Having a summer job or internship in NYC, DC, or LA is pretty cool. But the grass is sometimes greener outside of the concrete jungle. So here’s to all the kids who commute to work on country roads and spend their summers livin’ and lovin’ in the great wide open.

1. Being able to stargaze and actually see stars.

Nothing beats your view of Mother Nature’s light show. Every night.

2. Being able to wear overalls to work.

So comfy & practical!

3. Having free access to prime hiking locations.

So many trails, so little time.

4. BONFIRES!

Everyone out here has a fire pit. Who wants a s’more?

5. Peace and quiet.

Not a siren to be heard as you drift off to sleep.

6. The lack of cell service/wifi connection/cable.

Seems like a personal hell for some people, but no service=no problem when you have the great outdoors to play around in.

7. Oh, the views!

A sunset over a lake can fiercely rival a city skyline in terms of beauty any day.

8. Country music.

It’s on every other radio station, making it the background music for your summer. If you don’t love it, you learn to embrace it.

9. Being able to work outside of an office.

Kiss your cubicle goodbye!

10. The local food & produce.

Everything you eat is farmed within walking distance.

11. The slower pace of life.

12. The people.

Your backwoods/Up North/mountainside/lakeside family is your family for life.