[enigmaingr]

I think a lot has to do with the unique culture of Michigan. Most peoples roots run deep here. I also think that the culture, and really that of the Midwest in general, values family, hard work, and a simpler life over individual achievement. Michigan is still one of the few places where "making it" means that you have a good family, a roof over your head, and a few bucks to take the family up north.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by enigmaingr

I think a lot has to do with the unique culture of Michigan. Most peoples roots run deep here. I also think that the culture, and really that of the Midwest in general, values family, hard work, and a simpler life over individual achievement. Michigan is still one of the few places where "making it" means that you have a good family, a roof over your head, and a few bucks to take the family up north.

^^ read this again^^. Best post yet in this thread. Right down to the bone as to why MI is a sticky state. Economy has to have some influence, but it isn't the bank account that is the measure of a person and their true worth here.

[Tiger Beer]

All of the above, and most Michiganders wouldn't know how to function without seeing their home state sport teams on their TV every weekend - UM, MSU, Pistons, Tigers, Lions and Wings.

[Bluefly]

Originally Posted by enigmaingr

I think a lot has to do with the unique culture of Michigan. Most peoples roots run deep here. I also think that the culture, and really that of the Midwest in general, values family, hard work, and a simpler life over individual achievement. Michigan is still one of the few places where "making it" means that you have a good family, a roof over your head, and a few bucks to take the family up north.

Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Though, whether that's good or bad is a value judgment. By aspiring to what you describe, people will never be the next great innovators of new technologies or business models or whatnot that Michigan needs to diversify its economy. They will be content and perhaps happy watching the Lions and fishing and such, but I know a lot of educated, driven people leave the state to be around others who are motivated to make a difference in the world and it is creating a significant brain-drain on the state's viability.

Again, there's value to both sides, but not one side being intrinsically better.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by Bluefly

Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Though, whether that's good or bad is a value judgment. By aspiring to what you describe, people will never be the next great innovators of new technologies or business models or whatnot that Michigan needs to diversify its economy. They will be content and perhaps happy watching the Lions and fishing and such, but I know a lot of educated, driven people leave the state to be around others who are motivated to make a difference in the world and it is creating a significant brain-drain on the state's viability.

Again, there's value to both sides, but not one side being intrinsically better.

The way I look at it though is that you can still be a success in business, but a failure in life. People here for the most part admire those who can be the next innovators, businessperson, etc... but only admire them IF they are ALSO a decent person who gives to their family, community, or what they believe in. We can still have the next generation of innovators and intellectual leaders, but in order to be looked on as being successful they will also have to have more than just their business. We hold people to a higher ethical standard usually, those who can't, or don't want to, reach both of those goals tend to leave.

Not saying that is right or wrong, just the way it is for most of the State. Not saying those who devote their entire lives to their jobs at the expense of family and friends are wrong, just that they don't get the kind of recognition they are looking for here.

[NSX]

Originally Posted by Bhaalspawn

The overpopulated Washington D.C. area is a scumhole compared to the state of Michigan. One of the nice things about the Detroit area is that, relative to other large cities, it doesn't have a high population density.

+1000.

I lived in Northern Virginia for a year and couldn't wait to get back to Michigan. I was fortunate enough to find a much better job here and I never want to see the metro DC area again. If you're employed and can deal with the winters, Michigan is actually a pretty great place. A lot of Michigan's bad rap comes from people who have never even set foot in the state.

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by enigmaingr

I think a lot has to do with the unique culture of Michigan. Most peoples roots run deep here. I also think that the culture, and really that of the Midwest in general, values family, hard work, and a simpler life over individual achievement. Michigan is still one of the few places where "making it" means that you have a good family, a roof over your head, and a few bucks to take the family up north.

Originally Posted by Bydand

^^ read this again^^. Best post yet in this thread. Right down to the bone as to why MI is a sticky state. Economy has to have some influence, but it isn't the bank account that is the measure of a person and their true worth here.

But TWO out of three is not woking for a lot of folks in Michigan right now. Losing the roof over your head and having NO money to pay the bills let alone go north, is where too many people are or will be heading soon.

Money has everything to do with survival...as someone once said--NO MONEY NO LIVING...

[NSX]

Originally Posted by Bluefly

Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Though, whether that's good or bad is a value judgment. By aspiring to what you describe, people will never be the next great innovators of new technologies or business models or whatnot that Michigan needs to diversify its economy. They will be content and perhaps happy watching the Lions and fishing and such, but I know a lot of educated, driven people leave the state to be around others who are motivated to make a difference in the world and it is creating a significant brain-drain on the state's viability.

Again, there's value to both sides, but not one side being intrinsically better.

You're correct, there are many people like you describe. But it's important to remember that there are also a group of extremely intelligent driven people who choose to stay in Michigan. I know both a self-made software millionaire and a very successful doctor who chose to stay here because they like the life better than the fast-paced style of NY/DC/LA. I don't think the decision has hurt them too much financially, and yes, they both like watching the Lions and spending time outdoors.

[electric_lady]

Really interesting link, thanks to the OP.

I think people stay in Michigan because they have family there, plus in general it's a pretty good place to be. But I'd be interested in seeing the data over the next few years. A lot of people have left the state. On the other hand, I'd like to see how many of the folks who have left eventually come back. I will be coming back once I can get a decent job!

[northstar22]

Originally Posted by enigmaingr

I think a lot has to do with the unique culture of Michigan. Most peoples roots run deep here. I also think that the culture, and really that of the Midwest in general, values family, hard work, and a simpler life over individual achievement. Michigan is still one of the few places where "making it" means that you have a good family, a roof over your head, and a few bucks to take the family up north.

Yeah, all of this is true. This is one of the reasons I LOVE Michigan. The ostentatiousness of the South, East Coast, and West really bother me, and I really prefer the down-to-earth, hard-working Midwestern values. Michigan is a great place to be. I just wish there were jobs here.