Why do people leave in the Winter ? (Williston: homes, construction jobs)

[acw]

Other than the obvious (cold as n.pole), why do people leave their jobs in the Winter and then try to migrate back (after the winter weather)?

Other than the obvious, it seems very odd that someone would do this...but it seems to be a trend.

• What are the Reasons ppl would leave and then try to come back?
• Do people leave and never come back?
• What am i missing?

thanks.

[itsMeFred]

Because it gets really cold and they have jobs outdoors.

[acw]

Originally Posted by itsMeFred

Because it gets really cold and they have jobs outdoors.

thanks Fred,

So...you are saying the jobs that are "Out-doors" are vacated because of the climate conditions. That makes sense.

What about Truck Drivers....are they leaving also?

[itsMeFred]

I know of entire truck companies that pull out in the winter.
While the actual driving is done from the climate-control of the truck, much of the work is still outdoors. As well, drivers need to be more diligent in the winter to make sure they don't gel up. Shops make a small fortune every winter from people who don't understand how to keep their trucks operational in the winter or have plain old bad luck.

But, of course this means that those who DO stick around through the winter not only have the current work, but also have a foot in the door for next spring because they're still there networking while other guys have headed south.

[acw]

Thanks Fred,....didn't know that companies leave for the winter months.

I've been reading on the forum about Cement co's stopping in the winter months and then reopening after. Sounds pretty cyclical.

[Roloff1976]

Many people who travel to North Dakota for work and have homes and families in other states, do tend to leave North Dakota during the winter. But Williston and the state of ND do not shut down during the winter. The native locals and those who have moved their families here to ND continue to work through out the year. There are thousands of people from out of state that work shift work in North Dakota through out the winter and travel back and forth to their homes else where and Williston. You have utility companies, oil companies, service companies, etc... that work year round. If you can't handle the cold and leave, you probably get replaced by those who stick around and want to work. I'm sure many of those who leave have to re apply for jobs when spring rolls around. I'm not sure what trucking company shuts down, but you see belly dumps, oil and frac water haulers running year round. But yes, cement companies do try get the concrete poured for construction jobs before the freeze, and then the construction on the actual building continues on through the winter months. What happens in Williston, or ND in general, is not uncommon than any other Midwest or northern tier state. So this does not just happen in Williston or ND.