Advice, Tips, New Friends, New journey

CSnMUS87CSnMUS87
in General

So this topic is a bit of a mixed thing. Basically I've been doing training for a certain Software Engineering consulting company at the beginning of the year. It was like a free coding boot camp for a few months where we worked with Java, SQL, Spring, and more. I've been waiting since training for them to find a client to match me with. This week I got the call and today got more details.
I will be starting remote paid training at home (9 - 5 M-F) in mid August for about 8 weeks. After that I will have to relocate to Virginia. I have never moved to another state before, so I'm a bit nervous about it, and I don't know anyone from that area. The things they said I would be trained in and using at the job are SQL, AGILE, SCRUM, SAP ABAP. I now know some SQL, but this is the first time I heard of ABAP.
Does anyone have any advice for moving to another state (or specifically from Illinois to Virginia), tips for living there, know anything about ABAP or any of the other listed topics I have to encounter in training, or just any advice or words in general? I'd love to find some tutorials and practice so I can stay ahead of the training and not fall behind once it starts. I also am always worried about potential natural disasters and weather. I've never yet had to experience an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane and I hope that continues. I'm not sure which ones are common (if any) in that state.
Of course I'd definitely love to make new friends in the area so I don't feel so alone and lost. 😅

Comments

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    Where in Virginia? It matters.

  • [Deleted User]WriterGF (deleted user)

    I don't believe they get earthquakes in Virginia. How far inland will you be in VA? And tornados can happen anyplace.

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    Richmond

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel
    edited July 2024

    Richmond is cool, but pricey. You might want to look at Petersburg or outside the city. The hurricanes that do hit the coast are rainstorms by the time they get to Richmond. I spent about 12 years of my life at different intervals in Virginia but I lived on the coast.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    I would check with @CaringSoul. She moved from up north to Richmond a few years ago.

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    @WriterGF & @TheFunCartel Thank you! Does put my mind at ease at least with that. Now I just need to worry about the other stuff involved with moving. I suppose I should figure out things regarding driver's license and my car's plates.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    Also, I don’t know if you drink but liquor is sold through state owned package stores that do not keep party friendly hours all the time. And blue laws used to be prevalent throughout the state (only essential businesses could be open on Sundays). I think they eased up on blue laws a bit. Keep in mind this is a state that produced the likes of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson and they had a heavy hand in state politics.

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    Ah ok. Well I don't drink alcohol so it won't be a problem for me, but thanks for letting me know. I wonder what people from the area are like compared to Chicago.

  • TeddyCuddle45TeddyCuddle45

    YouTube, libraries, and forums, you can even sit in on college classes covering the subjects mentioned.
    I'm more of a hands on person myself, not much book smarts.
    As for moving, I grew up in a small hick town once covid hit there was nothing, so at 29 I packed all my crap an moved 5 hours away to the big Toronto, started over with nothing. So how did I get where I am in so little time, I busted my ass like crazy, different job everyday till I got hired permanently. Also having goals can help, but focus on one at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Hard work pays off. You put in the effort you will succeed.
    Moving can be scary but think of it as an adventure, a new journey in your life.
    I hope you are successful and everything works out for you :D
    I also hope you will meet lots of friendly people.

  • PreddiCuddler94PreddiCuddler94

    Congratulations on your offer, and also, your future endeavors. I’m from Chicago as well and I’m always worried about natural disasters happening as well if I ever moved because we don’t really get any so I totally understand. But maybe with research regarding moving to VA. Then try joining groups on Facebook or something, groups that promotes meet & greets. Other than that, try a list of goals or activities to do and try once you get there to keep a little busy, that way you won’t grow homesick too quickly.
    Also, if you don’t mind.. is that bootcamp still open? I’d like to know more about it 😊

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    @TeddyCuddle45 @PreddiCuddler94 Thanks. I started looking up youtube tutorials and finding online learning materials to try to be as prepared as I can.

    And yeah @PreddiCuddler94 if you want I could message you more information about it. I will say it took me most of this year to get from applying to starting the job.

  • TeddyCuddle45TeddyCuddle45

    No problemo, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Just gotta do what works best for you

  • Vintage_EmbraceVintage_Embrace

    Congratulations @CSnMUS87 !!! Richmond is a beautiful city and area. Way different from Illinois but about the same as Springfield mixed with a little bit of Chicago.
    Did work offer relocation assist ? I think there is still federal or state money up for grabs for remote gig workers varying on job deets & timing.
    Definitely sign up for a meetup group and online city forum.
    Neighborhood groups and quick research of the neighborhoods online and in person will help you narrow down where you want to live.
    Do not fret too much about natural disasters but have your old school map, batteries, food, clothes,water, ect ready. A “ book it “ backpack is a wonderful resource and comfort. And yes a govt app or website notifications ICOE.
    I traded 🌪️ for earthquakes and apparently more natural fires 🔥 than on the sun but it’s lovely in California vs Illinois. I have tornado scars too but luckily no EQ ones, yet.
    Funny I felt my first earthquake in Illinois back in the 90’s. Do not miss the locusts. But I miss intense rain and thunderstorms.
    Richmond was a base for an older job I had but I only visited. Pretty city and again, congratulations 🎊.

  • Vintage_EmbraceVintage_Embrace

    Keep an eye on the tech stock and boi (board of investors) because here in California tech workers are getting massive layoffs and AI outsourced. The Jenja restructuring is afoot.

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