In response to yesterday’s post on calculating cost of living with location decision, the Info King sent this article detailing a list of incredible statistics as it relates to twentysomethings and their personal financial situation.

For instance, one-third of twentysomethings make less than $20,000 a year.

All twentysomethings take note, read this article and send it on to your friends.

This blog has been advocating for more young people to consider employment and quality of life opportunities in the Roanoke and New River Valleys for nearly a year now. One statement that keeps coming up with younger adults is higher salary - regardless of location - is a better deal financially. In other words, a higher salary equates to a better life - more disposable income for more things. 

To rebut that claim, this site calculates cost of living differences between two regions. For example, someone making $40,000 a year in the DC/VA Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region is equivalent to making $26,817 a year in Roanoke. In fact, using these data points, the site claims one will spend 57% less on housing, 18% less on groceries and health care, 16% less on transportation (not to mention one’s time in the commute), and 13% less on utilities by living in Roanoke.

Help spread this tool to friends who may be deciding between job opportunities locally and outside the region. Make sure they use this site before making a final decision.    

Many job seekers have a difficult time grasping the job search process - especially recent college graduates. The unwritten rules and myths can be quite confusing for anyone. This article at Kiplingers addresses some of the key issues and will be helpful for anyone looking for next opportunity.

There will be a job fair at Express Personnel Services located at 1109 Electric Road in Salem on Monday, July 17 from 10am til 2pm and Tuesday, July 18 from 1pm til 6pm. This two-day affair will showcase some of the best companies in the Roanoke region.  Check some of their current job listings.

Each year the Blue Ridge Business Journal does an excellent job of compiling a list of the region Top 20 young professionals under the age of 40. If you have any nominations, then please send to the Biz Journal.

Virginia Tech Career Services produced a very helpful resource for local job seekers. This resource is a result of a survey of local employers (primarily in the New River Valley and Salem) stating their "typical hiring needs". Contact information, web sites and detailed descriptions are available.

Thank you Career Services for this excellent resource for local job seekers.