Best way to make the move

I've been trying like Hell to find a job up there, to no avail. A great percentage of job postings I see say "Local Candidates ONLY." My friends up there insist that it would be infinitely easier to move to Chicago FIRST, and then find a job. However, the prospect of moving out of my "Comfort Zone" (CHEAP and BIG N.O. house) into the potential of extended joblessness is kinda daunting.

Has anyone just up and "Done it"? Am I overthinking this too much? I am SOOO ready to move, but the idea of being adrift in a sea of joblessness has me paralyzed! If anyone has any experience like this, or any general advice, I'd really appreciate it.

Depends on the field you are going into! Chicago in my opinion has a good market for accoutning/ finance type jobs!

Hey, I appreciate everyone who responded here and via PM!!

I'll be doing some advanced scouting up there from March 4 until the 12th, and during that time, I'm hoping to square away a place to live and gladhand with some potential employers.

Oh yeah....and EAT a lot, too!

Thanks again, y'all.