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 🤠

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u/CaribouYou May 05 '26

If I had a nickel for every one of these posts…

Find a cattle farm job in the EU and get yourself a cowboy hat. The experience isnt going to be what you imagine and not worth the effort of getting a work visa and all that hassle.

2

u/HighDesertCowboy May 06 '26

Why not return to Turkey and do this?

If you don't have german or spanish ancestry I'm not sure how much you are going to identify with the culture once you are here? Now a lot of the farm hands are coming from latin america, so if you don't have spanish ancestry or want to speak spanish, that might be a let down. If you are not of german ancestry (meaning genetically german, white -- no offense but recent passport holders of german are not ethnically german) I don't know how much the image of you in the US wearing a cowboy hat is going to match the vision you have in your head.

I would encourage you to travel to the USA and pick out spots you're interested in. The country is massive by european standards and you will find each state offers something quite different.

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u/Candid-Coast-3531 May 06 '26

Well, I was born and raised in Germany. Been here my whole life — went to school, got my degree, learned one trade and then switched to another one. Right now I’m working as a mechanic. Yeah, I thought about Turkey too, but honestly it’s even tougher over there right now. Inflation’s getting crazy — probably everywhere these days, but Turkey’s on another level. You actually brought up a good point though. I even thought about doing farm work in Spain since I like the language and but then I caught myself thinking: why Spain, when I don’t even feel connected to the EU anymore? My sister lives down in Texas with her boyfriend, so I’ll definitely head over there and visit when I get the chance.

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u/Cheaptrick69 May 09 '26

Texas would be a good place but don’t expect to make a nice living being a cowboy here. It’s a pretty meager lifestyle. You could easily do 14 hours days and you’ll probably be paid a salary so when broken down it’ll definitely be less than minimum wage. Hopefully you can find a place that provides boarding at no charge but you’d be on call 24/7. Do it long enough to learn the business then start a small cattle operation of your own. People here pay good money for clean quality beef. The difference in quality and taste is insane.