How will I make it?

[Roger]

I've thought for years about moving to Tomahawk but the money thing always pulls me back. I think how would I make it? What would I do for money to support my family? I'm 37, work in the heart of Chicago, live in a cornfield in Indiana been married for 13 years and have a couple kids. My money is gone before my paycheck is hit's the bank. Just came back from Tomahawk a few weeks ago and just love it up there. That Dog in Suds is great! Been going to Tomahawk and the Northwoods for 30 years and cant get enough. I sit at my desk and dream thinking that I'd rather be musky fishing and smelling the fresh air than sitting in a highrise at a desk. Where's the money at or what is the northwoods in need of in terms of business? I was thinking about a chicken wing place. What sells up there? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks all.

[Kerry Tobin]

What is your background? What kind of experience do you have? I'm sure there are plenty of things the area can use but a key point is going to be what do you want or be able to do?

[Catfish]

The best paying jobs up here are at one of the two paper mills or at one of the Harley plants. The $20 something hourly wage is big stuff up here but you'll be on a waiting list for a year or two for one of those jobs. However if you're of a minority status, you could probably start on Monday. Sounds good, but those minorities can hang on the back of a garbage truck in Milwaukee for that type of money. (plus, there are bears running loose up here) Business....if you've got a good idea for a business and you set it up in Merrill or Tomahawk, your customers will find a similar store down in Wausau and shop there. Sad but true and broke but happy. (the fishing's good) It's probably best to join the throngs of FIPS and truck up on weekends.

[Deb Richardson]

Catfish, enlighten me, what are FIPS? I've heard of FIBS, flatlanders, and FISH!

[Catfish]

Out of respect for the boards here and all of us participants, we'll say flatlanders. Hence, "Flatlander Illinois People". Don't anyone get me wrong here, many of my dearest friends are from Illinois and I know we need them up here every weekend because they've got the bucks we need here for our local economy. Welcome all you "FIPS", come on back now, real soon, ya hear.

[Roger]

I work in facilties management (office space) for a global consulting firm. That wont translate into anything up there I'm sure. I'm tired and it isn't worth it. I honestly wouldnt mind a simple job - constructing decks, painting, etc... I guess I can do anything or adapt if need be. I'm a jack of all trades and a master of none. Thanks.

[Brian]

Here's a link that may help you, Roger...
Wisconsin JobNet Search
If you expand your search to include not just Lincoln but Marathon and Oneida counties as well you may just find something that'll fit. Good luck!
(FYI - In accordance with a recently passed State Law, upon residency, you will be required to renounce any allegiance to Da Bears and convert to a Packer-backing Cheesehead.)

[Deb Richardson]

Hmm, Roger, jack of all trades and master of none, you'll make it in the northwoods. However, it's not all being on vacation 365. The real world is just the same in the northwoods as is Illinois, just a bit more scenic and peaceful. Good luck in your search. We made that move 17 years ago and regret leaving 3 years ago. Retirement awaits!

[abnerman]

The $20 something hourly wage is big stuff up here but you'll be on a waiting list for a year or two for one of those jobs. However if you're of a minority status, you could probably start on Monday. Sounds good, but those minorities can hang on the back of a garbage truck in Milwaukee for that type of money.

wow.

<small>[ August 02, 2007, 06:34 AM: Message edited by: abnerman ]</small>

[Jeff Boettcher]

Do like the rest of us... Wait to win the lottery.

[Catfish]

Roger, I forgot to mention it and I'm surprised noone else did either. "Dog and Suds" is for sale.

[Roger]

I was there 3 times when I was up last month. Cant beat it. I still think a good chicken wing places with all the bikers would do a killing.

[Catfish]

Maybe so, but remember the biker thing is only in town for three days. True, you make a killing for three days but the rest of the cold winter averages out your good weekend considerably. There are chicken wings being offered up here at assorted places for 25 cents each. Hard to do better than that. Dog and Suds, on the other hand is very well established for the year round with the locals as well as the tourists. Dog and Suds "IS" a unique place because of the carhops and great menu. I don't think chicken wings could compete with Dog and Suds. Don't bet on an unborn pony when a proven race horse is for sale.

[Jeff Boettcher]

If Dog & Suds is such a "cash cow", why have the owners put it up for sale??

[countrygirl49]

I moved up here 15 years ago and the only way I could get a job was to go threw a temp service.
As for the chicken wings.. how about a Dunkin Donuts or a small place that would be open later? Most of the smaller places always close so early at night.. no one cares about the second shifters around here.

[Deb Richardson]

When we moved to Tomahawk in 1990 we really missed pizza delivery. By the time Tomahawk had delivery it was no longer a big deal, we had learned to get along with out. Just one small sacrifice a person makes to live in the beauty of the northwoods. Not having pizza delivery or Dunkin Donuts to me is what makes the northwoods even more special and northwoodsie.

[Catfish]

Jeff, About Dog and Suds being such a cash cow, I really don't know what's up with the owners. They must be wanting to retire or have paid for their cow, because the day before 30,000 plus bikers come to town they close for the season. The Fall Ride is only three days, wouldn't you think a business would want to cash in on that cow. Some one said they were afraid of the bikers tearing it up. Have you ever heard of any problems with them? No. Ask Chief Johnson. These are doctors, dentists, lawyers, machinists and off duty cops out for the weekend, and they are all hungry as cows. P.S. Our new sheriff Jaeger rides a Harley, great guy and I'm sure will be a great sheriff. He even get's hungry!

[logic1]

Catfish, I was always puzzled why Dog & Suds closes before Harley too - what a big oppurtunity to miss out on!

[Jeff Boettcher]

Definitely curious, but in their minds they have a good reason. Perhaps the Colorama weekend corresponds to another event somewhere else that they value over making $$$.

[Catfish]

Definately curious,..... I figure if they'd open at 10 A.M. and close at midnite (14 hours), at a conservative $200 bucks an hour ($5 bucks per burger basket) would be about $2,800 bucks EACH DAY....times four...$11,200.00 That's not counting any of them bought any dessert. There would have to be naked cowgirls in the sky somewhere else, for me to close my joint for four days with numbers like that.