Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge I finally did it

I sold my house last weekend and I gave my notice at work. Scary. I'm heading west. Somewhere. I'll probably end up in Albuquerque, but maybe not. Oregon is also a possibility. Where ever I go, I'll make sure I have a longer riding season.

This is a life change for me. I've been wanting to do it for a couple years now. I've been through two major layoffs where I work and this April they started talking about more cuts. I know there aren't any guarantees with any job, but after the last round of layoffs I told myself I wasn't going to get caught in that trap again. Well, rumors started to fly this spring and I just decided I'd had it.

I like Minnesota, but I don't like the humidity in the summer, and I don't like the long, long winters. No offense you Minnesotans. I really don't like seeing the bike sit in the store room for 6 months of winter. Minnesota is lush and beautiful and green in the summer, but I'm basically a western guy. I like the mountains and dry, cool nights.

My girlfriend Addy is behind me all the way. In fact, she is the one who talked me into it. She is the only woman I have known who hasn't pushed me to MAKE MORE MONEY. She says there's more to life than money. Well, money helps a lot, but I think she's right. I have given up a bunch of weekends and nights to this job. A few years ago I told Addy that I didn't want to become old and eccentric by working at the same job, tied to a paycheck, because I was seeing people, fellow workers, who were like that. Well, not long ago she called me on it. She said I need to get out of there or I'd be just like them. She said I was getting like them. That kind of hit me. It rocked me off center. It started me moving.

This is a big country and I'd like to see some more of it. And, like we used to say in the oilfield, I was looking for a job when I found this one. I'm outta here. So, in a month, I'll be starting on a new adventure. All those book people say that in order to make a big change in your life, you have to get out of your comfort zone. Well, that's what I'm doing. The really weird thing is that I can do whatever I want. That's what I'm trying to get my mind around. Maybe I'm crazy. We'll see what happens. It should be interesting.

Cody

hey man!

do it !!!! I moved from Poland to UK !!!!!!!!!! more difficult because different language but I could not be more happy new country after few months I bought a bike found this site and now have lot of friends to ride and meet with !!!!
Life changing is always a good experience new people new place and most important you probably will get a new look at your life

Good Luck mate !!!!!!!!!

Quote:

---

My girlfriend Addy is behind me all the way.

---

For a second there..... never mind; my mistake

Good luck mate, try not to make it a habit - I did and it gets very expensive - the one thing I can honestly say that I have learnt from moving around and life changes is - The more people I meet - the more I like my dog.

Excellent Cody. I will be looking forward to hearing about your adventure as it unfolds! Way to Go!!!

You're a lucky man... go for it.

GOOD LUCK CODY,ALL MY RESPECT FOR YOUR COURAGE,TO CHANGE CONTRY ,JOB, ISN'T ALWAYS SO SIMPLE.

Cody, ENJOY! When you have experience, a supportive mate, a great hobby, financial stability and have objectively weighed your options, when will there ever be a better time to do this? There is always a balance of living to work vs working to live, but you are fortunate to have this opportunity. No Stockholm syndrom for you. Don't look back! We did this a year ago and it has been great. Best of luck,
BobW.

Cody, you're a braver man than I am. That is awesome that you are escaping like that. Your girlfriend is headed out with you right? Look me up when you get out here to Oregon.

Soren

When I read your post it gave me the willy's. I did exactly the same thing in 1995. Quit a high paying job, sold my house, picked up my wife and kids and moved to Montana. Seeley Lake to be exact. For the next eight years I worked several jobs in that small town, hunted, fished, heated my house with firewood, watched the night sky, and generally changed my life. I wouldn't have done anything any differently. My wife and I eventually wanted warmer climates and to be closer to her aging mother which is why we are in Florida now, but Montana was very good for us. We did things and saw things most people only dream of. We went to Blackfoot Indian encampments, made drums with The Drum Brothers and eventually taught classes on drum making ourselves. We travelled to Oregon (where I was born) and picked matsutake mushrooms to pay the way. At that point they sold for $200/lb!) We stayed several weeks at Crescent Lake and had a wonderful time. I've been places in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area where the only sign that other people even existed was the occasional airliner flying overhead. This is the best opportunity you will ever have to completely change your outlook on life and what is most important. Money, it isn't! It may not always be easy for you, but the journey will be worth it. Take each experience and allow it to become a part of you. Don't forget to allow yourself to be lead by your heart and not your mind. Your heart always knows what is best for your soul. The best of luck to you.

Cody, good luck Man! I'm in the same boat now and trying to make the same move, although I HAVE to have a job lined up first before I do it(family & kids/bills to support), or I'd have done it about 5 years ago! It's been a long pain in the butt road, but one thing I have in spades is tenacity, and it will happen! I'm happy for ya, go find the sunshine!

Wull dang, looks like I started something here.
As for deciding between NM and OR, west Oregon is a bit greener, but in NM there are usually a few more good riding days. East Oregon is more like the CA/AZ desert except a lot colder in winter.
At any rate, best of luck, and remember, when it comes to your stuff, 2 moves = 1 fire.

Good on ya' Cody. The desert Southwest is chock full of good riding roads and a twelve month season, although it might take you a while to consider 100 degrees a "nice cool day" .
I don't know exactly what you do for a living, but it looks like something to do with computer systems. Casinos, including the Indian casinos are using computer systems for just about everything these days.

Good for you cody! Best of luck wherever you land.

Quote:

---

although I HAVE to have a job lined up first before I do it(family & kids/bills to support), or I'd have done it about 5 years ago!

---

So Greg, what kind of work are you looking for? There're a few of us out here in the West, and somebody may know someone who may be able to use your talents.

Cody,

Whaddaya MEAN "girlfriend"? Addy sounds like a keeper there dude. That babe should have "MRS." in front of her name!!! What's the freakin' hold-up???

Hey...GOOD LUCK! But, with THAT kind of support(and insight), you're already on the road to success and happiness.(no matter WHERE you eventually hang your hat)

Cheers,
Dwight

Bigbill, I'm looking for something in manufacturing, either as a Manufacturing/Process Engineer, or a Product Development Engineer. Most of my time has been on assembly and testing of automotive parts on automated assembly lines, but my education was in machining, and I'd not mind getting back to that kind of work, if I can get a company to give me a chance. My problem partly is that I'm trying to land somewhere between Pueblo and Ft Collins, CO, since I have a ton of family in south Denver, and with 2 growing kids would love to be near them (especially since my grandad is still around!). I have considered places like Flagstaff and Albequerque as well since I've been to both places and liked them, but then that puts me 8-10 (or more) hours from family so not much better than now (still too far for anything but a LONG weekend). But any leads are welcome leads. I had two very promising interviews back in Dec/Jan, but these were my first interviews in over 11 years, so apparently didn't impress them enough! Now I would love another whack at either, but... OH well, the march goes on, and enough of me hijacking Cody's thread! Thanks though!

Hey Greg,

Here's an article from our local rag that may interest you:

Factory Shift: Manufacturers Struggle to Fill Highly Paid Jobs

Very good luck to you Cody. I didn't 'settle down' until I was 35. Go for it!!!

Good luck to you Cody. I am at the point of "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel". 2 more years and I will be making my move. Soon as my oldest one graduates college I'm heading south.

Way to go John. I guess you can tell, We all think you got some big ones. It takes alot of guts to jump out there like that.

Phil, thanks for the article. Honestly, I wouldn't be offended at all to be offered a good technician job, as I am much happier being hands on than shuffling papers and managing people (people are such jackholes sometimes, machines don't whine or give you lip!) anyday! Only problem, is 99% of the HR departments wouldn't give me a second glance since I'm already "professional" (in name only) and they would say "OH, he surely couldn't be happy settling for being JUST a tech after being salaried! Hah, make overtime for working 55-60 hours, no never would I settle for that when I could do it for FREE!!! NOT! But it is amazing how hard it is to find good techs around here, or even operators!!! Shoot, one day I saw a temp come in one day with prison dungarees (yep, stenciled with a number) and an ankle bracelet on work release! Now that is digging DEEP!

Best of luck to you Cody, and you too Greg;

I think anyone in the workplace for any period has peered over the edge from time to time like you guys. Weigh the plusses and minuses and make your best decision. I find myself talking to people who know me, my goals, but the choice rests within.

Then I think of my grandpa who did a bunch of different stuff and always landed on his feet, and I think I make too big a deal of change.

JH

Hey Bayern,
Don't be so sure that the HR departments won't give you a chance. Just be confident and enthusiastic. Tell them you can get the job done. That's what I do. I worked in the oil field for 10 years and then decided I wanted to get into computers. I bought myself a PC and went from there. I'm basically self taught. Now I work in corporate data centers. I don't do Windoze either. I work on the big iron.

I want to thank everyone for the encouragement. This is a great place. There is such a diversity in our backgrounds and yet we all feel a kinship as bikers. I liked GB's comment that 2 moves = 1 fire. I've been shedding my possessions like crazy getting ready for the move and I have to say it's very liberating. I recommend it.

I have really been asking myself why I'm doing this. For a while I was blaming it on work, but that isn't a legitimate reason. I think the bottom line is that I just need a change. I can't go more than 5 years and I become restless and tired of my surroundings. Then I have to move on. Freedom, I agree with you about the job thing. I have never really worried about finding work. They have a saying in the oilfield: "I'm not worried about quitting my job. I was looking for a job when I found this one."

Addy and I (popeye, don't be confused here, Addy is short for Amanda Diane) both feel a connection to the southwest. She says that in New Mexico she feels the 'Taos Effect'. I tell her that lately all I feel is the townhouse effect. I'm looking forward to a new adventure.

BTW, I'm not leaving this place. I still like hanging out around here.

Cody

Yeah good luck to the two of you. I'll be doing the same fairly soon.. just laying the ground work now actually hence trip to SW Ireland last three weeks.

Funny how we all end up going South West isn't it? It's like some wierd kind of pilgrimage. Do Chinese people go East (to relax/get off the treadmill/change career??!).

Good luck to you and yours mate.
It takes a lot of bottle to up and go.

Good luck on your move Cody. Took me awhile to convince my wife that Arizona was a better place to live than Delaware, but she finally agreed to move after a couple of years of pushing. It was that last ice storm that did it. Been out here 13 years now, and I don't plan on moving ever again....well, unless those west coasters turn it into East California.

Thanks Freedom, Cody, everyone!! Got some good news today (FINALLY!!!!), no, not the new job in Colorado!! That would fit into the HOT DAMB!!! category, but I finally got a long overdue promotion where I'm at (hope Brent doesn't see this, he'll be expecting me to order parts then!). Hasn't changed my mind about moving since I want to be closer to family, and love Colorado, but the cool thing is that my Team Leader knows I am planning to leave, even told him I would probably leave even if the promotion came through, and he went ahead and pushed it through for me regardless, so I can look for an even better paying job when I'm looking. Now that is a good friend! Well, gotta go update the old resume with the new title, and polish it up a bit! Woohoo!