a little advice por favor

Concerning jobs and relocation. I leave for phoenix in the morning for some possible final negotiations on a job in Phoenix. I am also in the running for a position in Moab. And then a possibole opportunity for a tenure track position at SUNY Delhi in the Catskills. Details below with pros and cons

First Job...a 25-30 hour/week teaching/Director of Turf at a technical school in Phoenix of all places. Full Benefits, starting pay is more than I expected. Would then complete a second degree at ASU studying urban ecology. 2 years here and I would be extremely marketable in the eco-friendly golf course business. Once I take over the complete program, I can alter the classes to what i seem fit, with approval of course. That would include water conservation, wildland landscapes and the reduction of unnecessary turf.

Second Job...Field Plant Geek in Canyonlands walking around the desert studying plant relationships. 4 10-hour days/week. Temporary position with no benefits and the pay a GS-5. Who wouldn't want to live in Moab working for the Park Service getting paid to walk around the desert with 3 days off to ski the La Sals, Henry's, Abajos, or jump over to CO? And then the biking and canyoneering and climbing and other stupid stuff to do?

Third Job...which would work out well if i am offered the Moab gig...Tenure Track position with full benefits, 2 months off during the summer!!!! and a 2 to 3 weeks off in December for the holidays. Little to no research and I would be teaching classes directed at my strengths. 2 months off to spend in South America? C'mon. And they pay for one class a semester.

Issues of concern:

1) I have bills and taking the Phoenix gig would make this part of my life much easier.

2) Ummm...living in Phoenix. it would only be 2 or 2.5 years.

3) Not having access to bike, ski, climb, and get away into the mountains like Logan offers.

4) Time frame....the Phoenix gig needs someone to start Jan. 9! That means moving to Phoenix next weekend!

5) I need to have an answer to Phoenix by Monday. Moab will not let me know if i have the job until mid-next week...but i am trying to push that issue.

6) I am in the running for the NY position but do not have it and am not guaranteed the position. Do I really want to live back east when I really want to live out here? Phoenix is closer to everything I love.

7) Living in Phoenix i wouldn't be able to finish the remodeling here at the house when we are looking to put it, possibly, on the market come summer time. Meaning, we would have to pay somebody to paint what is left, finish flooring, etc. when I can do all that.

8) To keep your attention this far I left this until last since more people are into the outdoors rather than love life....I would have to leave my best friend Jen for a while, which isn't so bad because of the financial aspect, but with her leaving on a 1 year long internship to somewhere in America come late summer, I think it could be difficult for the both of us but, it could be easy at the same time since we could both focus on finishing up our degrees (Jen's pursuing her doctorate). And I would be making a hell of a lot more money working in Phoenix than the two of us combined.

and 9) the skiing yesterday was soooo good! That makes the decision so much tougher. Throw in the possibility of ski gear testing and it makes it even harder to leave LoCache.

This is the toughest decision I am going to have to make. After almost 7 years of playing, and school, I might have to get a real job. Let me have it and thanks for any advice, criticism and all that hoopla!

peace

My $0.02:

I really, really, really hate Phoenix. I thought I hated Las Vegas, until I had to spend some time in Phoenix for work.

Phoenix is like 100 square miles of Tijuana, only hotter. Bad air, bad traffic, bad restaurants. You already know about the bad (nonexistant) skiing. Riding a bicycle in 125 degree weather isn't gonna happen either. It's a giant, flat, sprawling desert hellhole.

Think of everything you like about Southern Utah's deserts. None of those things exist in Phoenix. Sedona, yes; Flagstaff, yes; Phoenix, no.

(apologies to any maggots whom I have offended, who had the misfortune to be sentenced to live in Phoenix)

The Phoenix gig will also give you more money to see Jen, wherever she will end up, maybe not to far???

Moab, cool, but GS5??? That is redonkulously low pay for someone with your brains and skills, plus you have to pass up a job that (in the short run) makes dollars and sense, not just cents, ya know.

Yes, Phoenix is hot, flat, ..... , but you are within a days drive to the old casa de Lo Cache or Wasatch/Uintas.


You did the east, ask yourself, do you really want to go back?

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First Job...a 25-30 hour/week teaching/Director of Turf at a technical school in Phoenix of all places. Full Benefits, starting pay is more than I expected. Would then complete a second degree at ASU studying urban ecology. 2 years here and I would be extremely marketable in the eco-friendly golf course business

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That ^^^ says a lot right there.





My jabber.

Would you do both job 2 and 3? Is that the case?

If you have any professional aspirations, like doing the golf course thing, I would get yourself moving in that direction. The sooner you get the experience the better off you'll be, and if that's 2.5 years in Phoenix, well we all gotta pay our dues sometime.

Would it be easier to focus on your future, in Phoenix, without all of the distractions of outdoor pursuits?

It all seems to get down to deferred gratifications. We all make that choice several times during our lives. But if anybody can figure out a way to “have their cake and eat it too”, it will be you. ;)

Best of luck with your big decision. And to Jen too!!!

I have to agree iwth Buzz and Ireallyliketoski. Although Phoenix does suck big donkey dongs sooner or later you have to pay your dues in order to live where you want with the lifestyle you aspire to. In the big scheme of things 2.5 years is not a substantial investment.

Stoy,

If Phoenix would put you where you wanted to be in 3 years, it wouldn't be too bad. The Sonoran desert is beautiful, and there is tons of good climbing down there. The city is a shithole, like every other city, but go over to the Superstitions and it is beautiful. 2 years would be tolerable if it set you up for something better.

Plus, Flagstaff is only 2 easy hours away. With cool summer temps and great mountain biking. Sedona is 1.5 hours away with year around red rock mtn biking and killer hiking, climbing.

Just some thoughts on AZ.

Nik and I would come visit you in March, when the desert is in full bloom and the climbing temps are perfecto.

Stoy,
I have wondered wher you have been hiding. Never been to Phoenix, but my summers in Moab were awesome. I have some connections to a park ranger down there if you need some additional contacts. Can't say I have any advice for you but I am sure you will make the decision that will bring you the greatest return in the long run. Good luck with everything, Me and the Mrs. will keep you guys in our prayers

I've heard (but never seen first hand) that the number of hottie chics in Phoenix is higher per capita anywhere other than FLA. That would ease the pain a bit.

On the 2.5 years thing, if you live to 80, it is a blink of the eye. If you were to unfortunately, sadly, hopefully not, die around 25/30, 2.5 is a huge amount of time.

Phoenix = almost no skiing, but plenty of other stuff for weekend trips.

Sedona = excellent mountain biking all winter, spring, fall
Joshua Tree = excellent climbing spring, fall, most of the winter (it's close, check your maps)
Flagstaff = plenty of mountains, though unreliable for snow (Snowbowl is still closed)
Red rock country south of the Grand Canyon and on the Res = plenty of slots and rocks to explore

You can always fall back on transitory jobs like the Moab gig later on if you decide you can't hack the civilized life. However, I suspect you'll find pleasure in making a difference in how things are actually built. There comes a time when you're ready to be the teacher instead of the student, the doer instead of the watcher or the protester.

damn, Stoy. I can definitely relate somewhat from a few years ago leaving utah and "playtime" for "the city." I don't regret it- and it's put me in a more marketable spot.

but it sounds like you've kind of already made up your mind on the Phoenix job. it really sucks having to "join the city," let alone the desert- but if the path further down the road will lead you to what you really want to do and allow you to live where you could spend many years- while helping with finances along the way- I would consider that option.


*and Southwest & America West will probably always have super cheap deals to the neighboring mountain states.
$34 each way to Ontario, hook up with Mammoth ride from LA ;) - just checked.

Good Luck with your decision- I know it's not an easy one to give up what you have. You'll know if the time's right for the move or not. If not, keep digging around Utah and maybe something else will come up.

Best of luck, mang. :yourock:

Thanks everyone! Tomorrow afternoon I will know more about the situation in Phoenix.

Buzz....the GS-5 would be temp to see if I land the teaching gig in NY. Its just a matter of should I or should I not wait and see how that goes???

It is easier and more efficient to live in Phoenix and travel to utah, Colorado, etc. than it is from the sticks of upstate NY.

We'll see how tomorrow goes and what comes of it. Now..what to wear?

I have no advice to give, and I'm in a sort of similar situation at the moment myself. Life sucks, eh? :)

Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Stoysluttie1

Thanks everyone! Tomorrow afternoon I will know more about the situation in Phoenix.

Buzz....the GS-5 would be temp to see if I land the teaching gig in NY. Its just a matter of should I or should I not wait and see how that goes???

It is easier and more efficient to live in Phoenix and travel to utah, Colorado, etc. than it is from the sticks of upstate NY.

We'll see how tomorrow goes and what comes of it. Now..what to wear?

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Hoping to hear more from you today. Gotcha on the GS5. And no, I would not wait, but that is me, sounds like AZ is calling your name. And as the rodent pointed out and re-reading your post, sounds like you are leaning that way.


Dress like Dr. Twoplanker and you should do ok. ;)

Good Luck buddy!!

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Originally Posted by Stoysluttie1

We'll see how tomorrow goes and what comes of it. Now..what to wear?

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I hear Woodsy is looking to check in his Lesbo 9000 and sheep suit That'll make an impression :fm:

Sounds like you are Pheonix bound. In a city that large there has to be a handful or more of like minded souls that will do anything necessary to fill the need for adventure and stoke that you crave. And like Squirrel said, airline tix are cheap to LA and SLC from Pheonix.

I don't know you, and I barely know Phoenix, but I have to say that moving to the east is never the answer.

my gf just moved to chicago from phoenix.

she hated pheonix, and in comparison loves chicago

phoenix sucks

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Originally Posted by Spats

Phoenix = almost no skiing, but plenty of other stuff for weekend trips.

Sedona = excellent mountain biking all winter, spring, fall
Joshua Tree = excellent climbing spring, fall, most of the winter (it's close, check your maps)
Flagstaff = plenty of mountains, though unreliable for snow (Snowbowl is still closed)
Red rock country south of the Grand Canyon and on the Res = plenty of slots and rocks to explore

You can always fall back on transitory jobs like the Moab gig later on if you decide you can't hack the civilized life. However, I suspect you'll find pleasure in making a difference in how things are actually built. There comes a time when you're ready to be the teacher instead of the student, the doer instead of the watcher or the protester.

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I agree^^^^ Gatta make the buck @ some point. Are jobs like this available all the time? I don't like Phoenix. But you will be working @ a destination Country Club? if outside the city live and work is not bad. Also sking two days a week on two day off is very possible, Tahoe / SLC are both fast cheap flights. Even better if you work weekends and have midweek off. Make lots of money and know how to get from your Airport to snow in under three hours!! Nice life. Moving from the west to NT CT NH MA? SUCKS!!! DO NOT DO IT. It did it for you, It almost killed me.