DON'T make a move away from a negative, move toward a positive. It may feel like the same thing sometimes, but it's not. If that's unclear, it's because you haven't sorted out all the important stuff yet. Keep striving to get to know yourself better, that's a life long task, but well worth it.
Money is important, but if it's at or near the top of your list, you're doing something wrong. Satisfaction in life has to come from many places to be long-lasting and fulfilling. If you disagree with this, you're doing it wrong (which of course you are free to do).
Working at something you love, like in the hunting industry, often negatively affects both your job and your hobby, I have seen people make it work, but it's rare. Try instead to do something you like well enough, which affords you the ability, means, and time to do the things you love. That way you get some fulfillment from different sources.
5 people at one company with Cancer? Get the hell out of there, and maybe talk to a lawyer!
Seriously man, if you want to discuss this further, PM me, we can chat or email or whatever. What you are feeling and going through is not uncommon.
Life is short, you will have to take some risks, but they have to be measured, and within your own risk tolerance profile.
Hang in there, keep searching for answers. And keep hugging your kids and telling those you love, that you love them.
Cost of living is favorable too.
PM me if you need some guidance.
As far as your career, I think it's a pipe dream to find happiness through your employment. People who do usually find passion in their work and don't have something else besides that. A job is something that you should not hate and should be a means to and end, that end being making you and your family comfortable enough to pursue happiness. Happiness is found through family, friends, and your personal passions, like hunting.
Only you can make you happy. If you want more or different, then go out there and get it. If you want to move to the west, do it and you won't be disappointed. You don't owe anything to anyone except your wife and kids and you have to do what's best for them and yourself.
But don't try and find happiness and fulfillment through your job. Take the best job that you can find that will allow you the money and time off to engage in what really makes you happy.
I passed on an opportunity to transfer to a sister division in Southern Maine back in 2000 or so (I was around the same age as you are now) - mainly because my sis needed help with my nephews, and because my Mom was sick.
At times I regret it - wonder what if's... but I wouldn't trade the time with my nephews in their formative years and the time I had with my Mom until she passed.
I DO think I'd enjoy Maine WAYYY more than CT, especially in the current atmosphere here.
I'd also add (as above) - it would be great but EXTREMEMLY rare to combine your passion for hunting with your job.
Not sure I have any good advice - just wanted to share that you're not the only one to go through that. Good luck in your quest
Nothing gives me more peace-of-mind than doing what I can for my family, including my parents.
As far as a job in the hunting industry...I have always tried to keep my passion and my career separate. When my passion becomes a job then I have lost what I love about it.
As a christian I approach these situations differently than a non-christian because I view my life's priorities differently and not my own. I don't know if you are a man of the faith or not, but either way I hope you find peace in your wrestle with your decision. I can understand, as I've thought many times about moving to "greener pastures" but there's so much more to life than work and hunting. For me, contentment is something that's usually mental and a continuous struggle. So easy to always want more!
There are opportunities in Colorado and other densely populated areas in the pharma industry but you will take a huge cut in quality of life. Cost of living is outrageous and traffic sucks where these jobs are.
Most guys are looking for what you already have; a well paying career in a low cost of living area that is family friendly. Think hard before leaping. In a few years you won't be as house poor. If that's putting pressure on you, focus on it and prioritize reducing your mortgage balance. A few years of living extremely frugally will do two things: 1. you'll find out you really don't need a lot of things you thought you did and 2. your 30 year mortgage can turn into a 15 year mortgage.
Once you get your mortgage in a better situation you will have the ability to take the family to these "more exciting" locations on vacation and maybe even go on a hunting trip or two to these more exotic locales.
Of course you should make sound life choices with the responsibilities of a family. With unemployment so low, it would be a good time to explore options, however I concur with the sentiment about making work your passion- it's usually an excuse for 'enjoying poverty' ;) (unless you are a genius entrepreneur, but at your age seems, unlikely)
Disclaimer, I just made a big move to improve work options and increased hunting adventures.
I am also an engineer.
Moved to Colorado almost 30 years ago to pursue my passions and find a job that would keep the rent paid and lights on while giving me the time to be in the hills. My best job ever was working at a shut down mine site doing reclamation and water projects. Large amount of private property in some of the most scenic country in the lower 48 surrounded by National Forest. Great hunting and fishing just outside my door in any direction. Like living and working in a post card. Although the town I lived near was not one that most would find appealing for very long due to the long winters and lack of any amenities, it was perfect for me. Finally got fed up with not having any advancement opportunity and moved on to chase higher salaries. That has resulted in much lower overall quality of life, less time for pursuing my passions, bigger bills and deeper in debt.
You will find that the salaries paid for engineers are lower and the cost of living higher than you would anticipate over in the Western States. Colorado is booming and the cost for a even a starter home on the front range is insane. Hard to say how long the boom will last. Funny thing is our taxes have increased with all these extra people and what we get for those taxes seems to be diminished. Traffic is horrendous on the front range and not getting any better.
I am looking to get out of Colorado now because it is too crowded and the cost of living here is just not worth it for me. Just keep plugging away and looking for the right opportunity in Alaska or Wyoming...
It would be well worth your time to start doing some family vacations out to the western states to start looking at potential moves and put together a matrix to evaluate your options. Once you have it narrowed down, you can then focus on specific areas for a job search and save money like crazy in the meantime to get to the place you want to be then make something happen from there.
Good luck in your search! It does sound like your wife is on board and adventurous so your biggest hurdle is already cleared! Go for it!
I went in Forestey Resources Management thinking what could be better then working in the woods managing natural resources for landowners. After doing it for 21 years, there is a lot more worse then there is good I used to think was the job.
Do what interests you but, allows you the financial freedom and time to do the things you want with the people that make you happy.
I’m kinda in the same boat. I’m the only one of three kids that moved back to live close to my parents. I understand that thought. But, I also feel like I’ve missed out on opportunity’s of better money, better jobs, and doing many more things I live then I can do living here. It’s up to you to decide what’s best.
Just my thoughts. If opportunity existed to live in Montana and make a living, that’s where I’d go. I’d told you Colorado before going back this last fall. But, with the traffic and the amount of hippies stoners in a lot of the western part of the state, I’d keep driving now.
That cancer part would definitely get my attention for sure too.
I grew up in the midwest and always had this nagging feeling about something better. So 30 years ago I made the move to Colorado. I had no intentions of staying here at that time, but I played the cards that I was dealt and Im still in the same house with not one regret.
There is no guarantee for tomorrow and Im betting that nagging feeling you have will not soon pass. Only get bigger
Best of luck
That advice was 40 years ago, and it has proven true.
1. Don't believe everything you read about how great a place is. Do your research and make a list of pro's and con's about the areas/states. Then make sure that if you do move there you are not stuck in the job you get when you get there. Alot of places are limited, but if you make a sound decision and don't like the job you get you can move on and get a better job with the same pay range.
2. Definitely look for work elsewhere. I agree that having 5 people at your current job get cancer is nuts. If there is already cancer in your family (i.e. your brother), get the hell out of there asap. The other good thing is that there are alot of jobs available where you can work remotely and commute when necessary.
3. Don't take anyone's word for the area. Yes I said this again. Do lots of honework on everything from cost of living, taxes, etc. You can never know too much avoht an area before you get there.
4. If you find a job in the hunting industry and you are excited about it jump in it. Don't be afraid to try! You could end up being the owner of the next big thing in hunting, but if you don't get into the industry you will never know.
Good luck!
Most of us would swap better income and vocational opportunities as it affords not only opportunities for our family but more QUALITY hunting opportunities for us as well.
Frankly, money will put you further away from the crowds and into better hunting than living in the bedroom of a bunch of over pressured animals.
I stayed home.I have a fantastic career and have been blessed beyond measure and the downside to that is I have to drive,drive,drive to quality hunting.Drive I do.
So,it’s not really about WHERE you live,if you are as committed to your hunting as your family everything will work out perfectly ......a little driving or flying never hurt anyone.
Sounds like you are in a personal funk and need to start looking at ALL the positives in your life. 5 people getting cancer at a job would be considered "a cluster" or a statistical miracle. Something is wrong there.
My opinion would be to get out from under the "wet blanket" of your home. Downsize if need be to take some pressure off. This would allow some extra money for family vacations....which are some of my fondest memories....and also trips for yourself or your wife and yourself. Sounds like it`s not your location in as much as not "living" a full life.
I liked my work, just not who I was doing it for. I put up with situation for 5+ years and finally decided I needed to control my own destiny. My kids were of an age where if a change was to be made, now was the time. (Much like your wife, my was ready to move) Her mom lived in same town, but somewhat strained relationship.
I ended up taking a job for slightly less money, but it was the right move. (I got lucky and sold my previous house before the real estate cliff).
That move was the best thing ever for myself and my family. If your decision is best for you and your immediate family, who can fault you?
"I've lived here all my life and know nothing else. "
2. I left home and the folks in a small town when I was 20 to go into the military and never moved back there. I (plus wife and 2 girls) moved 8 or 9 times in 30 years. The actual physical move is not that bad. There are check lists online that will guide you thru it. I always had a job on the other end and often had to look for a home in a short period. It's a little stressful but it always worked out. You can make a house-hunting trip before you do the actual move so you have a job and a place to stay before you even leave your current place.
3. Leaving your parents or taking them with you....that is a family decision and the second one that has to be decided. Skype can be your friend!! The first is what to do about your current job and the cancer thing.
4. Alot of folks have decided to leave the small town they grew up in. It can be a little intimidating and emotional but fear not....proper planning and commitment will make it easy.
Good luck....alot of good advice already given.
Good luck on your journey of life.
We will all be gone one day. If you prefer to live close to family and be ready to fill the potential role of caretaker then that is fine. If they are healthy then they likely are in no hurry to surrender their independence anytime soon. Heck, they may someday feel they can't move away since you are still there.
I have a question. Is your goal as a parent that adult children anchor down the road from you and your spouse? Or do you want them each to follow their own path whether that is a house across the street from you or a city far, far away?
I chased adventure and career as a young adult. I have not lived in the same state as another older family member for 35 years. I can be in a room with any of my extended family in less than 48 hours. Can call. Can email. Can Skype. We gather for family events such as weddings.
My success gave my parents peace of mind. That is a nice gift and can be given from across the street or the globe.
My mom is still there, one of my sisters plus several of my nephews and nieces all live close to her. She is remarried now and doing well, just getting old (85).
There has been a few hard times, but overall I am sure it was the best decision for me and my wife. I don't think I have ever regretted it. Make a sound and educated decision, not emotional! The cancer thing alone would be enough for me to leave, and I mean now!!! That's not an emotional decision, that is just plain smart!
As others have said, pray about it and God lead you. He will put you where He wants you to be.
BTW... AZ has some excellent opportunities as well! Just about everything is booming, but housing is going up.
Good Luck!
Our family is a bit different, our two sons are both mid-20's and married, parents are all healthy, our biggest "doubts" in this decision where: - It's a different lifestyle/culture, what if we don't like it? - Can we handle being away from family? No grandkids yet, but it's coming, while parents are healthy, they ain't getting any younger
My wife is an air force brat, so moving is nothing to her. For me, I am the "rebel" in the family, I moved a whole hour a way.
My boss jokingly said he'd support me working from the west when before our last hunting trip in October I jokingly said "we may not come back". That put the wheels in motion, then a corporate reorg tripled my group I manage, but 70% are in DC so already remote.
the kicker: over thanksgiving a second friend in teh last 12 months died of a heart attack, at our age. Enough is enough, time to make a move rather than "someday"
As far as career advice, I don't have much. I'm not in tune with the engineering world and what it offers. If the circumstances are such that it's possible your co workers are getting cancer from their employment I'd be leaving as soon as possible. Another thing is consider the possibility of turning something you love into a job. For example, if you love fishing and become a tournament pro you turned your passion into a job. Most times that kills the fun aspect of it. IMO and apparently most others here, try and find something you enjoy and don't mind it becoming work. Enjoy life to the fullest and if you think you're family will find that opportunity else where, take the leap!
I moved west from Wisconsin to Colorado when I graduated from college with a degree in engineering. I'd worked in CO two summers while in college and knew I wanted to live there. 35 years later after a great run in CO with the family, bowhunting, job, etc we moved up to BC. We've lived here 9 years and again, a great run for us. It was a great job opportunity and I was ready to hunt new species in new places. We've retired here and enjoy the opportunities to experience "new country".
Good luck with your choice!
As others have mentioned chasing your passion can be very disappointing in the long term. And it will be very very very disappointing for your family that can't spend time with you because you're always at work. Chasing one's true passion involves a lot of overtime.
I hope you find an area that makes all of your family happy and I'm sure you can find a comfortable engineering position. Work to LIVE!
I might be the only one reading this thread who has "been there, done that"... but I'm also only 28 and don't have a family to consider. So I can't give advice for anything else besides what I know about the archery industry...
I was a lead design engineer with a bow manufacturer for a number of years. Engineering in the archery industry can suck the fun out of archery in a hurry, or more likely the institution around you can, if you don't get in with a good one. For me that was the case. I left my dream career with the fastest growing bow name in the industry, due to mismanagement, and the fact that out of the 25 or so original people who I began my career with, nearly all had been driven out in 4 years time. Today few people remain with that company/ group that participate in archery or hunting, let alone actually care. I can't say this holds true to any other company in the industry, but I would imagine the problems are similar. Aside from my personal bad experiences I can tell you this...
As we speak, the bow business is primarily a battle for market share. Engineering and marketing's job has never been harder. It's a very litigious industry and difficult to move the innovation needle unless you work for a company with deep pockets for capital investment, and one that is already well established and ahead on R&D and the product development cycle. There are a few companies that hold the majority of patents, and if you aren't working for one of them (big 4), you're gonna pull your hair out trying to build the better mouse trap. Note: Rex Darlington owns a good many patents (collects royalties), but Darton isn't one of the big/ popular name brands. So if you're not in with a big company, or have some ground breaking idea, to some extent you're left to regurgitate something aesthetically new with minor improvements each year. The big leaps and bounds in compound bow technology have already been made, even before my time in the business. Don't get me wrong, there are certainly some things to be improved, but the gains may even be marginal. Overall system efficiencies, tuning features, and integration of new materials are areas that can really be improved upon. And if you're really creative... new cam systems.
Another thing to consider is that engineers in the archery industry are generally underpaid from my experience, and in talking with fellow engineers for other companies. Also due to the timing of bow launches (October through ATA show time frame) finding time away from work to hunt can sometimes be difficult if a product launch faces any issues. Another thing to consider is the locations of said companies... you're trying to leave the midwest so that rules out Mathews, G5/ prime, xpedition, and the other east coast companies. Hopefully I haven't scared you completely, but the industry is not all its cracked up to be. There are lots of engineering opportunities out there that will allow you far more time and money to do the things you enjoy to do... and you won't go home uninterested in picking up your bow to sling some arrows and unwind.
Job changes and relocation are decisions that only you can make that will be in the best interest of you and your family. No one on this website can make that decision for you. No one knows all of the facts except yourself. You have to weigh things out and make a decision.
Happiness comes from within once your basic needs are met.
It might be time to look inside and see what is missing.
I am always looking to hire good engineers. We have locations in East Texas, Akron, OH, and Millington, MI.
Good luck,
If you are unhappy and you are moving to be happy it will not work. If you are happy and moving for the adventure and change, it will work and you will likely maintain your happy state.
I am a change person, I like change. I would do it for the adventure, personally.
But Happiness and Contentment will not change much. I will make a stretch and compare it to something I know.
I teach high school, a couple of times a year we have a student pulled out by their parents to attend a different high school in the valle. The statement is our son/daughter is into drugs and a bad crowd. We are moving him/her to a different school and give them a fresh start, allow them to find new friends and reset their life. therefore we are moving them to such and such school. I have never seen it work. They are usually back in the next school year because the driving to the distant school is inconvenient and nothing changed the student fell in with a bad crowd at the new school also. Changing environment doesn't change the kid.
It may be a stretch but changing your environment will not change your state of happiness long term. Change the state of happiness first. I am not saying don't change locations but I am saying don't change with the expectation of bliss.
oz
Reread it and it sounds too negative. Like I stated early in change for the adventure is awesome. I would do it for that reason.
oz
I’ve had several friends moved to Colorado, all of them come back to Oklahoma to deer hunt. Although they like it there it is a harder place to live than the Midwest for many reasons
I will say this, don’t plan on having any extra time to hunt in the west unless you can actually take the time off, it’s not a weekend warrior situation there and the people I know who try to do it that way are not very successful. In fact many of my western friends are frustrated because out of stators end up having better odds than they do by being able to take two weeks off to hunt and then go back to a place with low cost of living and good employment.
The actual job market is not good in the west. Find a good job and chances are you will be dealing with extremely high housing prices and traffic as well.
Move to a small town and you’re actually in worse shape than most small Midwestern towns.
I will say the only people who have moved west and have come back have done so because they didn’t like their job so I would put that as a priority, if you can find a job you like that pays enough then do it!
If you like hunting whitetails don’t move to a place that doesn’t have them.
And another thing, have you ever considered moving out of Indiana? Indiana from everyone I have talked to is a pretty terrible place to live and while it is good for your kids to be close to family he also have to consider the opportunities they will have there.
If I were an engineer I would like very very hard at Texas. It’s a very family friendly place in the job experience you may have there could be absolutely amazing. The hunting is great if you can dish out a little bit of money and it’s not very far from good western hunting.
But we didn't hehehe
oz
