I went back to college for one reason. I wanted out of this nature-deprived area that I live in. I already had a college degree and a job, but I wanted a degree in something that no matter where you went you could find a job that pays decent, so I got my BSN. When I visit the pacific northwest, I get depressed midway through the vacation because I know I have to go back to live in my hot, humid, treeless, waterless, flat, ugly city. I love the rain, mountains, cold weather, sweaters, fireplaces, the beautiful gardens in the pacific northwest and the respect that exist in the NW for nature, organic-growing of fruits and veggies and fellow-men (if you knew about the area I live in you would know that we lack all that I love) I already have my license, so your probably wondering why I'm still live here. The answer is simple--money. My husband's job pays well and the cost of living is low. If it was soley my decision I would be out of here today, but marriage is a 50/50 deal. I have thought many a times about just taking my daughter and going for it (I have even applied to a couple of hospitals), but I'm sacred that money-wise I wanted be able to make it. I don't need the fancy house or car. I just want to live in a safe area in the pacific northwest. Any words of encouragement?
My husband's job pays well and the cost of living is low. If it was soley my decision I would be out of here today, but marriage is a 50/50 deal.
Where did you get the idea that I was leaving my husband? When I was commenting about taking my daughter and going, I never said that my husband would not be joining me at some point.
Ok..phew...sorry guess I missread this post...he he
Please bring your husband up here too...:)
Also from your OP:
"I have thought many a times about just taking my daughter and going for it (I have even applied to a couple of hospitals), but I'm sacred that money-wise I wanted be able to make it. I don't need the fancy house or car." --why I thought u were thinking of leaving your hubby...glad you aren't!
My husband and I have lived in WA State since 1998. I'm originally from Germany, he's a Texan (we met while he was stationed in Germany - I'm the souvenir he brought back, hehehe, should have gotten a beer mug instead), so we're both transplants. We love it here! There is not a more beautiful place during the spring, summer and early fall. When the sun is out and the skies are clear, you have the most breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, the gorgeous, tall trees, etc. There is SO MUCH to do here if you like the outdoors. Or you can go the beaches - OK, the water is freezing cold. but you can walk along the beach and admire the rugged coastline. The lakes, Puget Sound, etc. are just magnificent.
When we first moved here I hated it. It was the middle of winter, and it was cold, dark, grey, rainy and depressing. But as soon as the season changed, we were hooked. Yes, we ***** and complain about the rain during winter, and can get pretty dreary and depressing, but you will be more than rewarded once spring comes around. Summers are usually very, very dry. IN fact, in Thurston county where we live, there is an outdoor burn ban in effect from early July through mid-October. The temps in the winter are mild - 30-40 during the day, a bit cooler at night. It hardly ever freezes; this winter was one of the colder ones where it froze for a week straight in our area. Spring is mixed - one day is nice and mild (60s), the next, it could cool down to the mid 50s. Summers are usualy dry and can be hot during late July, AUgust and SEptember. October is usually sunny but a tad cooler, nothing bad though. November, December, Jan., Feb. suck. Usually very wet, very grey and depressing. But it's a great time to cuddle up at home and get comfy by the fireplace. And not having to worry about snow is a definite plus. No minus degree here like in other parts of the country. This is WESTERN WA, though; the Eastern part of the state has more extreme temps - hotter in the summer, much colder in the winter.
Sorry about KMR's response but the one thing most on the coast miss is everything east of the mountains. I was raised in Seattle too and couldn't wait to get out. My housing is less than a third that in Seattle, it's the second largest citiy in the state without the horrendous traffic and jobs are plenty. Those on the west sidecome here to vacation constantly because of the wide open beauty. Then they go back to the hectic rat race they live in. I'm 15 minutes from work, have 5 acres, livestock, dogs and have 15 wonderful golf courses within 30 minutes, 3 different ski areas within 60 minutes and countless lakes that you can still afford to live on.
I'm 15 minutes from work, have 5 acres, livestock, dogs and have 15 wonderful golf courses within 30 minutes, 3 different ski areas within 60 minutes and countless lakes that you can still afford to live on.
You must be up in airway hts, medical/cheney areas. You know I just about choked when I saw how much real estate had gone up in the Spokane areas over the last 2 or so years since I've been in central WA for school. I was thinking of going back up there and still am - if I can find a dayshift w/out call and weekends where I want as a new nurse -- but the real estate market has really taken a huge jump and I don't see it slowing down. (Another reason why I want to buy now.) One thing that I am pretty sick of though is the cold. 8 months of cold here, 8 months of cold there. Central/Eastern WA is just plum cold. I grew up in southern Cal have been gone since 1995 because it's too expensive to live there rent/purchase cost. But I sure miss the warmth. I hate the rain so won't go west not to mention prices are going up a bit there as well and are a bit out of affordable range for a single mom - even a 'rich' nurse lol. (Being facetious there) IN fact I have heard that nurses make alot less in Spokane. I've just started my job search and plan to search more than just Spokane...so will find out.
eastern washington is not flat and treeless..its full of lakes, rivers mountains and evergreen forests. Its central washington that is flat and ugly..just so you know.
eastern washington is not flat and treeless..its full of lakes, rivers mountains and evergreen forests. Its central washington that is flat and ugly..just so you know.
Ahhh but the trees are not LUSH in eastern WA..they are 1/2 dead/dried up looking AND much of it IS rather flat... the traffic HAS gotten bad and have you checked the EPA list...spokane has one of the worst water and air ratings in the state! (Including worse than central, which is fairly flat yeah...). The lakes there are pretty small..if you want the nice lakes and trees you have to drive a good 2 hours up to northern Idaho ...... or west WA.
I lived in spokane for 10 plus years. I know. It ain't that great. It's the second largest city in WA BUT it has a very hick town attitude in general and NOT much to do in terms of culture, etc. Not much variety. Also, jobs for RNs are NOt that abundant, they don't pay that well..and most are part time...from what I found when I considered going back there (briefly!).
I hate spokane. And oh yeah it is COLD there...8 months out of the year..the winters are long and they do get quit a bit of snow most years. And they also have their dreary /rainy time...but it doesn't lead to lush greenery.
Larry77, RN
1,158 Posts
Ok..phew...sorry guess I missread this post...he he
Please bring your husband up here too...:)
Also from your OP:
"I have thought many a times about just taking my daughter and going for it (I have even applied to a couple of hospitals), but I'm sacred that money-wise I wanted be able to make it. I don't need the fancy house or car." --why I thought u were thinking of leaving your hubby...glad you aren't!