Winter on Nantucket? (house, school, college)

[soi-disant]

I could use some advice. I'm applying for a job on Nantucket, one which I have a decent shot at (I think). However, my friends think I'm crazy, and I'm pretty worried too. Housing is not an issue, supposedly. I'm more concerned with the isolation. I'm in my mid-20s, and I'm assuming there wouldn't be many people my age on the island this time of year. I've also heard that everything shuts down in winter, and people tend to just drink alot to pass the time (and that a 30 pack of beer costs $50, so I won't even be able to join that club). Furthermore, I've been warned that locals tend to be very exclusive and closed towards strangers. The expense of food also concerns me, and the expense of getting off of the island. I should note that the job is in a field that I am trying very hard to break into, so it could be a good way of gaining experience....but I'm not sure if it's worth the price I'd be paying in terms of quality of life. One half of my brain is trying to romanticize it....a cold and blustery year at sea, embracing a simple lifestyle and getting in touch with myself.....the other part agrees with my friends ("you're crazy!"). Any thoughts, from those who've lived there or do live there?

[skytrekker]

Winter on Nantucket can be deserted, bleak and isolated.

The locals live on in their own little world- and seem to enjoy it. It takes a special man or women to live there year round.

Winters are actually mild-windy and blustery yes, beautiful in a stark kind of way.

Its hard to say if you like it or not. If you are someone looking for fun, and a active social life, it may not work. The are some pubs and the like open year round where the locals socialize and hoist 'another one'.

Who knows- you could give it a try for one year. You may learn to love it, or loathe it.

[capecodcathy]

If the job is one that will advance your career, is one winter on a beautiful island worth it? It does take a special person to live there year-round but you may just like it!

[Mr.Mortgage]

Boredom will drive you towards seeking company on the island. Nantucket has one of the highest rates heroin addiction and alcoholism. I spent two months on the Cape mainland after the summer season ended, when I was in my twenties. I FLED!! and barely escaped with my sanity and my health.

[oldwavyglass]

Nantucket in winter? I spent seven in a row there after graduating from college. The oppurtunities to learn new skills and careers is good. One caveat- the locals do tend to stick to themselves and it does take a while to get to know people. I had it relatively easy - kind of an introverted person that knows how to have fun on my own - don't need much company. Go for it - just don't expect large social life but who cares - didn't you say you are trying to get a career going - do it.

[Dexterguy]

I have a friend of mine that lives in Rhode Island, and he owns a very small house on Nantucket that was once his great grandfather's. He says that he visits the Island every once in awhile in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, and it can be very very very boring. But if you want to try it, go for it, you may not have much of a social life, but just find other things to do, except work.

[Beachcomber4]

You will be the same person no matter where you choose to take a job. If you think this job will be good for you personally and professionally. go for it. If you are concerned you have the type of personality that will succumb to partaking in excessive drugs and alcohol without the support system of your old friends and family, (which do seem to be a favorite recreation in winter), look elsewhere.

Be careful from whom you take advice. Your friends who call you "crazy" might be the type who would never stray from the safe confines of their parents' basement. Don't limit yourself based on the opinions of those who are afraid of change.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

You'll love it. You'll get to know the locals who live there year round and prefer the quiet, beauty and isolation of winter to the loud crowded summers. Take the job and enjoy! And don't listen to the naysayers. If you listen to them, you'll never do anything interesting in life!

[Peter Creedon]

Nantucket, like the previous posters said, is bleak in the winter, the wind never really stops it just keeps on blowing. But, they are friendly towards people.

[Lord Snooty]

Your friends are right, all those things are true. That doesn't mean you shouldn't take the job, but don't expect smooth sailing all the way. Nantucket is not an easy place to live in winter and there is indeed a high incidence of substance abuse, so if you are easily bored it may not be for you. The high point of the winter is the Nantucket spelling bee in the school auditorium so that should tell you all you need to know..! Good luck..!