What is Alaska like? (Anchorage, Talkeetna: cost, shop, estimates)

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by landes

wow! thanks for that post!

You're welcome! Hope I was helpful.

[juneaubound]

Alaska isn't unique when it comes to the Good Ole' Boy network. It is prevalent in small towns all over the country. And it was certainly prevalent in TN (as was nepotism). I frequently saw friends, family, school chums etc. being hired, and even though everyone went through the motions of the hiring process (advertising the job, accepting apps/resumes, doing interviews etc) the person who was going to get the job was already a done deal. Hiring the "best person for the job" was completely immaterial.

[cdanojohnson]

Alaska isn't unique when it comes to the Good Ole' Boy network. It is prevalent in small towns all over the country. And it was certainly prevalent in TN (as was nepotism). I frequently saw friends, family, school chums etc. being hired, and even though everyone went through the motions of the hiring process (advertising the job, accepting apps/resumes, doing interviews etc) the person who was going to get the job was already a done deal. Hiring the "best person for the job" was completely immaterial."

True, but at least in TN people generally are inherently kind. Here, there is more than a "low-level" meanness running through the people - it's racism, sexism, and good old xenophobia (of other Americans!). We've been here a year and a half (Eagle River/Anchorage) and are ready to move back to Tennessee. Yes, it's beautiful and amazing and the experience will stay with us always. Unfortunately, the attitude of the people (extreme culture shock) is too much to deal with the rest of our lives. The weather is actually lovely to us, even the cold and the snow and the dark. But you know what? The Smoky Mountains are just as pretty, and the people will lift you up in welcome.

[blueflames50]

Originally Posted by cdanojohnson

Alaska isn't unique when it comes to the Good Ole' Boy network. It is prevalent in small towns all over the country. And it was certainly prevalent in TN (as was nepotism). I frequently saw friends, family, school chums etc. being hired, and even though everyone went through the motions of the hiring process (advertising the job, accepting apps/resumes, doing interviews etc) the person who was going to get the job was already a done deal. Hiring the "best person for the job" was completely immaterial."

True, but at least in TN people generally are inherently kind. Here, there is more than a "low-level" meanness running through the people - it's racism, sexism, and good old xenophobia (of other Americans!). We've been here a year and a half (Eagle River/Anchorage) and are ready to move back to Tennessee. Yes, it's beautiful and amazing and the experience will stay with us always. Unfortunately, the attitude of the people (extreme culture shock) is too much to deal with the rest of our lives. The weather is actually lovely to us, even the cold and the snow and the dark. But you know what? The Smoky Mountains are just as pretty, and the people will lift you up in welcome.

sorry to hear that you don't feel welcomed into Alaska society/culture. Have you thought of trying other area of Alaska beside Anchorage?? Might be totally different, just a thought!

[cdanojohnson]

"sorry to hear that you don't feel welcomed into Alaska society/culture. Have you thought of trying other area of Alaska beside Anchorage?? Might be totally different, just a thought!"

We have. My husband's work as a video and film professional limit his full time work choices to here (as far as we can tell so far). Any suggestions? And thanks for your warm response.

[blueflames50]

Originally Posted by cdanojohnson

"sorry to hear that you don't feel welcomed into Alaska society/culture. Have you thought of trying other area of Alaska beside Anchorage?? Might be totally different, just a thought!"

We have. My husband's work as a video and film professional limit his full time work choices to here (as far as we can tell so far). Any suggestions? And thanks for your warm response.

is he self employed, what kind of video/film field as it is broad....what exactly??? lots can be done by internet!

[juneaubound]

Originally Posted by cdanojohnson

Alaska isn't unique when it comes to the Good Ole' Boy network. It is prevalent in small towns all over the country. And it was certainly prevalent in TN (as was nepotism). I frequently saw friends, family, school chums etc. being hired, and even though everyone went through the motions of the hiring process (advertising the job, accepting apps/resumes, doing interviews etc) the person who was going to get the job was already a done deal. Hiring the "best person for the job" was completely immaterial."

True, but at least in TN people generally are inherently kind. Here, there is more than a "low-level" meanness running through the people - it's racism, sexism, and good old xenophobia (of other Americans!). We've been here a year and a half (Eagle River/Anchorage) and are ready to move back to Tennessee. Yes, it's beautiful and amazing and the experience will stay with us always. Unfortunately, the attitude of the people (extreme culture shock) is too much to deal with the rest of our lives. The weather is actually lovely to us, even the cold and the snow and the dark. But you know what? The Smoky Mountains are just as pretty, and the people will lift you up in welcome.

I am also sorry that you have had bad experiences with people here.

I moved to Juneau from SE Middle TN in early January, and the people I have come in contact with so far have been very welcoming. To be honest, I have met friendlier people here (particularly those I work with) than I did in TN. Again I am very sorry that it has not been a good move for you so far.

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by juneaubound

I am also sorry that you have had bad experiences with people here.

I moved to Juneau from SE Middle TN in early January, and the people I have come in contact with so far have been very welcoming. To be honest, I have met friendlier people here (particularly those I work with) than I did in TN. Again I am very sorry that it has not been a good move for you so far.

I've found people in Homer and Juneau to be friendlier to strangers than are people in Anchorage. Maybe it is because Anchorage is the "big city." (<;

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by RDawg

Holy cow.

Do ya'll think that if we passed the hat around or something we could scrape together enough change to buy this person a ticket out of Alaska?

Better question: Would it be cheaper to set her up with a thorazine drip?

It is okay to be happy to leave a place we didn't like because it felt unfriendly to us. Making fun of someone for it only proves their point about us.

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by cdanojohnson

Here, there is more than a "low-level" meanness running through the people - it's racism, sexism, and good old xenophobia (of other Americans!).

I'm afraid I agree with that statement.