Life Changing Decision!


Palssonater

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Well the word is in. They are looking for technicians to transfer from homebase here in Winnipeg area, to go "Up North" to a little hydro town called Gillam.

The majority of the power generated is in the north and they need just as many guys up there as down here. Problem is, that is 15hour drive away.

The pay is amazing, and with Jenn being a nurse and able to work up there, I wonder if this is suited for me. I am Mr. Outdoors compared to the other techs here. I can't see them moving to a town that is hours away from any major city. This town is like the end of the line. The road stops there. Only train from there to Churchill.

I mean this is up NORTH. Close to Hudson bay. I will attach a picture so you can see what I am talking about. We already have a couple of friends living there from college.

The thing is that I have become used to my southern life. I like hunting fields, I like the prairies and I will miss my bird hunting the most.

They have caribou that go through town. That is a big plus. There will be no shortage of large game up there. Lots of fishing.

The thing is that the decision is permanent for at least 5 years or better. That is a long time to be away from "home".

We do have some family, 3 hours away in Thompson MB. Hydro does make it worth their employee's while to go there too. Kind of excited. I don't know what I should do. SOrry this is rambling... The thought process is all over the place. grin.gif

gillam.gif

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Re: Life Changing Decision!

She wants to go. She has $$$ in her eyes. That is one reason I am afraid. If we go we'll be there for long time and there is no getting out of it. If she doesn't like it we are in trouble. But I can't see her not liking it. She loves boating, likes to make and spend money, and has lived in remote locations before.

The money for us would be close to double our annual wage(combined) down here.

Its just something that I will have to think about really hard, as they are asking for reponses to go. I think I am the only guy thinking of volunteering. If no one wants to go, they draw names. Guys quit every year when they are forced to go.

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Money doesn't always equal happiness, but doubling your money is always nice.

As long as you really think it over, and you and your wife understand that it might get rough, I think you should do it. Plus you have friends and family near by, that will buffer the tranistion.

Hey it's Northern Canada, not Communists Russia, if things are so bad you and your wife can't take it. I'm sure you can find another job, with another company.

Sounds like a really interesting opportunity, and I'm with Hutchies and this one, if you need a buckeye's help, I'll be there. grin.gif

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5 yrs isn't that long.. As long as she can work, I think it would be hard to pass up the OPPOTUNITY..

If you both go into it with a positve outlook, a 5 yr adventure for a chance to significantly change your lifelong finacial situation may be well worth it..

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Being that I am in the military and am acustom to moving and being away from my immediate family I will chime in. I think it is a great experice to take, like others have said it is "only" a five year hitch and you can make some good money doing it. You will get to meet an entire new friend base out there and I would assume a different way of living all together. So I would def discuss all your options and take a risk with the move. I think you won't regret it.

BTW, if you do move up there, I will come visit during carabou season. lol

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I guess as long as you don't mind the -40 degree temps every day in the winter, and -60 to -70 degree windchills... you'll be alright! grin.gif

That really is a tough decision bud, but heck, for double the money, and if you'd have a nice warm home in the winter, I'd do it! cool.gif

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Well talked it over with her last night and she is all for it. She is going to call the Gillam Hospital and see what chance of getting there and going straight to work would be. I am pretty excited acutally. I thought about it all last night(couldn't close my eyes) and I think that I would really enjoy it.

Also! That way I get to stop commuting to work 90 miles round trip everyday. Jenn does the same. That is a lot of miles to rack up on the vehicles. Gillam is a small town. Everything is basically within walking distance. You can drive you snowmobile or quad through town without too much hastle.

I could get my 3/4 ton chevy too! Hmmmm, this gets better the more I think about it. Housing is subsidized(sp?) so cost of living is relatively low. We are renting a house and yard right now, so anything is better than that.

Just gotta e-mail the right people today and it will be done. Yikes. grin.gif

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