Answering A Question - (Chester, CA)

Another pretty typical day for me - Honey Wagon, bathroom cleaning, trash management.  In addition, I pressure washed another deck, split firewood, and tied the wood in bundles.

Linda took more reservations for Labor Day weekend, but there was little activity other than phone calls.

Now Jason asked this question in yesterday's Journal comments: 

"Just for curiosity's sake, would you consider taking a work-camping position like this again, meaning consisting of the same tasks, or would you be more apt to pursue one that is a little less invasive than this?"

Well, that's a good question, but the answer is fairly easy.  Yes, we would take another position doing the same duties, especially if we felt we needed the cash.

Of course the duties I have performed wouldn't be our first choice or probably even second choice.  But, in the overall scheme of things, we'll do what we have to do.

Now, my duties were bearable for several reasons and the same duties might be unbearable elsewhere if the circumstances didn't align just right.

First of all, we are being paid very well - we wouldn't have taken this job and the 40-hour per week schedule otherwise.  In four months we will earn about 2/3 of our annual expenses.  Sure, we probably could have earned that much or more in a more antiseptic office environment, but we've been there, done that, and there are many, many reasons we don't like that option.

Second, we're parked with full hook-ups away from the main campground and with a lake view.  Can't often get our view and privacy in workamping jobs.

Third, the weather here is unbelievable.  Bright blue skies and pleasant temperatures almost every day.

Fourth, my jobs are all made better because I'm working with a great guy.  Randy has a positive attitude about all the dirty jobs, he's willing to take on the worst parts, he understands my limitations, he respects my work ethic, and he is patient in showing me how to do things.  He is probably the biggest factor in making the "invasive" jobs not seem so bad.

This workamping opportunity has accomplished the goal of allowing us to put some money away at a time when we were getting a little concerned.  So, if that situation arises again where we feel like we need to shore up our bank account fast, and it probably will, we'd certainly take on the same duties again with the hope that we could get similar compensation, a similar campsite, good weather, and great co-workers.

The biggest problem we've had hasn't been the job, but the number of hours per week.  We went on the road knowing we would need to workamp, but we were hoping not to have to do it for 40 hours a week.  With only two days off per week, we just don't feel like we have enough play time or recovery time.  On our first day off, we just want to relax, and then we only have one day left to have fun.  Again, been there, done that - most people call it "the weekend".  :)

Linda has said from the beginning "We can do anything temporarily."  When we know it isn't a career choice, and our life doesn't depend on a particular job, and we have the freedom to move on and do something else, we can easily get past the duties of the jobs no matter how disgusting or demeaning they might seem to others.  It's just a temporary means to maintain a fabulous lifestyle.  :)

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Comments

[Jason Baze]

Thats pretty much what I figured. It's pretty interesting going back and reading journal entries and the ones leading up to your guys leaving. And to see the transformation from what you two did to where and what your doing now is remarkable! It truly is inspiring, probably more so than you can imagine. I think that it is great the way you approach the tasks you have here and still keep a positive outlook. I know people who wouldn't be able to. My self, I would love to be in that position right now. So thank you and hopefully we will join your ranks sometime in the future, Jason.

[Donna]

Wow you almost made it sound like fun... The key word here is almost! We have talked many times about work camping and I keep talking us out of it... BUT you guys I believe are a bit younger than us... So whatever it takes and still have the life you want right? We may be there with you in a couple of years... No matter what just have fun!

Travel Safe
Donna