Are you looking for a fun way to spend your summer or winter months abroad meeting people from around the world all while making some extra cash to fund your future travels? If YES, then you definitely want to keep reading!
What is seasonal work?! Seasonal work is typically temporary, short-term jobs during busy times of the year when companies need extra help. You tend to work during holidays or summer months when most people have vacation. This could mean working on a boat during yacht week in Croatia, working at a ski resort in France, or picking fruits and vegetables in Australia or New Zealand. There are so many possibilities to find seasonal work around the world!
The first time I heard the word “Seasonal Job” was when I first moved to Regensburg, Germany. I met an Italian guy who just finished working his seasonal job in Switzerland where he was a pizza chef (no I’m not making this up… I don’t think he can be more Italian than that).
Being the curious human I am, I asked him the ins and outs of his seasonal work; where he found these jobs, how long he worked for, how much he got paid, how much he was able to save… everything! The more I was learning about seasonal work, the more it sounded like a perfect career path for me. The closer I researched different ski resorts to work at, the more amazing these opportunities sounded. Free seasonal ski pass, housing (400 francs per month), and free lunch at work. I mean how could I say no?!
Little did I know, a year later I would be following in his footsteps, moving to Switzerland for my first seasonal job. But before this sounds like a dream job to many outdoor enthusiasts, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Be prepared to work at least 9-10 hours a day for 6 days straight with minimal breaks
A traditional job 9-5 is usually 8 hours and consists of you sitting at a desk for hours and having a nice relaxing work break. Forget what you have learned in the corporate world while working a seasonal job. It is the complete opposite, but in the best way possible. It is no taboo that seasonal work is physically demanding. Especially because you are working in the high season (either summer or winter seasons). Be prepared to eat lunch early (10:15 am) before the lunch crowds come strolling in. Working longer hours, standing, walking or carrying materials can become quite physically demanding and isn’t for everybody. Some days I would get home from work and just pass out on my couch from pure physical exhaustion.
- Physically and mentally exhausting
If you end up working a seasonal job in a less touristy area (what I did) be prepared to speak the native language or at least be able to understand it. You want to feel like you are catering to the regular guests and make them feel like they are in their comfort zone. Compared with the 10 hours of standing and moving around all day, you have to be able to hear and speak another language. This was the most difficult part for me in the beginning but once you get an ear for the language the rest is history.
- You will be working with people from around the world
This was by far the coolest part of the job. I had the chance to meet people from Ukraine, The Netherlands, Spain, Iceland and Germany! Meeting people from around the world, you gain so much knowledge as to what life is like living in these countries. Making these meaningful connections around the world also gives room for a possible visit in the future.
- Be prepared to learn a lot about yourself and grow.
The winter season I worked was a record low for snow in the Alps. The whole ski resort was under a lot of stress to attract people to the mountain. You could feel the added pressure from our bosses. Working a physically and mentally demanding job made me mentally stronger. Telling myself to power through when I thought I had no more energy left to give. I also learned to stand up for myself and voice my opinion in a different language.
I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to experience living in Switzerland and skiing to work every day. This is a special time I will never forget and hopefully have the chance to experience again.
You got this!
Kristy
