1.5 years until Central Iowa

**Phaedrus** · 02-07-2008, 05:35 AM

I'm currently working a job that ends in 1.5 years. I love the work, and the money is great, but I need to look out for the future. I own a house in Central Iowa (Newton) and want to move back there. I need around $50,000/year to make the move "work". I earn a bunch more than that, now, but my cost of living is about double Newton.

The problem is, my background is so varied that I'm having a hard time deciding how to "package" myself.

I have a Master's in Poli Sci (International Relations), and am currently writing training plans and training s-c-r-i-p-t-s for a large contracting company.

However, I have a background in machine maintenance, retail and restaurant management, small group leadership and teaching (non-certificated).

I was thinking that Technical Writing might be interesting, but most of the jobs I've looked at that are open now want hardline computer geeks, or JLMC majors for that kind of work. (I thought my background in both writing and being a mechanic would make me a shoo-in for something like that)

What do you guys suggest? I'm not afraid of "crazy" suggestions, either.

**Phaedrus** · 02-07-2008, 05:37 AM

Any idea why the word s-c-r-i-p-t-s got edited in this post? I mean, my dictionary doesn't include any derogatory term at all that fits.

Edited to add: My question was answered by Jeremy. thanks!

**4VR4CY** · 02-07-2008, 07:51 AM

Ever tried to contact a recruiter? I am sure that someone on here would know of a good one in the area. I think your biggest issues is going to be the 1.5 years away.

But, if you have some idea of what you want to do, you have 1.5 years to ramp up your resume in that area. Online classes, etc.

Good luck!!!!! :)

**tube1** · 02-07-2008, 07:54 AM

I would second the recruiter suggestion. Even if your job is up 1.5 years from now, if you are able to find a job in central Iowa that is a good fit, you can switch anytime. They put the 1.5 year timeline on your head. They can't expect you to stay around to the humble end. You have to do what's best for you.

**Phaedrus** · 02-07-2008, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by tube1

I would second the recruiter suggestion. Even if your job is up 1.5 years from now, if you are able to find a job in central Iowa that is a good fit, you can switch anytime. They put the 1.5 year timeline on your head. They can't expect you to stay around to the humble end. You have to do what's best for you.

Actually, the 1.5 years coincides with my oldest daughter's graduation. That, and I am making "sick" money right here in this job. So the "job ending" is my deal.

But money isn't everything, and I'd rather be in Central Iowa than anywhere else.

**iccyfan** · 02-07-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Phaedrus

I own a house in Newton and want to move back there.

I'm sorry, but you lost me right here!

I was born at Skiff Memorial and grew up in small-town Jasper County, but never developed a fondness for Newton; always felt it was a little rough even before the Maytag closings.

On the flip side, it still has a drive-in movie theater, a roller rink, the Maid-Rite / Snooks Inn combo and Giovanni's Pizza!

Good luck to you! Living "abroad" for 14 years after leaving ISU, I too felt the pull to move back to my native Iowa some years ago. I understand your thoughts but had to take a shot at Newton! Maybe you could re-open a "dutch bakery" on the square; mom would reward me with a "dutch letter" if I behaved while she shopped...

**Phaedrus** · 02-07-2008, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by iccyfan

I was born at Skiff Memorial and grew up in small-town Jasper County, but never developed a fondness for Newton; always felt it was a little rough even before the Maytag closings.

You know, I don't particularly care for the majority of Newtonians. When Maytag was still running, you had a bunch of wealthy, uneducated idiots who had a smug superiority and sense of entitlement and were generally somewhere to the left of Karl Marx, politically.

Having said that, we own a house there, still have friends in the town and are very self-sufficient. We don't particularly NEED a social circle.

Plus, Newton is a 35 minute drive from DSM. And I like the easy access to DSM, and of course, Ames.

We DO like the drive-in and the Maid-Rites, though. I make my own pizza in the back yard, though. Noone in Iowa can touch my Chicago Style tomato pies. (I managed pizza businesses in Chicago, once upon a time)

**4VR4CY** · 02-07-2008, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Phaedrus

Noone in Iowa can touch my Chicago Style tomato pies. (I managed pizza businesses in Chicago, once upon a time)

When will you be here and when I am invited over for Chicago style pizza?

**ianoconnor** · 02-07-2008, 09:28 AM

Cyclone Fanatic pizza get-together in Newton?

**Phaedrus** · 02-07-2008, 09:29 AM

Well, in 1.5 years PLUS the amount of time it will take to relay my brick oven. I just made one out of leftover bricks, without digging a proper foundation for it. Sure enough, it fell apart after two winters.

**4VR4CY** · 02-07-2008, 09:45 AM

I would be willing to help with the brick oven to get the pizza faster! ;)

A brick oven in the back yard is not a bad idea. Think that the codes in Ankeny would allow for that?