in time for Memorial Day weekend. It should be a good time, and a great way to finally begin my journey towards an active and fulfilling sex life.

Post: #17

(05-07-2012 06:40 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(05-06-2012 06:26 PM)houston Wrote:  Trust me guy, this shit will only make you stronger. You're gonna look back in a few years and give yourself a pat on the back. Most guys would be so scared to do this.

I am, in a way, but the alternative is just not feasible. Life is too short to be in a place you do not want to be.

This shit is inspiring dude. Whereabouts are you moving from?

Post: #18

Curious, why are you moving at all in the first place and why Tampa (I assume family)?

Post: #19

OP, don't worry, I am kind of in the same plate, I have been contemplating Tampa, mechanic has been selling it well. Fcuk that black nonsense, you should do fine.

Caramel's post was quite off kilter, is Florida that bad?? I have peeps there, I've never heard that before..

Post: #20

(05-07-2012 06:54 AM)P Dog Wrote:  

(05-07-2012 06:40 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(05-06-2012 06:26 PM)houston Wrote:  Trust me guy, this shit will only make you stronger. You're gonna look back in a few years and give yourself a pat on the back. Most guys would be so scared to do this.

I am, in a way, but the alternative is just not feasible. Life is too short to be in a place you do not want to be.

This shit is inspiring dude. Whereabouts are you moving from?

Atlanta. The city isn't that bad but I miss the beach and family (most of my family lives in South Florida/that is where I am originally from).

Post: #21

(05-07-2012 07:51 AM)Gmac Wrote:  Curious, why are you moving at all in the first place and why Tampa (I assume family)?

Family is the biggest reason. Tampa because it is an up and coming place, cheaper than Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and I have no intention of going back to my boring as hell hometown (West Palm Beach).

Post: #22

(05-07-2012 09:36 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(05-07-2012 07:51 AM)Gmac Wrote:  Curious, why are you moving at all in the first place and why Tampa (I assume family)?

Family is the biggest reason. Tampa because it is an up and coming place, cheaper than Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and I have no intention of going back to my boring as hell hometown (West Palm Beach).

Why do you think West Palm is boring? I lived in Stuart/ Hobe Sound and liked it other than getting arrested all the time.

Post: #23

(05-07-2012 09:49 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(05-07-2012 09:36 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(05-07-2012 07:51 AM)Gmac Wrote:  Curious, why are you moving at all in the first place and why Tampa (I assume family)?

Family is the biggest reason. Tampa because it is an up and coming place, cheaper than Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and I have no intention of going back to my boring as hell hometown (West Palm Beach).

Why do you think West Palm is boring? I lived in Stuart/ Hobe Sound and liked it other than getting arrested all the time.

Just got old. I mean, I can see where it can be entertaining but one can do clematis by night for so much before it starts to wear on you. Though one could always hit up the tri rail and hit different parts of South Florida but my heart wasn't in it.

Add to the fact you notice everyone around you isn't doing shit with their lives (no ambition typical SoFL mindset) and it can take a toll. Some of my friends down there are still working retail/food service, and this is after I moved out of dodge, spent a few years working, got a college degree, and contemplated moving back.

I can't deny that some friends did make it in life..but most that did went to St Thomas Aquinas or Dreyfoos School of the Arts so they had a good paradigm to launch from.

And yeah, the drugs, had to get away from the drugs.

Post: #24

(05-07-2012 04:31 AM)pitt Wrote:  

(05-06-2012 10:15 PM)Caramel Communist Wrote:  LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL


Look man, I hate to break it to you but you are day dreaming big time. Look these other cats can pump you up but I am gonna give you the real deal....you said it urself that you are black male....I don't know if you've seen the unemployment figures but that shit is 16% for AA's and almost 40% for AA's in their early 20's and almost 10% for AA's with college degree's...plus you have no experience and your going to the backwards ass florida?

Actually i wanted to point out the OP comment about black being a bad thing (wtf).

The majority of blacks (if not all) that are not doing well in life probably lack education in their lives and this can be applied to other individuals from other races who are also not doing well. You will hardly hear an educated black brother complaining about opportunities, because they know they create their own opportunities and they dont need other people to create it for them.

Get your education right, dress well, speak nice and race wont be a problem. The majority of corporations know that what gives them money is their human asset, if you are an intelligent brother, you will hardly be struggling to survive unless you want to.

Also, you are only moving to another state, so whats the anxiety all about? Many of us here left our home countries and had to adapt in totally different cultures, man up and make your move.

I'm saying is different ppl have to move differently. No experience, no track record, black male in florida with no connections, no money, and no jobs lined up is setup for a homeless shelter...I'm not a dream thief but I'm also not the type that "thinks their living in some damn sunshine" all the time either. Just saying being strategic, plan shit out or you could end up in the back of a homeless shelter with not nary one of these forum board pumpers helping your ass out when it goes south. The discrimination is real in tough economic times, the economy is real, be smart. I know ppl with PHD's who are "white" looking for work for 3 years now...I know all kind of college educated and experienced professionals looking for 1-4 years. It's real...if that offended ppl I'm sorry..just not into hallucinating facts to make you feel comfortable....

Post: #25

I live in Tampa and have lived in the Tampa Bay area for 20 years.

You will get laid here. As El Mechanico can surely confirm, I am no great shakes. I am almost 50, am not in great shape, and don't make much money, and live in a one bedroom apartment, but I've had first night anal with two under 25 YO strippers in the past four years, as an example (though technically one lived in Orlando at the time and I fucked her in NY - long story). Also, I can hook you up with my friend Art Hammer's Dark Caverns Real Players Club, which is a club with parties at different locations in the area where women go to fuck black guys, though other guys like myself are often allowed to attend and get laid there, too.

I have made two moves such as yours in my life, though I had credit cards, which helps, and a bit, though not much, more money.

I wouldn't worry about discrimination in hiring if you have a clean record; in fact, its probably an advantage to not be white in applying for a job as far as I can see. With the Republican convention coming here in August, and u having a PoliSci degree, you could probably go to a couple of Republican Party meetings if u can stomach it and they'll be putting you on the cover of their outreach materials.

That having been said, I don't see Tampa Bay as a particularly dynamic area business and career wise compared to the East Coast of Florida or Atlanta, and as far as drugs, Pinellas County is the oxycodone capital of the United States as just one example, since you seem averse to being around them.

As long as I am here, and its probably at least a few more months before I get it together to move to Medellin, I am definitely in need of dudes to hang out with and wing for me and that I would wing for, so that is one more guy that would be available to hang out a fair amount if u wanted to.

Unemployment is fairly high here, but I'm sure if you hustle you can find some kind of work in fairly short order.

It doesn't take much if anything to become a Florida resident if my information is still current in that regard. Also, El Mechanico would know better if there is emissions testing in Pinellas - it is not a state requirement, and we don't have it in Tampa anymore.