I hope one day I can have the time to be bored. ;)

I see a few saying to quit now, that money isn't everything, and happiness is more important. Even been some examples of those that did just that and found another job without a problem. I agree to a point. I did the same thing, quit a very good paying job (for the time) and left because I was not happy where I was. The owner of the company tried to talk me out of it, then got pissed when I told him that "money wasn't everything". :D

With that said, how many of your examples of quitting were in the last couple years? It's a whole different market out there right now. In 2005 things were roaring and getting a job wasn't nearly the same as 2012. I am not saying you will not be able to find a job, good skill sets usually pay off. But there are a lot of talented unemployed people right now, at least unemployed in their field. If you're willing to work for $8/hour you can always find a job.

I agree. My only question is what do you like to do that can't be done in KS? With no wife and kids and only a cat and it sounds like a good job. You obviously like cars, is working on them when not working an option? Travel? Riding motorcycles? hunting? Learning to weld or run a Bridgeport or lathe? Work out? Make furniture? Paint ball league?

I hire and have hired a lot of people and in this economy, good people apply all the time. If I had a person that bailed on a job because he didn't like what he was doing or where he lived, and didn't have a job, I would be concerned he would do the same to me.

Darren

You have to first realize, I'm basically married to the job. I'm on a 6 and 3 schedule. During that 6, it's 24 hours a day if they want me. I've lost count of the number of days I've worked over 20 hours and done that in a row. That makes it very hard to commit to anything beyond being ready to go at a moment's notice. Right now, we are slowing down a bit for different reasons but typically, I only see my house in the dark. I wish I could work out regularly.

I also rent so I'm limited on what I can do with the place. I've thought about getting a 110v welder but am honestly scared of the wiring in the house. I'm not interested in buying this place. Especially if it's a burnt out frame. I've thought about bringing my TA out here and working on it but having the proper space and tools then comes into play. I do go over into Colorado and ride my motorcycle when the weather is good and not cold. That's been one thing that I have enjoyed. Riding around here is worthless unless you have a cruiser. Too much wind and no curves.

I have a second motorcycle that's a project bike. I'm nearing the point where I'll have to wait and get to a better place before I can take it as far as I want to go with it. I'm working on it when I can but lack of proper place and tools is holding me up a bit. I've thought about getting a third one that needs mechanical work because I can do that more easily than custom body panels or other changes. I'd really like to try out a Triumph Speed Triple :D

Liberal is a town of about 24k people. I went to college with 33k people. I don't do small towns. It's one hour to the closest larger city and it's maybe 40k people. It's hard to describe how little there is out here unless you've been here. It's also difficult to describe how annoying the wind is unless you've spent time here. Amarillo is the closest major city and it's 3 hours away. Also, I drive a lot for my job. So driving on my days off isn't a thrilling prospect.

Specifically, I like to hike and explore, ride the motorcycle in hills and with curves, I want to be more involved in the local car scene, I'd like to get an exercise routine going(I hear crossfit is fun and it puts the girls in cool positions :D), and most of all, I'd like to be able to make plans and know I'm more than likely going to be able to keep them. To be able to know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow night would be fantastic. I'm a planner and this job keeps me guessing.

I understand what you're saying. I have a friend who's a new dad with two young kids. He has no time for anything but raising them. However, that's what he wants to do. He misses the things he's given up but ultimately, those activities pale in comparison to spending time with his kids. He and his wife are great parents. I'm sure one day I'll get to a point where I wish I could be bored. However, being bored isn't as enjoyable as it sounds and when you've been this way for two years, it's old.

That's part of what has kept me here this long. I've been patiently waiting for something to open up in Colorado with the company. Me being loyal etc and my bosses know this. I've been wanting to leave since the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, gas prices suck and the industry has fallen even worse there than here.

I've got ways to make money once I return to Georgia. I've got a few ideas for new parts for Corvettes and I'd really like to redesign the headers I created a number of years ago. While I'd be taking a monumental pay cut, I'd have money coming in to help. I'm honestly more worried about benefits and health insurance. Regardless, I understand what you're saying and that's been the number one thing keeping me here this long.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. Most of the people I work with like this area because it's all they know. While I don't look forward to the traffic of ATL, it would almost be a blessing to see that many people in one place again. Besides, I may get a job where I can ride MARTA in ATL. That would be cool. I'm down with mass transit.

Thanks guys. As I've said, I do appreciate the responses.

Well, that is the reason that you can't just quit. Although, you can look for a job. Here is a place to look. https://www.usajobs.gov/ (There is only 44 jobs for Mechanical Engineer), but here is lot of things people don't know. You can apply for any Engineering position, and most likely they will hire you. Takes awhile to get a job, but just keep applying. I wouldn't limit myself to one particular city. Have to be open to travel on the job.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I've been using indeed.com mainly. I've also been looking throughout the southeast but concentrating on Atlanta because that's where I want to be. That and Atlanta is the commercial center of the south.

Usajobs is for the federal goverment, which is the largest employer for engineers. I never used Indeed.com, but it could limit you in ways. Some people will only search on their career field or location. This can limit your chances of finding a job. For example, you want to be in Atlanta. Well, I got only 10 hits for Atlanta on Engineer. I changed the search terms in Usajobs to "Engineer" and "GA". I get 23 hits. Now one of the positions is a Mechanical Engineer position at Warner Robins, GA. Well, you are within a 2 hour trip to Atlanta.


Jeff