ITT, job offer, far away, need advice

[dentinger]

so, i have a possible job offer to work with an old boss of mine, as an apprentice, doing the same thing im doing now. however, i just started a new job, and while i did take a slight pay cut, im learning a lot more, and doing more appropiate work that i should be doing.

here's the thing. the job offer is in Edmonton, Alberta.

on the plus side:
i'll be making $28/hour, which is about 2.5x what im making now
cost of living is about the same as here, if not cheaper
no HST, only 7% tax on everything
gas is .96/liter
get to see another part of canada, and try something new
and most importantly, i'd be going with my best friend of the past 5 years.
finally able to move out of my parent's house.

on the down side:
i have to leave all my family and friends
i may have nothing to fall back on
this could possibly be a huge risk, as ive never done anything like this
im sure winter sucks hardcore over there

im stuck here. either i stay with my best friend, or i lose him (assuming he goes thru with this). if he goes, i think i may go with him, since we've done everything together for the past 5 years (no homo)

so TM3, would you pack up your life, go somewhere new, for a better job, and much better pay??

also, this is still just an idea right now. me and my friend are going to be discussing this tonight. i'd just like other people's input

[stillmatic]

I just accepted a job offer in Edmonton and I start next week. I've already been there during my internship so I already have an idea of what I'm getting myself into. It all comes down to how well you will like living in Edmonton. It is very very different from the GTA, there is not a whole lot to do there. To be honest, I probably wouldnt have accepted the offer if I didnt have some family there already to hang out with.

[-RJ3-]

In my experience with edmonton and visiting there it seems like a lonely place. Plus side is it's cheaper to live and gas is good.

Research more on the trend analysis in Edmonton and see.

Is this for certain the job will last for 5 years? Let's say you get laid off what happens next

Think of the future buddy.

Good luck!

[dentinger]

well, i live in Burlington, and there isnt much to do here either. just hang out with my friend.
the thing that bothers me, is that if he moves, and i stay, i lose my greatest friend.
it's a dilly of a pickle i'd say.

can you tell me how Edmonton is?

[dentinger]

In my experience with edmonton and visiting there it seems like a lonely place. Plus side is it's cheaper to live and gas is good.

Research more on the trend analysis in Edmonton and see.
Is this for certain the job will last for 5 years? Let's say you get laid off what happens next
Think of the future buddy.


this is what ive been thinking. i need job security. i dont care how lonely it is, im sure i'll meet new people, and explore the town a lot. plus me and my friend will find things to do. if there's a gym there, some bars, and some places to hang out, i'd be happy.
even if it's only for a couple years, that's still a decent amount of time.

[KenYork]

DO IT! You're young, little to no responsibilities and can always go back home. Use it to your advantage to explore western Canada. Have fun!

[stillmatic]

well, i live in Burlington, and there isnt much to do here either. just hang out with my friend.
the thing that bothers me, is that if he moves, and i stay, i lose my greatest friend.
it's a dilly of a pickle i'd say.

can you tell me how Edmonton is?

Edmonton is a much smaller city, I can drive across the city within 25 mins (maybe the size of scarborough but less populated). In terms of places to go, once you've been to west edmonton mall, there isnt much else. However, there is the Banff area a few hours away which is nice. You can also visit Calgary which is much nicer about 3 hours away. Its a good thing your friend may be going with you if you both decide to do so, because it can be boring if you don't know anyone. Also, it is really really cold in the winter (-20 to -30 with windchill at times), but the summers are nice, similar to Toronto. The good thing compared to GTA is there is hardly any traffic, cheaper gas. There are plenty of bars, gyms, casinos etc...same stuff you will find here. At the end of the day, you won't mind it as long as you have friends with you.

[stillmatic]

DO IT! You're young, little to no responsibilities and can always go back home. Use it to your advantage to explore western Canada. Have fun!

This is exactly why I'm doing it. I will be making more money than in the GTA and getting way better experience.I also don't have many obligations right now so I'm going to take advantage of this oppurtunity while I can.

[KenYork]

Create your own car meets there.

[stillmatic]

Create your own car meets there.

maybe a first TM3 meet in western canada...lol. My MS3 is on a truck right now on the way there...hope it gets there in one piece.

[dentinger]

DO IT! You're young, little to no responsibilities and can always go back home. Use it to your advantage to explore western Canada. Have fun!

this is probably my number 2 reason, (number is obviously my friend/money). im only young once, im single right now, and ive been looking for a reason to move out. its going to be stressful at first, but i tihnk i'll enjoy it.


Edmonton is a much smaller city, I can drive across the city within 25 mins (maybe the size of scarborough but less populated). In terms of places to go, once you've been to west edmonton mall, there isnt much else. However, there is the Banff area a few hours away which is nice. You can also visit Calgary which is much nicer about 3 hours away. Its a good thing your friend may be going with you if you both decide to do so, because it can be boring if you don't know anyone. Also, it is really really cold in the winter (-20 to -30 with windchill at times), but the summers are nice, similar to Toronto. The good thing compared to GTA is there is hardly any traffic, cheaper gas. There are plenty of bars, gyms, casinos etc...same stuff you will find here. At the end of the day, you won't mind it as long as you have friends with you.

thats isnt as bad as i thought! i hate traffic, and im used to Burlington. i cant stand how densly populated here, and ive always loved the country. just as long as i still have creature comforts, something to kill time, and my friend, im game.
and, -20 isnt THAT cold. just gotta bundle up lol

[bman13]

You only live once. I'd say take the risk. You can do these things until you have wife/kids/mortgage. If you have one of these, then obviously you got an easy answer.

Also, -20 isnt that cold but be prepared for colder in winter lol just saying...also, if you like winter activities (snowboarding/skiing you're gonna love it).

[dentinger]

im not the biggest fan of winter, i usually just stay indoors. but hey, at $28/hour, that may just change!

[Noisy Crow]

What are the odds of this opportunity ever happening again?

There are an awful lot of times when it's better to do something and wish you hadn't, then not do it and wish you had......

The worst that could happen is that you are miserable and have to move back.... and if you are making better money you can sock a good amount away just in case you do choose to move back.....

[n00bMeiSter]

I worked out there for a bit, Edmonton is nothing compared to Markham/GTA but at the same time, it's different. Which is nice. There's the Rocky's near by (ish), you can take weekend trips to BC, or go camping in the Banff / Jasper area. There's West Edmonton Mall, Calgary, etc. You get to see the country, do some different things. It's a great experience. My only regret is that I spent most of my time indoors working.

You'd be making more money, pay less taxes, pay less for gas, have less traffic and less of a commute. You'd be saving -tons- of money, and hopefully be getting healthier too (gyms, doing stuff in the country side etc). And you get to do all of that with your best friend. What more could you ask for? Not many people make a big move like this and get to do it with their best friend.

I say go for it!

[yearoftherat]

I was in somewhat in the same situation as you and I took a chance and moved out here from Winnipeg 5 yrs ago. Made new friends, met my GF, etc.
Looks good on a resume.
No matter where you go, family will always be there for ya.
You'll be kicking yourself in the butt if you don't take the chance.. go for it.

[PearlM3]

The main thing that I would look at is how is this going to further your career, or more importantly your life. Don't move out there just for $28/hr, because that is not really that much money($60 000). If you are someone who is outgoing and makes friends easily, then I would say go for it, but if you are not like that then I would say stay, you said that you are learning more in your present position. Could you imagine moving out their simply for a little more money, and find that you are not learning as much as you could, as well as your not making as many friends then you thought. I could really wear on you.

So to re-cap, if you are out-going, and moving will further either your career, or your life, then DO IT...Otherwise stay.
:.02

[ThatGuy19]

The main thing that I would look at is how is this going to further your career, or more importantly your life. Don't move out there just for $28/hr, because that is not really that much money($60 000). If you are someone who is outgoing and makes friends easily, then I would say go for it, but if you are not like that then I would say stay, you said that you are learning more in your present position. Could you imagine moving out their simply for a little more money, and find that you are not learning as much as you could, as well as your not making as many friends then you thought. I could really wear on you.

So to re-cap, if you are out-going, and moving will further either your career, or your life, then DO IT...Otherwise stay.
:.02

What he said

[dentinger]

I'm an apprentice. The whole point of it is to learn. I'll learn where ever I go, so that's not a problem.

Why not make a ton of money at the same time, and explore canada lol

[cereal83]

I would take it mainly for the outdoor aspect of living there. Jasper is like 4 hours drive and it's gorgeous country out there. Yes there is not as much to do there as there is in Toronto but cost of living is cheaper there, your dollar does further and for like $300k, you can get a very nice place. It's new experience and you get to start fresh out there. With the lower cost of living and increase in income, you can be smart of save more money or you can have nicer toys depending on which is more important to you.

People are also more laid back there and alot nicer also. If I had the same opportunity with my best friend, I would take it in a second. GTA is turning into a zoo and god help traffic in 5 years around here. Out there rush hour is laughable. Weather can change quickly there but if you can handle Toronto on it's coldest days, then you can handle it in Edmonton. Another cool thing is seeing the northern lights; only time I have seen them is when I was about 30 minutes west of Edmonton and it was spectacular.

Worst comes to worst, you come back and start over again but most people who move out there stay out there.

[stillmatic]

I would take it mainly for the outdoor aspect of living there. Jasper is like 4 hours drive and it's gorgeous country out there. Yes there is not as much to do there as there is in Toronto but cost of living is cheaper there, your dollar does further and for like $300k, you can get a very nice place. It's new experience and you get to start fresh out there. With the lower cost of living and increase in income, you can be smart of save more money or you can have nicer toys depending on which is more important to you.

People are also more laid back there and alot nicer also. If I had the same opportunity with my best friend, I would take it in a second. GTA is turning into a zoo and god help traffic in 5 years around here. Out there rush hour is laughable. Weather can change quickly there but if you can handle Toronto on it's coldest days, then you can handle it in Edmonton. Another cool thing is seeing the northern lights; only time I have seen them is when I was about 30 minutes west of Edmonton and it was spectacular.

Worst comes to worst, you come back and start over again but most people who move out there stay out there.

As part of my internship, I had the oppurtunity to work on the oil sands in northern Alberta as well. I got to see the northern lights every night. It was spectacular and breathe-taking.

[prime]

I'm an apprentice. The whole point of it is to learn. I'll learn where ever I go, so that's not a problem.

Why not make a ton of money at the same time, and explore canada lol

I think you just answered your own dilemma...

[dentinger]

Yeeeepppppp!!

[p-o-g-i]

I don't know you....... but if you're relatively young, have little to no responsibilities..... I would go for it. You only live once. What's the absoltue worst thing that could happen?!?!?! The way i see it..... worse case scenario is that you miss home.... things don't work out there..... you lose your job...... no biggie.... move back home and start over. That being said of course that it's not hard to find a job in your industry.

[dentinger]

For those who don't know, I'm 22. 23 in a couple weeks. Still at home. Not much to lose here, really.

[DumpInfo]

Just finishing reading over your thread and as much as I'm always eager to make more money sometimes it's best not to leave. I'm not sure how cool your old boss was but the fact that he called you up or bumped into you offering you this job in Edmonton is thoughtful on his end but is it really worth the exact coin?

Are you leaving a gf behind? How close are you with your family never mind your homo friend (just had to, jk ;)) On the serious note, as much as I'd like to make triple of what I make now somethings are far more important than $ in this case. Everyone wants job security but with the economy on a down you really can't expect too much can you? You already have a job which allows you to expand your knowledge by doing more hands-on or you have a job which pays more but you don't learn more...in my books knowledge is key, the rewards come soon after...

[Krazy]

I say go for it... I work for an international company... I think if I have a chance to relocate.. I would do it now rather than later.

also... you left out in cons list... we aren't gonna reply to your posts anymore since you won't be in Toronto.

:P

[dentinger]

thats ok. i just like to post here, and hope people will reply to me, so i dont feel so lonely.

foreveralone.jpeg

[Hyperion]

:getout of this province.
Dude I would jump at this offer so fast. Live life.

[dentinger]

if my friend is serious about this, and i have some job security, i dont see why not. its not like i have many friends over here anyways (that i talk to on a daily basis)

[jonjon72]

Your young, go for it.

Main issue I have with Edmonton is what your wind shield will become. Since they don't use salt, gravel and stone will mess your ride up.

[dentinger]

salt will do more damage then gravel and stone i think. ever see how good of condition cars from BC are?
thats what i hate about winters here. the salt.

[aris]

Your young, go for it.

Main issue I have with Edmonton is what your wind shield will become. Since they don't use salt, gravel and stone will mess your ride up.

Salt will eat your car away...

Their cars last way longer then cars here

[Slade]

I thought you still had 1 year left for school? Or is the year an internship?

[yearoftherat]

Your young, go for it.

Main issue I have with Edmonton is what your wind shield will become. Since they don't use salt, gravel and stone will mess your ride up.

Edmonton like Winnipeg, uses sand and my windshield on my previous cars were fine. They do not use gravel and stones.

[dentinger]

I thought you still had 1 year left for school? Or is the year an internship?

I do. So I'll either go to school there, or fly back home for the 2 months and stay at my parents place.

[SSmoked]

I actully applied for a job out in Edmonton, to do air and soil quality testing with an environmental company around the oil sands. The pay is 25$ an hour. Even if they are willing to hire me i doubt ill drop my life here and go there. I still have 3 years of school, and enjoying my life in the tdot.
Its a big decesion dude. Is this job worth the move?

[rukus]

i'd do it.

i jumped at a job that moved me out west (moved back since) when i was 19. it was a great opportunity, and i would have stayed if i hadnt had a bad motorcycle accident while visiting ontario.

[Shizuka_Osamu]

For those who don't know, I'm 22. 23 in a couple weeks. Still at home. Not much to lose here, really.

i say take the jump. mentality is to make it last minimum 5 years anything more gravy. its like going away for college or universtiy.

[Jackal]

I say go for it. If your best buddy goes, I say go for it. Money is good and the pay is good too. You are young and it would be a great opportunity to visit/live in another part of Canada. Personally, I have worked in Turkey and Japan and moved to TO from Ottawa. I don't regret any moves I have made and have always landed on my feet after each move. Actually opportunities and jobs improved as a result of these experiences. You will learn about other things other than your profession by seeing a different part of Canada (or the world). If you don't like it then come back and you will find something else.

[jonjon72]

salt will do more damage then gravel and stone i think. ever see how good of condition cars from BC are?
thats what i hate about winters here. the salt.


Salt will eat your car away...

Their cars last way longer then cars here

Ya, i know what salt does....LOL. But once you get there, you'll notice that about the cars in Edmonton. I go there twice a year for business and its quite common.

[The Wolf]

salt will do more damage then gravel and stone i think. ever see how good of condition cars from BC are?
thats what i hate about winters here. the salt.


For real dude, I flew out to Calgary/Banff a couple winters ago. Rode in 7 different cars, and all 7 had cracked windshields. The cars don't rust there, but they get pelted with rocks and gravel. Cars in Vancouver are nice cause of the mild winters (no snow), but east of the rockies is a different story.

[jonjon72]

Just to prove that this is a confirmed problem. Edmonton Sun article below from January of this year.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/columnists/andrew_hanon/2011/01/07/16807641.html

and yes......20% gravel

[stillmatic]

Just to prove that this is a confirmed problem. Edmonton Sun article below from January of this year.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/columnists/andrew_hanon/2011/01/07/16807641.html

and yes......20% gravel

+1, everyone I know in Edmonton has had a cracked or chipped windshield at one point or another

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I'd go why sit here and wonder if you will like it when you can go and find out for sure.

The older you get (and I am not even old) the more times you wish you took care of those 'What Ifs'

[prinsesa]

DO IT! ITS a win win situation!!
If you move, you will save lots of money, earn more money, low living standards, might find that GIRL for you!! be with your BFF :)
If it doesnt work out when you move, you'll STILL save money since youre there and stuff and you gain experience, etc.

[The Wolf]

I'd do it if I were in your situation.

[dentinger]

for those interested, im calling my old boss tomorrow and having a chat with him.
fingers crossed

[Jackal]

for those interested, im calling my old boss tomorrow and having a chat with him.
fingers crossed

Great to hear! Good luck!
Hope it all goes well and that he remembers you. Lol. :)

[dentinger]

just got off the phone with him
things are looking really promising

firstly, he told me if i wanted to, i could book a flight out there for the weekend, and he could show me the shop, around town, all that, and see if i like it.
second, my lack of experience isnt a problem. i'd be paired with a tech i used to work with, and if things dont work out there, there's dozens of other dealerships and shops hiring, because everyone goes and works in the oil sands.
third, its cheaper over there, my boss said he insured his '11 dodge ram, '09 jeep sahara, a camper, and his house for $200/month.

i was also told that he's not trying to screw me over here. if me and my buddy want to come out, and work there, we have the jobs, as it saves him from looking for other apprentices, and he already knows what we're capable of.

gotta talk to my buddy now and see what he thinks.

[laksman91]

i say do it, make a quick haul and move back in a couple years.. unless you really settle down over there then..

[dentinger]

him and the other tech who move out there, have no plans on moving back to ontario.
me and my buddy are thinking at least a few years, and see where it goes.

my boss says "oh, and forget your shit box auto's you have now. chances are, after a year, you'll be able to afford brand new Audi S4's"
:chuckle

[gotak]

You know in my shoes I never put where my family is as the major issue as to where I work. But then again for us for the 4 years I was in undergrad every single one of us was living in a different city. You get used to it and there are actually a lot of plus to not living close by your family. 1) You can run your own life and your own schedule. 2) There's no one to judge what you do and 3) For some it's the first time they get to find out truly what they want in life rather than what the expectations are from the family.

So those are the pluses. The minus well you know them.

Looking at the age you are at I feel that it's worth the risks. As long as the job offer's firm. Once you get older and more things tie you down like a girl, wife, kids etc. You'll never have the same freedom again (unless you choose to forgo those things) to just go out and do something just for yourself. If you don't like it at most it's 1 year of slogging through it and then coming back east. But of course it's not for everyone. I loved it when I visited Jasper. Love love being in the mountains. Love driving the mountain roads. But I can also see that living there I'd have to give up things that the big cities like Toronto has to offer. If given the chance I'd go but I know my fiancee wouldn't. But she's always been a city girl where as I was happy as a clam out in the boonies of Kingston during my undergrad days.

I think in the end asking for advice here isn't going to be that useful for you because you never know what's going to happen right? You just need to make a choice and stick to it. Things will usually work out for the best if you take solid good steps.

[htc***]

Go for it, if you're a single and explore the country. Just pack your suitecase then go.

[dentinger]

me and my buddy are 100% in as it stands right now.
his dad is going to help us move come may.
the only kicker, is this move will cost about $2500 or so. we need a decent sized uhaul truck, and a trailer to tow a car with, and the gas needed to fuel the truck.
other than that, we're golden. just need to save up some cash over the next month or two

[FLIPDADY]

As others have mentioned earlier you're young with nothing really holding you back. You can do it buddy!

[laksman91]

me and my buddy are 100% in as it stands right now.
his dad is going to help us move come may.
the only kicker, is this move will cost about $2500 or so. we need a decent sized uhaul truck, and a trailer to tow a car with, and the gas needed to fuel the truck.
other than that, we're golden. just need to save up some cash over the next month or two

i guess its time to sell your "shit box auto" and move onto the S4 next year ;P

[gotak]

me and my buddy are 100% in as it stands right now.
his dad is going to help us move come may.
the only kicker, is this move will cost about $2500 or so. we need a decent sized uhaul truck, and a trailer to tow a car with, and the gas needed to fuel the truck.
other than that, we're golden. just need to save up some cash over the next month or two

Would the new work place be willing to chip in a bit for the relocation? Doesn't hurt to ask.

[dentinger]

i guess its time to sell your "shit box auto" and move onto the S4 next year ;P

hahaha i just bought my car, its a "collectable" in a way, plus i still owe $8k on it.

i havent asked about aid in moving, but im sure me and my buddy can afford it no problem. just going to start saving now.
my parents said they could pay for a majority of my flight if i wanted to go check out the place in the near future before we make the move.

[zoso]

Take the Job. For just a few years you will propel yourself beyond what you can get here

I almost Took a job in Bermuda for 95K US, After Taxes and Rent i was looking at 65K Cash a year. It was for 3 years, and would have netted me a nice amount of cash to move back to Canada with and experience.

However at my Current Job i started to climb the ladder and within reach of a good pay (not 95k) good enough to have my own place and car, and i can only go up from here

[sol_searchin]

The way the economy is right now in Ontario I would definetely take the job, just make sure you have some kind of job security or guarantee for a minimum of a year.

[cereal83]

I personally would sell everything you have here that is big and buy new once you get there. A u-haul is like $2200 and it gets like 5 mpg, so your gonna be spending $100 every few hours in fuel. I rented a U-haul and drove to BC and it cost about $1200 in fuel in 2.5 days and that was 5-6 years ago when gas was alot cheaper. Just load up the car and go, will cost $400 in gas and then once you get there, you find a place and start buying stuff and you will have a better idea of what your new place looks like and what u need and what you don't. You can also get your family to ship boxes of little things to you through Greyhound courier once you start making money. Yeah it will cost like $70 per big box but still better then renting a U-haul.

[zoso]

I personally would sell everything you have here that is big and buy new once you get there. A u-haul is like $2200 and it gets like 5 mpg, so your gonna be spending $100 every few hours in fuel. I rented a U-haul and drove to BC and it cost about $1200 in fuel in 2.5 days and that was 5-6 years ago when gas was alot cheaper. Just load up the car and go, will cost $400 in gas and then once you get there, you find a place and start buying stuff and you will have a better idea of what your new place looks like and what u need and what you don't. You can also get your family to ship boxes of little things to you through Greyhound courier once you start making money. Yeah it will cost like $70 per big box but still better then renting a U-haul.

Agreed, unless you have furniture that has sentimental value, , pack your clothes and stuff you really need, and sell the rest. Buy all your furniture and dishes and crap when you get there

[dentinger]

i could, but i need to bring my tool box, and all my tools with me, it would be an easy $2500 to replace that. im sure my buddys box and tools are even higher

plus, my tv, bed, dresser, and tv stand/shelving unit would cost me around $2.5k to replace

[cereal83]

I assumed you were in IT. If you need to bring tools to do your job then that is a different story.

Well when you do go, have a good drive. Ontario is interesting once you get past Sault Saint Marie till the boarder but then Manitoba, Saskatchewan and half of Alberta is boring as hell.

[dentinger]

ITT: In This Thread

I think we go thru the states. Its about 5 hours quicker. But, we'll gave to see. I could see border crossing being an issue with a huge uhaul, and two cars

[dentinger]

my friend was having a couple minor second thoughts, but he's 100% in.
i gotta book time off work, and book the flights, but i'll be flying out for a few days at the end of march.
not stoked on the 4 hour flight tho haha

[Jackal]

ITT: In This Thread

I think we go thru the states. Its about 5 hours quicker. But, we'll gave to see. I could see border crossing being an issue with a huge uhaul, and two cars
You could visit our sponsors in the Uhaul and pick up mods items for the next year or two. Just in case they don't have good shops there. Lol. Have a great trip and adventure.

[rukus]

both of you willl be having second thoughts at some point. talking about it will be the best way of dealing with them/supporting each other.

as for crossing the border, pack things into boxes, and label the boxes with numbers, then have a paper with the legend of numbers and whats in each box. having a list like this will make it WAY easier to cross at the border, plus you are able to look at each box and easily find ot whats in it.

i've relocated myself cross country a couple times, and have helped family do it as well. the border is not an issue if you pack everything into boxes/bins and have a good list of what is in what. having things loose causes border issues.

best of all, good luck.

[dentinger]

If things go as planned, me and my buddy plan to sell our cars, and buy dodge cummins rams. The cummins engine is a no charge option!

Also, I booked my flights today. I'll be flying to edmonton for a few days march 30th. Tickets weren't cheap either. Thanks mom lol

[dentinger]

flight to edmonton (altho only for 3 nights) leaves in 3 hours! so excited!

[cwp_sedan]

flight to edmonton (altho only for 3 nights) leaves in 3 hours! so excited!

:thumbsup

Good luck bud!

[stillmatic]

well i've been in edmonton for 3 weeks now...the weather is getting warmer and i already got my first windshield chip from the rocks on the road :(

[rukus]

haha nice. how are you liking it?

[dentinger]

Its A LOT different than back home, I'll tell you that much.

I'm working at the shop today and tomorrow, then my boss is showing me around edmonton tomorrow, including the edmonton mall. Saturday I'm shooting some gophers, then flying back home.

[STeeLy]

Its A LOT different than back home, I'll tell you that much.

I'm working at the shop today and tomorrow, then my boss is showing me around edmonton tomorrow, including the edmonton mall. Saturday I'm shooting some gophers, then flying back home.

It's seriously not that bad once you get used to it. It might be boring for a bit, but when you meet some people, it's not so bad.

[stillmatic]

Its A LOT different than back home, I'll tell you that much.

I'm working at the shop today and tomorrow, then my boss is showing me around edmonton tomorrow, including the edmonton mall. Saturday I'm shooting some gophers, then flying back home.


what area are you working in?

[dentinger]

CTC in st. albert, edmonton.

As it stands right now, I'm not enjoying it as I thought it would, but at the same time, its so different from back home. I don't know where anything is, I don't know the area, or much about it really. I need to give it more of a chance I think.

[seelsy]

usually i find the first three months in a new place are the toughest, once you get through that it begins to feel more like home since ur getting used to getting around and where things are. Congrats on the move though! im thinking of taking a year off school and working for a year in australia! so i know the feelings uve been having of leaving home haha.

[dentinger]

I haven't moved yet lol
I'm only here for 3 nights. I don't move til mid may

[cereal83]

Yeah you won't know the city at all but give it some time. Life is different there and I would say sometimes change is good. Try to not to compare everything to where you life now either imo. Something for me when I went there was driving from the airport to downtown, I came up to part where I could see all of downtown and it was quite the view and this made me really like Edmonton among other things.

You said you were going to shoot gophers (or do you mean groundhogs?), try doing that here in Ontario. If your into hunting and guns etc, it's better to be out there. Just enjoy it and if you find it's not for you, then so be it. Not everything is going to be perfect there. You should take a drive to Jasper, then you would change your mind in a second imo. Or even a drive on the Colombian Icefield Parkway would be amazing.

[dentinger]

I was told gophers lol. I've never shot a gun before, so I'm hoping we actually go.
There's a lot of ups and downs here, but I feel everything will be better when both my friends and I move here, and we get more settled in and comfortable with the town. Its populated here, but a lot more spread out. Not dense like home.

[gotak]

I was told gophers lol. I've never shot a gun before, so I'm hoping we actually go.
There's a lot of ups and downs here, but I feel everything will be better when both my friends and I move here, and we get more settled in and comfortable with the town. Its populated here, but a lot more spread out. Not dense like home.

Young, single. The best way is to find a girlfriend. She'll make things seems better real quick I think.

And on a more serious note. Some people like small towns/cities some don't. It's all about what you do for fun. I think maybe try more outdoors stuff and go out join some clubs and meet people. Anywhere sucks (even the big apple) if you are alone at home.

[dentinger]

well, im back home, for now ;)

[dentinger]

also, these gas prices are nice over here. 1.30 for gas? are you ****ing serious? its 1.06 in edmonton.

[cereal83]

So did you decide anything else? Yeah gas is alot cheaper there but did you see the price of booze or food there?

[dentinger]

no, i didn't.

there's only 5% tax over there, so everything is cheaper, in a way.
housing is crazy expensive tho. a $300,000 house over there, is like a $180,000 house over here. most houses have next to no curb appeal, but are reaally nice on the inside.
either way, my paychecks would be more than double what the are here

also, the girls out there, are way hotter than they are over here.
walking thru the west edmonton mall, i could count all the fat girls on one hand.

[KenYork]

Where are you comparing houses to in the GTA? I think it's a better comparison if you choose Mississauga or Brampton to Edmonton since it's considered an urban center of the province of Alberta.

[dentinger]

im comparing houses to my area, burlington.
houses are expensive, but renting isnt that bad.

[dentinger]

looks like i'll be moving end of april if all goes well! im starting to get excited!!

[Flunk]

I can fill you in on the price of food and booze, I took a trip to Edmonton last fall. Food is similarly price but because they don't have as much tax or an LCBO-type government liquor store booze is much cheaper.

I think you'll be glad you did this, even if you end up moving back in a year or two. This is the sort of adventure you need to have when you're young, before you get tied down with responsibilities.

[dentinger]

well, moving day is finally upon me!
i start my 3,500 km drive mid tomorrow morning.
i got my larger belongings shipped (read: tool box/bicycle/stereo system/snow tires) for dirt cheap, and my clothes/tv/other crap are coming in the car with me.

Ontario, it was nice while it lasted. you were good to me. no hard feelings, but i need to move on. LATER!

[STeeLy]

well, moving day is finally upon me!
i start my 3,500 km drive mid tomorrow morning.
i got my larger belongings shipped (read: tool box/bicycle/stereo system/snow tires) for dirt cheap, and my clothes/tv/other crap are coming in the car with me.

Ontario, it was nice while it lasted. you were good to me. no hard feelings, but i need to move on. LATER!

Good Luck out there man! Make sure you take in the sites around the west end when you have time. BC, AB, there's a lot to see.

[stillmatic]

enjoy the drive...your coming just in time for the warm weather and no more rocks all over the road

[Slade]

Good luck man, glad to to see your following through with it!

[aris]

Good luck

[iconicrocket]

Good luck out there man, sounds tough. I'm sure you'll tough it out. I've been to West Edmonton Mall and there's like 7 versions of the same store. Good thing they have that theme park in there, nice and balmy if I remember it.

Oh... don't forget to take some pics of the girls, if u meet any cute ones. And I'm praying for leaked videos, do us proud mtfkr. lol j/k.

[dentinger]

made it to sudbury in just under 4 hours. Heavy rain, fog, and mist. Wonderful. Ugh.

[rzapata]

Think about the brightside.. :) They're showering you with blessings as you go forward... :)

Good luck with everything!! :thumbsup

[n00bMeiSter]

made it to sudbury in just under 4 hours. Heavy rain, fog, and mist. Wonderful. Ugh.

Hope you're taking pictures on your adventure, post em up as you go!

[dentinger]

well, im trying, but it goes like this "oh! something cool to take a picture of! *grabs camera* ....aaaand i passed it. ****"

anyways, im in sault ste marie tonight, and i made pretty good time i think, considering the terrible weather. rain/fog/mist. awesome.
i was doing 110-120 to sudbury, then after that, i got so bored, i just said "**** it", and gave her. 130-140 from sudbury to SSM. and before anyone says "look out for the cops"
my drive past sudbury is half an hour of trees, and scenery, a super quick half abandoned hick town, then back to trees. there's nothing up here.

anyways, im at a travelodge right now for the night, and tomorrow i'll be hitting Thunderbay. im excited to get back on the road. kinda curvy up here!

[aris]

I've partied up in sault ste marie and I had a blast

[dentinger]

probably cuz the bored is *right* there, and the duty free is right over *there*

oh, also, way to get the "what's frustrating you right now" thread locked. that was such an easy way to up my post count. dammit!

[aris]

oh, also, way to get the "what's frustrating you right now" thread locked. that was such an easy way to up my post count. dammit!

I never got that thread closed....

[dentinger]

im not saying you did. it just saddens me when such a massive thread gets shut down.

blame mazdy?

[aris]

im not saying you did. it just saddens me when such a massive thread gets shut down.

blame mazdy?

no why would you blame him?...Other fourm memebers were warned to STOP but they contiuned...blame them

Also yes you did say i got that thread closed!

[dentinger]

ah well.

[STeeLy]

ah well.

I couldn't get a single cell phone signal between Thunder Bay and SSM when I drove through once, this was in August/September 09.

Everytime I drive out west now (mostly to Calgary), I go through the US. Lodging and gas is cheaper. About the same amount of time.

[dentinger]

I couldn't get a single cell phone signal between Thunder Bay and SSM when I drove through once, this was in August/September 09.


back when i was with Fido, i had no signal for all of NFLD, but my friend with Telus, didnt skip a beat.
we'll see what happens.

[cereal83]

So why did you pull over and stop driving so early? I remember when I drove the 1st time, in 24 hours I was passing Thunder Bay and 48 hours after I was passing Calgary. I only stopped on Banff for a 5 hour sleep then continued on but I was going to Kelowna. I stopped to take pics at all the province signs as well as the Terry Fox statute just before Thunder Bay. The drive gets boring after Manitoba too lol

[dentinger]

I figured if I passed SSM, I wouldn't find a hotel when I needed one, so I called it quits early.
Anyways, I got pulled over an hour passed SSM for 135 in a 90 zone. Aka, the highway. Bullcrap. 4 pts and $300.
The rest of the drive was nice. Got cold and started snowing just after I got pulled over, now I'm wearing a tshirt haha.
Now I'm in thunderbay. I'm debating if I want to keep going or not.

[n00bMeiSter]

I figured if I passed SSM, I wouldn't find a hotel when I needed one, so I called it quits early.
Anyways, I got pulled over an hour passed SSM for 135 in a 90 zone. Aka, the highway. Bullcrap. 4 pts and $300.
The rest of the drive was nice. Got cold and started snowing just after I got pulled over, now I'm wearing a tshirt haha.
Now I'm in thunderbay. I'm debating if I want to keep going or not.

Ouch, that sucks. I guess you'll be calling x-copper?
Why not keep going?

[STeeLy]

Keep going man... You would hit Winnipeg in about 7 hours or so from Thunder Bay... Definitely doable.



The drive gets boring after Manitoba too lol

The drive gets pretty boring when you hit the Manitoba-Ontario border. You may go over a hill or 2 here and there after you hit the border.

Too bad dentiger doesn't get to hit the rockies just yet since he's going to Edmonton, but I absolutely LOVE the drive through the rockies.

[dentinger]

Oh, btw, you were right. No cell phone reception between SSM and thunder bay haha

[dentinger]

Current status: winnipeg!

[STeeLy]

Current status: winnipeg!

Nice... from there, you can make it to Edmonton within like 14 hours... you can do it!

Do you have a place lined up to stay in Edmonton already?

[dentinger]

i just powered thru Winnipeg, and now im in Regina. so, i did about 14 or something hours, (12 for me, cuz of the time zones), and 1200 kms today.
alomst died about 6 times so far, buts that no big deal.
i was excited to finally get out of Ontario. once you hit Manitoba, there's some trees and hills at first, then nothing.... nothing in any direction. just flat land. same scenery for hours and hours. however, the speed limit in Saskatchewon is 110, and i havent seen a cop since the ontario/manitoba border. i was doing pretty good, then it started raining, and severe wind, so i had to slow down a bit.
either way, im in regina now, i have 700 or so kms to go tomorrow, and im home free!

[dentinger]

Do you have a place lined up to stay in Edmonton already?

hopefully. i'll be meeting up with some girl when i get into town regarding that. im hoping all goes well, as the apartment is just around the corner from my work!

[cereal83]

lol 48 hours in and only in Regina? Oh well tomorrow you should be there ready to start a new part of your life. Good thing to see you did get scared and went after it. Good for you!

[dentinger]

well i milked the first couple days haha.
i left wedneday, and got to Regina by friday.
i woulda kept going earlier in the trip, but if i got tired say, after SSM or something, there's nothing until the next major town, so i woulda been a bit screwed.

[dentinger]

Hellloooooo saskatoon!

[dentinger]

Aaaaaaand edmonton! Finally!

[dentinger]

so, how about some numbers?
distance travelled: 3600 kms over 4 days
money spent on gas: $505
amount of gas used: 303L (might be off)
speeding tickets: 1
for?: 45 over
times i almost died: about 9
# of cops i saw in ontario: estimated 30
# of cops i saw outside of ontario: 4

best part of the drive: scenic hills/curves/views in ontario
worst part? manisaskberta. its the same damn scenery for 2 days straight. god dammit.

[STeeLy]

worst part? manisaskberta. its the same damn scenery for 2 days straight. god dammit.

When you have time, drive through the rockies man... you will NOT regret it.

[-|CHECKMATE2012|-]

so, how about some numbers?
distance travelled: 3600 kms over 4 days
money spent on gas: $505
amount of gas used: 303L (might be off)
speeding tickets: 1
for?: 45 over
times i almost died: about 9
# of cops i saw in ontario: estimated 30
# of cops i saw outside of ontario: 4

best part of the drive: scenic hills/curves/views in ontario
worst part? manisaskberta. its the same damn scenery for 2 days straight. god dammit.

Wow lol, good luck buddy. and 45 over!!! What was the limit!

[dentinger]

90 lol. I was doing 135.

Doesn't matter tho, all my points and everything don't transfer over to alberta. Eat that, ontario! Who's laughing now!

[dentinger]

Also, its going to take a bit to get used to the time zone difference. Back home, I always woke up at 8ish whether I wanted to or not. Out here, I've been waking up at 6:30. Ugh.

[aris]

90 lol. I was doing 135.

Doesn't matter tho, all my points and everything don't transfer over to alberta. Eat that, ontario! Who's laughing now!

I guess your laughing now... But guess what if you decide you wanted come back to ontario then I gues we will be laughing at you for bragging about getting such a stupid speeding ticket...

[dentinger]

edmonton is now my mexico. i can go back to ontario in 3 years :chuckle

[STeeLy]

edmonton is now my mexico.

Except completely opposite temperature wise.

[dentinger]

Minor details :P
However, its pretty warm over here right now. Tshirt weather!

[cereal83]

So how is it working out so far?

[dentinger]

i still havent found a place to stay. its getting really frustrating. im currently staying in my boss's basement

im trying to find a room to rent out, and everyone i look at, is either rented out with a bunch of people, and has no living room (just my bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom), or the place is an absolute dump. some of them are on the very outskirts of town, or the owner has kids, or they dont reply to my inquiry right off the bat.

UGH.
but, im heading to work in a bit.

[cereal83]

Don't get down about a place. In time you will find something that is comfortable. I know it might suck a little but hang in there and don't jump on the first place as you might overlook some things. Just keep your head up high. Anything you really like out there so far?

[dentinger]

ok, got some good news, bad news.

bad news first, my top tool box is a complete write off. the ****ing knob that dropped off my skid of belongings, somehow managed to drop it. my top box is mangled. everything is bent. my bottom box (which is barely even 6 months old), is a bit rough too. the top drawer (which is the most important, to me), is hard to open or close now.
now i gotta call the shipping company, make a claim, wait for someone to come check out the damage, blah blah blah, you're all idiots.
oh, and i left my die grinder at my old job. dammit.

good news! i may have found a place. a girl that works at CT (but in the store), is going to look at a 4 bedroom HOUSE on friday. it'll be me, her, her boyfriend, and her sister i believe. they're all my age (the sister is a bit younger tho), but i think it could be a great way to meet some friends. however, we dont move in til june 1st, if all goes according to plan, so my boss said its cool if i live in his basement until then. oh well.

also, i had my first shift today. did some brakes, and tires (easy), and did my first alignment! tomorrow we're apparently removing the transmission on the owner's truck. STOKED.

what i like about edmonton:
5% tax! i bought season 1 of big bang theory. 19.99. with tax, an even $21. bomb.
the west edmonton mall. i walked it for 2 hours, and still didnt see it all.
gas out here is 1.21 right now. (a bit high, but better than ontario!)
edmonton has the most sun in all of Canada. its ALWAYS sunny here. and pretty warm too!
there's also the huge river that runs west/east, which i like, and there's some sweet driving roads out here.

DISLIKES:
speed/red light cameras.
pedestrians have the right of way. they could step out anywhere, and you NEED to slam on the brakes. absolutely retarded.

other than that, im loving it here more and more each day!

[m_bisson]

It's nice out west. I used to live in BC when I was younger. As long as you don't mind seeing family a few times a year as opposed to a few times a month then you'll be fine.

[cereal83]

So it's been about 3 months I think since you been there. How are things go? You still enjoying it there and liking the same things or have you found out more stuff you like? Made any road trips west to Banff or Jasper?

[dentinger]

about 3 months, yep.

everything is going perfect out here. the job is awesome, the pay is even better, the place i live at is beautiful, and the scenery is better than anything back home. i miss home a bit, but that was to be expected. im making lots a friends out here, and everyone here is super friendly.
im still doing all the same things i did back home, for the most part. however, im starting to get interested in guns.
i did my firearms course a few weeks ago, and im waiting to receive it in the mail. i probably wont see it til the end of august. ugh.

i havent been to far out of town. hell, i barely even go to edmonton (i live just north of it, in St. Albert) howevermi went camping with my room mates and friends last weekend about 150kms north of st albert, and i loved that. drunk all day, every day haha
got pulled over for speeding again on the way home, 41 over haha. oh well.

weather here is beautiful. hot for out here, is anything about 25 degrees. its funny.

im trying to sell my car, and buy a truck, but i havent had much luck with either. worse come to worse, i buy a truck, store the car for the winter, and try selling it in the spring.

what else would you like you know?


oh, and the one thing i hate about out here, the mosquitos are beyond terrible here. the shop doors are always open, and i have to use bugspray some days. (mosquitos have never been a problem for me back home, and ive never had the need for bug spray)

[cereal83]

Well it's good to hear you are still enjoying it and starting to do new hobbies like guns. As for the guns, the laws there are really relaxed and gun clubs there are quarter the price they are here. Gopher shooting is a popular sport there and you should try it out unless your going for just your restricted license.

Weird to hear bugs there are really bad. Yes I know it's north but you would think in a city it wouldn't be so bad. Why are you trying to get a truck? Like do you need it for work? With cheaper gas prices there, I am sure it's not as big of an issue as owning a truck here with gas being like 128.9.

I just like reading about people moving out there and having a good experience as when I moved West, I had a horrible experience and came running back so thats why I ask. Should check out Jasper one day, it's beyond beautiful!

[dentinger]

the guns laws arent too bad, just follow them, and you're good. you can buy ammo just about anywhere. CTC, walmart, where ever.

i was told today that edmonton has the worst mosquito problem in all of canada. my house has a large front window (5x15 feet), and i can count at least 10 mosquitos at any time bouncing off the glass. bug spray is a must a lot of the time.

gas is 1.10 right now. i want a truck, pretty much just because. mostly because winter is really bad here, and i dont tihnk my car would do too good.
i just got back from dodge, and i have an '11 ram 1500 outdoorsman sitting in my driveway right now. 265/bi weekly, but for 7 years (meh).
i just have this truck for the night. i might upgrade to the sport, however. it'll be about 300 even bi weekly, but im getting so much more for the extra cash (leather, heated/air conditioned seats/steering wheel, alpine sound system, sun roof, touch screen deck, satellite radio, steering wheel controls, etc etc)

its a tough choice. either way, with them buying my car off me (im getting what i owe as trade in value, $7500), plus $6k cash back, my insurance and then some will be paid off for the first year.

[gotak]

Guns and a truck eh? Cowboy hat too? Oh lets complete the image with a pair of red cow boy boots ;)

Glad you are enjoying yourself and making good money!

[dentinger]

no cowboy hat, but i just bought some red DC's. close enough, right?

[m_bisson]

after 7 years that's $45000.... and that's AFTER your trade in and cash back :p so.....

[dentinger]

well, i bought the outdoorsman anyways. it was i think $50,000 OTD, over 8 years. i'll end up paying $11k in interest, but oh well. that's life.
payments are $323 biweekly.

here she is
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w65/dentinger/dodgeram.jpg

i absolutely love it. its a fairly average truck, but it has some nice bells and whistles. im loving the satellite radio, and i love how much rear leg room there is hahaha

[Takumi616]

congrats on purchase... sweet ride... :)

[dentinger]

the shitty part, i cant really drive it til monday, as i dont get my $4,000 cash back until then, and that's what im paying my insurance with. ah well.

[ShortBus]

i'm sorry but it seems you got hosed, you're almost paying double what the msrp is of the truck according to the dodge website...


you didn't give the full details but it seems the payments you owed on your car was added onto the payments of your truck because even with the interest and taxes you're paying way too much for the truck...

[dentinger]

honestly, i have no idea why the price online is so much cheaper. sticker price is $45000. then you add in this fee, that fee, GST, and you're right around $50k.
my boss's Laramie (like mine, but leather/heated/ac seats, alpine soundsystem, touch screen, etc), was $62k i believe.

[ShortBus]

ok after looking it over again it may not be double but still no free lunch.

outdoorsman
+hemi
+crew
+4x4
+20" rims
+ chrome sidesteps/bedrail

is only $30560 (assuming you got the 5'7" box and 140.0" wheelbase).

+ say $2000 for all fees
+taxes
+interest
=
about $50,000

but that means the $6000 in cashback was clawed back because they rolled the $7500 you owed on your vw into your payments (ie they didn't give you anything for your vw and you're still paying for it).

[Slade]

At least the truck is his, and if he likes it and can afford it why not.

hosed is this,

I leased my mazda3 in June 06 - 4 year lease

$2,000 down payment

$385 month * 12 = 4620 * 4 = 18480 + 2000 = $20,480

After 4 years I gave it back and had nothing, they wanted $13,000 for the buyout, plus safety and so on.

I don't know any mazda 3 worth $33,000.

[thanu31]

looks like you guys have to do your homework before making these purchases

[dentinger]

but that means the $6000 in cashback was clawed back because they rolled the $7500 you owed on your vw into your payments (ie they didn't give you anything for your vw and you're still paying for it).

hmmm, i dont think so. when i traded the GTI in, the gave me what i had left on the loan, $7500 or so.
even still, buying cars is a love/hate relationship. its my favourite kind of shopping, but you never really know if you got a good deal or not.



looks like you guys have to do your homework before making these purchases
i think long and hard before i buy sometihng big like this. hindsight is 20/20.
you want to know the last thing i bought (that i didnt need)? a pair of $80 DC shoes. and i even thought about that for a while.
i'd like to tihnk im fairly smart with my money. whatever i dont spend on food/rent/car payments/whatever, gets tossed into savings. every paycheck, i have money automatically going into my savings, and RRSP accounts. meh.

[aris]

looks like you guys have to do your homework before making these purchases

+1

[dentinger]

even if i didnt get that great of a deal, this purchase will bump my credit up quite a bit, and it'll be a lot easier to buy a house in the future, if i choose to do so.

[ShortBus]

you know what nevermind, what is done is done, enjoy your truck and i hope you can make it work for you and build on your future.


but still there are better ways to build your credit and your net worth, i've been through it with friends who only think short term.

[dentinger]

thanks man.

out of curiosity, what are some other ways to build my credit?

[cereal83]

Some ways I know are to pay all bills on time or else it gets recorded as late and also don't have $100k of available credit like LOC or credit cards. If you have 3 credit cards with limits of $10k each, get rid of 2 of them and lower the limit to the lowest possible number that you could get away with. I usually only have $2k credit on my CC's.

I was in Calgary this morning and man those gas prices were nice. I am still amazed at how many lifted trucks/amazing cars I see there. People got money in Alberta! Saw like GTR's and GT3's, Elises and 1 Maybach in Banff today.

[dentinger]

my bills are always paid off on time, never had a late credit card bill (only a couple cell phone bills), no line of credit, and only one credit card, with a $2k limit. (just raised it from the original $1k)


i dont see many nice cars in my part of town. sure, i'll see the odd lambo, or porsche, but not anywhere as common as back home. GTR's and audi RS4's are a common sight.
i just see a lot more lifted trucks. but when you think about it, a lifted dodge 2500 cummins, on 38's, would cost upwards of 80 grand, which is pretty close to GTR territory.

[ShortBus]

not all of your bills go toward your credit rating.

having 2 credit cards or even getting a loc and using a small amount and paying it off right away is one of the easiest ways to build your credit.

but having a 60k obligation for 8 years will actually work against you if you want a get a mortgage or something major even more than having a large amount of credit at your disposal because you can always lower or even cancel them easily.

but you should talk to your banker/financial planner for better advice.

[dentinger]

for now, im happy with how things are going. renting works for me right now, and if i want to buy a house, i can always sell the truck down the road, if the need be.
but, in a few years, if everything goes as planned, and i become licensed, i'll be making double what i am right now.

[cereal83]

How has the truck been? Been worth it yet so far? I am moving out west now and thinking of picking up a brand new Tacoma for pulling a dirt bike and being able to off-road a little. Looked at Ford/GM/Dodge V8's but I just don't need the power.

[pacmann33]

28$ an hour is not very much money. Trust me. That being said, I'd take that leap of faith if for nothing else but life experience. I make 27$ an hour and STILL live at home. Mortgage payments are only half of the financial burden every month once you buy a house.

I can't wait to move out. I'm selling my race bike to help save for a house.

[dentinger]

How has the truck been? Been worth it yet so far? I am moving out west now and thinking of picking up a brand new Tacoma for pulling a dirt bike and being able to off-road a little. Looked at Ford/GM/Dodge V8's but I just don't need the power.

the truck has been great so far. putting gas in it sucks. first fill up was $115, and that pump was sooooo slow. everyone has trucks out here, so there's always decent deals to be found.


28$ an hour is not very much money. Trust me. That being said, I'd take that leap of faith if for nothing else but life experience. I make 27$ an hour and STILL live at home. Mortgage payments are only half of the financial burden every month once you buy a house.

I can't wait to move out. I'm selling my race bike to help save for a house.
when you make $12/hour back home, and move out here, and make $27, it's more than enough money. my paychecks are usually double what they were back home.
i rent for the time being, and that's only $550/month. truck payments are $325 biweekly, and other than food, that's my only real expense, other than gas and cell phone bills. i can still buy almost whatever i want, and still live comfortably.

im not trying to brag here, im just saying how it is over here. also, there's no shortage of work over here.