Living & Working in Great Places

32 years old - Too old to start?

I had several opportunities to work seasonal jobs in the late 90's but for various reasons never took those jobs. I still moved around a lot over the last dozen years and after almost two years of trying to stay in the same place I finally listened to too much Zeppelin and Allman Brothers and am ready to head back out.

I'm tired of the "rat race" though. Retail, my usual form of work, due to it's ability to allow me to transfer holds no appeal to me anymore. At least not retail as most folks know it. I need a change of pace, some beautiful scenery, and some free spirited people to be around.

Is it too late to start? How will my "professional" resume with management and sales experience affect me getting a job in a National Park?

I have no kids, never been married, nothing to tie me down. I hate standing still.

Thank you for any feedback.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by akscootr on March 5, 2009 at 9:40pm: In 1999, at the tender age of 33, I gave up my business and started in the seasonal world. Now I am going on year 11 and have never looked back. NO! You are not too old :) go for it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kevin Blankenship on March 5, 2009 at 9:41pm: Any advice on how to market myself? It isn't the best of economic times after all.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Keith Larson on March 5, 2009 at 9:49pm: At this time look at the Seasonal Pro listings section and start from there...than check out the What's New.... If you still want retail-ish there's planty of choices.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brenda on March 5, 2009 at 9:52pm: Kevin I need to echo Ak here it is my 11th year also and I started pretty late. I was like 27 at the time. Depends on what type of job you want to go for. For management positions its a good idea to keep a good resume on hand. in the F&B area some skill is good especially for cooks and so on but there are different positions within that really don't require a lot of marketing of yourself. Just apply to a location you like. With a possible resume and keep in touch with the Hr. Then all ya do is play the waiting game. There are hundreds out there starting around the age of early 30's. they take all different ages.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Keith Larson on March 5, 2009 at 9:45pm: While 32 might be older than many, Kevin, it's nowhere near too old. There will be many twice that age.

Check out the Older and Bolder group and you might get an idea. That will be just a small taste, since most of that age group is not all that into social networking on the internet.

The only way that your resume might be difficult is if you insist on management positions when you start. Many places like to hire people that have worked at the property into management slots, with good reasons. Otherwise, many places would love the extra experience.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by reggie on March 5, 2009 at 9:46pm: know ur not to old to start i'm 43 started doing this 5 years ago; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by akscootr on March 5, 2009 at 9:52pm: With your experience in retail, I would try for a position in any of the retail shops as a starter. If you can wait tables or tend bar, that is where the cash is at (it is what I do).
Customer service is customer service everywhere; What seasonal employers need is someone with a lot of adaptability and flexibility. Show your enthusiasm in an interview .... Your age makes you both young and older which provides for all kinds of desirable characteristics. Show your reliability yet temper it with the excitement of youth... You will do well if you can do that.
All this being said, seasonal hiring for summer starts in January, so get hopping if you want to work this summer. Jackson Hole will have positions open up in April and May... good luck; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ken horner on March 6, 2009 at 7:48am: I started at 49; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rick Peterson on March 6, 2009 at 4:30pm: Leadership is always needed in the seasonal world, because we are starting over each year with a lot of new people in new places.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kevin Blankenship on March 7, 2009 at 8:39pm: I appreciate all the replies. I have started to edit my resume to add some things and give availability which is pretty much open. Well, it is open. I'm sure I'll have more questions.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Barnes on March 8, 2009 at 12:55pm: I hope your not too old cause I'm 40!! I don't think there is any such thing as too old really.. as long as your mobile.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kevin Blankenship on March 11, 2009 at 9:29am: Well I got turned down for one job and was flat out told it was due to my age. She explained the reasons and I completely understood. Very small group of people most 10-14 years younger than me.

I've gotten responses from Yellowstone and a place in Alaska. The Alaska job pays more and room and board is provided. I'll keep updating.

Once again thanks for the information and well wishes.; ▶ Reply to This