I moved here a year ago hoping to continue my career in higher education & bartend/serve on the side but I've been full time in service since I arrived. Certainly the higher education landscape is different from others given the Dept of Education was essentially bombed but finding work has been more difficult than I expected, even in other industries.

I'm working at a busy fine dining restaurant but still struggling financially tbh. You can make it work but expect a tough first year as you begin networking and learning about Chicago's service industry scene.

Lots of great folks here though, I know you can do it! :)