Join The Conversation

We've now successfully completed four chats on My CoolWorks and all of the transcripts have been posted. See below for their individual links or visit the network to view them all.


Chat: Yellowstone National Park (Second half only)
Chat: Alaska
Chat: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Chat: National Parks


Each chat has a specific topic, but it is a free for all in terms of what is actually discussed. We have a very knowledgeable and curious tribe so I hope you'll join the network and share what you know and/or learn something new.


Our next chat will be on Monday, February 2 at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific and we'll discussing the merits of working for the little guy as opposed to a large resort. Click here to view the details of this upcoming chat.


Upcoming Chat: Mom & Pops


Also feel free to stop by any time. Since now is the time to look for your summer job in earnest, many members are around throughout the day to lend an ear, dispense advice and just plain chat. Join us!

Thoughts on the Recession and Jobs

I keep reading and hearing about the doom and gloom of this economy, and that jobs are being lost faster than they are being created, (and the world is falling apart, well....). At Cool Works, we are paying close attention to the world around us and have our own concerns, but I thought I would add some bright spots to your job search. And yes, I am considered to be a glass half-full sort of person.

1. Employers are still listing their jobs on CoolWorks.com. Sure, we've seen a slow down like everyone else, but new job postings are added every day.


2. Most seasonal jobs come with relatively cheap eats and housing. Get a job in a national park and you have meals prepared for you and a place to live for a reasonable amount that comes out of your paycheck. No mortgage to worry about or shopping to do.


3. Many people who start on a seasonal basis with a resort, ranch, camp, concessionaire, or travel industry job move up and into full-time, year-round positions. Summer jobs and seasonal jobs are a great foot in the door. The initial job may or may not be your dream job, but as an internal employee you may eligible for job opportunities that may not get posted outside the company. Many companies promote from within. Get on the inside!


4. Last thought here is that people are unwilling to give up their vacations. I was just in Yosemite National Park in October and there were plenty of people wandering around, eating out, buying stuff from gift shops, etc. In addition, with the dollar still low, the International guests number was up. They're still coming over to see our great nation. Be their guide, serve them dinner, make up their rooms. There are jobs to do!

Now a couple of links to aid you in your job search.

My CoolWorks - http://my.coolworks.com

A social network for those who want to compare and share their work and life experiences in great places. Join and network with those out there working the jobs and planning ahead for the summer of 2009.

Cool Works Careers Page - http://www.coolworks.com/careers/joblist.asp

Lots of full-time, year-round positions are listed here and the list changes almost every day. You might just find yourself in a great place doing a job you love.

Cool Works Seasonal Pros Page - http://www.coolworks.com/seasonal-pros/joblist.asp

This page is good if you're not quite ready to commit to a year-round job, but do want something stable for 3 to 6 months.

Cool Works Help Wanted Now Page - http://www.coolworks.com/help-wanted-now/joblist.asp

Need a job yesterday? Well, these employers need you now. Check out the list.

The bottom line is that we're here to help. We know that it's tough out there, but hope that we offer jobs that will get you through, and better yet, may even set you on a course that you never thought possible. Check out our stories to see how the seasonal world has transformed us.