So I just turned 22 and have been living with my parents in Fla/GA my whole life. I just work at a golf course right now and am only making just over minimum wage. I've only had a few semesters of college so far and have taken a break from that cause I really have no idea what I want to do yet, or even if a college can help me do it. But if there are decent options I may take classes if I do move to Alaska. For starters, a big reason I find Alaska attractive is the landscape and atmosphere. I am looking forward to having that sort of nature around me at all times. I am also tired of the culture and people I am surrounded by here, and a place like Alaska allows you distance yourself from the more, I'll just say 'obnoxious' extremes of our culture. I just think I would enjoy living there. Anyways, my main problem is sustaining myself once I'm there. I have started saving up some money and will continue to but that can only last me so long. I'm sure I can get a little help from my parents as well for a bit. How would I go about moving there and finding a job that would allow me to live in a 500$/month apartment? I imagine I would need something at least 9 or 10$ an hour. And I hope to make some money on the side with other random things. Like I literally don't know where to begin. I suppose if I had to I could find a roommate but I would really rather not. I'm still deciding between Fairbanks/Anchorage. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated. I'm really ready to just pack up and grab a ticket up there, but I wouldn't be quite sure what to do when I got there. So really what I'm asking is, what do I do when I get there? I need to get out of here because I just feel stuck and am not right for this part of the country.
Hit up alaska's craigslist or something and see if they have jobs available contact people and tell them your situation and see what you can figure out. I would advise getting your job sorted before you actually head over to Alaska... just my 2 cents
I have a similar plan but with Maine.. I love the scenery and seclusion, and the low cost of living. However, I'm going to finish school. If you can do the same before you move I would recommend that; that way you will have a leg-up in finding a good solid career when you're there
Get a job before moving up there.. You can do it man and there are tons of physical labour jobs up there in heavy demand.. Do some google searching and market yourself... Good luck and keep us updated. Cheers
Here is a forum I was hanging at a few years ago, not because I wanted to move there (too old) but just because it was so interesting. Alaska Forum - Relocation, Moving, Local City Discussions - City-Data Forum The posters are mostly Alaskans, some native some not. It is interesting (and in your case, important) to hear their perspective on life up there. You will get a close-up view of what daily life is like in the cities or in the wilderness, also the availability of jobs and what kind of jobs there are. I followed a LONG thread about a young couple (30s) that were willed a cabin up near Central, AK. They had either 2 or 3 teenagers and were moving there from South Carolina. There are other stories like that and you will learn a LOT, and you will learn what NOT to do. One thing I do remember is that nearly everything is expensive up there. If you live 100 miles from the nearest store, expect to pay several times the amount for staples than you would elsewhere as they have to be flown in. As I recall, real estate and rents are expensive too. Keep us posted!
What sort of jobs should I look for without a college degree and still be making enough to live alright? Like I look at Craigslist and it all looks like specialties. With maybe 100$ or so a month from my parents as well.