People who love what they do

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Permalink Reply by Juni on March 3, 2008 at 1:40pm

John-Paul,
Thank you so much for your response. I will definately try and go visit the Kenia peninsula! I am glad to hear about the housing situation. I am hoping my experience in Alaska is as awesome as yours was. Thanks again!
Juni

Permalink Reply by Rick Peterson on February 29, 2008 at 2:25pm

I would ask your employer if they have any reciprocal relationships with counter-season places. I work at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge fulltime. We are a summer seasonal employer, but have relationships with several winter seasonal employers. We use them to help our staff find autumn/winter jobs. We work with Deer Valley in Utah and some areas in Lake Tahoe. Also a Dude Ranch in Arizona. If you want to do seasonal work year round your future employer can maybe help you out by putting you in contact with another good place.

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Permalink Reply by Erin on March 3, 2008 at 9:10pm

My fiance and I have been doing this continually for 5 years now! We've had 14 jobs. :)

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Permalink Reply by desiree on March 15, 2008 at 10:37am

i live the seasonal life. every 4 to 6month i log back onto cool works and find myself in a new place. you can get jobs that start right after another but i like the 2 monthes i get off each year ( one month between each season.) i love the seasonal lif eand i don't think i will settle in anyone place for awhile. the only thing that is the same is i return to denali princess in alaska every summer. i love it up there and i can make more money then any other seasonal job i have had plus its super cheap uinlike othe employee housing its really cheap and they feed which is a big plus in my book. And i just love the managment and everyone who works there, there are some really cool people you meet when you work seasonaly!

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Permalink Reply by Juni on March 15, 2008 at 11:59am

Hi Desiree!
I am looking forward to Denali, I cant believe it is right around the corner. I want to know( if you dont mind sharing) what you pack for the summer in Denali. Should I take just one pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, tennis shoes, or what? I really have NO IDEA on how much or little of something I should bring. I know they say there is hardly any room in the dorms, but I dont know if I should bring a few sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans, or what! ANY help you can give me would be great. Also, if there are any items that I MUST bring, please let me know! Thanks so much, I cant wait to meet you and hear some of your past stories about seasonal work.

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Permalink Reply by desiree on March 15, 2008 at 2:09pm

well the first thing i pack every time i go up is my hot water pot. it great wheni want a cup of tea late at since the EDR is not open. Then i always bring 2 to 3 pairs of work pants since they give you a shirt i don't have to worry. i always say bring a little of everything the weather can change in 5 min if it wants to last summer i got a hail storm in ausgust it was crazy. If you like wear jean i would bring a couple pairs. they do say the droms are small but i bring my whole life with when i go. Sweater and sweatshirts are always a good bet. good for layering. slippers are a great idea to since i hate wearing real shoes around the drom house after i get off work. The droms look like a 3 story high by 3 wide trailer it looks nicer inside. My friends and i hang out in the lobby alot in are pj's. your really not sopposed to do that but we do. ther eis a bar inside the drom as well.
oh and don't forget your christmas clothes, odd i know but we celebrate christmas on ausgust 25th. we also have thanksgiving and halloween and newyears.
hiking is a really big thing so remeber you hiking clothes!!!!
i really trying to bring up to 3 weeks worth of clothes so i don't find myself doing laundry every day off i have.

don't forget one thing that will make your room fill like home, like your pillow, or a blanket it always help people get though the hard times up there.
i hope this help some. if there is anything else you need to know just ask!!!

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Permalink Reply by Juni on March 15, 2008 at 3:30pm

Thanks so much for the information! it is very helpful. It gives me a better idea of what to bring, and how much. I dont know how I will fit it all in 2 suitcases, but I will do my best! I laughed when you told me they celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, halloween and New Years!! I think it sounds like alot of fun!I still am wondering (with a big smile on my face)whatI am getting myself into!! Do you know where you are going to work after the summer yt,or do you wait until it gets closer to fiigure it all out? I just love your adventursome spirit. I would love to live like that....I guess my passions are waiting for my courage to catch up!! Thanks again for all of your help.

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Permalink Reply by desiree on March 16, 2008 at 9:53am

you really can't start looking for a winter job till it gets closer to the end of the summer season. but they do have job fair in denali so you will be able to meet people and talk to them about other seasonal jobs. don't worry you'll going tto have lots of fun.!!

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Permalink Reply by JD Greer on March 16, 2008 at 6:31am

I've gotten three jobs off of coolworks. Two in Winter Park, Colorado and one in Alaska. I'll be flying into anchorage in late may then working at fishing lodge north of Dillingham. good luck on your adventures.

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Permalink Reply by Shannan on March 17, 2008 at 11:23am

Well, I havent worked in Alaska but, I have been working seasonally in Wyoming for the past four years and it has been the best time of my life. I think every person should do something like it you learn so much about people and yourself it's amazing. I actually moved from Florida to Wyoming after working there for one summer. It's the best I have ever done. I am 28 and finally finishing school and I work at the ranch in the summers. I am head wrangler this summer and can't wait. You'll love it!! If I could do it for the rest of my life I would do seasonal work forever! Unfortunately I don't think I will be able to afford to do it forever. I know alot of people who work on ranches and things in the summers and then work for ski resorts in the winter. There is a hole underground community of people who do this. If your young why not. You can see all kinds of neat places!! Good luck and hope you enjoy as much as I have!!

Shannan

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Permalink Reply by akscootr on March 17, 2008 at 12:23pm

I started in 1999 and I haven't looked back. After you figure out the seasonal patterns and meet people, even more doors open up. I now find I can't be satisfied unless my job is coolworking because no other job gives me the freedom coolworking does.
I am concerned about your desire for stability though... seasonal work is inherently unstable. To quote an old coolworker... "the more you carry in your head, the less you carry on your back". Knowledge, flexibility, adaptability, adventurous attitude, the desire to take a risk.... these traits are far more important than stability when it comes to seasonal work. Also, animals can become a liability which will restrict your options a lot. Be aware of this as you enter seasonal work... it can be an awsome career, but it is definitely not a 9-5 type of career.

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Permalink Reply by Erick The Red on March 19, 2008 at 3:40pm

Laura,
Being a seasonal professional is probably one of the most rewarding, life defining things you can do!
I've been to Mesa Verde National park, as well as Big Bend in Texas, and the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Six months employment provides you with the flexability to decide what you want to do next.
Yes the challenges of finding the new gig can be daunting, but the thrill of the next adventure is beyond compare!
Welcome to the family my Laura Gypsy-
Erickthered911

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