First of all, a quick thanks to the users of this forum who helped me out - some months ago - with some kit questions before I was heading off to Patagonia. I had a great time out there and none of my kit let me down (actually I was amazed at how little clothing I needed in order to survive outside for 3 weeks).
So, onto my question. As someone who has always had an interest in outdoor pursuits, but spent most of their working life indoors, I'm seriously considering a change of career. I'm considering mountain ledership and SPA but for these I need to log lots more experience than I already have. A traineeship or some sort of introductory course would be great, but these can be expensive (especially when you've just spent all your money getting to South America). Also, I'm 30 now and imagine I might have a hard time convincing prospective employers about my seriousness and commintment to this career change...
Has anyone out there made a similar change? Do you have experience working or recruiting in the outdoor industry? Maybe you have your own guide business or or a qualified instructor?
I guess a change of proffession depends alot on circumstances. I am assuming that you have discussed it with the people that matter, your family and that they support you. With that in mind I would say go for it, you obviously feel passionate about working in the outdoors. I would suggest that you dont put all your eggs in one basket though, perhaps reduce your hours at your present job and try to find a part time job in the area you want as a taster, you may find that you hate it (the grass is always greener and all that).
All I can do is wish you good luck and hope that it works out for you. As for future employers, I think that your passion and enthusiasm will show and certainly give you the drive you need.
Its always best to give your dreams a shot, you dont want to get older and think what if?
Sorry I cant help with suggestions of courses etc as I have no experience of them, I just thought I would share my opinions with you.
Hey Andy, here's something that might interest you.. Play Y Brenin are offering a late deal (i.e. it starts on sunday) on a Mountain Leader Preperation Week course.
This is what it says on the site -
"Open to anyone with an interest in the ML or WGL award scheme, this week is not an official MLTUK course but simply a low-pressure opportunity for you to enjoy an in-depth insight into what the Mountain Leader Training course is all about.."
Thanks for the wise words, I certainly believe you've got to give these things a try and even if it doesn't work out how you imagined, it should be a good learning experience. Anything worth doing isn't usually that easy to do!
Neil,
I think I just missed this offer - sounded ideal though! I hadn't checked on the forum for a week or so (was expecting email updates) so I was too late, but I will keep my eye on their special offers page in the future.
From what I've read and heard, working in the outdoors industry as a whole usually involves poor pay, insecure work, being out when you have to be not when you want to be, etc etc. It's something you'll do because you really really want to, it's not a route to making a good living.
How about this for an idea. First off, get outdoors at every possible opportunity in all kinds of places and weathers and aim to build your own skills up as much as you are able to. Meanwhile, cast around for organisations who will let you lead walks without any qualifications: could be local Ramblers groups or similar; maybe Scout groups and School groups would let you tag along (you'd need a CRB check); the idea being to see if leading a group of people (likely inexperienced) really is your thing, or drives you up the wall -- if the latter, you have answer! You could also ask for people's candid opinion of whether you've got what it takes...
If after doing all of that for a while you are convinced that this is what you want to do, then go ahead with the ML training and take it from there.
What I'm driving at is that just because you love the outdoors doesn't mean you'd make a good leader or guide, or that anyone would employ you. There's nothing worse than making your hobby your job and ending up detesting what was your hobby...
There is no or very little money in guiding. I know from experience. You need a back-up plan or as has been indicated above do it part-time (weekends) until you see how things progress. There are a lot of guides out there at the moment and not a lot of customers.
Your courses and insurance will take away any of the money you initially make.
Outdoor pursuits work is almost always done for the love of it and not the money; which as others have said, is not brilliant compared to other professions. Most people I know who work in the outdoors are highly talented and would earn a lot more doing something else. On the other hand, there are more important things in life than money although some people find outdoor work repetitive and you can feel as though your skills are regressing to the level of your course attendees unless you work hard at maintaining your own skills. I think, as others have said, the easiest way is to do something else whilst you build up the skills in your spare time. You should be able to do both your SPA and Summer ML within 2 years if you are committed. When I was your age I was going climbing or hillwalking every other weekend because that's what I wanted to do. Your group leading experience does not have to be very formal. Leading a group of friends or organizing a club walk is fine. The main thing is that you are taking responsibility for the route and the group. Thirty is not at all old. Lots of people do their IML after they have retired from other work such as teaching, police, civil service or the armed forces. Lucky them!
my girlfriend works in a outdoore centre shes not had a day off since she started it hard going she says but she enjoys it.she didnt have any experiencein this field of work they are training her up for a year.maybe you should look into one of the outdoor centres for a job just a thought.
I am now self-employed for a number of paying activities.......
the going day rate for outdoor stuff is somewaht less than 50% or my other activities...and guess which of the two I actually need qualifications for to get work at all....
If you have the time, try getting involved with something like the Scouts, Cadets, or other organisations. I was a civilian instructor with the Air Cadets for a while having been a cadets and they ran subsidised courses in all kinds of things for staff. It will give you the leadership experience to put in your log book and if you're lucky they may even pay for your training, assessments, etc.
You won't get rich doing any of this stuff if you do gain your qualis, but you can earn a living doing something you love, which really is priceless if money isn't the be all and end all for you.
30 isnt OLD.. My Dad didnt start his Outdoor Career until his Mid-30's, and he went on to make Head Instructor at a couple of places. I am mid 20's now, and hopefully starting mine soon.
Main thing to take into account is the amount you need to sacrifice. Unless your Fam are 100% behind you, and are prepared for the insecurity which your early career will definatley bring you, then I wouldnt even consider it.
). Also, I'm 30 now and imagine I might have a hard time convincing prospective employers about my seriousness and commintment to this career change...
