Southeren Illinois (Chicago, Carbondale, Mount Vernon: employment, neighborhoods, theatre)

[CarolL]

What non-Illini don't always remember about Illinois is that the state is 500 miles long tip-to-tip: The northern part may be Chicago/Wisconsin, but the lower-central and southern part is the South. The southern tip of the state is even with the _southern_ borders of KY and VA, meaning many Illinoisans live as far south as residents of those two states. The southern tip of the state is even with TN and NC and is farther south than Maryland or Washington DC. Southern IL is closer to AL and MS than Chicago. So it makes sense that many of the people who live in this state have southern accents.

[computerguysd]

As for why people from Chicago are told to check their attitudes when they're south of Kankakee, you can just read most of the comments here that put down anything that isn't viewed as part of "progressive culture"...

I grew up in Southern Illinois, have lived on both coasts, traveled throughout the country, have 2 degrees and a "high tech" job. I still like country music, a laid back lifestyle and people without snooty attitudes.

[BLS2753]

Originally Posted by computerguysd

As for why people from Chicago are told to check their attitudes when they're south of Kankakee, you can just read most of the comments here that put down anything that isn't viewed as part of "progressive culture"...

I grew up in Southern Illinois, have lived on both coasts, traveled throughout the country, have 2 degrees and a "high tech" job. I still like country music, a laid back lifestyle and people without snooty attitudes.

Is your "high tech" job located in Southern IL?

[computerguysd]

Originally Posted by BLS2753

Is your "high tech" job located in Southern IL?

Even better, South Dakota

I seriously thought about moving back to Southern Illinois a few years ago, it will always be home after all, but decided the gun laws and the taxes were completely unacceptable.

Believe it or not, getting a good job there wasn't really an issue. If you've got the credentials and experience, I've found you can get a job in pretty much any part of the country.

[kygman]

Originally Posted by Mr Bigman

Why do sountern illinoiseans hate Chicago so bad?

They hate us with a passion.

I mean you talk or mention Chicago, folks will use the phrase, I hate ****in Chicago.

Its personal with folks downstate for some reason.

When that cow made an "ash" out of Chicago, city leaders came to the bank in Shawneetown, Ill to try to borrow money to rebuild!

[BLS2753]

Originally Posted by computerguysd

Even better, South Dakota

I seriously thought about moving back to Southern Illinois a few years ago, it will always be home after all, but decided the gun laws and the taxes were completely unacceptable.

Believe it or not, getting a good job there wasn't really an issue. If you've got the credentials and experience, I've found you can get a job in pretty much any part of the country.

I suppose that's true in some fields. I'm retired military living in Metropolis. Have a generic Bachelor's in Business, but a ton of leadership experience. I have found most employers around here intimidated by education to some extent.

In this area, if you're a male between 16 and 65, you're expected to do manual labor. Virtually all white collar jobs here seemed to be held by women.

I love S. IL, I just wish the people here were more open to change. I think the area was more progressive in the 50's and 60's, than it is now. At least people didn't wear hunting attire for everyday clothing back then.

[computerguysd]

I'll admit, outside of government or casino jobs, Metroplis doesn't appear to offer much for employment opportunities. I suspect, many of those jobs are pretty low pay / benefit, too.

If I were interested in living in that area, I'd likely be looking for work in Paducah or, more likely, locate close enough to commute to Marion / Carbondale. The VA Medical Center in Marion would probably have higher than average salaries, since Federal pay is based on a national scale. I don't know if you've ever checked out job openings there but you would have a hiring preference, as a veteran.

I tend not to live "in town" anyway, I much prefer having an acreage.

[Mr Bigman]

Yep people like wearing hunting cloths too.

That pretty much goes as far up as say: Casey, Greenup, Toledo and that region which has alot of country folks who don't nunsiate. meaning no big words spoken their execpt for yantoo, and getterdone.

[computerguysd]

For what it's worth, I think a LOT of folks are "dressing down" compared to 20-30 years ago.

My department used to be a "jacket and tie" kind of thing and now it's "whatever"...

Some places may be "camo", we tend to have a lot of Harley T's and leathers worn around here.

[jojojohnson76]

Originally Posted by Mr Bigman

Yep people like wearing hunting cloths too.

That pretty much goes as far up as say: Casey, Greenup, Toledo and that region which has alot of country folks who don't nunsiate. meaning no big words spoken their execpt for yantoo, and getterdone.

I'm sorry, but while you are talking about the way others talk, I can't help but take note of your poor grammar and spelling.

Type your post out in Microsoft Word, and fix everything with the green and red squiggly lines under them.

Please stop trying to represent "southeren" Illinois. I know you are a "southeren Illinoisean" yourself as you claim, but you and I are on completely different levels.