Rural Co. really that bad? (Denver: real estate, employment, transfer)

[Tom Emmerling]

I grew up in eastern Colorado near Limon. That is very RURAL. Since you have a military background you could easily get on with the Colorado Department of Corrections in Limon at their prison. This would be a great paying job, but a tough one. I imagine you have thick skin from being in the military, so you would be fine.
Thanks for your service. You are appreciated very much!!!!!

[dynimagelv]

I also grew up IN Limon maaaany years ago.....I'd go back in a minute IF they could figure out how to make it warm in the winter ..... From what I can gather Limon is a fairly booming economy with the addition of the prison...

[jonesonthegodj]

I have always wanted to visit Colorado but I have heard the same thing also..its hard to find employment...I live here in Western Washington with everything at my doorstep practically...I have the mountains..view of Mt. Rainier out my backyard..I have the ocean a hour away...Canada is just up the road and Alaska is just a ferry ride away or Cruise ship ride or 2-hours in the plane...2 hours by plane to Las Vegas..25 min. to Seattle to see the Seahawks, Mariners, Sonics or whatever else...Pike Street Market...Fremont...
I believe anyone can find a job here and there are a lot of temp places where you start and work into a fulltime position....I spent some time in the military and was stationed here at Ft. Lewis but there is also McChord AFB here also...were are close to Everett where the submarines are...Whidbey Island..Navy base...This place has a lot to offer and also there are still places where you can find a farm and raise a family with all the animals around you...its beautiful here and we are blessed to live in such a beautiful place...

[funky1]

You guys are great. Coming from a big city, where i grew up, it's really a breath of fresh air to see that people who take so much pride in where they're from. Also, everyone on this forum has been very helpful. I wish i could meet a bunch of you.
Anyway, keep the great info coming, it's REALLY been a big help, and I'm learning a lot about the area.

[funky1]

You guys are great. Coming from a big city, where i grew up, it's really a breath of fresh air to see that people who take so much pride in where they're from. Also, everyone on this forum has been very helpful. I wish i could meet a bunch of you.
Anyway, keep the great info coming, it's REALLY been a big help, and I'm learning a lot about the area.
what kind of jobs are out there for BLM or Forestry Service if you don't have a college degree(yet)?

[Mike78613]

Since you are military, you should not have problem getting a decent salary. My dad retired from Ft. Carson. He went to HVAC school and did ok, but moved to Austin b/c it paid more.

I lived in colo spgs for about 14 yrs myself, I have to say my best paying job was working at The Broadmoor Hotel, but it was not a career strive for me.

I say if your tuff, join the police force. I also think the mess hall is always hiring

[Nadine]

Originally Posted by jonesonthegodj

I have always wanted to visit Colorado but I have heard the same thing also..its hard to find employment...I live here in Western Washington with everything at my doorstep practically...I have the mountains..view of Mt. Rainier out my backyard..I have the ocean a hour away...Canada is just up the road and Alaska is just a ferry ride away or Cruise ship ride or 2-hours in the plane...2 hours by plane to Las Vegas..25 min. to Seattle to see the Seahawks, Mariners, Sonics or whatever else...Pike Street Market...Fremont...
I believe anyone can find a job here and there are a lot of temp places where you start and work into a fulltime position....I spent some time in the military and was stationed here at Ft. Lewis but there is also McChord AFB here also...were are close to Everett where the submarines are...Whidbey Island..Navy base...This place has a lot to offer and also there are still places where you can find a farm and raise a family with all the animals around you...its beautiful here and we are blessed to live in such a beautiful place...

It is beautiful and I loved it but for one thing. Your weather really sucks a good part of the yr. The humidity is horrendous.

[MorningGlory]

Originally Posted by funky1

You guys are great. Coming from a big city, where i grew up, it's really a breath of fresh air to see that people who take so much pride in where they're from. Also, everyone on this forum has been very helpful. I wish i could meet a bunch of you.
Anyway, keep the great info coming, it's REALLY been a big help, and I'm learning a lot about the area.
what kind of jobs are out there for BLM or Forestry Service if you don't have a college degree(yet)?

Well I did my masters thesis in biology type work (botany). Any natural resources job at all (geology, land use, zoology, hydrology, firefighting, etc.) is bound to have some really good opportunities for internships or entry level positions. Once this war is over and you get to come home hopefully some funding will return to the big three (BLM, USFS, and NPS). Also, they have security officers (park cops) with only 20 years to retire. Honestly the most rewarding type of work, even if you will never get paid what a DBA does. But once you are "in" the pay is above average for the US. They have programs like SCEP and STEP also, Google them. People fight like cats and dogs over those positions, you will be in a promising position as a vet.

Also, I think if you do some research you can build on your mechanic skills and find a job any place there is an airport, couldnt you???

Take care and tell all your buddies to be safe!

[elemental]

Funky1:

I am very grateful for your service. Thank you.

As for living in rural CO, the definition of rural should be amended when considering some of the areas I have seen traversing the state, but nothing compares to parts of Wyoming. Nothing for thousands of acres. My guess is you're thinking "not suburban", but not a place with 65 residents either. What you'll find in most of the true rural areas where farming is the main source of revenue for the city is that there isn't enough traffic to support more than a few stores, so lack of employment will certainly be a factor. I'm all for living outside a growing area where jobs exist and communting in perhaps 30-45 minutes. That would give you the peace of a smaller area with the prospects of employment.

What areas are you most interested in?

[elemental]

Stay out of the prison system unless there is absolutely nothing else out there. My buddies who are corrections officers back east wish they could wipe the images and stories out of their heads. It's blood money even if you are tough. Personally, I think a park ranger would be a beautiful thing.