Workaway

www.workaway.info/

I have been thinking about what I want to do after college. Yes, I'll most likely go to Grad school. But, I'm thinking about in between semesters and after college is done.

I have VERY little training in physical labor and outdoorsy stuff. This is a kind of interesting way of easing into the lifestyle. Workaway is an organization that has hosts who host workers. The workers work. The hosts provide room and board. Times are negotiable. So, staying on a farm in Colorado for 3 months could be feasible. Weekends off... could come see Jackie or drive to Grand Junction to see a student of mine.

There are tons of people across the country... I could be a nomadic Jedi for a bit.

Some of you may have spent time traveling younger... I never got that opportunity. While I have the time and the money saved, I'd like to learn some labor work skills, spend some time out doors (not all workaways, but some offer this!), and use the system to see Jedi across the country.

Thoughts on these kinds of programs?

I know there's the obvious: quality control. But, sticking to hosts with lots of positive reviews should be a good place to start. Costs? Really as long as I choose places that supply food and shelter, my only costs will be gas to drive and miscellaneous expenses (I'd guess 50-100 bucks a month... I don't spend that much now as a college student!).

*sigh* Am I missing a downside to this? Yes, it's the opportunity cost. I would be losing time to focus on a career. But, at this point, I don't even think I want to do what I'm on track to do now anyway. Maybe half a year or a year away from it all will provide perspective on what I really want.

I could meet new people... Broaden my extremely sheltered horizons. I could learn about poverty (some hosts are in poverty), hard work, and escaping a life of entitlement which is plaguing me.

Thoughts? Concerns? Adulations? *shrugs* It's really, really late here. I've called in a sick day for tomorrow. So, I'm just kinda chillin', using words like adulation at 2 AM.

Speaking as a wanderer my self I think it's a good idea iv bean places seen and done things I never would have if I hadn't in some cases things most will never see or do but it has its risks too

For what its worth - I think it sounds like a brilliant idea. From a cold hard capitalist perspective, employers (and increasingly Grad Schools) almost always look positively on candidates who have some 'real world' experience. Its especially important if you have been "plagued with a life of entitlement"! Workaway (for say 3 months to a year) would be a really tangible way for you to demonstrate that you appreciate the benefits of broad experience. You'll meet different and remarkable people, you'll muck in, learn new skills and probably emerge with some new perspectives and insights. Many people go away not knowing what they want to do career-wise and come back with clarity.

From a broader perspective, you could really help some people that need it.

I don't know if its available for US citizens (or whether there's a US equivalent) but VSO (Voluntary Service Organisation) is another great option if you felt going to Africa or Asia would be an option: http://www.vsointernational.org/