On the fence about living rural? Episode 9 gives plenty of rural living advantages for you.

Rural living advantages is abundant in small towns. Furthermore, rural is not less. Seems like more and more young people, like Jenny Russell, are discovering the advantages of rural areas over urban areas. And they are moving back.  Yes, young families are seeing the wonderful living in rural areas advantages there are. They may have tried to find the advantages of urban life only to discover more advantages in the types of rural community vs their urban community. .  Yet, rural living vs urban living may or may not be a huge adjustment. You can have the best of both worlds by creating both the live you want as well as the job online or in the rural area. Again, rural is not less. There are many reasons to live in a rural area. And Jenny gives plenty of great advice to make the most of living rural.  So, check out the show notes while you listen to episode 9 about rural living advantages. 

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT JEN

• First of all, she's a busy mom, farm wife & business owner.
• Grew up on a farm near Glen Elder, Kansas.
• From Courtland, Kansas (MY HOMETOWN ALSO).
• Has a Marketing and Business degree.
• Owns JenRus Freelance.
• Took experiences from previous jobs to start her successful business in a town of 300 people. 

AND A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM JEN

"You should NEVER be bored in a rural area." So, get involved, volunteer and help your community grow.  And anyone can create something new with the passion and drive behind it.  Also, Jen stresses that "rural is not less." And after growing up in Courtland, I know that is true. Rural communities, like Courtland, KS have changed over time. Internet and road/infrastructure changes have made rural a more progressive and faster paced place to visit and live.  The opportunities in rural areas are endless now. Let's take a look back at Jen's journey to finding out those rural living advantages and rural living tips on her own. 

NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH THE JOURNEY

First of all, let's start with that low point. Jen's first job out of college. It wasn't a job she loved. But she went to work and did the job every day.   Then, the layoffs came and that was a traumatizing experience. Many of her coworkers were laid off very unexpectedly. And there were a couple of key things she learned through this experience. 

AS A RESULT, SOME LESSONS LEARNED 

• First of all, she will never treat her employees that way. 
• Most importantly, pray more before a decision is made. Maybe if she would have prayed more, God would have led her towards a different first job. 

THEN, JEN DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT” ABOUT RURAL LIVING ADVANTAGES

• First of all, working for Brush Art opened her eyes to what the possibilities were for owning a business in the rural area. 
• Also, meeting Marci Penner from Kansas Sampler. Marci opened her eyes to new rural living advantages and the real rural area meaning. 
• As a result of meeting Marci, Jenny learned about "Rural by Choice." 

So, what's Rural by Choice? Well, it's the the future of  rural living definition! People 39 years old and under moved back to a rural area on purpose. Wait...That's me!!!

NEXT, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT JEN STRUGGLES WITH?

• First of all, time. 
• And body image (weight, what to eat, etc). 

So, she's getting up early in the morning to fit in some fitness and mindset so she makes the time. For more on this topic, check out Episode 6. 

CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS JEN MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Most of all rural development work! Encouraging people to enjoy living the country life. In addition, Jen is inspired to share all the opportunities that are available with life in rural areas.  And she really enjoys improving rural, bringing people back and campaigning these rural living advantages to others. Jen has a passion for promoting the lifestyle of people in rural areas to others.  Also, kids, family, and community are also things that get Jen fired up. 

SO, WHAT IS HOLDING JEN BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS?

Jen wants to grow her business. She wants her business to impact more people and hire more people in her community. But the main thing holding Jen back is time.  Not enough time in the day. She has a kiddo not in school yet, so juggling a small child with work can be a struggle while developing a business. Believe me, I know! But she wouldn't have it any other way. And neither would I. 

BEST ADVICE FOR MAKING THE JUMP TO RURAL LIVING

First of all, make the first move. Visit the community and talk to the people there. Probably talk to them and get to know them. Why? Because those initial conversations with the locals matter.  Then, put your resume into places you want to work.  Or, use your entrepreneurial spirit to create a job for yourself using those skills. 

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED

Most of all, "No Job is Beneath You." Hence, don't be afraid to do any job. And don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. 

FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT

Most noteworthy, making up in the morning and exercising to make sure she gets it in. As a result, it makes her feel accomplished and ready for the day. 

OF COURSE, HER FAVORITE GO-TO MEAL

Probably chicken chunk casserole! This sounds delicious. 

• Chicken or learn how to harvest your own birds.
• Potatoes or learn how to plant your own. 
• Probably Cheese

Hence, Jen is going to have to give me this recipe! 

FAVORITE APP?

Probably Drop box. It's an online file storing system. 

AND, FAVORITE PHYSICAL TOOL

While she thinks she is very "unhandy", she keeps a hammer and screwdriver on hand just in case. 

THEN, BEST BOOK SHE WOULD RECOMMEND

Since she doesn't read much, she's reverting back to the good old days. She used to love Anne of Green Gables. And currently, she's reading Harry Potter with her son at night. 

AND, IF JEN WOKE UP TOMORROW, ACQUIRED 10 ACRES AND $1000, WHAT WOULD SHE DO?

Probably, Jen would give and she would help! She'd give the money to those who need it.  And she would give that extra 10 acres to her husband to grow the farming operation. 

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

So, just be happy where you're at. And, use your skills and knowledge to create the best life you want. 

FINALLY, CONTACT JEN

First of all, her web site: JenRus Freelance. And Facebook Page: JenRus Freelance Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD. ~ MUCH LOVE ~

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