Relocation and New Career?? (Denver, Grand Junction: fit in, to rent, house)

[mtbcam]

Hi all! This forum is great, tons of usefull information!

Ok, with my story. Currently im in San Diego, Ca, and looking into the possibility of relocating to southwest Colorado, in the Durango area. Why you ask??? Because im a huge mountain biker, cyclist, and outdoor freak, and this area has alot to offer me.

Currently im a project manager for a commercial air conditioning contractor, and have been doing this line of work for 9 years, part of which through college. All my work experience is in this line of work only. It apprears that Denver has positions available, but nothing in western slope. Im open to new new and different career opportunites, as long as there is stability and growth. Im actually a bit intimidated by the thought of a career change! But I am curious as to how many of you made the switch to Colorado, as well as a new career?? Are glad you made the change?

I guess my priorities are living in the environment, career, more affordable home purchase opportunity (maybe Bayfield or surrounding areas to Durango). By the way its just me, no famliy.

So what is your thoughts or experience???

Thanks for your input!
Cameron

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Cameron, I can't address your career questions, but look around this forum as there have been lots of other postings discussing living in the Durango area. Good information on climate, housing, etc.

[BillRadio]

Cameron,
Yes, I moved to Colorado regardless of the job situation, but I did have a job before I came. In your case, don't think you can't get a job because there are "no openings." High country employers have a hard time filling their positions, partly because of the cost of living, and the fact that many idealists come & go and fill the jobs available just because they needed a job.

You are fortunate to have lots of experience, so you have a lot to offer, whether or not there are openings. Get the Durango yellow pages and make a list of all the HVAC companies, large & small, and tell them you're moving there and will be contacting them about a job.

You may need to expand your search to other towns, Cortez, Grand Junction, Montrose, all close to the lifestyle you like. I moved with no savings and just what I could fit in my Toyota with the confidence that I can make it work. The lifestyle was #1, the rest just falls into place.

[mtbcam]

Thanks Bill for your input. Yeah i've been doing tons of net and yellow page searches and came up with some useful information, including a mechanical contractor in need of a person in Gypsum in Vail Valley. Hmmm, I plan on looking into that one a little further.

[I_LUVNM]

Originally Posted by mtbcam

...Because im a huge mountain biker, cyclist, and outdoor freak, and this area has alot to offer me.

Currently im a project manager for a commercial air conditioning contractor, and have been doing this line of work for 9 years, part of which through college. All my work experience is in this line of work only. It apprears that Denver has positions available, but nothing in western slope. Im open to new new and different career opportunites, as long as there is stability and growth. Im actually a bit intimidated by the thought of a career change! But I am curious as to how many of you made the switch to Colorado, as well as a new career?? Are glad you made the change?

I guess my priorities are living in the environment, career, more affordable home purchase opportunity (maybe Bayfield or surrounding areas to Durango). By the way its just me, no famliy.

So what is your thoughts or experience???

Thanks for your input!
Cameron

Hi Cameron. Well, if you are just looking to rent, you wont have any problems since I know many single guys rent in Durango and are making it fine. Alot of bikers are there as you probably know and I often see them out and about training or keeping fit, riding along all the roads. What I would suggest doing is applying at any place there you feel you would like to work at since often many companies have job openings but dont list them all the time. Should you get a job, rent for say 6 months and see if it right for you. You can then go on to whether you want to buy a place or just keep renting. Bayfield is a cheaper place to live and not far from Durango. Also out in the Grandview and Florida Mesa areas, you can find homes that are cheaper than Durango. Some people buy a few acres then put a modular on it, which is much cheaper than a house. Later in years they will build a house there instead. They get the land first. Anyway, good luck on your journey!