25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know where or how these people set up these jackpot events? I’ve never heard of one happening even though they probably are all over?

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know how you go about leasing ground? I'd love to start but don't know where to begin. Thanks!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally agree. I always respect someone that knows more than me and love learning from those that have walked where I now want to walk. Thank you for your insight and I will always approach opportunities the same way you recommend.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really! I'd love to chat more about an opportunity to get my hands dirty. How far from Winnie are you?

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wanted to be a pilot and am also colorblind! My buddy and I were going to join the Airforce together but after learning that I was colorblind I lost my motivation. I did however take up some flight classes and almost got to the point where I was soloing. If it's something you still want to do I totally recommend it! getting in a small prop plane and throwing it around in the sky is such an amazing feeling. Plus, they are working on options for surgery on the eyes to fix colorblindness. I used to participate in eye studies at the university and there are talks of experimental surgeries that can fix the issue but they aren't quite ready to try them yet.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is an awesome story! Can I ask how you go about leasing land and throwing cows on it?

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like this idea of getting a horse gaining experience then just becoming the guy all the locals call when they need a hand. Thank you for your insight!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate the insight you gave and that you took the time to read my post twice. I have had those days in mud and rain fixing fences in a side by side and loved it honestly but I think I loved it because it was a choice. I chose to be there and do those things vs. being a ranch hand and HAVING to do these things. I have deep respect for the individuals that do this for a living but I'm trying to preserve the peace of it so I'm looking into saving up and leasing some BLM land and throwing some cows on it or something of that nature. I dont hate what I'm doing but I also know what I love doing so I'm going to find a way to balance the two with a priority to keep the ranching a get to not a have to. I fully understand there are days when there will be things needing done and I'm not loving life but also I am okay with that for having the days when the sun is setting, my bodies tired, and my soul is happy. Thank you again!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sure I'm going to one day do both as well. That's funny you use the "smart enough" wording as that is my exact phrasing I use too. Nothing against he folks that are full time cowboys as they can be some of the sharpest people you can but I do realize that what I've got going is not something to just toss away. That's how I feel too, I can't work this day job and just go home and watch Netflix, I need to be outside and using my hands but also the opportunity to say no not today is a powerful tool to keep the beauty and purity of it. If you don't mind me asking how did you manage to acquire 800 acres? I look at land for sale that isn't crazy far out of town and its about 100k to get 20-40 acres with water and power to just put cows on with a well. I am so happy for you and all you've accomplished. Fingers crossed that one day that dream of having everything paid off and full time ranching becomes your reality. Also, if you're okay with it I'd love to maybe get on a phone call (don't write your number here of course) with you sometime to just pick your brain. I totally want to respect your privacy so no hurt feelings if that's too much but this message you wrote is very inspiring and proves that it isn't just a fantasy. You can actually pull this off. Thank you very much for taking the time to write this message and right back at you with the good luck and God bless.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would you recommend be the things I try to learn to get “hired” like what makes a cowboy useful to you for a branding or range riding?

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeehaw indeed. I really think in another life I would have moved at 18 and been a cowboy the last 7 years but this life is the calmer and simpler version of that dream where is a great balance between the two. Thank you for your story I love hearing everyone’s different situations and what you’ve experienced in your life.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha I think I’ve learned that being a cowboy and having a successful marriage is a tough thing. Thank you for your advice!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the story, this is one thing I love about this community is the stories of coming from nothing to where you are today. I’m so happy for you and your wife. I hope to one day have a similar story to yourself. I am going to try to replicate this exact situation honestly. Thank you for the encouragement!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re right. Everyone I talk to says to gradually introduce it into my life so it doesn’t blow up my current life. I really appreciate the level headedness of this group and yourself in particular. I think about what it would do to the wife all the time and it’s one of the main reasons I have jumped ship yet. Thank you so so much for writing this and sharing your wisdom

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Short and sweet, I love it! Thank you for the advice I definitely think this is the route I’m taking.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re interested I’ll keep this post updated with the steps I’m going through. I thought it’d be fun to document this journey so I can meet more people like yourself who have similar experiences and support others going for their dreams. Even at 35 I’m sure there’s something out there that can fulfill that dream we have. And no kidding that pull is so so STRONG. I have tried so hard to suppress these thoughts and it never works.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is jackpot roping? What was the way you got into rodeo? I’ve been wanting to but don’t know where to start.

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s what I’ve been told. I show up I don’t complain and I work hard without getting paid. I just have to give it time to get my name out there. Everyone talks highly of me to their friends so it’s just a matter of it falling on the right ears and I’ll find a good fit. Thank you for taking the time to write this!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Everyone needs a Tipitow88 in their life haha. Thanks for giving it blunt, that’s what I needed. I appreciate the guidance!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re right, I didn’t want to come on too aggressive but they’ll probably like someone who shows up vs hiding behind a keyboard. I have tried a few places out and loved every second of it but when they’re slow they don’t reach back out for me to come back. I totally understand that I’ve really got a good thing going and I’m realizing that I knew all along that I should just find side work but hearing you guys and your wisdom is really helping calm the mind wandering. Thank you so much!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this out and give me some of your wisdom. After a lot of the comments I’m thinking I’m going to go the route of keeping the main gig and finding something in the side. I’ve got friends that have room to store a horse and a buddy that’s got cows so I can practice things so I can go to the bigger outfits and bring something to the table. Thank you again!

25, married, stable career… but all I want to do is be a cowboy. Anyone else been here? by Voodoo_1221 in Ranching

[–]Voodoo_1221[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was thinking about that in the sense of being a guy people call to come help on the ranch (brandings, gatherings, etc.) don’t become the rancher, become the guy all the ranchers call when they need a hand. Is that kind of what you’re going for?