Wages are Higher in Michigan

My sister moved out of state because her degree had little to no job openings in Michigan! In fact she recieved a high paying job at NASA and then switched to University of Illinois shortly after! I do believe Michigan has well paying jobs; however, it can be degree-selective . A lot of research degrees such as my sisters are often not popular or easy to find jobs with. Any well-paying job my sister would've taken and in this case it was out of state. Additionally, if you have a passion to travel, move out of the state, or anything else then go for it! Regardless of the matter, people should follow their ambitions and goals.

Glad I found this blog, pretty interesting stuff right here. I had no idea Michigan was ABOVE average. Its been on my mind for awhile now, with graduation coming this May. Do I stay in Michigan or just free myself form the cold weather and try to find an opportunity somewhere else? For me weather plays a more important role then staying in Michigan for a better opportunity. I have always loved the warm weather, and for every snow fall, you can catch me saying. "Gosh I hate this!" So for me I think I might start applying here now in MI, and if I don't have any hits by graduation, I might just have to take my talents to South Beach ;)

I find this to be very interesting. How in the world can Michigan be ranked up there with San Francisco and New York when people are struggling in every financial aspect imaginable. Real estate is priced ridiculously low and most would advise you not to buy in Michigan due to the financial issues at hand. You may even lose money on the house rather than have it be an investment. This is something that my family struggled with. We have always been homeowners and when my parents moved back to Michigan they naturally looked to buy a new home for our family. Unfortuantely the deal went sour in two years when my parents were forced out of Michigan to find a new job since the market was so unfortuante. Of course, this was several years ago and things have changed but the fact that the home is more of a sinkhole than an investment hasn't changed. I find this to be very discouraging and I always assumed I would have to leave Michigan to find a job that would fit my needs. Especially after my 8 month stint with unemployment I didn't have much hope for staying in Michigan. If I can't even find a minimum wage job how will I find a job as new entry into the field when there are people with years of experience and college degrees working well below their potential? I found this all to be very discouraging and at times even questioned the potential of my degree. Is all this work worth it to be working at a job that I could have gotten without thousands upon thousands of dollars of debt? This is why I find the article to be so interesting, I've had nothing but a series of discouraging events occur since I've moved to Michigan five years ago but this article gives me hope that I can finally rest my hat somewhere where success is an option.

This post most literally strikes close to home. I have lived in East, Mid- and West Michigan and have seen the struggle and effects of layoffs first-hand throughout the state. That said, I have also seen the positive. With two parents and a step-parent without a college degree, I have seen their hard-work and determination (mixed with a stroke of luck) in maintaining and moving forward with their careers. Both my mother and father have run their own small businesses and have done a great job being bold, but not ultra-risky in their business decisions. Through this, I can easily attest to the fact that Michigan and Michigan markets are not only a place to survive, but also to thrive.

Though I don't necessarily believe the negative hype about our state, I simply don't see myself building my life and a long-term career here for a couple reasons. The first is personal, I'm a city-lover through and through and Detroit, while culturally exciting, is just not my taste. The second, though, is more career oriented and that is being in a place that has more diverse industry and isn't near where I grew up. Upon graduating High School, I moved to Boston for two years to pursue my figure skating training. I can easily say, leaving my home, and working with new, and diverse people and attitudes opened my mind greatly and definitely influenced my ability to communicate professionally and gave me a host of life-education experiences I couldn't acheive by staying in Michigan. It's not that Michigan is a bad place, it's just not the right one for me.

it is unbeliverable! but even it is true situation, how about the working opportunities. many of my friends they are planning to graduate in this year but they could not find a job. the issue i am thinking is that how dose the salary rate is count? did they count like  job amout for per person they need to finish? if the pressure for one person gana be higher than other place. the salary should be reasonable high.

This study has proved what I thought to be true about Michigan wages to be wrong -- and I see this as a great thing. However, just because the wages are higher than the average in Michigan, that does not mean that the number of jobs that are available are above average. Listening to my brother, a recent graduate of Michigan State in 2010, he seems to think that in order to even get a job, you must seek outside of our wonderful state. He has been fortunate enough to land a job in Miami before he even graduated, but many of his friends were not so lucky. Not a single one of my friends has graduated and been able to find a job in Michigan and if they are still in the state, they are job-less. I hope that this study means that job opportunities are opening and expanding across Michigan because I would love nothing more than to work in this state. The recession hit our state the worst and until the big 3 build their way back up to the mega-dollars, I think that the job search will be in other states.  

It is absolutely a great finding. It would be very nice for people who live here to be able to find a career near their home. However, Michigan State University is well-known internationally. The grad students like myself come from different states or even different countries. For most people, they may eventually go back home. For me, this finding does not affect my future plan. Even though, the wages in Michigan is high as it was stated in WSJ, I don’t believe that this applies to every industries. In the field of advertising, I believe it would be more challenging to work in a big city and big company and therefore get better wages. I plan to be an intern in an ad company in a big city before I go back to Thailand to help take care of my family business.

I agree that Michigan is up there in the higher salaries in the United States. Which is great more power to the state and for those people currently holding those careers. I love Michigan and would love to stay here for a career but is that really possible. Your blogs states that Michigan competes with New York and San Francisco in highest wages but are those careers made for a freshly graduated student. When I think of higher wages I think of CEO's, Presidents, Vice Presidents; these jobs are not given to a student who just graduated from college. In order to obtain these positions you need multiple years of experience and a good track record of work from your past. The reason I think about leaving Michigan when I graduate is not because there aren't any companies I would like to work for here. The two companies that I am interested in working for are in Chicago and Los Angeles. It's not like I want to leave Michigan but the job opportunities I have are in different states. I eventually want to move back to Michigan I love the four seasons and I believe that this state will make a turn around. Michigan is just not a good state for a recent graduate student to find a good paying career at the moment. When I move back I will be pursuing those higher wage jobs that you are talking about but I as well as every other graduate need time to build a protfolio to be considered for those careers.

This study offers that the wages in Michigan are now higher but it doesn't exactly mean that there are good paying jobs for college students that are here to stay. I wouldn't absolutely rule out the possibility of a job in Michigan but it isn't my first choice to say the least.  I don't think that this will change my future plans. I feel like the stability of the Michigan ad agencies clients is debatable -- and if the ad agency loses some of their biggest clients will a new hire keep their job let alone their high wages?

I haven't even looked to apply for a job in Michigan and no offense to you Michiganders but I don't think I would. If this study is true, it is good news for people that would live to stay in Michigan, however I don't believe that most of the graduates leave solely on the idea that there are higher paying jobs else where. I believe it has much to do with the fact they just want out of Michigan. They have lived here their whole life, went to college here and now they want to go somewhere else, experience something new. Most people I talk to they say,"Why would you come to Michigan there is nothing to do here." So I think that the thought of lower salary in Michigan has a small influence, I think the main reason younger people leave is for different reasons. 

Sure, wages are higher in Michigan, but job security isn't. Especially in the field I'm going into. At Ad Agencies in Detroit, at minimum HALF of the accounts are automotive, so when that industry crashes you lose your job. Agencies aren't the only ones either. Auto makers, suppliers, marketers, dealerships, even programmers for the machines that make automotive parts all have high job risk. So where will I be? Far, far away from here.

This is an interesting study and I am a bit surprised to find that statistically Michigan has above average salaries. I believe what companies are willing to offer in terms of salaries and benefits are strongly dependent on the talent that they are attempting to acquire and the advantages potential employees find within their company. Aside from a great work environment and unique company culture, job seekers want to live in a thriving community - after all their must be some sort of work/life balance. With the heavily negative press that has surrounded our state lately, it is obvious that companies that are serious about attracting the most talented and qualified applicants will offer more for their positions.

Despite enjoying Michigan and being very proud of where I’m from, I do look forward to moving on to another location to begin my career. I think its important to experience life somewhere other than norm at least once in your life, and why not do it at the brink of your career? In terms of my long-term aspirations, I can certainly see myself raising a family here.  We live in a beautiful state that has rebuilt itself in the past, and I have no doubt will continue to do so in the future.

This study is very surprising to me because of the way the economy has been and that Michigan has a higher unemployment rate than most states.  I honestly am very clueless about the subject of job wages in Michigan, because I'm not at the point yet where I'm ready to start looking for a job in my field.  I won't start looking for a job until after I've graduated, and even that depends on whether I am accepted into the Masters program I'm interested in starting right after I graduate.  I love Michigan, and despite the weather sometimes, I plan on staying here for a while.  This study ensures me that staying here will benefit me more when I enter the job field.  

This study brings hope to individuals like us who look for internships and jobs as school comes to a close. I feel like there is so much news about the failing economy in Michigan that everyone takes it as a fact to leave Michigan for other so called higher paying jobs. People see Detroit and compare it to cities such as New York City and Chicago and see no comparision. I have to admit I want to work in the bigger booming cities such as these mentioned. But wherever my job calls me, I will have to go. Location has to come second when getting the job in the first place is crucial. The advertising industry is competitive and it is difficult to be picky in where you want to work. With this aside, I would love to be working out in San Francisco, CA in continuation with my internship with ShortForm and work my way up from there.

This is an interesting post. As I see it, the problem in Michigan is not the amount of money offered, it's the lack of companies offering jobs. If I could find a job in Michigan, I wouldn't necessarly leave. However, I have been so hard pressed to find a company offering what I am interested in. Yes it's true, we do have the big 3, but Detroit is not a bubbling metropolis.

In all honesty, it's kind of slow paced, and let's be honest cold. I am interested in working in a big city environment, and right now that is not what Detroit has to offer. A city like New York or Chicago may be just as cold, if not colder, however the excitement of the big city is something many metro-detroiters love, and crave. When I was in Atlanta, I met so many people from Detroit who needed a big warm city. Everyone is not built for the cold.

I have always said it is my dream to come back to Detroit as an entrepreneur, and help rebuild the city and downtown however, it feels like Detroit doesn't have much to offer me in this stage of my life

Higher wages in Michigan just sounds like an oxymoron. It seems like everywhere I go, people are right around minimum wage for jobs that, in another city, would be making way more. Take working as a camera operator for a local news station as an example, here in Michigan, they get paid a mere $8-$9/ hour, but if you were to do this exact same job in another state, let's say California, your hourly wage would be double that! So it's hard for me to see the WSJ's point of view here. What about the unemployment rate here? Isn't it still one of the highest in the country? It makes me wonder if they say the wages are high because it just looks high on paper when in reality it's just those people that have the higher up jobs and don't need people working under them, causing less jobs, putting this state's economy in shambles. Now, I'm no expert on anything economics so I could be very well wrong here. But this is just the point of view I see, and from the people I know who are struggling to make a living here in Michigan. This whole thing doesn't really change my future plans at all since I'm from California, and will be moving there regardless after I graduate. But who knows, maybe in a few years I may come back here in search for a better job. 

This Wall Street Journal study was surprising to me because I didn't expect the Metro Detroit area to receive an above average score for wages, close to some of the highest wages in New York and San Francisco.  I agree that job opportunities appear to be growing in the Metro Detroit area after applying for several internships for the summer/fall semesters.  This study is of great importance to me, since I am planning on entering the pharmaceutical/medical sales field after graduation and have been planning to move out of the state in order to find a well paying job.  After reading this article and noticing the increase in job/intership postings for the Detroit area, I am now seriously thinking of staying in Michigan for at least a couple of years and saving some money if I am able to find a job here.  I beleive in the next 2-5 years I can see myself moving farther south, specifically to North Carolina, Georgia, or Texas.

The WSJ is a legitimate source for a study of this nature, and I totally agree with what has been said.  I think that there are enough jobs in Michigan, and if this is where a person would like to reside after graduation, I say go for it! Personally, I love Michigan, but this is not where I see myself in the next 5 years.  I don't have any set plans after graduation other than traveling.  I have all the time in the world to worry about how large my salary is going to be so I would rather find a job that I enjoy.  I don't plan on getting married and starting a family for atleast 10 years.  For the first 6 or 7 years I want to spend my time exploring the world while I'm still young, and if needed, picking up and moving to a different state or even country won't be a hassle.  I am very open to new experiences, and there is so much I want to do with my life before I decide to stay in one place.  When I am finally ready for life to slow down a bit, I am definitely going to be in Michigan.  I think that it is one of the most underrated states in U.S., and more people should give it a chance.

Higher Wages in Michigan? I'm sure, as with most states, some sectors will have higher starting salaries than the national average. The dirty rumon of less well-paying jobs certainly still resides in union related work. I believe this will continue to be a downward trend as the local autos strive to compete on the global front. The only thing that will really help this sector is to RAISE the wages of auto and manufacturing workers in all of the developing nations - a tall order for sure.

I believe college educated students will have the opportunity for a rewarding early career here in Michigan. Engineering professionals especially would seem to have a bright future as we continue to diversify some of our manufacturing bases.

There are so many other great resources in Michigan that I believe need to be touted to our new generation of professionals - from our strong cities (Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing - and yes, in some respects, Detroit and it's surround suburbs) as well as the natural beauty of our forests, rivers, streams and lakes. Not much fear of earthquakes, hurricanes and major weather related catastrophes either. There are many pluses to hangin around the Great State of Michigan!

Whether there are jobs in Michigan or not is truly just a matter of opinion. Because I just walked in May and have a job in my field, I would argue that there are jobs available; people are just taking the wrong approaches to getting those jobs. With advertising requiring somewhat of a creative background, I think it is crucial for recent graduates to come up with a unique approach to present him/herself to the company they want to work for. Making yourself stand out in a crowd of resumes is vital to the real world.

Still, I think starting out in any job, it is difficult to make the wages and salaries that you aim for. No matter what the field is, most people start off their career at the low end of the totem pole and need to work there for a few years to see an increase in their wages. Experience also helps people land better jobs; so internships are very important to getting a well-paying, stable job out of college.

Locationally, I will be here in Michigan in the next 2-5 years-infact, I will be here for the rest of my life. I am getting married this August to a farmer and it is virtually impossible for him and his family to move their land. Reguardless of the fact that I will stay here because of him, I would probably stay here anyway because my family and friends are here as well. Though the job market is not the best now, it is still very possible to get job in this economy; you just have to want it and be willing to be creative to get it!

My friends and family that have recently graduated college in the last five years and opted to stay in Michigan make me feel like this survey is very, VERY inaccurate. All but 2 of the ten recent grads I know have real people jobs now. Many are still working the jobs they held as undergrads at Jimmy Johns, Walmart, etc. because they can't find anything in the their career path. My friends that moved to Chicago and Pittsburg all landed jobs within their first year out.

Obviously this study does not change my future plans. However, even if Michigans economy was booming and there were jobs poping up like daisys I wouldn't want to stay here. It's a great place to grow-up, raise a family or retire but for 20 and 30 somethings it's dullsville. I want to experience the hustle and bustle of city life and Michigan just can't compete with Chicago, New York or L.A. After college I plan on moving to Chicago or New York and I'll try to find a job or internship that will lead to a career. If, after a year that's a bust my fall back is the Chicago Portfolio School where I can hone my creative skills, network, polish my portfolio and hopefully land a career.

I have lived in Michigan my entire life and as much as I love this state I have already decided to move out of state upon graduating from Michigan State. I made my decision based upon a couple of key factors. First of all I want to grow as a young adult so I wanted to adventure out of state to really have the feeling of moving out and on with my life. Secondly, there are far more greater job oppertunities when it comes to my degree of advertising in other states over Michigan (even though there are a lot of jobs, most are not pertaining to my degree). Thirldy, one of my best friends has a job lined up for me in Chicago as soon as I graduate after this upcoming fall semester (which I am extremely excited about). So this study did not effect my decision to stay or leave Michigan, but I do believe the information presented is correct, and college graduates should consider staying in the Michigan job market because it is above the national average. Now just because I plan on leaving Michigan once I graduate, does not mean I do not plan on eventually returning back to Michigan one day to settle down and have a family once I am established. 

This study makes sense, though it was surprising to me. Michigan never strikes me as an ad environment, per se. But I agree mostly with what other students have had to say on the subject. A lot of students leave Michigan for other reasons. Though I am a born and raised Michigander, and love the natural beauty of the state, I have developed deep frustrations with it too. The snow, roads, and lack of public transportation are some of the downsides of staying local. I'm interested in being close to things and not needing a car to pollute the air, something Michigans expansive freeways and elbow room don't account for. This is a tough choice, because I also don't really want to live in a city thats loud and fast with no time to smell the roses. My ideal job (at Weiden+Kennedy's Portland office) seems to have the perfect setting, though. Close enough to a city to be cozy, but with enough land around to freely explore, snowboard, hike, and more. Perfect clients too (for me, anyway).

So, where will I be in 2-5 years?

Hopefully, Oregon.

(Never thought I'd say that when I was little!)

I don't believe that there aren't any jobs in Michigan. I think Michigan has just as much potential than an other state. I've grown up living in Michigan for my entire life and will not be leaving. This is my home and where my family is and I could not see myself picking up my life and moving it to somewhere completely new. I know it may be hard for me to find a job in Michigan, but I also believe it will be hard everywhere else. I do not feel as though I won't get a job after graduation. I know it may not happen right away but I know that I will be happier here than anywhere else.

After spending a weekend at a family wedding, I personally was so annoyed with the topic of conversation that people chose with me. "So, after you  graduate, do you think you're gonna move to Chicago?" "Where are you gonna go after graduation?". It was really irritating because first of all, I don't have the answer to these questions, and second, why is everyone so sure that I won't find something in Michigan? I think Michigan is on the rise and I know of plenty of people who have found jobs here after college. Everyone says that most graduates move out of state, which is true, but I think it's because they want to. I have friends in Texas, Florida, Chicago, Boston, but they all chose to move there to get a change of scenery. It's just frustrating to me that everyone has such a negative attitude about our state.

I would definitely have to agree that Michigan graduates should stay in Michigan and agree that the WSJ makes a good point. I think that Michigan will be on the upswing in the next five years so I think that if you look for the right jobs MSU grads can definitely stay in state. I think that Michigan offers just as competitive wages and opportunities as any other state when it comes to job offers that I have looked for except in tourist hot spots like Las Vegas, New York City, etc. I think also geographically Michigan offers scenery that no other state can and that is the Great Lakes. They are a great tourist destination and way for trade to move in and out of Michigan. My family has owned a cabin on Lake Huron for around fifty years and I love it up there. It is a home away from home for sure. So, I definitely could see myself in the next five years getting a job somewhere in Michigan especially in Grand Rapids (one of my favorite travel spots), maybe even try to get a place on the Grand Rapids River and I also see myself continuing the family name and owning my family cabin on Lake Huron.

After reading the study “Comparing wages across the US”, I would say that I agree with the study. There are jobs available in Michigan for college graduates. I personally feel that many graduates prefer not to stay in Michigan for other reasons. I have lived in Michigan all of my life and also had opportunity to travel the country. In my travels I have seen places that I would rather live then Michigan, places without snow and without potholes and other things that I personally hate about the state of Michigan. I also think that it depends on your career path, when it comes to job availability in Michigan. There are a lot more creative career choices in places like California and New York then in Michigan. But maybe if someone went to school for engineering then Michigan could be the proper place for them. Never have I thought about staying in Michigan and raising a family in the same city or state that I grew up in. Michigan has a lot to offer but maybe just not a lot for me. But if somehow I was offered a job that paid well and it was doing something I enjoyed then I would likely stay in Michigan, at least for a while.  2-5 years from now I do not see myself in Michigan.

Every college student should understand that they will not be paid six-figure salaries right after they walk across the graduation stage. I think a lot of students are under the misconception that just because we receive undergraduate degrees in a field means we should automatically be paid forty grand or more starting, however, a lot of companies won’t offer such a proposal. I am slightly surprised at the data, but when really considering the large companies in Michigan and in the Detroit area, I guess the facts do not really surprise me. Think about it, in Detroit you have Ford, GM and Chrysler, whose managers and directors all make very good salaries with bonuses. Then you have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a leading health care provider in the state whose director’s make six-figure incomes… there are large nation-wide advertising companies like Campbell-Ewald and Mars advertising, which handle national campaigns for other major companies like OnStar and Alltel Wireless and many people own or run their own businesses in Michigan and do well. So when looking at the statistics, it almost does make sense. Even while in college, I have had two very well-paid internships at two major Michigan companies, so I know a well-paid job in Michigan in my field of study is plausible after I graduate. If I am offered a job in Michigan, I would like to stay in Michigan for a few years after I graduate and most likely live at home so I can build up a solid amount of income. If I still enjoy the work I am doing after a few years, I will move out and continue to work in Michigan, while potentially doing free-lance editing work on the weekends. However, if I am tired of the work I am doing or if I am not offered a job at one of the companies I apply for in Michigan after I graduate, I plan to move out west to California and pursue my dream as a movie trailer editor. Locationally, two years from now I will most likely still be in Michigan, however, five years from now I truly hope to be on the east or west coast working for a trailer house.  As much as I love Michigan because I adore four seasons and my family, while I am young, I want to travel and live in and experience as many places as I can before I settle into one spot. And who knows, if everything goes well during my internship at Ford this summer, I could one day live in Europe or Asia and work for their communication branches over seas! Only time will tell. It's a scary thought, this whole... growing up and becoming an adult, living in the real world thing. But I think MSU has prepared me for whatever may come my way.

I'm actually not surprised with Michigan scores. Of course everyone who lives in Michigan is going to have the impression that Michigan is not a good place for jobs, but why not? People who lives in California may not think it's a great place to live because the expenses is so high.I think it all depends on what area you grew up in and where you feel most comfortable in. I haven't really landed in any jobs in my field yet, but I do have a lot of networking. Many people that I have spoke to are happy with where they are at and it gets me exciting that maybe I can stay in Michigan after all with an advertising major. This study does not change my future plans at all. I have thought about moving to the bigger cities like New York City or Chicago, but I also like Michigan. If I can get a job in Michigan, that would be great for me because all my families and friends are here. If not, I'm open for new things. In 2-5 years from now, I think I would either still me in Michigan or Chicago because it close to home.

I have lived in Michigan my entire life and to be honest I love it very much because many other states do not have the 4 seasons like we do. This past memorial day weekend I traveled to Mackinac Island and stayed at the Governor's Mansion, and it was then I realized how beautiful the state of Michigan really is. Although, I would love to one day live in California, I still would love to stay in the Metro Detroit area. Hopefully in the next 2-5 years I have a job and I am overall happy with the decision I make. I honestly can't decide if I agree with the study or not because I have not been offered a salary paid job yet. With tons of research I know that there are jobs that are looking to hire people out of state and sadly right now in Michigan many companies are not hiring. After reading over this post my plans for the future does not change anything really. I have always told myself if I get an offer out of state I will take it regardless of what state it is in. I would love it if I can one day get married, have children and to live in the Greater Detroit Area; I would love to show my children all the things I have done being from Michigan. 

It is fantastic that the statistics show that wages are high in Michigan, however as a recent grad I am still looking to get out of Michigan as fast as I can. Knowing that it will be hard to land anything other than a entry level job, wages are not on my list of requirements when job prospecting. To add to that, they are very hard to find when job searching anyway. I am willing to pay a higher cost of living to live somewhere out of state. Why? Like many people above this has been my dream since I was little, so ramon noodles may continue after college. Does this mean I will never return to Michigan? No. It just means I am in the best position to leave the state and follow my dreams. Maybe one day I will return to Michigan to settle down and start a family. Maybe.  

I see myself in the next 2-5 years in a large city, or metropolitan area. Either in the south or west coast. I have been applying for jobs in these locations and hope to land one before August, when I am offically done with classes! 

I've lived in Michigan my whole life, then moved to Florida during my high school days then I moved back up here to attend Michigan State University. I can honestly say, once you have lived in a warm state like Florida for 4 years, suffering through these Michigan winters seems pretty pointless. I think my opinion is very similar to a lot of college students opinions and that is, why start your career in a place with such terrible winters and find yourself tied up when you can start your career wherever your dream place is and not be stuck in the same state your whole life. I think there is alot to be said about following your dreams and setting your goals high. After all, I'm planning on moving back to Florida as soon as I'm done here. I don't think suffering through winters from November - April is the way to live life.

I've lived in Michigan my entire life, and I absolutely love the small town that I live in. Which is weird, since we all make fun of it on a regular basis. I honestly have no intention of moving out of the state as my current job is literally 5 minutes from my house and is exactly what I have always pictured myself doing. Though it isn't in the advertising field, my schooling is coming in handy as we are trying to build a reputation and get the company name out to the world. I've been hired to create ads for other people already as well (though that really is not what I studied). So I'll be staying in Michigan as far as I can see, though it won't be in the advertising world per say.

I sort of hate to admit it, but I have absolutely no intentions of staying in Michigan after I graduate. Even though I've been here for more than half of my life, I always give a more complicated answer when people ask where I'm from (I was a Navy brat growing up). So I don't really feel like I have "roots" here and my mom and brother - who now live in the Chicago area - are planning on packing up and moving wherever my husband and I go. I would really like to go to the Northwest, somewhere like Portland or Seattle. Somewhere with a genuine "vibe". Realistically, I'll go wherever I find a good job but I am actively looking outside of Michigan. It's not just the economy; the weather, the landscape, and a general feeling of wanting to really "START" my life all drive me to move somewhere very different. 

Ideally, yes, I would like to stay in Michigan. Although the weather is not always my favorite thing, who really wants to have a Christmas without snow? In my last post I shared that in August I will be moving down to Florida for an internship with Disney. I am happy I'm doing this, not only for the warm weather but just for the experience I will be receiving. After the college program is complete, I hope to get a professional internship with them that could further help to me getting a "big girl" job back in Michigan. Being away from my family for six months seems hard enough and I doubt I could ever live in another state.  I agree with the study and I do believe that there are many opportunities for people to get ideal jobs in Michigan. Most, if not all of my friends who have graduated within the past 3 years have found a job or a starting place for their careers. So this study didn't really change my future plans, but reinforced my decision to stay in Michigan.

In my last comment I talked about staying right here in the good ole state of Michigan. Being the son of an autoworker (blue collar mother) and a father who works for the auto industry but in a management position, I have heard both sides of this. But I am also an independent thinker so I try to not let their views become my views with no reason. I know that Michigan is struggling in the manufacturing aspect, but I never believed all the rumors about how there are no jobs and no money to be made in Michigan. Our State is on the upturn, maybe not for the working man with no education but for people who have perpared themselves for the future like you and I. I am not surprised to see that Michigan has pretty high wages, we are hard workers here in Michigan and I believe we are rewarded for our services. I Have never wanted to leave this state and this is icing on the cake that i shouldn't. So you  ask where will I be in a few years and I will reply " I plan on being right here in Michigan."

I was surprised when I looked over the study and saw all of the little green patches of above-average pay hovering in the northern parts of the United States. I thought the income would be more spread out. I have always expected to leave the state upon graduating because of the weather (I like to be warm-end of story), our state's economy, and the depressed job market. It is nice to know that things are on the upswing in case I decide to stay a while longer in Michigan... Overall, this study doesn't really change my future plans because of my inclination toward warmer weather. I'm not phased by the below-average sectors of income littering the south because this study doesn't factor the differences of living expenses and other lifestyle factors into the income received by each region. In the next 2-5 years I see myself living in a warmer state, but realistically I will go anywhere that offers me a job and still offers an urban setting. If I'm just starting off I'm not going to be picky!

Since entering college in 2008, I have been told countless times: your going to have to move out of Michigan if you want to find a job. I have always believed this statement, because our cities, Detroit, Flint and other cities in the state have been a laughingstock of the country for years. Recently, I have seen an uprising in the state. From Chrysler and the big American auto makers recently finding success, to Detroit being the "new Hollywood", and movies being made in Michigan, I see the state in a positive place.

As far as my search for a job, it will probably be out of state. Not because of opportunities, but because of my desire to live in a different place. I love Michigan, but I also want to experience a new state. But, I could see myself working in Michigan if the right opportunity comes along.

Like the Chrysler commercial says, it's the hottest fires that makes the hardest steel.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to live in New York City, or live and New Jersey and travel to NYC for work everyday. When I was little, I admired New York in movies and actually visiting the city makes me feel alive. I would absolutely love to live there, or another big city like Chicago. Of course there are higher paying jobs in NYC, because the cost of living is higher. I love Michigan don't get me wrong, if I find a job I love in the Midwest, I would not hesitate to stay. My family is all in Michigan and it would be hard to be without them. As of now, I see myself somewhere along the east coast in the next 2-5 years. I really hope the economy picks up in Michigan because there is a lot of potential to make good money here. The only reason i have seen better wages is due to higher cost of living. In Anahiem, CA they were willing to pay way more than a job in chicago just because it costs way more to live there. My future plans consists of one thing: finding a job. At this point, if I have multiple offers i will be able to sit back and think about where I am going to go and will be happy. But if I only am offered jobs out of state, then i will have to go.

I think unfortunately Michigan just doesn't sparkle the way New York or California does. I know so many students that are just itching to spread their wings and fly as far away from here as possible, even if the graph does show a certain amount of growth, there is just no glitter here. No one ever makes the headlines in Michigan, no one ever mentions the bright lights of Grand River, or the view from a pent house in Holland, it just doesn't have that big time feel, even if you can make big time bucks. What I find ironic is the fact that many of these people are leaving the "High Five" of America to pursue chasing their tail in big time states, and they never even took the time to look at what was right in front of them. How many dreamers end up on the low end of a job that isn't even within their major, cramped in a 300 square foot apartment with six roomates and roaches? So maybe not that dramatic, but I think shooting for the stars shouldn't be about relocating, it should be about finding a job that suits you. It's about time some young blood starts a new wave of spirit here in Michigan. In my opinion Michigan is one of the best states there is, sure we have hit some bumps in the road, but as Michiganders it's in our genes to roll with the punches and roll out the next big idea. It's just a matter of time and talent before Michigan is back on its feet. If you don't want to stay here that is fine, more wonderful, original, fabulous, beautiful Michigan for me.

I'm not sure wages alone are the reason I would choose a location to live and raise a family. I saw an informal poll via Twitter a few weeks ago where most everyone said they'd pick an OK job in their dream city over their dream job in an OK city. Michigan has a lot to offer - beautiful lakes, parks and, as you've said, an entrepreneurial spirit - but there's still much work to be done to make our cities attractive to college graduates. I moved to a big city (Nashville, Tenn.) after I finished my undergraduate degree and it was wonderful, but I moved back to raise my family around my family, and my family is here in Michigan. My husband and I have been doing everything we can to help recent college grads see what Lansing and Michigan have to offer - my husband especially devotes time traveling the country trying to bring smart people BACK to Michigan. I think people will stay in Michigan when there are more people willing to try new things and reinvent what it means to love your city.

I think people, in general, believe the grass is always greener in someone else's yard. Every state in the country is having their own problems dealing with a poor economy. My goodness, California's budget problems are in the news every day! We Michiganders tend to be a little sensitive when our pride is hurt especially since we've been the nation's punching bag for so long. We need to stop listening to what others say about us and work together to improve Michigan's economy, quality of life and reputation.

Despite our current economic problems, I think Michigan has a lot going for it. Detroit, for instance, has a relatively low cost of living compared to Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. Michigan has an abundance of natural resources (no shortage of water here!), new industries (e.g. clean energy) taking root and plenty of home-grown talent (all of you!). I live and work in southeast Michigan and I see signs of hope in all the new small businesses opening up and neighborhoods promoting their local shops and restaurants. Michigan has a chance to reinvent itself and I think that presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs (especially new grads!) to make their mark on the world.

I love Michigan. I've lived here all my life and this is where my family is. Where will I be living and working in 2-5 years? Right here in Michigan!

Its great to see Michigan doing so well! Even with the economic troubles the state has face it is great place to be. The people here have such a great spirit and determination to do great things regardless of the economic environment. I've been lucky enough to come into contact with and work with so many positive people right here in the Mid-Michigan area. Unfortunately I don't see myself staying in Michigan long after graduation. My reasons for leaving the state have nothing to do with wages, jobs or the economy. I've always felt like I have two homes, here and Indianapolis, because my family spends so many weekends in Indy. We have family there and slowly even my immediate family is moving there. As I decide where to live in the future I will consider how far away my family is as well as jobs and wages. 

I just hope the students of all the universities in Michigan find that same article.  I do agree with this article, we have new and exciting green energy companies coming to Michigan.  In the last two years the little town where I am from has seen two major companies set up shop.  One is Dowding Industries and manufactures the huge wind turbines and the other is a foundry that will smelt the metals to create the propellers.

Check out this article:http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100822/NEWS01/8220430

The other things that I consider when making my plans to live in Michigan, is the natural resources.  Consider what you will be doing when you are not at your job.  Michigan has more recreational opportunities than most other states.  We have the most beautiful beaches, shorelines,and amazing inland lakes.  I hope that all of you consider these items when determining whether or not to leave the mitten. When you want to get away for the weekend, drive in any direction and you will find adventure just a few hours away, right here at home.  I will remain in Michigan after graduation and will see my grandchildren walking along the shores of Lake Michigan searching for that elusive petoskey stone.

This is all true.  However, with how the economic times are, there is no guarantee that this will stay this way.  I would love to find a job in Michigan, but I'm hearing from many friends that it is still hard to find jobs, but the jobs that are there are high paying. Hopefully I will be able to find a job near Michigan if things turn around in the next couple of years, but until that is seen I am not going to limit myself to Michigan either.