Do you drive a beat up 1993 Geo Metro? And what does this have to do with finding the perfect summer job?
It was my beat up Geo Metro that took me across the United States to work in Yellowstone National Park for a summer. That same trusty Geo helped me to move out to Colorado for two summers in a row where I got to chill by the river and take whitewater photographs.
School's almost out and you're probably looking for different ways to spend your summer months. For some reason the possibility of moving back home with your parents is becoming less and less appealing.
Fear not! I'm here to rescue you from your normal boring summers and help you check out some other opportunities.
So if you're interested in packing up your car or hopping on a bus and heading across country, here's a list of jobs that just might be what you're looking for:
Ocean/River/Lake Jobs
- These jobs can be some of the more adventurous jobs that will be available for the summer.
- The schedules you would be expected to work vary in each case so be sure to find that out before hand.
- You also need to be mindful about any "extra" costs for training. (Example: CPR/First Aid, Water Certifications)
- Types of Jobs Available:
- Raft Guide
- Customer Service
- Kitchen Staff
- Waiter/Waitress
- Groundskeeper
- Lifeguard
- Photographer/Lab Technicians
- Sales
Cruise Jobs
- Make sure to have your Dramamine (motion sickness medication) in hand as you head out for deep waters.
- Be ready to check out some great scenery and chat with the tourists.
- Depending on the cruise line that you work for some Crewmembers can expect to work rotation schedules that typically last from 4-6 weeks depending on the specific vessel and itinerary. Many times Crewmembers are scheduled to work 12-hour days. At the end of a rotation crewmembers are scheduled for 1-3 weeks off the vessel depending on the vessel and itinerary.
- Also note that in many cases you have to be over 21.
- Types of Jobs Available:
- Server/Housekeeper
- Cook
- Deckhand
- Galley/Laundry Positions
- Assistant Engineer
- Customer Service Representative
- Interpretive Guide
National & State Parks
- If you're looking for a job with some sweet scenery, you might want to check out these jobs. Before you know it you could be working in Yellowstone National Park and snapping photos of Bison.
- These are also jobs that will offer you a pretty normal five-day a week work schedule.
- Many times housing and food will be available to you for a minimal cost.
- Types of Jobs Available:
- Hotel Reservations/Front Desk
- Housekeeper
- Cook
- Service Station Attendants
- Store Clerk
- Laundry
- Music
- Campground Attendant
- Photographer/Lab Technicians
- Wrangler
- Dock Help
Now that you're ready to get moving and start checking these jobs out, here's a list of some web sites that will help you to find that "amazing" summer job.
http://www.coolworks.com
http://www.cooljobs.com
http://jobmonkey.com
http://backdoorjobs.com
And just for kicks I've put together The Top 5 things I learned during my "amazing" summer jobs.
5. Geo Metros without air conditioning is a bad, bad thing.
4. The bug that never should have been created -- mosquitoes… I don't care where you are -- there are mosquitoes.
3. The food is horrible -- I have yet to work for a company that provides food that you would want to put into your mouth.
2. Did I mention that I was poor?
1. And the number one thing that I learned during my summer jobs (drum roll please) -- deciding to go for it and dive into these jobs was the best thing that I ever did.
Jessica loves travelling and whitewater kayaking and rafting, and would one day like to buy a little shack out in Colorado and live down by the river.
Copyright 2001 iamnext.com May not be used without permission.
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