how hard will it be for me to find a new place?

Okay, I need information.

Monday I start my first job in 5 years.

Currently I'm sleeping on a friend's couch. There are a number of reasons why this will be untenable once I'm working. For example, two of the roomies here work odd shifts. One gets home anywhere between 10:30 at night and 12:30 in the morning. Another showers before work around 2:00 in the morning. I'm a light sleeper. There are other issues.

So, I'd like to move ASAP. I'm worried that having been unemployed for 5 years, even though I'll have a job by the time I talk to apartment managers, will mean they'll reject my application. Have any of you been in a similar situation? Can you tell me if this is likely to be a problem?

do you know anyone?

I’m looking for a roommate in the Pittsburgh area. I’ll be working at exit 64 off of 376, near an area called Rosslyn Farms. I’d like a short commute. To give you an idea of neighborhoods I’m looking near Bethel Park, Brentwood, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Oakdale, Sewickley, Whitehall.

I’d like someone who is at least 30 (I’m 52), a woman, non-smoker, likes cats. The company I’ll be working for does drug screening so no drugs. I’m laid back and liberal. I prefer a quiet home.

There is a place in Brentwood that I can get if we move quickly. It’s available at the end of June, but I am also looking at apartments in the neighborhoods I mentioned.