Oregon
The five of us that make up team CoolWorks have all had our lives changed by taking a chance on the road less traveled. Since 1995, legions of adventurers have used our site to find their new path. And as a part of that journey, they often discover new courage, new passion, new love, new family, a new home – a fork in the road to a future that they never expected as the result of a seasonal job.
We’ve created these journals with the belief that storytelling cheers, emboldens and encourages us to tell and create our own stories. We built this venue in the hopes that learning about other people’s experiences might help some dreamers work up the courage to take the plunge themselves. Has a seasonal job changed your life? We would love to hear about it!
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Adapting to seasonal work during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a test of my personal integrity and resourcefulness, as well as a very welcome break from the oppressive inactivity of months of quarantining and disconnect from beloved friends, family, and coworkers.
Having lived in the mountains of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and California working seasonal jobs guiding horseback trail rides, I’ve learned so many life lessons, had many questioning times if seasonal work was right for me, and have had a lot of time to reflect on what it is I…
It’s funny how this all comes full circle. What started as a way to just get out and explore somewhere new for a few months has now become a full-time career that still affords me the opportunity to travel and see more of world. Every decision I’ve made that…
My story has been long and bumpy at times, but the lesson from all of my experiences is this: I am human and I have made mistakes. I hope going forward I can embrace love, tolerance, patience, and a willingness to be teachable in my next adventure. I hope…
I know some people like the typical low stress and fun seasonal jobs, but most don’t know that year-round and management-level opportunities are available for people like me who want the best of both worlds. Not only am I helping build and run a multi-facility corporation, and saving more…
One fun aspect of seasonal life is not knowing where you will be next. What state? What park? Should I go home for a few months? What a crazy life I live compared to where I was headed. This is one of the best ways to see and explore…
Last fall, I took a solo vacation to Alaska and visited Denali National Park. I was so intrigued that everyone I met who worked in the area had a different accent or was from somewhere else around the world. I remember feeling so inspired by the mountains and the…
It was a load off my shoulders to realize I didn’t have to trudge through the traditional office work routine. I looked through a lot of Conservation Corps work opportunities on CoolWorks, which led me back to – you guessed it – wildland fire!
As an Alaskan and avid outdoor enthusiast, I’ve long been familiar with CoolWorks. Tourism is the bread and butter of Alaskan business, and there’s no quicker ticket to the Last Frontier than a seasonal summer job when the cruise ships start running north and the Alaska Railroad system kicks…