Santa Cruz California

[Goose51683]

This has nothing to do with bikes but since this is my most trusted social outlet (sad I know) this is where I'll ask.

Does anyone or has anyone elver lived in, visited, or worked in Santa Cruz, CA. It looks like I may have a job offer there but that's a big difference from Indiana I'm sure and I haven't found anyone else who knows anything about the area other than your typical internet troll.

Thanks guys, and gals.

[Water Warrior 2]

Do a Goggle search. You will likely find all the good stuff like weather, housing, population, economic growth and hot spots to visit.
They also have Vampires..............well, they did in the movie.

[grasshopper]

yeah ww, I think it was the movie " lost boys ". I agree to google it or youtube it.

[jonathan180iq]

Gooser, my brother in law and sister stay in Salinas all the time. That's only 40 minutes away. I'll get back to to you soon with their input.

[Goose51683]

Thanks Jonathan, I've done plenty of google searches but google will never be able to tell you how a place feels or how the people act or treat others. Some towns are friendly, and full of relatively pleasant people, and then you get the towns that are full of pricks who wouldn't give a dying man a second glance *cough* NYC *cough*.

I'm really trying to avoid those locations but this position would be in a field full of rock climbers (my other neglected hobby) and I would never see snow again which in my opinion is a huge plus. Gotta balance my thoughts with what would make the rest of my family happy as well though.

[jonathan180iq]

In text conversation now...

[Goose51683]

Thank you Jonathan, I really appreciate it. I'll work in Santa cruz but could live anywhere within a hours commute...

Sure would be nice to ride the geezer more than 4-5 months a year

[jonathan180iq]

My sister is who I'm talking to at the moment. Rayan's family lives out there and they have for most of their lives (blended Caucasian/Arabic family) with the dad doing 6 months in the States and 6 months in Jeddah, KSA, which is where Rayan and my sister met... Anyway, I'm waiting to hear back from him too but her take so far is only positive.

"The people and the locales are nice - mostly working middle class and lower class areas with more upscale downtowns."

This is speaking of Salinas mostly. Once I hear back from Rayan the details will be more substantial and he should have a real opinion about Santa Cruz.

I will say from my time in CA, the only place I wouldn't live in LA. The weather and everything else is pretty impeccable though, and I've been North, South & Center. And it's all good. California would be the perfect place to live were it not for overpopulating and resource constraint and water theft.

[Goose51683]

Thanks Jonathan, I spent a little time pulling into ports in Cali while I was in the Navy but it's been a long time and it was only for a couple drunken nights at a time.

I love the thought of not freezing my ass off for months of a time. I've heard some bad things about California but I wasn't sure how much is hype and how much is factual. I have another interview tonight via Skype which is a first for me so we will see how that goes. First couple interviews I felt like they would have given me a hug if they could have so I think there is a real chance of getting an offer.

It'll be a huge change for my family and I so I am taking as much time as I can and getting as much information as I can but in the end it's going to be a jump into the unknown.

[Water Warrior 2]

Hey Goose...........you are a rock climber!! Far out. Have you ever heard of the "Chief" in Squamish?? A world class climb right here in my little paradise. Don't climb myself but a lot of my friends do and a few are world reknown climbers.
Have you ever read any books by Jim Sinclair about climbing. He lives here and is a good coffee mate.

[Goose51683]

I haven't climb much WW. I love the sport and try to get away to a climb every summer but I live in the Midwest and climbing in and out of wind turbines everyday is the closest I get to anything with any height. If I get this and move out west I am really looking forward to stepping up my climbing trips though.

I'll have to look Mr. Sinclair up and read a couple of his books.

[Water Warrior 2]

Jim is 83 this year and climbs every day. Yup every day. I was almost speechless when he told me one day that he spent all day cleaning out finger holds with a toothbrush for other climbers safety.
There are hundreds of climbs here. One rock face here has 600 separate climbs and that does not include the climbs on the Chief. We also have some really awesome Search and Rescue folks supporting the climbers with a good hospital thrown in for good measure.
We also have climbers who take a glider in tow up the Chief and fly down to a school yard. Next stop is Star Bucks. Then up to Whistler for snowboarding or skiing. Or golfing or fishing or canoeing or biking off road or wind surfing or hiking or you just name it. Squamish is the Outdoor Capital of Canada..
And of course we have the SEA to Sky Highway(99)which is better than most rides in the world. Beautiful curves, snow covered mountain tops in summer and it never gets boring. Did I mention the fresh air and very few bugs?

[jonathan180iq]

I'll have to concur... I've been up to WW's neck of the woods a couple of times... There really is nothing quite like it.

Freakin' Canadians and their manners and awesome landscapes...

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d4/30/d6/d430d6ff65c3823f37d2c1309230a10b.jpg

[Water Warrior 2]

This just in. Google "Base Jumping the Chief with Braden Dean and Suz Graham". Just a little view of Squamish.

[Goose51683]

Thanks for all of the support and discussion guys and gals.

I had my Skype interview last night, went for an hour and a half and went pretty good if I say so myself. Shortly afterwards I received an email asking for my references so I'll take that as a good sign.

We did get into the discussion that the high here in Indiana was 7 yesterday and they were currently enjoying the mid 70s. lol

Anyways, they said I will know one way or another by next week, so at least I don't have to wait for too long to know.

[Water Warrior 2]

Wonderful news Goose. Got my fingers crossed for good luck.

[Goose51683]

I appreciate it. I'll update anything I find out as soon as I find out. We were talking about moving from a small town to a city and all the traffic and parking issues we had last time we were in a big city (Seattle) Then it hit me, I have a nice little bike that would be perfect for that kind of scenario. Don't think I'll be making the cross country trip on it though.

[Goose51683]

One of my references just called me to say he just got off the phone with the company I have been interviewing with.

He said they told him I'm the front runner!

He spent 15mins talking to them letting them know I am the greatest thing since Einstein.

[Water Warrior 2]

Just goes to show what a good work ethic will do for you. Obviously past employers have good memories of you.

[Goose51683]

Now we get to freak out about how much I need to be compensated to make it worthwhile and how to physically get us and everything out there.

[grasshopper]

sounds like you got a lot of thinking and planning to do goose. just keep in mind the good things that will come out of this. best of luck to you. maybe your new place to live might be a beautiful place you always dreamed about.

[Goose51683]

well considering it's -40 with the wind chill and we've had weeks of snow here, most anything will look like paradise

[Water Warrior 2]

Goose, remember that good things worth working for and rarely are easy. Uprooting the family may be difficult now but in the future will likely be worth celebrating.
Snow and -40 is no fun unless you love snow machines. Your 2 wheeled convertible will thrive in California as will your family once you get established. New friends, new activities, the odd earthquake will be yours for the taking. 2 words: sun screen.

[Goose51683]

Thanks WW.

I was hoping to hear back yesterday but it looks like it'll be later this week...which is killing me.

The suspense is almost unbearable especially considering everything is shut down at work because of the cold. Now I'm stuck at my desk just waiting for the email.

I appreciate the comments though, they remind me that its all gonna be okay.

[grasshopper]

It is gonna be ok. remember, where ever you go we will still be here.

[Goose51683]

Would it hurt your feelings if I said that was less of a comfort than you'd think. lol

Just kidding.

[grasshopper]

lol. we will find you. lol. if you lived closer to me I would help you pack...lol.

[Goose51683]

Hell I'm about to say forget packing, jump on a plane and I'll come back when it's warmer.

Hell they are hitting a low of 45 right now at night, thats shorts whether at this point.

[grasshopper]

they might pay for the ticket . just tell them you need to come down there and check out the operations for a few days before you can make a final decision.

[Goose51683]

I'm really hoping to find myself in Cali for an face to face next week, however when I talked to them last week they were hoping to have the deal closed in 2 weeks so they may offer the job prior to a face to face.

I'm an adventurous type, I'd be fine with dropping everything and going into it blindly.

Wife is freaking out about the details though. Big shocker!

[grasshopper]

you were in the navy?

[Goose51683]

Yes I was, USS Abraham Lincoln, 2004-2007

[Goose51683]

I was in 2003-07 but on the Lincoln 04-07.

I was down in Goose Creek, SC for the first year and half though

[grasshopper]

so you know what it is like to move . somewhat. different places most of the same faces. have you seen any pics or videos of the exact place or places you will be working and living?

[Goose51683]

yeah I;ve been researching quite a bit, google streets, thw whole 9 yards, Ive been looking for a room to rent to get me thru the first couple weeks but everyone is very "weed" friendly. I'm taking a professional job so thats not something I've overly interested in being around

[grasshopper]

will you be working in an office or field work? I'm sure you will find some friends or coworkers with other interest than weed to be around. especially other riders. does your wife ride?

[Goose51683]

NO! she hates my bike with a passion, I had to pull on one of the "hey I bought a bike" conversations afterwards.

I'd be in a pretty tight knit office with a bunch of other thrill seeking individuals so I think that would work out fine. Its just a concern of logistics at this point.

[Water Warrior 2]

Wife is freaking out about the details though. Big shocker!

The female types are genetically programmed to nest. Moving their nest is only good if they instigate the move. Even then they will sweat over the little stuff while swearing at you over the big stuff. Things will work out with a wonderful change in life. :)

[grasshopper]

maybe a bigger investment in her interest will help loosen her chains on the bike deal. my wife was the same way. I helped her more with some of her interest and now I actually have her riding with me on it. she still does not want to learn to ride one though. I told her to keep thinking about because knowing how to ride a motorcycle may be useful in the future.

[Goose51683]

She grew up with a kid who was a vegetable cause he got hit on one and she lived above a girl who was paralyzed on one.

Shes not so worried about me riding one, shes worried about the people that dont see me. Valid concern but theres not much I can do to help her with that concern.

[grasshopper]

I know what you mean. my wifes uncles had accidents on them and one of her nephews died on one. one of my best friends was crippled because an old lady pulled out in front of him on his way to work. ship happens one way or another. I was ran over by a drunk driver while I was walking off the side of the road in 2012. it just happens. when its your time its your time. best thing we can do is be safe and make good decisions. I won't get on a roller coaster, it scares me. I would parachute out of a plane. I would not bunji jump. I will jump dirtbikes. I guess its how we like to enjoy our lives.

[Goose51683]

I'm of the same mind, I see things like rock climbing, tower climbing, and sky diving the same way I see driving my car and wearing my seatbelt.

If you can't and don't trust your equipment then you shouldn't be using it. If I didn't trust my jacket and helmet to save me, I wouldn't be riding.

Like you said when it's your time to go it's your time to go, I work in one of the most dangerous industries in the country (not the most, but one of the most) so the daily risk is their, why shouldn't I at least enjoy something I'm taking a risk with.

[Water Warrior 2]

Nothing ventured nothing gained. If we all stayed home we would eventually suffocate from lack of life's pleasures. Play hard but play as safe as possible. The rest is up to the big roulette wheel in the sky.

[grasshopper]

well said guys.

[Goose51683]

Well it's the end of Wednesday and I was told I'd hear back by the end of the week. I've been going to bed early every night and checking my email what seems like every minute all week. I just want to know already!!!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Well it's the end of Wednesday and I was told I'd hear back by the end of the week. I've been going to bed early every night and checking my email what seems like every minute all week. I just want to know already!!!!

Sit back and relax Goose. If it is meant to be it will happen. If not there will be another opportunity waiting in the wings. Been there, done that and it sucks.

[grasshopper]

Sit back and relax Goose. If it is meant to be it will happen. If not there will be another opportunity waiting in the wings. Been there, done that and it sucks.

I second that.:cheers:

[Goose51683]

Thanks everyone, I've been trying to relax and distract myself. I've had varying degrees of success. Luckily I have an OSHA 10 course happening today and tomorrow so as much as excitement as that is going to be (heavy sarcasm) I'll have no problem thinking about anything else.

[Goose51683]

I didn't get the position. Apparently it was between me and some other person and they decided to go with the other person.

Thank you all for your support and information though.

Have a good weekend.

[jonathan180iq]

At least they let you know before the end of the week and you have a chance to move on from however committed you had gotten yourself to the idea...

That said, I'm sorry man. I was pulling for ya.

[grasshopper]

now your wife can relax. Better luck next time.:ride: ride on.

[Water Warrior 2]

Kinda sucks but it was good to get a yes/no answer after all your anxiety and hand wringing. Who knows, if the other guy doesn't work out you are sure to be in the running again.

[Goose51683]

Thanks guys, I'll move on to the next one while playing the game at my current job.

[Goose51683]

Little update, received an offer from a company down the road. It would take me out of wind, give me a promotion in title, duties would pretty much be the same. Salary is about equivalent but there is potential for a massive year end bonus. Still mulling over what I want to do.

Seems a waste to throw years in the same industry down the tube, but at the same time this industry has been very difficult to move up in. Sounds like the culture and the attitude at the new place would fit me a bit better, and supposedly there is a better opportunity to move up.

I guess I have decided really, it's just scary to move into something entirely new.

[jonathan180iq]

I love wind and solar, and I can't speak from within the industry, but I would move on until the national attitude changes and you'll start to see real expansion., which I assume would mean more growth opportunities for you personally.

You've got experience in the industry and can always come back to what you know, right? Or is it pretty exclusive and you feel like you need to keep what spot you have, even if it's shitty?

[Goose51683]

Nah, I took a year and a half off and was able to come back so the door is open, I've got a pretty large network in the industry that I can tap.

Biggest thing I think is just the fear of something new, but that is to be expected.

I do really enjoy the wind and solar and renewables but I'm looking to move up in my career. I've been stuck in a technicians role for years and I'm worried about getting typecast. So a new title (as ridiculous as that seems) carries a lot of weight for me.

[jonathan180iq]

I don't think it's all that ridiculous. From what I've read you've already been doing the work of a level above a technician and you need to start getting recognized for that, even if it's only in title. It just looks better on a your resume, aside from the personal need for recognition.

I'd say go for it. I'm all for trying new things. If you have enough faith in yourself, then seriously, what can stop you from being successful in whatever it is that you do?

[Goose51683]

The approach I've taken towards it is what about the promotion after this one. The new job could lead to a general manager position over a half a billion dollar plant if I prove myself.

The job I have now, and the promotion I would be up for if I stayed, well there is no next step.

[jonathan180iq]

...

So what's the question again?

Seems like this problem sort of solves itself, doesn't it?

[grasshopper]

Just go for it and enjoy.

[Water Warrior 2]

Does down the road mean not moving the family to a new location? This might add to a less stressful change in life.
From what you are saying you have topped out as a tech in your present position. A close to lateral move financially with a chance to advance your career upwards and onwards may be more satisfying in the future. Certainly the security of your family is the most important consideration. With that in mind can you feel safe in moving from a secure job to another with good possibilities but no guaranties? If you feel in your heart and mind that you can guarantee to do the best possible work and create future security for yourself and family then here is a question. "What's holding you back?"