The Pros of Living in Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks: transporting, to rent, car insurance)

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by AlaskaNana

Thing is I was a dependent spouse before I went into the USAF, and yes I was young as I married at 19, but I was never that way.
Of course I do have to say I get irritated with my daughter and her friends when they start in on their hubby's pay, co-pays, he's gone so much etc. Then I go into my "ancient history" mode. Today's military makes double my pay, with overseas and dependent pay, in one check -- and that's take home for them mine was before deductions. In one month my son-in-law makes more than 4Xs what I was getting. And they want to complain. And yes they complain when any check is $50 less then they thought it should be or PCS money is taking time etc. So yes you hit it on the nail, they feel entitled. Plus active duty rarely sees more than 9 months at a time in a deployment. Don't get me wrong it's still tough being away from your family and I sure wouldn't want to be in Afghanistan, but still. In her defense, my daughter doesn't complain as much as some, I think mainly because I and her hubby's grandparents go into our "when I was in the Air Force" routine. lol I tell them they need to be grateful for those of us that came before them.

You are right about how little we made when in the military compared to what a person of the same rank makes today.

[rf80412]

Originally Posted by maggiemay

3. Redefine what success means to you. Most people I met seemed to define success as something related to being able to live a certain lifestyle (having time for family, hunting, or other interests) as opposed to what type of home you live in or car you drive. People in AK don't seem impressed by material things at all.

This is what people say, but honestly I get the impression that even this is too much to ask. Low wages, scarce and seasonal employment that you take what you can get, and high costs of living make it sound like actually getting out and enjoying what Alaska has to offer is a high-priced lifestyle up there. If your day is still nothing but work and TV because you can't take the time off - or you don't have the money to spare because you have lots of seasonal downtime - then what's the point?

[AlaskaNana]

Doesn't have to take a lot of money to enjoy life. Work a seasonal job during the summer, or winter if that's what you do, and have the rest of the year to sit back and take it easy. Doesn't really take that much to live in Ak if you aren't wanting the ritzy life. Snowmachines aren't something you buy every year, neither are ATVs or most any other "toys" you "need to enjoy" Alaska. And yes most people do NOT care what you drive, how big your house is or how much you do or do not make. I work when I want to and go back and forth between Ak and the -48. If I can do it others can. I don't have a sugar daddy, inheritance or highly skilled -- thus paying -- job or one that allows me to travel. What I, and most Alaskans, do have is a desire to live our lives as we choose and work hard to do so. That's the point!

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by AlaskaNana

Doesn't have to take a lot of money to enjoy life. Work a seasonal job during the summer, or winter if that's what you do, and have the rest of the year to sit back and take it easy. Doesn't really take that much to live in Ak if you aren't wanting the ritzy life. Snowmachines aren't something you buy every year, neither are ATVs or most any other "toys" you "need to enjoy" Alaska. And yes most people do NOT care what you drive, how big your house is or how much you do or do not make. I work when I want to and go back and forth between Ak and the -48. If I can do it others can. I don't have a sugar daddy, inheritance or highly skilled -- thus paying -- job or one that allows me to travel. What I, and most Alaskans, do have is a desire to live our lives as we choose and work hard to do so. That's the point!

When the topic of conversation turns to the home I am visiting it usually revolves around heating and energy usage. I do not care if they live in a cabin or a mansion, I am only impressed by how little it costs to heat the place and the home's energy efficiency.

Like many Alaskans, I like to work hard during the winter, and play hard during the summer. I work my butt off all winter, so I can have lots of time to play during the summer. I take all my vacations in Alaska, so I do not have pay much for travel.

[Magic Qwan]

Originally Posted by Glitch

When the topic of conversation turns to the home I am visiting it usually revolves around heating and energy usage. I do not care if they live in a cabin or a mansion, I am only impressed by how little it costs to heat the place and the home's energy efficiency.

Like many Alaskans, I like to work hard during the winter, and play hard during the summer. I work my butt off all winter, so I can have lots of time to play during the summer. I take all my vacations in Alaska, so I do not have pay much for travel.

I just read through all 14 pages, and I have to say that it is inspiring... the move I am planning to make in about a decade or so doesn't sound as colossal anymore (it feels more attainable). I'm really sickly all the time, but I want to still have a good life, you know? You only live once...

I do a small amount of blue-collar type work when I'm not very ill, and if I'm too ill for that, I write little stories. I WILL NOT ACCEPT WELFARE!

The blue-collar work is lawn mowing, by the way... I do single jobs rather than contracts... lets me have my sick days... I'm starting to see some contracts out there, though... I might need to start offering them...

School is back in, so I'm going to have to sit with the little bit of money I made over the summer. I pay back the free room and board at my house with favors.

I ramble at times... I know...

Isaac is almost over where I live... wasn't nearly as bad as expected... I thought I could check out CD since the power was back on...

[AADAD]

Glad you're ok.

[AlaskaNana]

Isaac may not have been as strong as Katrina but boy did it do its share of damage. Glad you are OK and have power again.

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by Glitch

Like many Alaskans, I like to work hard during the winter, and play hard during the summer. I work my butt off all winter, so I can have lots of time to play during the summer.

Funny, around here I know more people who go the other way: work all summer and play in the winter/early spring. Of course, we have better snow and crummier summers than a lot of places.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by tigre79

Funny, around here I know more people who go the other way: work all summer and play in the winter/early spring. Of course, we have better snow and crummier summers than a lot of places.

You are absolutely right, of course. Winter is the second prettiest season in Alaska, and the longest. If one has the winter toys, it certainly makes winter more enjoyable.

I was born in southern California, and while I did play hockey briefly in Minnesota, I never did get into winter activities like many others. I guess it is just a matter of priorities. I enjoy catching salmon more than I can get into riding snow machines. If I had a reason, beyond entertainment, to buy a snow machine, I would, but I do not so I have not. I would be far more entertained with a flat bottom river boat and a 25 HP jet outboard.

[rf80412]

Originally Posted by tigre79

Funny, around here I know more people who go the other way: work all summer and play in the winter/early spring. Of course, we have better snow and crummier summers than a lot of places.

This is what I would have expected: that whatever needs doing that doesn't have to be done in the winter (for whatever reason) gets done in the summer - especially if it's outdoors - and that you get the 6-9 month long winter vacation whether you want it or not.

Of course, it's probably different if you have a year-round job.