Growing up, my upbringing emphasized a conventional route to success: attend university, secure a job in your field, get married, buy a house, and start a family. This narrative, passed down from my parents and echoed by the high school guidance counselor, was the blueprint I was following as I neared the completion of my second year in biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph in 2016.
My intention after finishing the school year was to land a summer engineering position to enhance my resume. However, after facing rejections from various Ontario job applications, I unexpectedly found employment at a horseback trail riding establishment in Banff National Park. This opportunity diverged significantly from my planned trajectory, yet my childhood experiences on my family farm in southern Ontario had equipped me with the skills needed to excel in this role.
In Banff, I immersed myself in the rugged beauty of the Rockies on horseback, fulfilling my childhood dream of riding in the mountains. While guiding guests, I relished leading them through pine-filled forests, steering horse-drawn wagons along the Bow River, and escorting them to meadows teeming with elk and wildflowers.
My perspective on a fulfilling life evolved to appreciate the simple joys, like a tranquil morning before a busy day or the gratitude for residing in a breathtaking environment. It also encompassed enduring challenging days, such as enduring long hours in the rain, knowing that warmth and comfort awaited me by the fire with a steaming cup of tea at the end of my shift.
Engaging in seasonal work introduced me to remarkable individuals who left a lasting impact on my life. I encountered individuals in their late twenties taking career breaks, international travelers funding their journeys through seasonal jobs, and full-time seasonal workers alternating between summer and winter roles, with travel in between. These friendships reshaped my perception of what constitutes a fulfilling life.
The bonds forged through seasonal work, unlike those formed in academic settings or conventional workplaces, were deep and enduring. Living, working, and dining together around the clock for months at a time fostered connections that transcended distance and time.
While bidding farewell to these friends after intense months together was challenging, I embraced the transient nature of these relationships, understanding that diverse paths can lead to personal fulfillment. The experiences from seasonal work taught me that success is not confined to a predefined trajectory but is about surrounding oneself with positivity and enriching relationships.
Despite initial skepticism from my family when I pursued my cowgirl aspirations at a ranch in Cranbrook, B.C., post-graduation, they eventually embraced my unconventional path upon witnessing the profound impact of seasonal work on my personal growth and relationships. Currently, employed in international sales, a role that allows me to continue exploring the world, I credit my confidence to pursue this career shift to my experiences in seasonal work.
The outdoor challenges and independent problem-solving demanded by my guiding role cultivated self-trust and adaptability. While content in my current role, I occasionally yearn to return to the mountains and horses for a simpler existence.
The journey from pursuing an engineering career to realizing my dreams has reshaped my perception of success. Embracing change, exploring new avenues, and deriving joy from experiences have become the essence of living, lessons instilled in me by my time in seasonal work.