It wasn't really hard at all. It was mostly apprehension about the unknown. Hell, I didn't know anyone in florida or where I was even going to stay, and no I didn't even have work lined up at that point, I just went for it.
I just knew the area I wanted to be in. So when I got there I just asked around as to where I could find a good camp grounds. I did help that I was in a warm climate. In fact, I liked camping out there so much I stayed at the campgrounds for about 8 months.
I got a job at a landscape nursery, and then after a few months of being there, the owner allowed me to setup camp on his property (13 acres) so I could save money faster in order to get an apartment. And in no time I was in one. 2 years later I had my own business. Which by the way was a great business for "warm climates" such as florida and can be started on a shoestring, but yields big bucks. I was making 180-400 an hour as my own boss working my own hours. So if you decide on florida let me know and I'll tell you what it is and how to get started on it.
As as far as telling employers you don't live there yet shouldn't be a problem. The fact that your trying to get set up in a job before you move might actually be points in your favor. It shows initiative.
What I would do if I were you...first save some money...at least enough for a few months rent in the area you decide to move to. Then make some calls to that area and maybe even call some newspapers in that area and ask them if they can send you the classified ads so you can see what kind of jobs are there, and places to live as well, then make some calls.
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