What's a Bad Ranch Job? Well, It Depends on Who You Ask.

The conversation around “good” and “bad” ranch jobs has been lively lately, and for good reason—it’s an important topic that deserves real discussion. At JRC Ranch Management & Consulting, this is one area where we believe the ranching industry has tremendous opportunity for improvement.

When we work with students or young professionals who are considering a future in ranching—or with experienced employees thinking about what leadership in agriculture might look like—we often walk them through two simple but powerful exercises: Dealbreakers and Sunset Squares. 

Step One: Define Your Dealbreakers

Everyone has them—the non-negotiables. Your list shouldn’t be long, but it should be honest. These are the things that make a job an absolute no for you. Too many dealbreakers, and you’ll struggle to find any job that fits. Too few, and you may find yourself taking roles that leave you frustrated or unfulfilled.

These can evolve as your life changes. What was fine at 25 might not work once you have a family, more experience, or a clearer sense of your worth.

Examples: a two-bedroom worked before we had kids. Now, we need more space. Or, we both started out working for about $1500/month. That was fine for recent college grads with few bills, but we’ve upskilled since then and we’re worth a lot more now! 

Step Two: Build Your “Sunset” Montage

This exercise is all about vision. In the movie of your life, as the end credits roll and you’re riding off into the sunset, what do you want that story to include?

Think about where you want to live, how you want to spend your days, who you want alongside you, and what skills or accomplishments you hope to achieve. This list can include personal goals, professional aspirations, and even “just because it’d be cool” dreams.

The key here is flexibility—nothing you write down is set in stone. Your Sunset Squares are a guide, not a contract. They help you stay aligned with your long-term goals while leaving room for life’s unexpected opportunities.

Putting It Together

Used together, your Dealbreakers and your Sunset Montage form a simple but effective decision framework.

When considering a ranch job, ask yourself:

• Does this job violate any of my dealbreakers?

• Does it move me closer to the goals in my Sunset Squares?

• Will it help me build the experience, relationships, and skills I need for the next step?

If the answer is yes—even an imperfect yes—it’s worth serious consideration. If the answer is no, keep looking.

This framework has guided us at JRC Ranch Management & Consulting for more than 15 years. As first-generation ranchers, it’s helped us stay grounded, intentional, and aligned with the kind of impact we want to make in this industry.

It also helps us guide ranch owners when considering how their operation might be viewed from prospective employees’ perspectives. If you check every box (or even most of them) on many “dealbreaker” lists, you’ll struggle to find decent employees and be successful.