Looking for new horizons in Montana. (Billings, Missoula: RV parks, spring break, student loan)

[Unit517]

Well lets get right to it, shall we? Little bit of background on myself; I am an 18 year old male, and most of my life I have spent moving around Oregon and Washington state, and the idea of migrating to Montana seems more and more apealing each day. Over the past few years, I have gained quite considerable work experience, in southern Oregon I had the oppertunity to take part in the FFA whilist working on a corn farm in higschool, after a year of work, I had moved to central Oregon and took part in a youth conservation corps oganization while getting my GED, after working with the conservation corps for a short while, I rapidly became one of the best workers on our crew, and was even peesonally contracted by the Army Corps of Engeneers to build garden beds for threatend species of Oregon-Native plant in local schools. After several months of work with the conservation corps I had finally had acheved getting my GED. I moved to southern Washington and landed a job at one of the local casinos as a security gaurd for about 6 months. unforfunatly, most of my long time freinds I had made in my early highschool years in that area had turned to drug as, and became quite the unsavory bunch. Afew weeks my father allowed me to move in with him, on the oregon coast untill im able to get back on my feet, and has been helpful, supportive, and more than welcoming. In the few weeks I have been on the coast, I just managed to find some work at a local gas station (Its lackluster, but work is work and im not one to complain at this point.) and I intend to get a second job in order to rake up some more income for my savings account.

Anyhoo, lately I have been doing a fair ammount of research on Montana, and the prospect of moving there and my plan is in its embryonic stages. A sort of rough draft if you will. This fourm seems like an optimum place to converce, and recive input on what im trying to acheve. so I have a few points of intrest and questions, etc. for you folks.

First and formost, I currently dont have a vehicle. my next few paychecks I intend to get a pickup with some hardcore winter tires, and a small camper. From what I know, the winters in Montana are harsh and prepairing for winter is a monumetal consideration while in spring, summer, and fall. Knowing this, it seems like a good idea to aquire some quality winter gear (Nothing wrong with lifetime membership to Cabella's, right?) and stock up on foodstuff, neccissry equipment, some other basic living supplies, and MONEY, that will last me not only the journey but a few months once I arrive to Montana, and I realize this will take quite a bit of time. How practical would it be to live in a camper during the harsh Montana winter according to what i have planned?

Second, location location location. I have my sights set on western Montana, however, I have no idea where. I love the outdoors, I enjoy backpacking, camping and fishing and Montana seems like a wonderful place for exactly that, on the other hand, I have no idea what the job market is like, or how difficult it would be for someone of my age with my educational and employment background to find work, especially during the winter. I would love as much information as possible in relation to the 'where and why' aspect.

I look forward to reading your responces, and cant wait to get some conversation going

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Welcome to the forum! Being young and having a dream, that's the way to go! But maybe the dream can wait a little while? You're living at your dad's place right now, with few expenses. Good for you. Is there a community college nearby where you can get some credentials, like an Associate Degree, in a field where you'll be able to score a higher paycheck than working at a gas station or as a security guard? Then you'll be 20-21, and your resume will look a lot more attractive to a future employer in Montana, or anywhere. Degrees aren't just for acquiring knowledge and skills, they are also proof to an employer that you can stick with a commitment. Montana isn't going anywhere, and in the meantime you can plan for a summer road trip in your pickup, and check out Western MT for a few weeks, and maybe meet some people and make some connections.

We have a place on the Idaho-Montana border, way up north, and we have a travel trailer on our property for summer visits while we're building a cabin. Guess what? The trailer has to be under a solid roof/shed, because otherwise the weight of the snow will cause the roof of the trailer to cave in. So don't think of wintering in a camper unless you want to pay for a shelter. And even then it's simply going to be too cold.

[FL2MT]

With just a GED and no particular specialized skills it's going to be tough to make a living. Wintering in your camper or pickup would not be reasonable due to the temperatures.

I'd suggest you save over the winter, and get a summer job with someone like the US Forest Service or Park service (they always need young people with strong backs for trail crews, fire crews, etc.), or maybe working for one of the concessionaires in Glacier Nat'l Park. That way they'd provide housing and keep you busy once you arrive. That's a good way to get a taste of Montana. At some point you'll need to find a career direction, whether that's a degree or a skilled trade in order to get your income to the point where you're able to do more than scrape by.

[Redraven]

We have "wintered over" in Billings, MT, twice. Once in a 32 foot motorhome and once in a 32 foot fifth wheel trailer. Yes, in an RV it can be done.
I would never try it in a truck camper. Even in a fully self-contained unit you would have to have a full hookup site in an RV park. You would have to unload the camper so your truck could be your daily driver, and some RV parks will not allow that. Winter is a bad time to come here looking for work, anyway.
IMO, it would be much better to get a small motorhome, Class A or Class C, doesn't matter which, and either a small 4X4 pickup or Jeep to tow behind it, then come here in the spring, after "spring breakup".
As previously stated, you need more than a GED and security guard experience. Some vocational school training would be very valuable in your job search.
Good luck.

[historyfan]

Community college is for you and/or the National Guard or fully active duty military. You can apply for financial aid to attend college and a los qualify for work study programs. Or if you could join the Peace Corps.

If you have an interest in landscape design, that can be a financially rewarding career. Look for community colleges that offer horticulture courses and also take some small business & personal finance classes. Find a niche you can become very knowledgeable about, such as native plants of whatever area you wish live. There are also markets seed growers can do well at producing different specialty seeds--like native prairie grass seeds which are used to restore former CRP fields. You can also learn about design, drainage, and engineering plan behind premium landscape vs digging some holes & throwing some bushes in them.

If you have even a year or two of specialty education, you will be in better position to become more than a landscape company laborer. Work smart and you can make a career. Good luck & congratulations on passing your GED.

As Clark Fork said, DO NOT even think of wintering in a camper in Montana. If you are determined to do such, go winter camping in desert of Arizona or California state parks.

We will look for you in two years. Plan to make your move here in the Spring. Good luck.

[MTSilvertip]

I lived in a camp trailer for 2 years while getting my degree, it can be done, but it sure isn't comfortable and your costs for propane to heat are way higher because campers aren't insulated for severe cold.

I would agree with Clark Fork and FL2MT, Red Raven and Historyfan, lay some ground work before you come by getting either a degree or certification in something because there's a lot of competition for all jobs here right now. Farm and Ranch jobs are hard to come by these days, but there are some greenhouses and other jobs that follow the story you laid out.
Mechanics, both diesel and gas engine, are usually able to find work, and a certificate of some kind really helps. A stint in the military is a good place to start as well. The training they provide is free and they pay you to go to their schools, and some branches like the Guard may pay off student loan debt, but you have to see what each individual branch offers in that respect.
I was in the Navy, and they bring college professors on the ships to teach while underway. It's a good opportunity to get your degree and stash some money away at the same time you serve your country.

Oregon is close enough you can drive here in a day so you could do some exploring, talk to people, maybe even line up a job before you move.

Being young, you have options, so use them. It's a lot harder when you have a family to support or other responsibilities.

A hard working kid is always welcome. I would just hate for your dream to become a nightmare if things don't pan out the way you expect them to.
A little forethought and planning can go a long way towards setting you up for a long, happy life here.

Good Luck

[ericsvibe]

If school isnt your thing, I would look into a tech school. I have family members who learned a trade and make good money. There will allways be a need for HVAC, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, machinists, etc. A great attitude and work ethic will get you far. My nephew who was horrible in school and dropped out in the 10th grade is making 50k a year as a welder. It is a hard job but he loves it, and his employer paid part of his student loan he took out to go to tech school. My brother in law dropped out of college his second year and just graduated as an aircraft mechanic. He just got a job in NY and his employer paid his entire student loan in full for a 5 year commitment.

Find something you love to do, and get your school done while your living with dad.

I wish you the best.

[Geo Roam]

Plenty of soup kitchens and winter shelters in Missoula, just in case you come across tough times.

Best of success!

[Reziac]

Doesn't the Forest Service have some sort of summer intern program?

[historyfan]

Originally Posted by Reziac

Doesn't the Forest Service have some sort of summer intern program?

Yep. Central California Consortium - Internship Program

Plus a myriad of summer seasonal jobs like tree planting that students typically fill.