I would like to add that always listen to techs about jobs coming up. SInce you worked at Duke ,you should know that they dont pay the best, but there are alot of outages between the three sites, a good way to stay busy and pick up time. I started as a deconner for Mcquire for 3 and a half years before I went on the road. I know most of the techs in the Duke system. My sister is a house tech a Mcquire. Deconners at Duke take their job serious. Unlike the previous advice, try and get into the higher contamination jobs(Cavity, pressure washing and sump clean outs.) This is the worst of the worst but if you prevail and do well the lead techs like to see that and this may get you other jobs on the road. Name is everything. A good name gets around which leads to higher paying jobs. Dont loose your self respect and maintain your dose ALARA. After about a year or two and about three or four cavity decon's, head to Jr hp land. This, in the long run will make you the most money. I was a deconner for 10 years before I became an HP and now a house tech. I wish I would have switched earlier. As for housing, group up if you can. car pool when possible. Above all dont be afraid to ask questions and learn. Once you experienced some of the more difficult jobs then its all the same. Hope this helps.
Vinnie