I'm moving to Colorado!

Big news! Living somewhere cold, cold enough to snow, has always been a dream of mine, and for the second time this year, I'm making big dreams come true. Today I'm resigning from Metavante in Norman, Oklahoma and accepting a new job in Colorado. My new position will once again be as a Senior .NET Software Analyst, with a company called Resort Technology Partners (RTP), who are a spinoff from a Ski Resort that provides integrated solutions for resort parks, particularly ski resorts and golf resorts. What's more, the location is based in Avon / Vail, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado an hour west of Denver. I'll be chucking everything I own in the Jeep, probably strapping my bed mattress to the roof, and driving back up to Colorado to start my new job in the new year.

The timing is uncanny, after delays and contract extensions, Metavante finally moved to bring me onto permanent staff, which would require transfer of my visa sponsorship to them, and I've had their offer letter in my inbox for 3 days. Over those 3 days I've had 3 interviews with RTP & they want to get me up there ASAP. So I'm glad I don't need to give Metavante HR the run-around & stop stalling, and avoid any complications with the visa. What's more is my 2 week notice period times perfectly with my plans to visit my friends in Oregon for the week from xmas to new years. So i'll be able to resign, have a big party and convince all of my friends in Oklahoma to make a snow trip and come up to see me, then go to Oregon and be back in time to start.

The living costs of the mountain region is high, i will be in for a shock, but i'll still be able to take care of the mortgage situation back home. The perks of the job include a season pass to 5 mountains, paid overtime, and I might be able to work out a discount to my equipment purchase. By equipment, I mean a shiny new snowboard, boots parka and not least; WARM CLOTHES! Temps in Vail I've only just begun to keep tabs on, but I saw a forecast for a low of -1F a few days ago. That's -18C for my Australian friends. But don't feel too bad for me, while you're basking in the 29C Gold Coast weather at the beach by the sea, I'll be carving through fresh powder on a morning ski session with my mates before we go to work!

I doubted my chances of getting to Colorado this year as the festive season sees a slowing of pace with jobs, but I got this lead from a recruiter, Sapphire Technologies, and I pinned all my hopes on it for getting up to Colorado in time for the prime ski season, before the end of the year. I'd always thought I'd end up in Denver living in the city, and would have to drive the hour west to the slopes to go snowboarding. I'm just incredibly fortunate. :D

Lots will be happening in the coming weeks so I'll keep you all posted.