Advice for Those Moving from New Jersey to Brownwood, TX (Houston: hardwood floors, house)

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by jersey_girl

No, you're misquoting me terribly. I have no children and have no intention of having any until I get married...in my very late twenties. What I find unacceptable is that virtually everyone in Brownwood I have encountered, including my landlady, looks down upon me because I am so "old" and have no children and am not married.

I don't look down upon people who are young with children. Indeed, my sister had a child out of wedlock when she was 19. I am upset that this town thinks it odd for a woman my age to not want to have children and instead be seeking a job with an excellent salary and benefits--something that my boyfriend has and that I was perfectly qualified to have in Jersey but am not allowed to have here for the simple reason, so succinctly put by one Brownwood employer, that I am almost twenty-five and do not have children and am not married.

I can't even get healthcare in this town unless I marry him now, and that's a terrible reason to marry.

As a matter of fact, the first job I tried to get here was with a good company and they said I was "overqualified". Months later I applied for the same open job and they suggested that perhaps if I got a higher degree they might reconsider, apparently forgetting the original reason they denied me the job.

Good for you! Thanks for clarifying that. The way your post was worded, it appeared otherwise.
But....you'll probably be a lot happier back east....or even in the Midwest, as in WI.

For what it is worth, there has always been a double standard for men and women as far as pregnancy goes. The woman gets the blame...and the man often gets off scot-free.

The reason your post was confusing was that you stated that you wanted the same rights for an unmarried woman with children as an unmarried man with children.

So....that was rather confusing to a number of us here.

Well....good luck in whatever you all decide to do.

[ChristieP]

Welcome to West Texas. It's a shame you and your boyfriend didn't do more research on the town before you moved because that's how Brownwood has been for the last 40 years. Yes, Kohler is about the only major employer in town.

[jersey_girl]

And just to clarify on the job thing:

My boyfriend is making $50,000/yr and has full benefits. He has a bachelor degree, but little work experience.

I, with a bachelor degree and five years of work experience, am making $16,500/yr and have NO benefits (for the reasons mentioned in my previous posts).

[jersey_girl]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

Welcome to West Texas. It's a shame you and your boyfriend didn't do more research on the town before you moved because that's how Brownwood has been for the last 40 years. Yes, Kohler is about the only major employer in town.

Lesson learned. We're researching towns to which he is eligible to transfer.

[jersey_girl]

Originally Posted by Cathy4017

Good for you! Thanks for clarifying that. The way your post was worded, it appeared otherwise.

Hah, that is one reason I usually don't turn to forums or text-messaging.

[wade_word]

For starters, trade in the old northern accent for one from TEXAS.

[case44]

Please don't get discouraged about living in Texas just because of what happened in Brownwood. Try moving to a bigger community. You can make friends in Texas. There are churches as well as other groups that will support you and encourage you. But please don't think Texas is unfriendly. You've already got friends on these posts. Let us know how we can help.

[JamesAbilene]

Exactly what kind of job are you looking for/qualified for and what is your degree in? I know Brownwood is isolated, but commuting to Fort Worth, Abilene, and San Angelo are possibilities. I know the commutes are long, but with no children, it might be worth it for you to get out of Brownwood during the day if you could make enough money to afford the commute.

[Girla]

You are hilarious. I am from Brownwood, went off to college, and am back here retiring, but what you say is true.There is almost no place to go out. I like the Turtle, myself, for dinner & drinks, but you cant do that every night. There are some good jobs out there, though...email me privately at girla@pegasusbb.com and I will tell you about one that I know of....if you have any type of bookeeping or accounting experience. Other things to do: The Country Club...it is a fun bar most of the time, especially during the frequent golf tournaments. lots of folks from Kohler are members. You dont have to be a member to go there for dinner, for sure.

[westcoast-girl]

I am from Calif.
My Husband is from Brownwood, I went back there to visit for the first time I feel in love with this little place they call Brownwood, We have bought two houses there and the rest of my family is going to be moving to Brownwood Ihave heard good and bad things my kids are all grown they are staying in Cal. I myself am just tired of the fast life and want something simple and quiet. My husbands has a lot of family members there they will help out more then the ones in the big citys