Workamping feedback

[SheketEchad]

<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000>I've looked but don't see these particular questions addressed.</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>How long did it take you to land your first job in the Workamp arena?</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Were you living FT in your van/tt/rv prior to getting the job?</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>I'm trying to go from FT office work into seasonal workamping and I'm just wondering what the success rate is for that kind of thing in ya'lls experience?</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Thanks for any guidance ya'll can provide!</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>~SE</FONT><br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Is this subject taboo? &nbsp;LOL!</span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I know ArkBob prefers other venues rather than working for RV site owners. &nbsp;Maybe no one really has experience and/or are all retired/disabled, have own revenue stream and it isn't relevant...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[Wild_E]

sometimes you need to wait a couple days for the answer

 

[SheketEchad]

<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#993300>Thanks for the reminder WR;&nbsp; most people responding here are definitely not tethered to a desk and terminal all day like moi.</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#993300></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#993300>They are&nbsp;probably outside, &nbsp;doing things, observing nature, living a more serene&nbsp; and less techno-oriented life.</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#993300></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#993300>I appreciate the reminder to be more patient... <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#993300></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#993300>~SE</FONT><br>

 

[Wild_E]

Hoping I did not come across rudely. If you do a search at the top, for workcamping while we now wait for others to chime in, there were some references to this before.<div><br></div><div>I also remember someone posting on working at oil&nbsp;Derek&nbsp;sites. There was also a link to another blog about it as well. That was not under workcamping, though the feedback was that they lived on site. Sorry sketchy details for sure, but I am not near the source so did not pay too much attention to it.</div>

 

[akrvbob]

I have a page describing my experience workcamping on cheaprvliving.com, so go check it out. I've been a campground host in the National Forest campgrounds for the last 4 years, and love it. You are paid for every hour you work and given a free campsite. I joined workampers.com and had 3 job offers within 3 weeks. If you are willing to go to more remote campgrounds that don't have hookups, you will never have a problem finding a job because the RV crowd doesn't want to go there. In fact we have a hard time filling some great campgrounds becuase they are remote. You also get a better group of people, because they are more serious about camping. I draw unemployment in the winter and live on free BLM desert land so you can live on it year around. There are lots of other workcamping jobs, but this is the only one i know about directly. Bob<br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">WR: Oh no, you weren't rude, you just made me mindful <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Bob: It was your article on Workamping that taught me such a thing exists, although I had looked into National Parks for jobs during my unemployed stint last year. &nbsp;And thank you for answering one of my questions in regards to being a seasonal employee and if unemployment benefits were available in that situation. &nbsp;I think your assessment is correct in the caliber of person that will choose a remote site, versus the more popular 'resort' type places. &nbsp;If I had a camping partner, I might try to start in those venues; being alone, I am not sure that is the best route &nbsp;yet. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">You are the only person here that I remember seeing having been successful at this; I was wondering if any others have had success. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;">Thank you for your responses!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">TGIF!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[blars]

I applied saturday (at the big tent show) and got the job as a nf campground host thursday.&nbsp; Most of the delay was due to needing to arange a second vehicle.&nbsp; I'm not as remote as akrvbob was -- less than two miles to a small comunity.&nbsp; Having akrvbob as a reference helped.&nbsp; (I'm working for the same company he did.)<br>

 

[Seraphim]

Bob

How did you handle communications in Colorado? Telephone, etc. I assume the remote areas have no cell towers. We'd like to check banking online at least weekly, and have a way to be contacteD by friends and family.

 

[akrvbob]

I'll try to answer all the questions:<br><br>I've gotten three other guys jobs who worked for the same company (not including Blars since he doesn't really know if he likes it yet). One guy loves it and is going back for his third year. One guy didn't like it and quit in the middle of his first season. The third guy finished the season but didn't like his boss and didn't go back. It isn't for everybody.<br><br>I don't understand what you mean by a partner. Myself and all the guys I've gotten jobs were single. Most, but not all remote jobs are for one person. Are you worried you need someone else to stay safe? I've never felt like I was in any danger on the job or in my campground. I'm pretty sure a couple from the RTR got a remote job that was only 40 hours a week, but they will both work 20 each. And that was fine with them. <br><br>One of the main reasons people don't want to take the remote jobs is they are out of contact of cell or internet. There just aren't many towers deep in the Rockies or Sierras. In the Colorado Rockies I was 10 miles from Leadville, CO so I went into town on my days off and got online and used my cell. In the Sierras I was 6 miles from the main campground which provided wifi to employees, so I went there on my days off to use the internet. Family can call and leave a message for you at the main campgrounbd and the internet can also be your telephone line out to family. I was 20 miles from the nearest town that had shopping, cell phone, Verizon broadband, and wifi. My friend who is coming back for his 3rd year is remote but there is a lodge near him that lets him use their internet. But you can't count on that. Bob<br><br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3>Blars: Congratulations! I'm sure everyone looks forward to your feedback and experiences.</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3>Bob: Yes, safety&nbsp;is my concern.&nbsp; And not just from two-legged critters; I'm carrying Verizon so I know they have some of the best coverage, but even in some of them thar hills even they do not have a presence.&nbsp; </FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3>I'll give it good thought...</FONT><br>

 

[Seraphim]

Thanks for the reply, bob.

 

[gipsyweaver]

<P>I understand the concern about working a remote location alone, at least for women. People tend to assume we're easier targets, right or wrong, and certain types are much more likely to give a woman trouble than a man. I'd prefer a remote location myself, but safety concerns me. Of course, I'm still at least a year and a half away from&nbsp;being able to hit the road FT...</P>

 

[SheketEchad]

<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3>Gipsy, my original goal was this summer; of course I had things all lined up in my mind at that time.&nbsp; Then things changed, the vehicles I thought&nbsp; I would use really wouldn't be good 'starter' wheels; the person watching my farm may be leaving which rolls the electric and such back on to my plate, I lent my daughter money to get down here and get a place to live, etc., etc.&nbsp; The only constant is change <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; </FONT><br><P><FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3>It will happen....</FONT></P><FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3>Bob, you are correct.&nbsp; Lots of jobs out West, many with the company that you were/are working for <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></FONT><br><FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3>~SE<br></FONT>

 

[gimo76]

I lived and work camped for two years before I had to go back to work. It was the best life and I plan to do it again. I was in a huge newer Rv so we could get work camping jobs anywhere. Some place require pics of your rig etc. but there are still lots of places you can go but the ones we went to only wanted 20 hrs each a week and we only got a free campsite. mancos Colorado has a stage coach place that was really fun working at. State parks will always have need if you are willing to do bathrooms. The trick to bathrooms is check them often n keep them clean. Next time I leave for the road hopefully in two years I will get a larger van and go more remote. Cell phone coverage is sporadic yet we always seemed to find a hill to get our messages. Family got used to our once a week check in when we went for groceries . Work camping news was a great source but once you start you can simply call the place you want to go and ask what they offer. We would stay for a complete summer season and then find a winter spot. Our rig was too big for the places I would have liked to go. Your reputation will be checked on. Always finish your commitment if you are unsure agree to a shorter time frame. My two cents

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Thank you gimo76, I appreciate the input. &nbsp;</span><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I will have to have full time work year round initially, until my farm sells. Probably North or West for the summer, then down South for the winter and to touch base with family.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Of course, I have to get back up to TN to get it ready to sell. &nbsp;I thought I would get rent eventually, but a friend's daughter has been staying in exchange for the place being occupied while she hunted for a job, but I don't think that has worked out. She kept the electric on so my freezer was good, but it appears I'll have to take some time and go back up there and figure out what to do with it.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Thanks again for taking the time to respond <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div>

 

[gimo76]

Hi Se,

The Grand Canyon gift shop has seasonal full time at 7.50 hr. the person I was asking said he needed to work for pay so he took that job. most jobs will only pay minimum and sometimes less. But the upside is you get free camping. KOA has some full time jobs and some are fun places to be. The KOA in Colorado is amazing but again it is just for 5 months then you have to get a winter season job. It will all depend on what you need to make. One place In Colorado we had access to washer n dryers which was really nice. You won't spend like you do at home your needs get really simple. But again you need to figure what you will spend. Your phone can go to basic as you won't have access like at home. You only move 2 - 3 times in the year so gas can be figured according to how often you move. If you go in as part time or seasonal help and really do a goo job you will be offered more. Hope this helps get you closer to the dream.
Gimo76

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Colorado is one of my favorite states; haven't been there in years though.</span><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I'm thinking of starting off as an RV Park hostess initially, perhaps in the shop/office as I see a few of those jobs coming through workamping news (I bit the bullet and got a subscription).&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I know that the type of people most likely will be a tad different than what I will find in the National Parks or the remote locations - but it seems as if it might be better to get my feet wet with, rather than runnin' off harum-scarum into the wilderness all by myself before I really even have a good comfort level with the whole scenario.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Possibly, if I get my rig sooner rather than later, I might take a different tact. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Right now I have so much going on in mah head that I am having trouble sleeping, which I *NEVER* have. &nbsp;LOL!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I figure I'll change my mind about a hundred times before anything actually happens <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[gimo76]

I answered an office add and it ended up being one of my favorite jobs. &nbsp;It was at a Dude Ranch in Colorado... seems like most of my experiences were in Colorado loved the warm days and cool nights... anyway I answered the phones, sold the candy bars and simple supplies in small shop and booked people into their cabins. &nbsp;When we got super busy I would do the laundry for the cabins and then would also help out with cleaning out the cabins especially if we had a quick turn around. &nbsp;They catered to wedding parties so we would all dress up western and then become hostess and serve the food at the buffet line. &nbsp; &nbsp;This was all done volunteer by me but if I had needed it I think they would have paid me some. &nbsp;I did score some wonderful meals from the Restaurant and was able to do my own laundry while doing theirs. &nbsp;The other office job I did was in Mancos also and was answering the phones and booking the stage rides. &nbsp;On occasion I would help cook if one of the guys could not do it. &nbsp;One night I grilled 52 steaks on 4 huge grills and everyone got a perfect steak to their liking from medium rare to well done. &nbsp;lolololo &nbsp; I don't cook so that was a hoot. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Good for you to get the Work Kamper news. &nbsp;You don't have to have an up to date so only have to get it for a short time as most of the adds will repeat over and over again. &nbsp;If I was by myself and since I am really social bug I would want to go to the resort type places or other types of RV parks. &nbsp;That way you get a pool, work in the shop etc. &nbsp;There have been times when I was just camping and the owners would ask if I wanted a job. &nbsp;So like I said, work hard don't be all about what will you pay me... but show them what you can do and the offers will come on in. &nbsp;IT IS THE BEST Way to live and I can't wait until I am back out there. &nbsp;My plan is in 2 years when I get early social security so I have some income and won't have to make too much to get by nicely. &nbsp;</div>

 

[Guest]

don't know if it will help, but i have a straighttalk phone i bought almost 2 years ago. i have been down in the hollers in WV, TN, etc, and had no trouble at all getting a signal. this is even when i couldn't get the garmin to pick up one. you can get these phones for free off their website, just pay the first monthly phone card. no contract. i learned about them from another forum and bought one for 2 of my kids. been very satisfied. they even send me a happy birthday text that sings it to me with my name..LOL<br><br>ps: the phone has internet also and had no trouble surfing the net on it in those hollers, looking for gas station and all.<br>