How did 38 people end up at this ranch in Wyoming, anyway?

Everyone has there own opinion on seasonal work— in fact, some people might not even know what seasonal work is. So allow me to explain: Seasonal jobs take place during the summer or winter seasons. Most seasonal work involves dude ranches, ski resorts and spas, or companies that can only operate during a certain time of year. But what people don’t understand is that the majority of seasonal workers are in there 20s, either just graduated or with students who didn’t take the school route.

In May, my parents dropped me off at a dude ranch in Wyoming. My job: Housekeeper. Yes, I had just graduated with a bachelor’s degree and I have decided to make beds with my summer. To be honest, making beds has gotten old; but the fact that I have stumbled upon wonderful human beings in this tiny but large town has been unforgettable.

Seasonal work is a thing! People make a living off of never having to pay for food or rent because the majority of seasonal jobs provide room and board as part of your pay. I truly believe that most people who choose the seasonal work life do it for the experience and to appreciate what our beautiful world has to offer. I am currently settled in the middle of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone are just around the corner. I’m here to run off rocks in freezing cold water and to be the witness to someone’s first bear citing or to rescue bats out of toilets. (Yes, I actually did that—horrifying experience but I did it).

Remember when you were a little kid and you would ask people about what they did in their life, or what they would change? Most of the answers were always “travel.” Take your time to trust the seasonal work and make it an adventure out of it.

You never know: You could meet your best friend, enjoy a summer romance, or even form a connection for a future job reference. So my advice to you, young traveler—enjoy what this Earth has given you and see the world from on top of a mountain instead of behind your desk. Take a job at a ski resort and learn to shred the gnarr, or learn to rope a cow at a dude ranch. It’s not about the work you do but how you do it. Remember love where you live because even if it’s a bad day at work the Tetons never get old.