Who Telecommutes/works Virtually in Bozeman?

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I am getting ready to move to Bozeman and I would like to learn more about what companies allow one to telecommute/work virtually. I have been told that many people do so in the Bozeman area but I haven't had any luck. I have an engineering degree and some experience (still in my 20's) and I am looking for something that would provide me with the opportunity to advance, etc. I am aware that travel will be involved and that is fine. Anyone know about companies that allow this, or does anyone work virtually? Thanks!
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posted on Fri, Apr 25, 2008 02:47 PM
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Be Your Own Boss bydanie0063 months ago (3 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I love it when young folks think they should have an ideal work arrangement handed to them without earning it.

I am an engineer as well. I started my own company a couple of years ago and 95% of my work is done via email or over the internet. I apologize for sounding crass, but I think the difference between you and me is 20 years of workplace experience and developing a fantastic network blanket that supplies most of my work.
I have a few other buddies who telecommute that are employed in a variety of industries like insurance, finance, and engineering, but it took their companies years of trust and hard work before they let them stay at home and work in their pajamas...I only have one telecommuter friend whose company allowed him to work at home in an effort to reduce leased-office space overhead.
The deal is that you probably have to work your way from the bottom of an engineering firm before they'll let you hang out at home...or do what I did - work hard for a long time, get your PE certificate, develop professional relationships, and start your own show.

Wow - I sound grumpy today.
RE: Be Your Own Boss byberrymountain1 month ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
Danie, I'm think I'm dyin' of laughter. Kudos! ****
... byBozemancarolina3 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I am not saying I should be "ENTITLED" to a job where I can telecommute....I am trying to find entry/mid level positions that allow one to GROW and show their worth (work in the field/travel would be required)....It seems to be the only way to earn a "decent" living in Bozeman. Coming from the South, prices in Bozeman are VERY Expensive and wages are VERY low...I have a commitment in Bozeman so I would like to find a decent/career oriented position. As far as the field, it would NOT be Civil Engineering related (no PE needed). I am looking for opportunities as a Systems Engineer, Business Analyst, Engineering Consultant, etc....

So to get back to the topic, what companies allow this type of work and tend to hire younger candidates?
Sorry For Being Crabby bydanie0063 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I recently had a bad experience with a younger person who felt they were entitled to work at the top without paying their dues....I thought this was a replay. Sorry about that.

Anyway - have you tried the local engineering firms? There are plenty of them for a town of this size and it seems like they are always looking for quality staff. Do a Google search and start there. Maybe you already have and perhaps it is a low salary issue? This is a huge problem here - cost of living/housing is insane compared to the low salaries offered.

If I knew your specific engineering field I could attempt to point you in the right direction from a national perspective.

I don't mean to beat the drum, but as lame as it sounds, over the years I have found that you garner more respect in the engineering business, are assigned more interesting projects, and position yourself for advancement with a Professional Engineering certificate. I worked for a mid-sized firm (58 engineers) specializing in civil, environmental, and mechanical engineering in the Twin Cities for a few years. All of them were PE's. They wouldn't consider employee candidates if they didn't carry the PE stamp. Engineering Techs weren't considered for advancement until they passed the magic test...I suppose it was a tougher market in the TC to get a good engineering job and insurance underwriters and lawyers pretty much forced the requirement as well. The bottom line is that you might not need a PE for your field, but it might help getting a good job with advancement potential and worklife flexibility. When you have the time, I strongly encourage you to pursue it.
Speaking from experience byNaturalizedNative3 months ago (2 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Being a person who's had a lot of experience with this. Its hard to gain advancement if you're always working remotely, if you're not in sight of your superiors they tend to forget about you when it comes time for performance reviews. I've seen it happen a lot.

Working at a distance to the rest of the company is just a disadvantage for advancement.

Now with that said, the best way to make it work is strike out your own and become a entrepreneur. In Bozeman there really isn't any other way to really achieve the same level of success doing anything else.

Just my $0.02 from somebody who's been working at home almost a decade for clients all over the world from the snowy confines of Bozeman.
thanks byBozemancarolina2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Thanks for your replies thus far.....Naturalized, what line of work are you in? Anyone else hold jobs from BZN where they travel a few times a month, etc and are able to live anywhere in the country? Thanks!!
Hi there byvarietychic2 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I do exactly what you are talking about....however I'm involved in several different businesses (nothing to do with engineering), and on a positive light, I'm 26 years old, bring in a mid 6 digit income and work from home, while traveling for my job. Nobody handed me anything and I didn't start with any money. I work hard and have sought out all my own work, but it's very enjoyable. I'm considered an independent contractor or freelancer and my husband and I also own a couple of businesses in Bozeman. An entrepeneurial spirit works well if you live in Bozeman....keep that in mind no matter what you do.

Don't let people get you down and tell you you can't do it! Think about what you want and go after it :) In this day and age, you can make your job work for you. Go get 'em.
Anyone else? byBozemancarolina1 month ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I am continually looking for opportunities that allow one to travel (to an extent not 100%) and work virtually/from the home office....I have been told many people in Bozeman do this and I was searching for companies that allow this work, anyone??
"I have been told many people in Bozeman do this..." byberrymountain1 month ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Please contact those people who told you this, and ask them which companies exactly in Bozeman do this.

We sure would all like to know.

Danie is right. You will need a PE Stamp.
not bozeman companies byBozemancarolina1 month ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I definately do not expect this of Bozeman companies.....I am referring to NATIONAL companies...I have heard that Boeing, Lockheed Martin, GE, Accenture and several other companies work this way...just trying to find others and talk with others who do this work..ala "work with companies NOT based in Bozeman"....