Just inquisitive? I am at my last week at the Amazon KY FC. Thank Heaven! Been here since October 24th an am just worn out. Time for some R&R down in Alabama until March. Then travel back to Cave City for a 3 month gig serving golf carts and grounds equipment. Then a toss up between Bowling Green Ky and Iowa until the end of September. Finally will store the MH for a month and buy a car or small pickup and visit relatives on the Champlain Valley of NY. Give me time to visit and do some photography of the great Fall colors. May even get to do some aplle harvest for a little income; then sell the vehicle and take a scenic train tour back.Possible return to Amazon next November. Don't know if all these plans will materialize; guees thats' why thry call us DREAMERS.
The work At Amazon is very wearing on the body and mind; but pays us old geezers well along with FHU's. Changed mangement, and more demands from their work camper force. Another year and a 1/2 for early Retirement income than maybe I will consider a better choice.
Pieere
GiniaJ said
10:34 AM Dec 17, 2011
Pieere:
Sounds like you're about as tuckered out as my poor husband from Amazon. He's been at the Fernley, NV one since October. Not only is the work taxing (and he's a carpenter by trade and working construction is NOT easy), but so is the management. He's been frustrated for at least two months now by management and the increased demands (gotta make the numbers). The pay has been decent, but the rumored overtime almost nil and there were even days he was sent home due to lack of work on Amazons part. He will NOT be going back. That said (sigh) you sound like you've got some excellent plans for enjoying the next many months. Can't wait to see your photography from Champlain Valley (what a cool trip you have planned) so post them here if you can.
Relax, enjoy.
We're on to maybe gate guard back in TX, following surgery for me (fun). Take care.
-- Edited by GiniaJ on Saturday 17th of December 2011 10:34:55 AM
-- Edited by GiniaJ on Saturday 17th of December 2011 10:35:38 AM
nessiekatt said
10:53 AM Dec 17, 2011
I guess that you could say that I am "technically" Workamping until I retire next month, I live in a 5th wheel.
I don't have a deffinite date, still getting my ducks in a row. I am in the process of submitting my resume via workampers.com and looking for CGs in the areas that I want to be in, mostly close to grandkids. I call and ask if they use workampers and get a contact to send my resume. Hopeully I will have a commitment soon, so that I can make definite plans.
Good luck in fullfilling your Dreams.
Workinrvers said
03:47 PM Dec 17, 2011
Working as a Gate Guard in South Texas as I write this, been at the gate now for 7 weeks. We will be working until 1st of February or so and then do some tourist stuff. We have a more "conventional" work camping gig at the KOA in Terre Haute Indiana starting in April and going through September. This is close to our grand kids and we are looking forward to that!
Not sure what next winter will bring, gate guarding is not too bad, the $$ are decent but there are no "days off". The gate has to be manned 24/7 so one works nights while the other works days. I guess I always pictured us work camping in a park somewhere, not in the middle of nowhere Texas but like I said the money is decent and the work is not difficult.
Phil
Texas TomT said
10:41 PM Dec 17, 2011
We are also gate guarding at the Stanley ranch (Webb county) about 15 miles SW of Catarina. We are only 13 miles to the border but have had no problems and the Border Patrol is very active in this area. We have been here since mid-September and plan on staying thru the end of March. I think we are going to attend the Rally at Kerrville this year before we head North-AnywhereButTexas for the summer. This is a great location with very good people to work with. We have a large production plant for oil and both wet/dry gas production. There are 25 wells drilled so far and more to come. They just started fracking on a 3 well pad and then moving to a 4 well pad next. We have had up to 4 rigs drilling at the same time here so we stay very busy but the money is darn good.
Good luck to you.
DorisandDave said
01:46 AM Dec 18, 2011
Look at that! Three gate guarders in a row. We've been 12 miles west of Cotulla since early November and will be here until March 31st. Then off to our first festival in AZ and then I think we are going to try to make the rally in Kerrville before the next festival.
We still have at least 7 years to go until SS (if it's still there), so we find opportunities that pay well and we enjoy. I don't think either one of us would like the Amazon gig. So far we are planning on being back in TX for gate guarding next Winter, but I guess we should reserve our opinion until we've actually been doing it for more than 6 weeks!
Enjoy your trip Pieere. Sounds wonderful!
Doris
PIEERE said
04:54 AM Dec 20, 2011
Giniaj: Will keep you in my prayers on that surgery! Yes; I will get some photos posted as long as that trip materializes.
On the gate guarding gigs. I have no partner so don't believe that would be a good option, unless i could get my clone to work; he's lazy! .
Hey every one; how about some different employment ventures?
Everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year!
Pieere
Neil and Connie said
06:44 PM Dec 21, 2011
Connie and I will be not workamping much . . .although if we get bored we might do some volunteering or take a gig in an area we want to spend awhile in. She's a med tech by training and might take on some part time hospital lab work when/if we're in one location for the winter just to keep her hand and because she likes that stuff. I've been the computer geek for the past 20 years or so . . .can't decide if I want to do some consulting on the road or not . . .mostly I don't want to spend hours per day marketing and hunting clients when I'm supposed to be retired and loving life.
You never know though . . .maybe I'll get tired of hiking, kayaking, and bike riding.
Ckerr said
06:57 AM Feb 18, 2012
We're not of an age (or income level) where retirement is an option yet, so workamping is a must for us. We met at Amazon in Coffeyville last season and are now trying to nail down our next assignment.
Right now getting multiple offers so it is hard to pin something down. Just trying to find the right fit/location/money. It seems to us that the interview/hiring process for workamping assignments tends to be a bit loose... or maybe it's just us. At any rate it is an adjustment...
PIEERE said
08:17 PM Feb 18, 2012
Ckerr wrote:
We're not of an age (or income level) where retirement is an option yet, so workamping is a must for us. We met at Amazon in Coffeyville last season and are now trying to nail down our next assignment.
Right now getting multiple offers so it is hard to pin something down. Just trying to find the right fit/location/money. It seems to us that the interview/hiring process for workamping assignments tends to be a bit loose... or maybe it's just us. At any rate it is an adjustment...
I know what you mean about the retirement Option. I am single and it makes it tougher to locate employ, right now it is important for me to be selective on wages, then location, fuel and Maint. costs, put a dent in how far to travel between jobs. Not quite sure your meaning about the interview/hiring and loose? Be careful of Legacy Resorts; they own 14 in the US. Some under different Names, Go to the bottom of the page, to the fine print. Do research and also make sure when interviewed, You ask the Questions! Been there, done that; would have to be very desperate to go back.
Ckerr said
08:39 PM Feb 18, 2012
PIEERE wrote:
I know what you mean about the retirement Option. I am single and it makes it tougher to locate employ, right now it is important for me to be selective on wages, then location, fuel and Maint. costs, put a dent in how far to travel between jobs. Not quite sure your meaning about the interview/hiring and loose? Be careful of Legacy Resorts; they own 14 in the US. Some under different Names, Go to the bottom of the page, to the fine print. Do research and also make sure when interviewed, You ask the Questions! Been there, done that; would have to be very desperate to go back.
Curious about your experiences with Legacy. We've considered 2 of their parks... one north of Houston and one in Oklahoma. Hopefully going to Branson instead, but might end up in Oklahoma yet...
rclvnv said
11:27 PM Feb 18, 2012
Our situation is different than most for now, as we still operate a 9 month local business (school related),but we live full/time in our rig. Since its continuation is based on contract renewal each year (very competitive), we can never be sure. Besides, that keeps us static longer than we want to be, but at least we have summer. As we will both be 65 this year and our full retirement age is 66, we need to work at least another year. Our other business which can be operated from the road, (I am a forensic consultant), is subject to wide fluctuation in volume as it takes in a very specialized area. It is sometimes good,as in 2011, but I can also go some time with nothing new. If the school business doesn't renew, we'll sell the equipment and hit the road this June, but in any event, need to keep active,as I know it is essential to well-being.(not to mention the $'s).
Since we are static in a very active RV park, I've spoken to lots of folks who seem to have no problem finding work other than Amazon, or with abusive employers. Gate-guarding, as long as you understand what it is seems like it's worth a try. I've seen other than oil related gigs for security.Doing seasonal retail has worked for some. Workcamper News seems to be the best source,forums like this one are of course invaluable, as actual experiences can be shared. Don't forget to ask at places you stay. This summer, on the way back from the east coast, we mentioned that we plan to workcamp,and were offered on the spot employment, with decent pay,for good folks (we observed them for the week we stayed there). Unfortunately we had commitments to keep back here. If I have to do three or four things to live the way I want to, I'm up for that. Just keep a positive attitude. Richard
Technomadia said
01:11 PM Feb 19, 2012
Most of our work is online that we can do from anywhere we can get internet. I'm continuing to run the same software development business that I ran before I hit the road. In addition to that, we've written a couple of mobile iPhone/iPad apps - but they only bring in 'beer money'.
Occasionally we do a workamping gig when it fits. We love the variety of it when it works out. We've done everything from working at Amazon (Coffeyville, 2009), presenting at RV resorts and installing WiFi networks for a RV Park.
- Cherie
Dreamers said
12:06 AM Mar 3, 2012
Worked at Amazon in KY this past winter. Won't do that again. The hours are just too long for old, retired people. We seem to have no trouble finding work even tho it doesn't pay as well as Amazon.
Judy
PIEERE said
05:58 AM Mar 3, 2012
Well Dreamers; I just looked at your Blog. Coincidence Maybe, Found out as I we worked at A-Land and Amazon, Ky this past year. I did Games and was in Stow for the past 2 years.
I arrived yesterday in the Afternoon here at the Mammoth Cave Yogi Bear Camp Resort. I start Monday the 5th. Second season here. Do all their golf cart rental fleet repairs and ground maint. repairs and service. This is a short gig with all hours paid plus site and discounts. I will leave here in Mid-May.
Won't be going back to Iowa, I went to the Job fair at Amazon, so was hired for Beech Bend Splash Lagoon; not sure of my job function, the owner called in Feb. and said she will have an orientation day in May and there is many areas she feels I will be able to handle from what she read on my resume.
I will do Amazon next season, but hope that will be the last time there. Just a bit to demanding on my body.
Enjoyed your blog; I had been by Desert Sands back in 1980, on my move to Arizona. Most awesome was my visit of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle, Sedona, Prescott and the Mongollan Rim country north of Payson. When retirement income becomes reality I may move to west-central new Mexico so i am close to Payson due to Az. costs-of living. Happy Travels! Pieere
Dreamers said
12:00 AM Mar 12, 2012
Pierre, been trying to place you. We worked in rides at A-land and at Amazon, I was in the crissplant and my DH was in slamming. We worked nights and stayed at Heartland. We have a contractor postion with the Corps of Engineers this summer at Blackhawk Park near Desota, WI right on the Mississippi river. We will be doing fee collecting at the gate and will be inside a building. Won't be out in the weather like at Aland and only have to work 4 days per week.
Hope everything works out for you.
Judy and Bob
SK and Hutch said
04:08 AM Mar 12, 2012
Sherry and I arrived at the Indy KOA in Greenfield, Indiana yesterday. I start work here tomorrow. This will be my first workamping assignment. I love being around other camping people and look forward to greeting them into our KOA so if you are in the Indianapolis area stop in to say hi and rest a while.
Workinrvers said
03:24 PM Mar 12, 2012
Pierre,
Your post brought back some memories. We used to tent camp at Yogi when attending a motorcycle rally at Cave City back in the 80's. We also used to camp at Beach Bend Park in Bowling Green (I assume this is the same place you are working?) when I was growing up (almost 50 years ago, YIKES). Camping was 10 cents per night and they had racing on Saturday nights at a little track there as well as the small amusement park. Fun times for sure!
We will be starting our first summer work camping gig at the KOA in Terre Haute Indiana right off I-70. It's not Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon but it is close to family and will "get our feet wet" in regards to work camping.
Phil
PIEERE said
02:09 AM Mar 13, 2012
Dreamers: I was in games at Aland. If you ever seen me on the Little Blue Moped; then you know me! If you knew Bill Owens; I was in G-8 right next to him in the class-C. Hope all goes well with your new found employ! Pieere
PIEERE said
02:11 AM Mar 13, 2012
SK and Hutch: Vice-Versa; if you are near Bowling Green KY, I will be there until the end of Sept. Have fun with your new Opportunity! Pieere
PIEERE said
02:16 AM Mar 13, 2012
Workinrvers wrote:
Pierre,
Your post brought back some memories. We used to tent camp at Yogi when attending a motorcycle rally at Cave City back in the 80's. We also used to camp at Beach Bend Park in Bowling Green (I assume this is the same place you are working?) when I was growing up (almost 50 years ago, YIKES). Camping was 10 cents per night and they had racing on Saturday nights at a little track there as well as the small amusement park. Fun times for sure! This will be my first year at beech Bend; Something new! We will be starting our first summer work camping gig at the KOA in Terre Haute Indiana right off I-70. It's not Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon but it is close to family and will "get our feet wet" in regards to work camping.
Phil
Have a great year and it's nice to be close to Family. I have been wkamping off an on since 1998 and steady since the Fall of 09. Really enjoyable and you will meet life-long frienships along the way. Pieere
Ckerr said
04:45 AM Mar 13, 2012
We actually have a plan for the next several months... We're off to Branson, MO the end of this week where we will be managing a campground that needs some work. Then we'll head up to North Dakota to work at a campground for the summer. It's about 80 miles from where I grew up so it will be nice to spend some time there. Today we just signed on to work the sugar beet harvest in October also in North Dakota. After that we think we will head back down to Coffeyville, KS and work at Amazon for the holiday season.
Next mission is to line up something that pays someplace warm starting in January!
RVRon said
10:14 PM Mar 14, 2012
We're about to start our life as fulltimers and planned to workamp or volunteer for 6 months every year. That plan just came together in the last couple of weeks. We'll be working at an RV park in Moab, UT for 2 months (April to June) and just today lined up a volunteer position at a Florida State Park in south Florida for December - March. We're really looking forward to both positions since they're in areas of the country that we really enjoy.
TXRVr said
01:12 AM Mar 15, 2012
Last year, I turned down an opportunity to work camp with Amazon. I am very grateful that I found a more rewarding job instead.
I was not happy with all of the hoops that Amazon wanted me to jump thru. I appreciate normal procedures to insure that they don't hire serial killers, but about half way thru the process I knew that they had gone absurdly overboard. Probably as a result of one of their stuffed shirt, lawyers who couldn't identify an RV if his life depended on it.
And, when I researched the opportunity, I found some unfavorable comments from work campers - very few of which were pay related. Seems that Amazon compensates well, but one needs to be somewhat mindless and surrender to management's expectations.
If one isn't in need of the money to maintain survivabilty, then work camping should be "somewhat" a fun experience. Give it one's best to the employer, but don't put up with BS.
Ckerr said
03:49 AM Mar 15, 2012
I workamped at Amazon in Coffeyville, KS last season. The work isn't that hard, but it is mindless and one needs to be able to let go of any expectation that you will make it better. Just do your job, ignore the BS and collect the paycheck. Oh, and don't let your 25 year old supervisor get under your skin... lol
On the upside, I DID meet my fiance, Kevin, there as well as some other great RVers who we stay in touch with. And I lost 10 lbs or so.
We're not 100% sure we will go back this year. It would conveniently fit into our travel plans and allow us to spend Christmas with Kevin's family as it's just about 5 hours down the road from them. But if something better someplace warmer surfaces I'm pretty sure we will be all over that!
PIEERE said
05:45 PM Mar 15, 2012
No: amazon is not for everyone! They do have many hoops to jump through! Keeps the honest ones' honest. People have been caught trying to take computers, gadgets, and even a few opening up product and sampling the goodies. Same outcome: terminated. I did what they asked and nothing more, no suggestions, just their puppet on a string. for a better than most paying job and site and utilities; I can deal with 7 weeks of 52 in a year.
The best is all the fellow workampers that have become friends, even some of the regular workers are happy to have us there. We all have have many diifferent aspects to workamping and I believe it is a good thing.
Pieere
I would like to thank all of you for the various comments! I'm not trying to defend Amazon or any other employer. I hope not to take so much physically demanding jobs once my retirement income kicks in. Pieere
-- Edited by PIEERE on Sunday 25th of March 2012 08:59:33 AM
Workinrvers said
10:31 PM Mar 25, 2012
Rudee and I arrived at the Terre Haute KOA for our first "traditional" work camping assignment. I will be keeping my blog updated regularly on our work and experiences here so feel free to follow along. She will be in the office and I will be an "outside" guy. Should be an interesting summer! We arrived to day and start our work/training tomorrow. If any of you are traveling along I-70 in Indiana this summer feel free to stop in for a visit, would love to meet some fellow RV dreamers!
Phil
road of happy destiny said
05:33 AM Jun 22, 2012
Hi yeah I guess we've been workamping for the last 9 onths here in Hotter than H-ll AZ. We love our job, here working at the entrance gate and collecting fees. Right now its hot, " really hot ". But we have no humidity so its more bearable. Because we have lived in the area for about 7 years we're pretty used to the weather. Fall through mid spring is fabulous, temps in the mid 70's during the day and around 40 at night. Snakes and Scorpions hibernate(?) most of winter. We have 28 miles of hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, campground has 36 sites with electric being put in now, horse staging area and competivetiv (spg) bike track.
When the Park Manager asked us how long we to commit to I told him sometime in Oct. 2013. We have since changed hat to mid March 2014. Beca8ce of the fact that he had no host at the gate in tthe summer he was kind of elated. We have a great site that is covered (great with the sun beating down all day) WSE, propane, ice, laundry, and a truck/van to drive when on duty. So anyone interested check out Maricopa White Tanks Park. Oh BTW, there are 10 other County CG that have hosts. Hope this heelps
road of happy destiny said
12:26 AM Jun 23, 2012
Whoops. I meant there are 10 parks in Maricopa County that will need hosts during the summer and winter.
Tom Hallock
-- Edited by road of happy destiny on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 01:27:49 AM
BillM said
04:50 PM Jun 24, 2012
We have been on the road for almost 2 years now and have taken our first workamping position this summer at Adventureland in Iowa. We have considered doing the Amazon thing and might give that a try at some point –but it will not fit into our plans this year.
Last winter we hoped to work for Disney in Florida, but they did not hire any seasonal workers.
PIEERE said
02:29 PM Jun 25, 2012
BillM: So How do you like A-land? I did games there in 2010-11 season. Could not make it back due to a heart attack this past March. I am at Beech Bend Splash Lagoon in Ky, I rotate between games and ride operations. Becoming very hot here and may have to talk to the owners about reducing the hours worked. I was working 40+ and cut back to around 35. I would like to work amazon in Campbellsville for the 3rd season but 4-10 hour days just won't coincide with my health. I have an appt this Thursday with the Doctor and will know more about reducing any future plans. Pieere
BillM said
06:07 PM Jun 26, 2012
Pieere –
We are in rides. It has been interesting; there are things we like and things that we don’t like. It is so much fun to see the kids and adults having a great time and thank you for the ride. On the other side getting cursed at for enforcing the rules does not make one want to come to work. Lots of the people working here are very nice so that has been a positive.We have had a few hot days and understand there are lots more to come – so we will see what we think then.
Overall we are not planning on coming back here next year – it will be time to travel elsewhere.
Good luck with doctors and your health.
BRDof3 said
07:33 PM Jun 27, 2012
Workinrvers wrote:
Working as a Gate Guard in South Texas as I write this, been at the gate now for 7 weeks. We will be working until 1st of February or so and then do some tourist stuff. We have a more "conventional" work camping gig at the KOA in Terre Haute Indiana starting in April and going through September. This is close to our grand kids and we are looking forward to that!
Not sure what next winter will bring, gate guarding is not too bad, the $$ are decent but there are no "days off". The gate has to be manned 24/7 so one works nights while the other works days. I guess I always pictured us work camping in a park somewhere, not in the middle of nowhere Texas but like I said the money is decent and the work is not difficult.
Phil
Phil,
I hope the KOA gig suits you well. I work part-time for a local KOA, mainly because I enjoy the work and love to hang around the campground. As a fellow "outside guy" here's a toast to a good summer for you.
Workinrvers said
04:15 AM Jun 28, 2012
BRDof3 wrote:
Workinrvers wrote:
Working as a Gate Guard in South Texas as I write this, been at the gate now for 7 weeks. We will be working until 1st of February or so and then do some tourist stuff. We have a more "conventional" work camping gig at the KOA in Terre Haute Indiana starting in April and going through September. This is close to our grand kids and we are looking forward to that!
Not sure what next winter will bring, gate guarding is not too bad, the $$ are decent but there are no "days off". The gate has to be manned 24/7 so one works nights while the other works days. I guess I always pictured us work camping in a park somewhere, not in the middle of nowhere Texas but like I said the money is decent and the work is not difficult.
Phil
Phil,
I hope the KOA gig suits you well. I work part-time for a local KOA, mainly because I enjoy the work and love to hang around the campground. As a fellow "outside guy" here's a toast to a good summer for you.
Thanks and "cheers" to you as well. We are enjoying our jobs the majority of the time, of course every now and then it's not all peaches and cream but thankfully those time are few and far between.
I have been cooking, parking, mowing, wrangled donkeys, helped re-tile floors, poured concrete, fixed a leaky pool pump and been an all around "gofer" . I get to drive a golf cart as well as a fork lift, Gator, Bobcat and even give train rides to the kiddies occasionaly. Needless to say we are learning a lot and having fun at the same time. No complaints here
terenad said
05:13 PM Jul 4, 2012
Hi Pierre, My husband and I are considering Beech Bend for next year. What type of compensation do they have, and how are you enjoying it so far? Thanks!!
-- Edited by terenad on Wednesday 4th of July 2012 05:14:14 PM
RoadWorker said
05:10 AM Jul 17, 2012
Hi Dreamers - We have been full timing for 12 years and I still have a year to go before SS. So - it can be done. It is the BEST way to live. Expenses are low, so you don't need as much cash as you think as long as you get rid of that anchor of a house and mortgage and extra vehicles, etc, etc, etc...
So here is my two bits. Please think twice before you volunteer for a space. First there are so many of us full timers who really need the cash to keep on the road and if a campground or RV park thinks they can get someone for free...then why hire us? Also, do the math. For the same money, you could be getting paid and pay for your space and have money in your pocket too. The volunteers are given the same tasks as those who get paid. I'm not looking to argue, I'm just asking people to take a long hard look at "volunteering" and how it effects the rest of us. (I also believe in service to our country, so I am only talking about private businesses - not our local, state and national parks)
Lucky Mike said
06:23 PM Jul 17, 2012
Seems the economy is getting to some of us!!!!
Sometimes one must stop and rethink the path they are traveling , I have yet to see the golden highway and spend alot of time on gravel roads.
If you think you can retire on workamper jobs and yet live a high lifestyle you might want to redefine what you consider good living........
life on the road is clean air , new adventures and the chance to exspand the greatest freindships in life in one Very large nieghborhood...
one step at a time.. Do it slowly one penny at a time.......the best part of it does not have a price on it and beyond basics doesnt cost a thing!!!
Lucky Mike said
06:37 PM Jul 17, 2012
I spent 4 years in a park rebuilding the pool, new bath houses , redoing underground waste & freshwater and pampering campers as they come and go for lot and utilities........
Because I agreed to the first season and wanted to for the next 3.......So its a personal choice in how one goes about fulltiming....Im not rich , I live day to day. But if you feel cheated because someone takes a job for Enjoyment and not taking money or a small stipend your doing something wrong.....
Not to mention a frame of mind like that would cut back on work opertunities and your budget in general!!!
PIEERE said
01:36 PM Jul 19, 2012
wow! Was not trying to open up a can-o-worms here. The topic is: How many do workamping jobs? If one decides to volunteer or take a job for finances that is his or her personal decision. Please don't turn this topic into arguing. This country has so many opportunities for every persons wants and needs be it work camping or other employment. Thanks for your cooperation in advance.
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 19th of July 2012 01:37:23 PM
Soody said
04:31 AM Jul 31, 2012
Hi Ron,
Just wondering how you enjoyed the Moab gig. I would love to spend a stretch of time in that area at some point. By June things must have been getting warm? Did you get to spend time at Arches et al? If so, how crowded was it? Thanks. Enjoy your summer.
Terry and Jo said
06:28 AM Jul 31, 2012
Soody wrote:
Hi Ron,
Just wondering how you enjoyed the Moab gig. I would love to spend a stretch of time in that area at some point. By June things must have been getting warm? Did you get to spend time at Arches et al? If so, how crowded was it? Thanks. Enjoy your summer.
Susan,
If you would be interested in Howard and Linda's experiences at Arches, go to their journal and look for the "Archives" and start out on February 27, 2008. They were there until the end of April of 2008 if I remember right. They have a lot of information about their "host' experiences and their excursions in the Arches area. Darn good reading there.
Incidentally, like other blogs, their journal's format is that when one gets to a month in particular, one will find the "top" entries are the latest and one has to use the "Next" button at the bottom of each page to go back in time.
Terry
Jack Mayer said
02:53 PM Jul 31, 2012
We have alsoworked at Arches, and our experience - at the time - is documented on our website. Take a look here.
At the time it was a decent job. I would not work there now, because things have changed and they ask for a far longer commitment.
The work At Amazon is very wearing on the body and mind; but pays us old geezers well along with FHU's. Changed mangement, and more demands from their work camper force. Another year and a 1/2 for early Retirement income than maybe I will consider a better choice.
Pieere
Pieere:
Sounds like you're about as tuckered out as my poor husband from Amazon. He's been at the Fernley, NV one since October. Not only is the work taxing (and he's a carpenter by trade and working construction is NOT easy), but so is the management. He's been frustrated for at least two months now by management and the increased demands (gotta make the numbers). The pay has been decent, but the rumored overtime almost nil and there were even days he was sent home due to lack of work on Amazons part. He will NOT be going back. That said (sigh) you sound like you've got some excellent plans for enjoying the next many months. Can't wait to see your photography from Champlain Valley (what a cool trip you have planned) so post them here if you can.
Relax, enjoy.
We're on to maybe gate guard back in TX, following surgery for me (fun). Take care.
-- Edited by GiniaJ on Saturday 17th of December 2011 10:34:55 AM
-- Edited by GiniaJ on Saturday 17th of December 2011 10:35:38 AM
I guess that you could say that I am "technically" Workamping until I retire next month, I live in a 5th wheel.
I don't have a deffinite date, still getting my ducks in a row. I am in the process of submitting my resume via workampers.com and looking for CGs in the areas that I want to be in, mostly close to grandkids. I call and ask if they use workampers and get a contact to send my resume. Hopeully I will have a commitment soon, so that I can make definite plans.
Good luck in fullfilling your Dreams.
Not sure what next winter will bring, gate guarding is not too bad, the $$ are decent but there are no "days off". The gate has to be manned 24/7 so one works nights while the other works days. I guess I always pictured us work camping in a park somewhere, not in the middle of nowhere Texas but like I said the money is decent and the work is not difficult.
Phil
We are also gate guarding at the Stanley ranch (Webb county) about 15 miles SW of Catarina. We are only 13 miles to the border but have had no problems and the Border Patrol is very active in this area. We have been here since mid-September and plan on staying thru the end of March. I think we are going to attend the Rally at Kerrville this year before we head North-AnywhereButTexas for the summer. This is a great location with very good people to work with. We have a large production plant for oil and both wet/dry gas production. There are 25 wells drilled so far and more to come. They just started fracking on a 3 well pad and then moving to a 4 well pad next. We have had up to 4 rigs drilling at the same time here so we stay very busy but the money is darn good.
Good luck to you.
Look at that! Three gate guarders in a row. We've been 12 miles west of Cotulla since early November and will be here until March 31st. Then off to our first festival in AZ and then I think we are going to try to make the rally in Kerrville before the next festival.
We still have at least 7 years to go until SS (if it's still there), so we find opportunities that pay well and we enjoy. I don't think either one of us would like the Amazon gig. So far we are planning on being back in TX for gate guarding next Winter, but I guess we should reserve our opinion until we've actually been doing it for more than 6 weeks!
Enjoy your trip Pieere. Sounds wonderful!
Doris
On the gate guarding gigs. I have no partner so don't believe that would be a good option, unless i could get my clone to work; he's lazy!
.
Hey every one; how about some different employment ventures?
Everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year!
Pieere
Connie and I will be not workamping much . . .although if we get bored we might do some volunteering or take a gig in an area we want to spend awhile in. She's a med tech by training and might take on some part time hospital lab work when/if we're in one location for the winter just to keep her hand and because she likes that stuff. I've been the computer geek for the past 20 years or so . . .can't decide if I want to do some consulting on the road or not . . .mostly I don't want to spend hours per day marketing and hunting clients when I'm supposed to be retired and loving life.
You never know though . . .maybe I'll get tired of hiking, kayaking, and bike riding.
Right now getting multiple offers so it is hard to pin something down. Just trying to find the right fit/location/money. It seems to us that the interview/hiring process for workamping assignments tends to be a bit loose... or maybe it's just us. At any rate it is an adjustment...
Curious about your experiences with Legacy. We've considered 2 of their parks... one north of Houston and one in Oklahoma. Hopefully going to Branson instead, but might end up in Oklahoma yet...
Our situation is different than most for now, as we still operate a 9 month local business (school related),but we live full/time in our rig. Since its continuation is based on contract renewal each year (very competitive), we can never be sure. Besides, that keeps us static longer than we want to be, but at least we have summer. As we will both be 65 this year and our full retirement age is 66, we need to work at least another year. Our other business which can be operated from the road, (I am a forensic consultant), is subject to wide fluctuation in volume as it takes in a very specialized area. It is sometimes good,as in 2011, but I can also go some time with nothing new. If the school business doesn't renew, we'll sell the equipment and hit the road this June, but in any event, need to keep active,as I know it is essential to well-being.(not to mention the $'s).
Since we are static in a very active RV park, I've spoken to lots of folks who seem to have no problem finding work other than Amazon, or with abusive employers. Gate-guarding, as long as you understand what it is seems like it's worth a try. I've seen other than oil related gigs for security.Doing seasonal retail has worked for some. Workcamper News seems to be the best source,forums like this one are of course invaluable, as actual experiences can be shared. Don't forget to ask at places you stay. This summer, on the way back from the east coast, we mentioned that we plan to workcamp,and were offered on the spot employment, with decent pay,for good folks (we observed them for the week we stayed there). Unfortunately we had commitments to keep back here. If I have to do three or four things to live the way I want to, I'm up for that. Just keep a positive attitude. Richard
Occasionally we do a workamping gig when it fits. We love the variety of it when it works out. We've done everything from working at Amazon (Coffeyville, 2009), presenting at RV resorts and installing WiFi networks for a RV Park.
- Cherie
Judy
I arrived yesterday in the Afternoon here at the Mammoth Cave Yogi Bear Camp Resort. I start Monday the 5th. Second season here. Do all their golf cart rental fleet repairs and ground maint. repairs and service. This is a short gig with all hours paid plus site and discounts. I will leave here in Mid-May.
Won't be going back to Iowa, I went to the Job fair at Amazon, so was hired for Beech Bend Splash Lagoon; not sure of my job function, the owner called in Feb. and said she will have an orientation day in May and there is many areas she feels I will be able to handle from what she read on my resume.
I will do Amazon next season, but hope that will be the last time there. Just a bit to demanding on my body.
Enjoyed your blog; I had been by Desert Sands back in 1980, on my move to Arizona. Most awesome was my visit of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle, Sedona, Prescott and the Mongollan Rim country north of Payson. When retirement income becomes reality I may move to west-central new Mexico so i am close to Payson due to Az. costs-of living. Happy Travels! Pieere
Hope everything works out for you.
Judy and Bob
Sherry and I arrived at the Indy KOA in Greenfield, Indiana yesterday. I start work here tomorrow. This will be my first workamping assignment. I love being around other camping people and look forward to greeting them into our KOA so if you are in the Indianapolis area stop in to say hi and rest a while.
Your post brought back some memories. We used to tent camp at Yogi when attending a motorcycle rally at Cave City back in the 80's. We also used to camp at Beach Bend Park in Bowling Green (I assume this is the same place you are working?) when I was growing up (almost 50 years ago, YIKES). Camping was 10 cents per night and they had racing on Saturday nights at a little track there as well as the small amusement park. Fun times for sure!
We will be starting our first summer work camping gig at the KOA in Terre Haute Indiana right off I-70. It's not Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon but it is close to family and will "get our feet wet" in regards to work camping.
Phil
Dreamers: I was in games at Aland. If you ever seen me on the Little Blue Moped; then you know me! If you knew Bill Owens; I was in G-8 right next to him in the class-C. Hope all goes well with your new found employ! Pieere
SK and Hutch: Vice-Versa; if you are near Bowling Green KY, I will be there until the end of Sept. Have fun with your new Opportunity! Pieere
Next mission is to line up something that pays someplace warm starting in January!
We're about to start our life as fulltimers and planned to workamp or volunteer for 6 months every year. That plan just came together in the last couple of weeks. We'll be working at an RV park in Moab, UT for 2 months (April to June) and just today lined up a volunteer position at a Florida State Park in south Florida for December - March. We're really looking forward to both positions since they're in areas of the country that we really enjoy.
Last year, I turned down an opportunity to work camp with Amazon. I am very grateful that I found a more rewarding job instead.
I was not happy with all of the hoops that Amazon wanted me to jump thru. I appreciate normal procedures to insure that they don't hire serial killers, but about half way thru the process I knew that they had gone absurdly overboard. Probably as a result of one of their stuffed shirt, lawyers who couldn't identify an RV if his life depended on it.
And, when I researched the opportunity, I found some unfavorable comments from work campers - very few of which were pay related. Seems that Amazon compensates well, but one needs to be somewhat mindless and surrender to management's expectations.
If one isn't in need of the money to maintain survivabilty, then work camping should be "somewhat" a fun experience. Give it one's best to the employer, but don't put up with BS.
On the upside, I DID meet my fiance, Kevin, there as well as some other great RVers who we stay in touch with. And I lost 10 lbs or so.
We're not 100% sure we will go back this year. It would conveniently fit into our travel plans and allow us to spend Christmas with Kevin's family as it's just about 5 hours down the road from them. But if something better someplace warmer surfaces I'm pretty sure we will be all over that!
No: amazon is not for everyone!
They do have many hoops to jump through! Keeps the honest ones' honest. People have been caught trying to take computers, gadgets, and even a few opening up product and sampling the goodies. Same outcome: terminated. I did what they asked and nothing more, no suggestions, just their puppet on a string. for a better than most paying job and site and utilities; I can deal with 7 weeks of 52 in a year. 
The best is all the fellow workampers that have become friends, even some of the regular workers are happy to have us there. We all have have many diifferent aspects to workamping and I believe it is a good thing.
Pieere
I would like to thank all of you for the various comments! I'm not trying to defend Amazon or any other employer. I hope not to take so much physically demanding jobs once my retirement income kicks in. Pieere
-- Edited by PIEERE on Sunday 25th of March 2012 08:59:33 AM
If any of you are traveling along I-70 in Indiana this summer feel free to stop in for a visit, would love to meet some fellow RV dreamers!
Phil
When the Park Manager asked us how long we to commit to I told him sometime in Oct. 2013. We have since changed hat to mid March 2014. Beca8ce of the fact that he had no host at the gate in tthe summer he was kind of elated. We have a great site that is covered (great with the sun beating down all day) WSE, propane, ice, laundry, and a truck/van to drive when on duty. So anyone interested check out Maricopa White Tanks Park. Oh BTW, there are 10 other County CG that have hosts. Hope this heelps
Whoops. I meant there are 10 parks in Maricopa County that will need hosts during the summer and winter.
Tom Hallock
-- Edited by road of happy destiny on Saturday 23rd of June 2012 01:27:49 AM
Last winter we hoped to work for Disney in Florida, but they did not hire any seasonal workers.
Pieere –
We are in rides. It has been interesting; there are things we like and things that we don’t like. It is so much fun to see the kids and adults having a great time and thank you for the ride. On the other side getting cursed at for enforcing the rules does not make one want to come to work. Lots of the people working here are very nice so that has been a positive.We have had a few hot days and understand there are lots more to come – so we will see what we think then.
Overall we are not planning on coming back here next year – it will be time to travel elsewhere.
Good luck with doctors and your health.
Phil,
I hope the KOA gig suits you well. I work part-time for a local KOA, mainly because I enjoy the work and love to hang around the campground. As a fellow "outside guy" here's a toast to a good summer for you.
Thanks and "cheers" to you as well. We are enjoying our jobs the majority of the time, of course every now and then it's not all peaches and cream but thankfully those time are few and far between.
I have been cooking, parking, mowing, wrangled donkeys, helped re-tile floors, poured concrete, fixed a leaky pool pump and been an all around "gofer"
. I get to drive a golf cart as well as a fork lift, Gator, Bobcat and even give train rides to the kiddies occasionaly. Needless to say we are learning a lot and having fun at the same time. No complaints here 
Hi Pierre, My husband and I are considering Beech Bend for next year. What type of compensation do they have, and how are you enjoying it so far? Thanks!!
-- Edited by terenad on Wednesday 4th of July 2012 05:14:14 PM
So here is my two bits. Please think twice before you volunteer for a space. First there are so many of us full timers who really need the cash to keep on the road and if a campground or RV park thinks they can get someone for free...then why hire us? Also, do the math. For the same money, you could be getting paid and pay for your space and have money in your pocket too. The volunteers are given the same tasks as those who get paid. I'm not looking to argue, I'm just asking people to take a long hard look at "volunteering" and how it effects the rest of us. (I also believe in service to our country, so I am only talking about private businesses - not our local, state and national parks)
Seems the economy is getting to some of us!!!!
Sometimes one must stop and rethink the path they are traveling , I have yet to see the golden highway and spend alot of time on gravel roads.
If you think you can retire on workamper jobs and yet live a high lifestyle you might want to redefine what you consider good living........
life on the road is clean air , new adventures and the chance to exspand the greatest freindships in life in one Very large nieghborhood...
one step at a time.. Do it slowly one penny at a time.......the best part of it does not have a price on it and beyond basics doesnt cost a thing!!!
I spent 4 years in a park rebuilding the pool, new bath houses , redoing underground waste & freshwater and pampering campers as they come and go for lot and utilities........
Because I agreed to the first season and wanted to for the next 3.......So its a personal choice in how one goes about fulltiming....Im not rich , I live day to day. But if you feel cheated because someone takes a job for Enjoyment and not taking money or a small stipend your doing something wrong.....
Not to mention a frame of mind like that would cut back on work opertunities and your budget in general!!!
wow! Was not trying to open up a can-o-worms here. The topic is: How many do workamping jobs? If one decides to volunteer or take a job for finances that is his or her personal decision. Please don't turn this topic into arguing. This country has so many opportunities for every persons wants and needs be it work camping or other employment. Thanks for your cooperation in advance.
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 19th of July 2012 01:37:23 PM
Hi Ron,
Just wondering how you enjoyed the Moab gig. I would love to spend a stretch of time in that area at some point. By June things must have been getting warm? Did you get to spend time at Arches et al? If so, how crowded was it? Thanks. Enjoy your summer.
Susan,
If you would be interested in Howard and Linda's experiences at Arches, go to their journal and look for the "Archives" and start out on February 27, 2008. They were there until the end of April of 2008 if I remember right. They have a lot of information about their "host' experiences and their excursions in the Arches area. Darn good reading there.
Incidentally, like other blogs, their journal's format is that when one gets to a month in particular, one will find the "top" entries are the latest and one has to use the "Next" button at the bottom of each page to go back in time.
Terry
We have alsoworked at Arches, and our experience - at the time - is documented on our website. Take a look here.
At the time it was a decent job. I would not work there now, because things have changed and they ask for a far longer commitment.