Blog

When I look back at my seasonal work journey, from the scorching deserts of Arizona to the snowy peaks of Colorado and Tahoe, and the kelp forests of Catalina Island, it’s easy to focus on the crazy jobs. But there is so much more behind each of these short stories. Seasonal life didn't just give me a paycheck; it completely changed the trajectory of my life. Immersion Over Itineraries Sure, anyone can visit all 50 states and check national parks off their little list. But ho

After my winter in Lake Tahoe, I packed up and headed back to Catalina Island. But this time was different. I didn’t see this as just another temporary seasonal run. I was returning single, ready to fully immerse myself, and determined to stay year-round until I grew tired of it. Spoiler alert: I didn’t grow tired of it. It took a major plot twist to finally get me to leave. But before that happened, I experienced the absolute best of what island life has to offer. Becoming P

After an incredible summer working the beach club on Catalina Island, the snow was calling my name again. But before I made Catalina my permanent year-round home, I had one more mountain to conquer: Lake Tahoe, California. I packed up my trusty Jeep once again, but this time I wasn't going alone. I brought along my friend Kyle, who I actually met working on Catalina. In a crazy small-world twist, he is also originally from Michigan! He had never really traveled outside of the

As much as I loved the powder days and the mountain family I built in Steamboat Springs, the ocean was calling me back. I had gotten a tiny taste of Catalina Island the previous fall, but this time, I was committing to a full summer season from April through October. This time around, things were different. I wasn't just a wide-eyed newbie figuring out where the grocery store was. I came back ready to work hard, save a lot of money, and completely immerse myself in island lif

After a glorious spring in the Arizona desert and an incredible summer living on Catalina Island, I knew exactly what kind of adventure I wanted next: a real mountain winter. Growing up in Michigan, I spent my childhood skiing with my family before eventually switching to snowboarding when I was about 14. But let’s be real, Midwest hills don't exactly compare to the Rockies. In the fall of 2021, I flew back home to Michigan, grabbed my winter gear and my snowboard, packed up

As much as my first seasonal job in Arizona was packed with weekend adventures to Zion, riding side-by-sides just outside of Bryce Canyon, and taking trips to Slide Rock, the desert eventually takes its toll. By mid-summer, the average daily temperature was sitting at a scorching 105 degrees. You literally could not leave your house without a Hydro Flask attached to your hip. I loved the desert, the bonfires, and the amazing friends I made, but I am an ocean girl at heart. Ad