Is AK the Right Place for Me? (Ketchikan, Bethel: environment, jobs)

[paddleplay]

Hello All –

I’ve been enjoying the posts for a while now and would like to chime in with my own questions.

Two years ago I visited Alaska’s Inside Passage and have been dreaming of the place since (not kidding!). I figure it is a sign of sorts and am now seriously considering moving up there, even if just for a few years.

I would welcome some feedback, from those who have taken the plunge or are old-timers, about whether my ideas/dreams are completely unrealistic. To help answer that question here is a little bit more about my situation and what I’m looking for: Although, I wouldn’t mind living in the Inside Passage (I have friends in Ketchikan and Petersburg) I feel drawn to the true Frontier. By trade I’m a mental health professional and my idea is to work in a community health clinic. I’m female, in my mid-30s and would be moving by myself.

Is the “frontier/bush” culture pretty open and welcoming to newbies?

Will the environmental challenges (i.e. bugs, snow-shoveling, getting around) be manageable for someone with little exposure to that?

Thanks!

[Rance]

This place was built by pioneers that thought just like you are. They felt a need to give it a shot come hell or highwater. Some survived...some did not. But we would not be here today if they had not tried. I say go for it. And don't worry about shoveling snow or slapping mosquitoes. Those are like instincts that come naturally when your exposed to those elements!

[Alaskagrl]

Hi there paddleplay, your story sounds awfully familiar!

I am also female, single, no kids, just turned 30, and came up here to SE Alaska nearly 4 years ago for the first time for a seasonal position. I went back home for 2 winters, but finally found a place to live that I could afford and winter jobs to carry me through until seasonal jobs came open again. I vowed to stay up here and last winter was my 2nd winter here, now having a full time permanent job, and lots of friends.

I say..do it. But you may not be doing the job you think you will here. If you have a good resume and a good work background, that will help, but be aware that newbies are sometimes viewed with a certain amount of suspicion, perhaps a bit more so in the real "bush" because SE is kind of a "transitory" area by nature, so folks here are more used to seeing younger people come and go. Be prepared to do ANY job to make ends meet. Or line one up beforehand (and get it in writing!)

I would say SE is a GREAT place. It is very beautiful here, and there's so many outdoor things to do it is ridiculous! See my posts on other threads about it. I came up here and was welcomed very well; especially after I proved that I could work hard and that I was totally genuine about my desire to stay here. Petersburg seems like a beautiful little community, and if you have contacts in this area, I'd make use of that before planning to move on...get a little Alaska residency under your belt where you DO have friends before heading into the bush. That's my humble advice! And of course, I am only speculating on the "bush" country from reports of friends who have lived and worked there, and others on this board...never been out of SE myself. But...you will have at least one more contact in SE if you do decide to give it a try...ME! Always willing to help or advise, if I can.

There are others here who are real Alaskan dwellers, for many years or life, who will give you more and different advice; listen and then decide what's right for you. Good luck!

[DannyL]

New un-official bumper sticker....

Alaska
- characters welcome

[mal_flisk]

Hey this IS the real USA network

[BudinAk]

Originally Posted by paddleplay

Hello All –
I would welcome some feedback, from those who have taken the plunge or are old-timers, about whether my ideas/dreams are completely unrealistic. Thanks!

They are not unrealistic! They are doable, and attainable. Do you want a fun, enjoyable, exciting life? Then follow your dreams! Nothing worse than living a mundane existense by wasting away the years in some place that doesn't make you truly happy and glad to be alive. If you are thinking the way your question was posed, then you don't really belong (permanently) where you are at. You are at a stepping-stone in life, don't stop there...keep going. We all get old; someday you will too. Don't be there that day in the future, then look back, and regret that you didn't pursue your dream. We are all given opportunities in life...I am kicking myself (big time) for not striving for some of mine...when I had the chance. If only...IF ONLY...I could live my life over again...

The people here are more open to newcomers than you would suppose...come on up and find out! Do it! My 2 cts worth...

Bud

[paddleplay]

Thanks so much for all the thoughtful replies, here and backchannel. BudinAk - thanks for the pep-talk you are totally right of course.
Alaskagrl - thanks for being so candid and welcoming. If your post (and this forum) is any representation of the folks in AK then I'll be in good hands. KKris - I tried to reply to your personal e-mail but somehow the site said I wasn't allowed to access the reply page...I would LOVE to hear more of your experiences in the "bush."

Now a whole new set of questions has arisen...I'll save those for a new thread.

Keep the suggestions coming...this is great.

[Out of Alaska]

I am in the interior - as a mental health professional, I would say that you would have no problem finding work out in the bush,if that is where you want to be! I know several people who work in the villages - physician assistants, mental health professionals, social work types, health aides, etc. I know of a few nurses who have gotten pretty $$$ offers to work in the villages b/c they are in need, Barrow and Bethel specifically just this spring... check out listings on the native corporation sites, in whatever area of the state you head.

[d99]

Is the “frontier/bush” culture pretty open and welcoming to newbies.

SE would be more welcoming than the Bush, because of the turn over of young people.

Alaska is a different place.

[barnacle9]

Just my two cents . . .

There are many places in AK which would be considered remote by most standards, but which are (fairly) close to some kind of town. Although most AK cities are quite small, often they have an infrastructure suggestive of larger municipalities down South, since they must be somewhat self-sufficient due to their remoteness from larger urban areas. This might provide opportunities for someone in your field in locations with surprisingly small populations.

So far as the friendliness of Alaskans in more isolated regions, I think with the right attitude you will be welcomed most anywhere up here -

Good luck!