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Climbing / Outdoor Jobs ??
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:49 pm
by DayTriper82
Howdy!
I'm just reaching out trying to find some sort of Job where I can be outside, preferably climbing.
Any ideas where to look to get started? I"m not even sure what types of outdoor jobs exist, i just know i want to have a job dealing with either environment, conservation, guiding, and/or climbing.
Any of you have wonderful outdoor-related jobs or know where to look for some?
Thanks!
Happy Trails
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:23 pm
by JB
trash collector
builder
park maintenance
there ya go.
try
http://www.outdoored.com/jobs.htm
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:19 pm
by KD
powell or wolfe county school bus driver or substitute teacher
Re: Climbing / Outdoor Jobs ??
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:34 pm
by bcombs
DayTriper82 wrote:i just know i want to have a job dealing with either environment, conservation, guiding, and/or climbing
So does everyone else on this site.
Do you have any education / training / certification for any of the requested fields? I'm sure some of the guides on here can tell you all about living on the skinny income of a climbing guide.
How about Forestry?
http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/Major-Sheets/
Maybe RRO will pay you to let him shoot you with a paintball gun?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:57 pm
by Artsay
I used to be the same way when I was figuring out "what I wanted to be when I grew up". A few outdoorsy jobs later I learned I would rather exercise my brain during the day and my body at night and on the weekends.
If you love being active and outdoorsy, get an indoor job. That way when you get off work you can find solace in what you love instead of being too tired to enjoy it.
May or may not work for you.
Good luck!
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:21 am
by the lurkist
How about getting a job that allows you to get some serious time off and travel where ever you want to work- a 2 year AD in nursing for an RN credential. Best bang for your buck in higher education.
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:10 am
by DayTriper82
Hi, ya'll,
Thanks for the fantastic advice so far,
To clarify, i'm a college-educated 20-something, i currently work in the music industry. after working in that environment for several years, i have come to realize that, over time, it will steal your soul.
I know i would be much happier working outdoors, or at least a job geared towared environmentalism or conservation. I'm willing to undergo whatever training such a job would entail, I'm just not sure what jobs in that realm exist. Guiding sounds awsome, any other suggestions?
Again, thanks!!
And Happy Trails!!
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:18 am
by toad857
environmentalism and conservation are ways of life, not occupations. bummer, i know...
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:31 am
by DriskellHR
guiding income sucks! not only is work hard to find but there is a line of very qualified climbers and outdoor professionals waiting to fill the bill. I agree with what Lurk said, find a job where you can travel and get time off to climb. Good luck dude....
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 12:40 pm
by the lurkist
I would add, be wary of working in the industry of your passion. You will get burned out on it. It is like eating at the restaurant where you work.
Do something that is meaningful to you, perhaps finding meaning by doing something for others, but allows you a good income (money doesn't buy happiness, but lack of money does buy unhappiness), flexibility, and portability. These seem to be the recurring themes for climbers who want to climb a lot, but also want a career that provides an income to fund day to day expenses, as well as a retirement.
Bruce Adams seems to have a great gig. He is a bush pilot in Alaska. He works 5-6 months a year and climbs in the Red (among other places) the other six. Just one example.
Travel nurses are another great gig. Mike Warner is living large right now. No telling where is currently is. He got his 2 year AD RN and he and Stephy G have been gone gone for a while, him working 3 months here and there, all over the west. Great gig.
Computer guys seem to have portability, income, and flexibility. Do it from anywhere on your own time.
Researchers have a good gig. They have to work like hell to get established but then get the funding and you are on your own. Pick a field, spend a few years getting a PhD and you are off to the races. Maybe not so portable, but you can work on your own schedule. And while you are in school, you can climb all the time. Look at Ho, Ashtray, Gen Patton, etc... Those guys are on a never ending summer break.