In a recent post, I listed out the top 5 best and worst job markets for healthcare related jobs in the country. I promised I would explore some of the areas in the “bests” portion of the list to continue my earlier series on “Best Job Markets in the US”. A man of my word, I am pleased to delve a bit into what makes Madison, Wisconsin such a great place to live and work.
About 75 miles west of the shores Lake Michigan, this beautiful city of 228,000 people is a youthful and vibrant place to live. For career minded singles or young couples seeking a great place to put down roots and start a family alongside their new career, Madison is an excellent choice. Almost 57% of the young population (median age 33 years) is single which is great for those seeking a new romance in addition to a new career. Yet housing and overall cost of living is attractive to those who are seeking to build a home alongside their career. The average home in Madison sells for $220,000 which is far more affordable than in areas such as New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles. The cost of living index in Madison is below the national average too. With a median annual income of nearly $50,000, the potential for good living in this Wisconsin gem is high.
Having spent a little time in Madison, I can say from experience that the city and surrounding metro areas are clean, attractive and inviting with excellent food, social activities, parks and music.
2 Responses to “Best US Job Markets – Part 3”
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I was excited to read this information and see that Boston, MA is one of the top 5 best places to work when it pertains to the Healthcare Indusrty. This information made me think about all the great Hospitals there are in the Boston area like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Woman’s, Dana Farber and Mclean’s Hospital, to name a few. I personaly live in New Hampshire but I am a native of the Boston area and personaly now the greatness of these hospitals. I am glad that I live near so many great hospitals and one day I hope to be working for one of them.
Finally, having worked very hard in past nine months to finish my medical insurance billing and coding course through Allen school online, I have now started my new career search in the field. Unfortunately, this is proving more challenging than I anticipated.
It appears that, despite the large number of open positions, almost every employer is looking for someone with more than two year’s prior experience. Most are reluctant to even consider an internship arrangement.
I have begun to wonder, given the employers’ desire for persons with prior experience, how new entrants into the medical billing and coding field without this experience can establish themselves. It something of a “Catch 22”. Open positions demand experience, but without experience it is impossible to find the opportunity to accumulate experience.
The real challenge for new entrants seems to be finding an employer who is willing to accept the risk of hiring someone without experience and investing in them to develop a long-term valued asset. Hence, for me, the best job market would be one comprising progressive employers who are willing to give new entrants an opportunity learn and prove themselves. This would be more important than the cost of living and other lifestyle factors, at least initially.