Was it worth moving? (Gillette: rental, townhome, utilities)

[zipporacing]

HERE IS A QUESTION FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT MOVED TO WYOMING WITH A FAMILY. WAS IT WORTH IT? FAMILY AND MONEY WISE.

I AM STILL DOING ALOT OF THINKING ABOUT IT,AND I WANT TO FOR THE MOST PART,ITS JUST A HARD DECISION TO MAKE..IM STILL LOOKING INTO THE GILLETTE AREA,MORE BECAUSE THE SIZE.

THANKS FOR YOUR IMPUT,JIMMY

[ruggedindividual]

Yes, it was worth it. I didn't move to Gillette, and would probably have a much different outlook on life here in Wyoming if I did, but we are happy with our situation.

I think one reason we transitioned well here is that we did not show up and talk about how great things were back where we came from. We were prepared as much as we could have been for what Wyo life would be like, and were willing to accept this life and work hard at adjusting ourselves to Wyoming, rather than wanting to adjust Wyoming to us.

I think some of the most miserable people I know here can't get over the fact that this isn't SoCal or "back East". This is Wyoming, and it's a great state just the way it is.

Good luck with you decision. This site is a good resource to educate yourself.

[GEORGIAINMT]

We are in Gillette and I wouldn't change things for the world! I was born & raised in Wyoming and lived in 3 other Wyoming towns but this one is the best by far. We moved here after being in Billings, MT and we love it here. The longer we are here the more we think it is worth it, for us personally, and money-wise. I'm happier than I've been in many years, and to be honest, I wasn't really "unhappy" in other places!

[zipporacing]

trust me you wount hear me bragging how good it was here.. wyoming is similer to nothern michigan as far as i can tell? even if michigan does start to get better,it will take years to do so ! i work full time as a mechanic working my butt off every day for $12 hr. its hard all over the US,but wyoming and a couple other states seem to be growing. i know i can get a job pretty quick, the thing is will it pay enough for me to move my family and live better than i am here? (MAN MY BRAIN HURTS...)
see if i do i would have to stay in my van a couple weeks to save some money up to get a house. i have to leave as much money here for them as i can,my wife works full time so that helps. im sorry about all of this but im trying to get as much imput on all of this as i can???and thank you for all your help,especally georgiainmt....
i will be on later,if possible i would like chat chat with you georgiainmt?
thanks jimmy

[BennyPhoenix]

Why are you making only $12 per hour?
Mechanics out where I am, Southern Calif, start at double that.
You might want to look at more places than Wyo. Experienced mechanics are in demand and opportunities are available that provide health ins and other benefits.

[zipporacing]

$12 a hr is about going rate around here,it not that i am not good enough,i can fix just about anything from a lawnmower to a D5 cat dozer !! i know a couple great mechanics that are alot better than me and make $18...i just want to make a decent living for me and my family.......

[BennyPhoenix]

There is a demand for mechanics. Since you are willing to relocate I would believe you can find a good job that would allow you to take care of your family.
Best of luck.

[WyoNewk]

Jimmy,

I moved to Gillette in 1971. I've never regretted it. It was a great career move for me, and my family likes the area. We didn't plan to stay here for long, but the place can grow on you. When I first moved here I didn't care for Gillette, but the city has grown and matured tremendously since then, from a dusty cow town/oil town to a thriving small city. I left a "good" job to move here for a better one. I doubled my income the first year, then doubled it again the next year.

If you can pass a drug test you can probably double your income, at least with a little overtime work. Mechanics are in big demand here, especially if you've got experience working on heavy equipment. Fast food workers start at nearly what you're currently earning. Your biggest problem won't be in finding work but in finding housing. It's expensive and scarce. I have a townhome that I rent to a young family who moved here from northern Michigan last spring. It's 1100-1200 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, full unfinished basement, garage and has a fenced yard. I rent it for $950 plus utilities but could get more for it. Single family starter homes go for around $225,000-$250,000. (There's no recession here.) Leave your family behind until you're settled here. I'd plan on a couple months.

Temperatures here are similar to those in northern Michigan, but it's a dryer climate with more sunshine and more wind. We don't have Lake Michigan, but the Black Hills are an hour to the east and the Bighorn Mountains are an hour to the west. It's very rural. We have more deer and more antelope than people in the county. I'm sure that's true statewide as well.

Not knowing you, it's hard to say whether it would be a good move or not, but my guess is that it would be. We have lots of new residents who have moved here from upper Michigan. I think it's worked out well for most of them.

Good luck!

[zipporacing]

here is part of my resume to give you guys an idea of who i am. one thing that does bug me a little is that i have sent out around 60-70 resume's and never so much as a e-mail back from anyone??? and i have noticed that calling dont do much good either.
another note i think we should give GEORGIAINMT a new name (GEORGIAPEACH) she has been a god sent (thanks)
jimmy

Objective


My goals are to support my family, I am a 34 year old drug free male, and I love to work. It's time I gave my wife and children a decent life,I am a hard working person and you will be continually impressed with my great attitude and strong work ethic .


I am capable of painting equipment, overhauling engines, troubleshooting 12,24,48,72 volt electrical equipment, and troubleshooting most make and models of autos. I have also had alot of experience with hydraulics in smaller equipment. I have great people skills, I am a fast learner that welcomes challenges and new experiences.


Employment History

Mechanic, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
4/2006 - Current[
Fox Excavating
Brimley, MI
My duties with Fox Excavating is maintence of all their equipment. My duties include oil changes, hoses, lights,
Mechanic, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
10/2004 - Current
Material Handling Source
Sault Ste.Marie, MI
[font=Times New Roman]
My duties are to maintain a small fleet of rental equipment such as mini-excavators, skidsteers, and forklifts. We also service equipment for our customers such as backhoe's, manlifts, and Selco bailer. We work on about every piece of small equipment that comes through our door. I have experience rebuilding engines. I have worked with Impco LP systems for 5 years.
Mechanic
2002/2004 Ken Graham Trucking
My duties were to maintain a fleet of semi trucks and trailers. My experience includes, Oil changes, brakes, airlines, body repair and paint, I completed all repairs on trucks except for motors and transmission repair..


Additional Information

I am looking for a full time job to better my family,as you might know Michigan is a dying state.i am tired of working 2 jobs just to get by. I am a highly self motivated person willing to work long hours to better myself and you ! I am drug free,and don’t drink ! I am looking to move out there real soon. I am also interested in been a mine truck operator, loader, I also have 3 years running road grader.I am currently working on getting my class A CDL.

[zipporacing]

oops that dont look right???? guess i better PREVIEW first from now on!!!!!