Preparing for your Next Workamping Job
05-07-2018
Author: in Workamping
Your application was processed, you nailed the interview, and you just received a call from the hiring department. They’d love you to join the team this season! You enthusiastically read your acceptance letter and sign the contract! Congratulations on your new workamping gig! Now what?
Workamping jobs vary in the way of physical demands, skill sets, and location. The first week or so of any workamping job is an adjustment period. Learning the company policies, procedures, and equipment/software can pose a challenge. On top of that, if the location is new to you, figuring your way around town and locating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats can be a bit overwhelming.
In an attempt to make our transition to a new workamping gig seamless, we take a proactive stance on our part. Many times, these small preparations help create a fluid transition since we feel more confident mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Get Physical
Some of the more popular workamping jobs like Amazon or Sugar Beet Harvest require employees to be on their feet for at least ten hours a day for a minimum of four consecutive days. Retail positions and tour guides require the same footwork, just fewer hours.
Regardless of the length of time, if you are someone that finds it a chore to walk outside the rig to empty your grey and black water tanks or take the dog for a quick potty break, then you may want to increase your activity level. Daily walks and stretches are a start. Immediately transitioning from a sedentary life to daily activity is a shock to the system and a painful one, too.
Start your Training Early
Workamping jobs at campgrounds often require help in the front office with reservations. Many campgrounds utilize some form of software to aid in this process.
After accepting my first workamping position in the office at an RV park, I asked the owner/manager for any literature on the reservation program. She emailed a link to a tutorial on their specific system. I consider myself computer-savvy and I knew that I would be trained on this program once we arrived, but I personally felt more at ease having a heads up on its outline and basic functions.
With each campground job we’ve had since, aside from glimpsing the office software, I familiarize myself with the park rules and policies. They are easily obtained via company website. Policies and procedures are definitely covered during training, but if you are like me and learn through repetition and various learning styles, this tactic may be something to consider.
Learn about the Location
For us, learning about the location is quite possibly the best part about preparing for the new workamping job. Workamping is a means to continue our travels around the country. We typically select gigs in new-to-us locations. Besides planning to visit bucket list sites in and around our vicinity, we also try to locate businesses we will frequent for everyday needs like the grocery store, farmers market, automotive care center, pet supply store, bank, post office, and laundromat. We’ll also note the nearest hospital and veterinary clinic for emergency situations.
We know where and how far we are from these locations in advance; one less item to mess around with in unfamiliar territory. Plus, if you are working in a customer service related department, knowing the lay of the land helps if your customers need suggestions on things to do in the area or directions to a particular store or restaurant.
Regardless of how you choose to prepare yourself, always keep the communication lines open with your new employer in the interim. Severe weather may delay start dates and new, more desirable positions may be offered at the location as availability presents itself. If you have any additional questions about the job responsibilities, benefits, or on/off site living arrangements, it’s a good idea to ask before arriving, as well!
What are some ways you prepare for your next workamping gig? Share in the comments below.
Workamping jobs vary in the way of physical demands, skill sets, and location. The first week or so of any workamping job is an adjustment period. Learning the company policies, procedures, and equipment/software can pose a challenge. On top of that, if the location is new to you, figuring your way around town and locating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats can be a bit overwhelming.
Related Read: Workamping- How to Go Where You Want
In an attempt to make our transition to a new workamping gig seamless, we take a proactive stance on our part. Many times, these small preparations help create a fluid transition since we feel more confident mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Get Physical
Some of the more popular workamping jobs like Amazon or Sugar Beet Harvest require employees to be on their feet for at least ten hours a day for a minimum of four consecutive days. Retail positions and tour guides require the same footwork, just fewer hours.
Related Read: Workamping at the Sugar Beet Harvest: What to Wear
Regardless of the length of time, if you are someone that finds it a chore to walk outside the rig to empty your grey and black water tanks or take the dog for a quick potty break, then you may want to increase your activity level. Daily walks and stretches are a start. Immediately transitioning from a sedentary life to daily activity is a shock to the system and a painful one, too.
Start your Training Early
Workamping jobs at campgrounds often require help in the front office with reservations. Many campgrounds utilize some form of software to aid in this process.
After accepting my first workamping position in the office at an RV park, I asked the owner/manager for any literature on the reservation program. She emailed a link to a tutorial on their specific system. I consider myself computer-savvy and I knew that I would be trained on this program once we arrived, but I personally felt more at ease having a heads up on its outline and basic functions.
With each campground job we’ve had since, aside from glimpsing the office software, I familiarize myself with the park rules and policies. They are easily obtained via company website. Policies and procedures are definitely covered during training, but if you are like me and learn through repetition and various learning styles, this tactic may be something to consider.
Learn about the Location
For us, learning about the location is quite possibly the best part about preparing for the new workamping job. Workamping is a means to continue our travels around the country. We typically select gigs in new-to-us locations. Besides planning to visit bucket list sites in and around our vicinity, we also try to locate businesses we will frequent for everyday needs like the grocery store, farmers market, automotive care center, pet supply store, bank, post office, and laundromat. We’ll also note the nearest hospital and veterinary clinic for emergency situations.
Related Read: Top 4 Websites that Advertise Workamping Jobs
We know where and how far we are from these locations in advance; one less item to mess around with in unfamiliar territory. Plus, if you are working in a customer service related department, knowing the lay of the land helps if your customers need suggestions on things to do in the area or directions to a particular store or restaurant.
Regardless of how you choose to prepare yourself, always keep the communication lines open with your new employer in the interim. Severe weather may delay start dates and new, more desirable positions may be offered at the location as availability presents itself. If you have any additional questions about the job responsibilities, benefits, or on/off site living arrangements, it’s a good idea to ask before arriving, as well!
What are some ways you prepare for your next workamping gig? Share in the comments below.
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Author: Levi and Natalie Henley
