help a baby boomer find work in Delta or surrounding area (Montrose: real estate market, credit)

[bettytheatre]

Anyone have a few pointers about job hunting in this area? My husband retired and wants to devote his time to his art (watercolors). We're moving to Delta from Madison WI in February. We bought a house in the downtown area of Delta. I am not ready for retirement, I'm just 51. I'm concerned about some of the previous posts regarding newcomers. Should I look on my own or should I register with a job placement agency? I've been reading the Delta and Montrose newspapers since May and there seems to be some possibilities. I have a degree in Interior Design, but I have a lot of experience in the hospitality industry and with performing arts. I also have strong administration skills. Any advice?

[reese00]

Greetings bettytheatre!

I sent you a private post but I don't know if you received it or not. My husband and I recently bought land near Delta but it's a bit too early for us to move permanently. I just wanted to wish you well and had hoped we could possibly stay in touch a bit and you could tell me how you do in your job search. We are somewhat worried about the job market there so we are hesitant to leave our security here right now in Indiana. We would LOVE to make the move though.

It sounds like you have plenty of skills to find a position. I was in Health care for 15 years, make and sell crafts and I have been an administrative Assistant for many years as well. I've checked the on line papers but haven't seen a lot of opportunity. It would be a while for us anyway.

I'll keep an eye out on this post for others advice and will wish for you much success. If I find you make your way, it will give us encouragement. lol

Take care.
Reese

[bettytheatre]

Well folks, I'm packing the truck and leaving Wisconsin for Colorado today. It helps that the temp is 12 degrees here and Colorado has been in the 50's!
Can't wait to get to Delta!

I haven't had much luck in the job search. In fact, out of the 18 applications or resumes submitted, I've only had the courtesy of two responses. (I guess business etiquette is at a low standard everywhere, happens regularly here in Wisconsin). But this only makes me more determined!!!

Here we go...

[Mike from back east]

Betty: You're gonna love Colorado...let us know how you do when you get here.

s/mike

[bettytheatre]

The people in Delta CO and surrounding areas are wonderful people...warm, open, helpful and very proud of their communities. The weather is great, I'm so happy to be away from the continuous snowfall in Wisconsin. The only snag that I've run into and I wish I had been more prepared for this...extremely low wages...employers say that it feels like a low wage because of the high cost of living here. I'm not experiencing that, I think it's quite reasonable to live here and you know what? A happy meal at McDonald's costs the same as Wisconsin! The Wal-mart trip costs just about the same. I applied for a job with a personal care/homemaker service, just as a bridge until I found something else. $7.00/hr, no benefits! These employees have a big responsibility for the older folks in town, I give them alot of credit for taking that responsibility. Many of their clients are elderly, quite frail. I didn't think I wanted to take on that responsibility. For $7.00/hr, the most important question I would want to ask is "Paper or Plastic?" So, I guess my best advice that before you move here, understand that high end jobs are few, but not unachievable. Put just alittle more money away before the move so you don't have to take anything in desperation. I'm glad we made the move and I can't wait for the fun summertimes to begin!

[jazzlover]

I know the Delta area very well and still have family there. It has suffered from low wages and incomes forever, and probably will continue to do so. About the only decent paying jobs are in the coal mines, the gas fields (a relatively new phenomenon in the Delta area), if you're a doctor or lawyer, or if you get a decent job in government. That used to be tolerable when housing was much more reasonably priced, but the "affordability index" for Delta and the surrounding area is continually worsening, just like it is on the entire Western Slope. A lot of that can be attributed to semi-wealthy and wealthy retirees relocating to the area. They have bid up the real estate market wildly in the last 15 years or so. Delta may look more affordable than other more "resort" Western Slope towns, but only in comparison to them.

I'm glad you like it there, just know that the wage situation is unlikely to improve. And, contrary to your post, most things (gasoline, utilities, food, etc.) cost more there than they do on the Front Range. Services are about the only thing that tend to be cheaper. The area has changed a lot in the 30+ years that I have been familiar with it--in most ways for the worse. Too bad.

[bettytheatre]

I guess at one point in my life I'll have to decide what will make me the happiest. A big ol' job with high wage and benefits, or going after what will make me happy. Alot of people here seem to be self-employed, work extrememly hard at it and are very happy. Maybe that's the road to go, with all the newcomers (myself included) there has got to be an opportunity.

[scrapper]

What are some other differences you've noticed between WI and CO?

[bettytheatre]

Wi is much greener, but the countryside here is beautiful. People seem pretty genuine. The city pretty much shuts down by 9 or 10 pm on weeknights, I'm sure that's the way of a smaller city anywhere. We live just a block off of main street and it's cool that everything is within walking distance...I mean everything! I certainly don't use my car as much as I did in Wisconsin. Saves a ton of money on gas! The weather of course is entirely different, I've used more moisturizer that I ever have before! The tap water tastes better in Wisconsin. But the temperature here is much nicer. Other than that, I haven't missed much from back home.

[Sheepkeeper]

Where in Wisconsin. We have a home in Poplar (outside Superior), but we live in Santa Cruz, CA. I have a job offer in Delta--thinking about it.