I love North Dakota, but I need some help... (Mandan: credit, unemployment)

[ND25Bre]

I have lived in North Dakota my enitre life. The only vacations I have ever been on are to the Black Hills in South Dakota and to Minneapolis. I've never been to any other state, never been on an airplane. I grew up in Mandan, and my heart will always belong to it. But I recently graduated high school, and I go to the University of North Dakota. I like the school, but I just feel like it fits other people better than it fits me. I feel like I want to do something else with my life but I don't know what. I would consider moving toward the mountains in Colorado, or even a nice quiet and safe town in California. i just want to experience something DIFFERENT. Can anyone give me any ideas? Schooling can be done anywhere, so that's not a big priority for me. I don't have a whole lot of money, and I absolutely love warm weather....any help would be awesome! Thank you!

[Corbay]

I am in my 30's. I graduated and kind of stuck around.

Go out and explore. Check out the rest of the world.

Come back to N.D. when you are ready to raise a family.

[roundball]

Join the Navy. You'll be able to see the world abourd a ship. They also bring teachers and you can take classes for credits while on a cruise.

[Roloff1976]

Go ahead and find a school out of state and experience different people and cities. Because you are drawn to mountains, try Colorado, Idaho, Utah, etc... You will probably find the people are very similar to those at UND, but at least you can get away from your "stuck in the much" feeling your in. I agree with Corbay, go out and explore, and come back when you are ready. You may come back right after college, or maybe a few years later, or maybe never again (except to visit). You will never know unless you try. Good Luck!

[davednorris]

Hi,

I was in the Air Force 20 years and can recommend it. I can tell you like it really was (for me at least) not just what you might hear from a recruiter. I wish I had someone to tell me about the real Air Force before I enlisted. As I said, I recommend it, but there are some better career fields to go into than others. If you're interested, contact me and I can fill you in.

Kind Regards,

Dave Norris
<><

[nwcountrygal]

Good luck in your decisions..... there is a whole world out there!

When I was your age I wanted to travel and go..... instead I stayed and did the "right" thing.. got a job did the school. Then lifes responsibilities took over to make one stuck. Taken me till now to start seeing more of the world. Go see the world while you can. Pick a spot and research. Take a trip to the place before you move though...

My family is from SD so I do know what I am saying.... life is very differnt outside of the Dakota's! Be careful. When I was your age I couldn't imagine living in Dakota -- at this point in life I am thinking of the Black Hills to be a place to live. Funny how our opinions change with time. I honestly question if there is any other place with nicer people!

You probable would like WA or OR .... mountains oceans.. plenty of schools way mellower weather on west side other than the rain. It will be a shock for you LOL -- would love to watch you in your jouneys out of the Big Empty as I call it endearingly...

Take care

[Christine Joan]

I was born in CA, grew up in PA and have lived in a few different states. Currently, I am in CA, but am looking forward to getting out as quickly as I can and eventually living (or at least having a summer home) in North Dakota. CA has beautiful weather but the state is going through some tough economic times right now. Sacramento does not know if it will have enough money to pay all the new unemployment claims due to all of the job layoffs throughout the state.

I am in favor of exploring different places if you have a strong desire to see what else is out there, especially while you are young. However, put the odds of getting a job and being able to afford to live well in your favor. Don't move to states that are experiencing high unemployment, especially if they already have a high cost of living, like CA, unless you have skills or education, such as being an experienced RN with a B.S. degree, that are in high demand.

A few "warm" places that you might want to consider after doing some research on your own are San Antonio, Texas: low cost of living and a lot of jobs. Atlanta, Georgia, low cost of living and good job growth. Austin, Texas: similar to San Antonio but cost of living a little higher. Northern Alabama: low cost of living and good job prospects. Orlando, Florida: higher cost of living but good economy.

California and Hawaii are wonderful places to plan a vacation, but right now, unless you already have a job offer, I would recommend that you improve your chances of becoming employed by going somewhere where there are still good jobs available. Good luck!!!!

[ryperry]

Move to Northern Maine. It is very nice there. A lot like North Dakota. I lived in Maine almost all of my life. Check it out.

[libchic]

I think if you have the freedom to, pack your bags, be brave and do it! Secure dependable transportation and hit the road. You will have great experiences, meet all kinds of people and have a better understanding of yourself and what you want to do. By all means, check out the armed services, its a great way to experience the world and all the stuff of life.

[desert sun]

I live in New Mexico and I feel the same way you do, I have been here all my life and I really want to experience something new and see what else is out there, Im 28 and Im not getting any younger so I want to move in the next couple of years and Im saving money now.

Im trying to talk my girlfriend into it but most life long New Mexicans dont usually move out of state cause of strong family ties and the culture and unique-ness. It will probably be kinda scary at first and a bit of culture shock but Im all for it, afterall I can always move back but at least I will know what else is out there.

I have a few locations in mind, North Carolina,Tennessee,or northern Alabama, these cities are close to many other cities to go exploring also. For you in ND and me in NM we are isolated from many places and cities are hours and hours away. GO FOR IT!!!