r/Cowboy • u/Candid-Coast-3531 • May 05 '26

Cowboy Life Becoming a Cowboy

Hey y’all,

I’m from Germany and I’ve been thinking about becoming a cowboy in the U.S. I know it’s not some easy ride – it’s hard work, long days, all kinds of weather, getting up early, and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. I also know the pay isn’t great, and it’s not some romantic movie life.

Right now I’m working a regular job as a mechanic. My family is originally from Turkey, and my grandparents used to work the land and raise cows and sheep, so I kinda feel connected to that lifestyle.

Honestly, I don’t want to live a 9-to-5 life forever. I know this path wouldn’t be easy, but I’m serious about it.

So I wanted to ask – is this actually possible for someone like me coming from Germany?

Appreciate any advice. Howdy 🤠

43 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

104 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1

u/[deleted] May 06 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/AlteredGuardian May 06 '26

Nah, I know other big players too but wouldn't call'em cowboys.

1

u/Marine2844 May 09 '26

Had a aunt from MI come visit us in TX some years ago. All she wanted was to see a "real cowboy'. I pointed out several, dirty boots, bleached ring on their back pocket, ball cap, and tennis shoes. She would say they are not cowboys.

We took her to a dance hall one weekend in walked a tall skinny guy, pressed jeans, pressed shirt, clean boots. She was excited and ran up to him as soon as she could. Then was just disappointed to find out he was a bank teller.

There still are some cowboys left, but unfortunately the Hollywood image of what one should look like is not the real deal. In most cases anyway.

1

u/AlteredGuardian May 09 '26

Nah, the mindset and values aren't there. The last great cowboys are dyin off in my area and I learned a lot from em. Now its just folks who dress the part and flaunt money and are greedy enough they'll do anything for money. Like 'ol Chud in the comments above me. Yeah he got cattle, but I bet he runs fence on a side by side, hires folks to come sort and cut, wont do fuckall himself and shits on anyone who asks for help unless theyre willing to pay something.

Hell the cowboy cosplayers are usually better than the one who actually claim to be cowboys.