Americans are notorious around the globe for being considerable workaholics, and according to a recent study by Joblist.com, not only is that true, but it appears that these jobs and their many hours are not paying off. Florida ranks especially high when it comes to cost of living.
“One of the biggest industries is our tourism industry. Historically, those are industries that pay below your average wage,” stated Maria Goodwin, Director of Workforce Services at CareerSource Gulf Coast.
Additionally, Goodwin also says that the high demand to live in Florida only drives up costs. The cost of living is especially high in the Sunshine State, and the survey ranks the state of Florida as one of the least affordable places to live in the U.S.
Programs to make the living in the state more feasible have been enacted for a while. Florida residents have a couple of options if their current jobs can’t pay the bills. Standard options, of course, include moving to a better-paying state or making a career change. However, learning a high-paying trade is more attainable that Floridians think and there are programs that can help.
Alexandra Murphy, of the Haney Technical Center, recently said “Some of our programs are only six months long.” Murphy states that research shows that learning a trade is a relatively small investment with a big return. Programs at the Haney Technical Center span from six months to two years, and all cost less than $10,000 by the time of completion.
Murphy also added that skilled trade workers can often earn salaries that topple those of recent college grads. Additionally, skilled trade workers are less likely to accumulate student debt, placing them at an advantage when compared to other Florida residents. “There are not a lot of limits for wage earnings for people with trades because it’s supply and demand. Our economy needs skilled trade workers,” Murphy added.
Many of Florida’s skilled trade workers make more than a living wafe, simply because their services and expertise is needed. “People are always going to have a need for HVAC people, auto mechanics, plumbers, welders,” stated Murphy.
Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
