Comments on: Tampa Bay’s Young Professionals: Lovin’ life or Leavin’? http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230 Be creative, live creative, meet creatives. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:51:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Rita http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-31115 Rita Fri, 16 May 2008 18:57:05 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-31115 Hey, thanks for letting me post. I am having a hard time finding employment. I am seeking full time employment here in St. Petersburg. I a m Graphic Artist who fall back skills for slow times is USNTA Tennis Instructor. Specializing in Teaching Beginners. My Graphic certification are Quark Xpress and Adobephoto shop. Samples and bio are on my webpage. I looking to Design catalogs or typeset for major deadlines. I can email my Resume and i have Professional experience. My portfolio has no recent projects. I want to be the next Andy Warhol with all your help and hopefully my help. Thank you, Artist Rita Ferdinando Hey, thanks for letting me post.
I am having a hard time finding employment.

I am seeking full time employment here in St. Petersburg. I a m Graphic Artist who fall back skills for slow times is USNTA Tennis Instructor. Specializing in Teaching Beginners.

My Graphic certification are Quark Xpress and Adobephoto shop. Samples and bio are on my webpage. I looking to Design catalogs or typeset for major deadlines. I can email my Resume and i have Professional experience. My portfolio has no recent projects. I want to be the next Andy Warhol with all your help and hopefully my help. Thank you, Artist Rita Ferdinando

]]> By: Nick http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9638 Nick Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:18:05 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9638 I'm a college student and there is plenty to do here!Also our job market is among the best, low unemployment, etc! I’m a college student and there is plenty to do here!Also our job market is among the best, low unemployment, etc!

]]> By: s http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9391 s Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:32:13 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9391 hey nick! how about dropping the prices of your units in channelside, cause saleries for us yp are not going to meet your prices, and untill then, the condos sit empty. hey nick! how about dropping the prices of your units in channelside, cause saleries for us yp are not going to meet your prices, and untill then, the condos sit empty.

]]> By: Tom http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9369 Tom Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:26:29 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9369 Tampa and professional are an oxymoron. Unless you consider Call Center employee a profession; at least not in this country. -Tom Tampa and professional are an oxymoron. Unless you consider Call Center employee a profession; at least not in this country.
-Tom

]]> By: Chris http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9325 Chris Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:28:31 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9325 I tend to agree with “James — July 9, 2007” – the ultimate reality of the situation is that Florida in general (not just Tampa/St. Petersburg), at its core, specializes in tourism, retirement, real estate and agriculture. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this at all, but it is the reality of Florida. The main commodity that Florida holds dear and advertises is the idea of “comfort and paradise”. This is what Florida sells: fun in the sun, warm weather and beaches; a slow paced haven for the wealthy and retired. Not only is this what Florida sells, it’s a mentality that’s ingrained in the Florida culture. Again, there is nothing wrong with this. Every city in every country in the world has something unique to offer and has its own unique culture. I live in New Tampa. A Super Wal-Mart, Super Target and most recently a “BJ’s” were built (among other things). I’ve been in Tampa since 1994, and it won’t be until 2008 or ’09 until a book store will be built up here. This is typical Florida: things like book stores, museums, and the arts have a lower priority – their either few and far between or hidden away instead of advertised. The simple reality is that Florida has invested so much for so many decades in this one direction (comfort and paradise). Is Florida stuck in its ways? Will Florida adapt to the tides of change? Can Florida merge the best of Chicago/New York/Atlanta with the best of Florida? Anything is possible, but only time can tell. As it is today, if you’re an ambitious professional in the Information Industry (media, arts, science, technology) and you live in Tampa, I completely understand why you’d do what most YP do: leave Florida, build your career, make tons of money, and then retire to Florida when you’re ready. I tend to agree with “James — July 9, 2007” – the ultimate reality of the situation is that Florida in general (not just Tampa/St. Petersburg), at its core, specializes in tourism, retirement, real estate and agriculture. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this at all, but it is the reality of Florida.

The main commodity that Florida holds dear and advertises is the idea of “comfort and paradise”. This is what Florida sells: fun in the sun, warm weather and beaches; a slow paced haven for the wealthy and retired. Not only is this what Florida sells, it’s a mentality that’s ingrained in the Florida culture. Again, there is nothing wrong with this. Every city in every country in the world has something unique to offer and has its own unique culture.

I live in New Tampa. A Super Wal-Mart, Super Target and most recently a “BJ’s” were built (among other things). I’ve been in Tampa since 1994, and it won’t be until 2008 or ’09 until a book store will be built up here. This is typical Florida: things like book stores, museums, and the arts have a lower priority – their either few and far between or hidden away instead of advertised.

The simple reality is that Florida has invested so much for so many decades in this one direction (comfort and paradise). Is Florida stuck in its ways? Will Florida adapt to the tides of change? Can Florida merge the best of Chicago/New York/Atlanta with the best of Florida? Anything is possible, but only time can tell.

As it is today, if you’re an ambitious professional in the Information Industry (media, arts, science, technology) and you live in Tampa, I completely understand why you’d do what most YP do: leave Florida, build your career, make tons of money, and then retire to Florida when you’re ready.

]]> By: CreativeTampaBay.com » http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9316 CreativeTampaBay.com » Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:13:10 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9316 [...] New York, LA, Boston, Washington DC, all have a strong identity and brand. Younger folks are clearly more likely to base decisions based on things like fashion, brand, vibe, reputation, etc.  Tampa Bay lacks that same fashion (at least overtly) and struggles with any perceptible identity. Tampa Bay is more likely to appeal to those who are likely to look beyond fashion and hype.  This is validated by the comments posted on http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230. We all implicitly recognize that aspect of our community.  But a young, hot shot graduate, may be more likely to want to experience that vibe of NYC or LA, because that is exciting.  Tampa Bay lacks a certain glamour and that is not something that should be discounted. Glamour has a power and an allure.  That is something that Tampa Bay should cultivate.  [...] [...] New York, LA, Boston, Washington DC, all have a strong identity and brand. Younger folks are clearly more likely to base decisions based on things like fashion, brand, vibe, reputation, etc.  Tampa Bay lacks that same fashion (at least overtly) and struggles with any perceptible identity. Tampa Bay is more likely to appeal to those who are likely to look beyond fashion and hype.  This is validated by the comments posted on http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230. We all implicitly recognize that aspect of our community.  But a young, hot shot graduate, may be more likely to want to experience that vibe of NYC or LA, because that is exciting.  Tampa Bay lacks a certain glamour and that is not something that should be discounted. Glamour has a power and an allure.  That is something that Tampa Bay should cultivate.  [...]

]]> By: Denny Umphreys http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9314 Denny Umphreys Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:47 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9314 I've been here 14 years. Staying only because my ex has custody of my son and we're real close. When he goes to College, I'm going back to Reno or SF. The money to be made here is the worst. I'm a long time Graphic Artist, raised in Northern California...lived in Honolulu and Reno-Tahoe also. Yeah there are sports and drinking and I enjoy both. Girls are harder to find and relate to here. Kind of a cheerleader/princess thing going on...The 7 month stinking hot and humid Summers are not to my liking either. I’ve been here 14 years. Staying only because my ex has custody of my son and we’re real close. When he goes to College, I’m going back to Reno or SF. The money to be made here is the worst. I’m a long time Graphic Artist, raised in Northern California…lived in Honolulu and Reno-Tahoe also. Yeah there are sports and drinking and I enjoy both. Girls are harder to find and relate to here. Kind of a cheerleader/princess thing going on…The 7 month stinking hot and humid Summers are not to my liking either.

]]> By: Tim http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9278 Tim Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:20:21 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9278 I'm a 33 year old writer/editor. After nearly four years of consideration, my wife and I recently relocated to St. Pete from the San Francisco Bay area. Many acquaintances questioned our judgment in moving to Florida. So why did we move? Precisely because this area offers a mixture of opportunity and backwardness. With our experiences and education, my wife had no problem landing a good paying job. I've also seen quite a few contract opportunities for what I do as well. And, given my ability to telecommute, I've been steadily employed ever since arriving here. Though I grew up in South Florida, I've lived in NYC, San Francisco, New Orleans, Indianapolis, parts of Europe...I can honestly say that our quality of life here compares very favorably against all of those places. Here I'm able to buy an old bungalow within walking distance of a rejuvenated downtown St. Pete, where there are cafes, bars, restaurants, a wonderful marina, etc. Moreover, as this Web site demonstrates, there is an active community of creative and intelligent people living here. It might be a long way from the artistic hipster meccas of Williamsburg or the Mission, but that's okay. There's less pretension, less competition - and more time to slow down and enjoy life. Not to say there aren't serious issues here - lack of environmental concern, mass transit, curbside recycling - to name a few. But instead of retreating to a more progressive area, I'm willing to dig-in and help initiate change where it's really needed. I’m a 33 year old writer/editor. After nearly four years of consideration, my wife and I recently relocated to St. Pete from the San Francisco Bay area. Many acquaintances questioned our judgment in moving to Florida. So why did we move? Precisely because this area offers a mixture of opportunity and backwardness. With our experiences and education, my wife had no problem landing a good paying job. I’ve also seen quite a few contract opportunities for what I do as well. And, given my ability to telecommute, I’ve been steadily employed ever since arriving here.
Though I grew up in South Florida, I’ve lived in NYC, San Francisco, New Orleans, Indianapolis, parts of Europe…I can honestly say that our quality of life here compares very favorably against all of those places. Here I’m able to buy an old bungalow within walking distance of a rejuvenated downtown St. Pete, where there are cafes, bars, restaurants, a wonderful marina, etc. Moreover, as this Web site demonstrates, there is an active community of creative and intelligent people living here. It might be a long way from the artistic hipster meccas of Williamsburg or the Mission, but that’s okay. There’s less pretension, less competition - and more time to slow down and enjoy life. Not to say there aren’t serious issues here - lack of environmental concern, mass transit, curbside recycling - to name a few. But instead of retreating to a more progressive area, I’m willing to dig-in and help initiate change where it’s really needed.

]]> By: James http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9254 James Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:54:42 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9254 Let's be honest here about what Tampa and Florida as a whole is and what it isn’t. Note in the Forbes article- Orlando and Miami were virtually last in the list as well. Will Tampa ever be an Atlanta or Chicago for young professionals? I don’t think so. It’s not what Tampa (or Orlando or Miami) is. It is not in the essence of Tampa to be a bustling, culturally and intellectually cosmopolitan Mecca with high density housing and smart mass transit. It is not our history; it is not our heritage, and for the great many today, it is not what they come to this city and state for. And besides, there are just too many darned mosquitoes and hurricanes. Sure, to the first look, Tampa and the other large cities of Florida may appear somewhat sophisticated, but as someone earlier pointed out- “Tampa has a very surface culture, where people care more about the perceptions of things than the reality.” I think this has a nugget of truth. Residents of this state have always been selling the perception more than the reality. Why won’t Tampa be an Atlanta or Chicago? For starters, Florida’s core businesses are and will always be Tourism, Real Estate and Retirees. The jobs in these industries are generally underpaid, unstable, and/or undesirable to the progressively minded young professional. I would be willing to bet that EASILY more than 60% of Florida’s job’s cater either directly or indirectly to these core areas. Another 15% or more are in temporary business services. Secondly, the one industry that is essential to YP growth is the Information Industry (Media, Arts and Architecture, Technology and Sciences fall under this). Unfortunately Florida has seen a growth decline of more than 16% in these fields since 2000. Florida is losing its good paying jobs- their flying out the window. Or should I say flying away in the hurricanes. Just about ALL of Florida’s impressive job growth is low paying and low quality. Thirdly, all these semi-wealthy Retirees we have, and will continue to get, don’t like paying taxes. And we may think that it’s a good thing to have no state tax, however, as a result most of Florida’s taxes go to the federal government which tends to leave the state revenues lower which directly effects transportation (mass transit) and education funding- two areas that are important to the inspiring YP. Florida has a unique culture all its own and is a wonderful place for artists and writers to paint and write about if there is housing to be had. But Florida will always be short on high paying jobs. It’s fundamentally about the sun and the sand and taking it easy. So enjoy the Tampa for what it is, before it’s submerged by global warming. Let’s be honest here about what Tampa and Florida as a whole is and what it isn’t. Note in the Forbes article- Orlando and Miami were virtually last in the list as well.

Will Tampa ever be an Atlanta or Chicago for young professionals? I don’t think so. It’s not what Tampa (or Orlando or Miami) is. It is not in the essence of Tampa to be a bustling, culturally and intellectually cosmopolitan Mecca with high density housing and smart mass transit. It is not our history; it is not our heritage, and for the great many today, it is not what they come to this city and state for. And besides, there are just too many darned mosquitoes and hurricanes.

Sure, to the first look, Tampa and the other large cities of Florida may appear somewhat sophisticated, but as someone earlier pointed out- “Tampa has a very surface culture, where people care more about the perceptions of things than the reality.” I think this has a nugget of truth. Residents of this state have always been selling the perception more than the reality.

Why won’t Tampa be an Atlanta or Chicago?

For starters, Florida’s core businesses are and will always be Tourism, Real Estate and Retirees. The jobs in these industries are generally underpaid, unstable, and/or undesirable to the progressively minded young professional. I would be willing to bet that EASILY more than 60% of Florida’s job’s cater either directly or indirectly to these core areas. Another 15% or more are in temporary business services.

Secondly, the one industry that is essential to YP growth is the Information Industry (Media, Arts and Architecture, Technology and Sciences fall under this). Unfortunately Florida has seen a growth decline of more than 16% in these fields since 2000. Florida is losing its good paying jobs- their flying out the window. Or should I say flying away in the hurricanes. Just about ALL of Florida’s impressive job growth is low paying and low quality.

Thirdly, all these semi-wealthy Retirees we have, and will continue to get, don’t like paying taxes. And we may think that it’s a good thing to have no state tax, however, as a result most of Florida’s taxes go to the federal government which tends to leave the state revenues lower which directly effects transportation (mass transit) and education funding- two areas that are important to the inspiring YP.

Florida has a unique culture all its own and is a wonderful place for artists and writers to paint and write about if there is housing to be had. But Florida will always be short on high paying jobs. It’s fundamentally about the sun and the sand and taking it easy.

So enjoy the Tampa for what it is, before it’s submerged by global warming.

]]> By: David http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230/comment-page-1#comment-9253 David Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:39:56 +0000 http://www.creativetampabay.com/archives/230#comment-9253 I am, a little sadly, leaving the Tampa Baty area in August for New York. We arrived here four years ago with such high hopes and although we have seen massive improvements we just can't afford to wait until the area becomes the vibrant, creative area we are sure it will be one day. As a professional photographer I have found it difficult to make a living because I pick and choose my work, and just will not shoot weddings, seniors, old people amd dogs. My fault I know. But this is potentially such a great area: the arts scene in Saint Petersburg is truly of national importance and I am convinced the St Pete will be the place to be, the Monte-Carlo of Florida, in the not so distant future. So, after one last bathe in the warm waters of the Gulf, I shall gulp down a Pino Colada, pack up my gear, wipe a tear from my eye and head back to the smoke. I am, a little sadly, leaving the Tampa Baty area in August for New York. We arrived here four years ago with such high hopes and although we have seen massive improvements we just can’t afford to wait until the area becomes the vibrant, creative area we are sure it will be one day. As a professional photographer I have found it difficult to make a living because I pick and choose my work, and just will not shoot weddings, seniors, old people amd dogs. My fault I know. But this is potentially such a great area: the arts scene in Saint Petersburg is truly of national importance and I am convinced the St Pete will be the place to be, the Monte-Carlo of Florida, in the not so distant future. So, after one last bathe in the warm waters of the Gulf, I shall gulp down a Pino Colada, pack up my gear, wipe a tear from my eye and head back to the smoke.

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