The Unseasoned Weekly: January 27
What we wear and why it matters, getting rid of our inner "Chad", apply for a staff development role in Montana.
- Words from the other side of outdoor seasonal work-
The Check In
What are you wearing as you read this newsletter? Yes, I’m genuinely curious! Go ahead, do an actual head to toe audit.
Today, I’m dressed for a midday dog walk: warm black tights and cozy socks, flat boots, FunLuvin’ leopard print fleece skirt, hunter orange beanie, a “Cold Muthas Hockey” hoodie sweatshirt in a colorway described as merlot. It’s a mix of function and sass, both suited to an hour outside and showcasing some of my favorite parts of myself.
Uncomfortable talking about clothes and self-presentation? You’re not alone. My outdoors community is often sheepish about clothing and self-adornment. I get quiet asides and uncertain DMs, “Emerald, what do I wear to this conference? Emerald, I wish I could wear more bright colors…”
We’ve internalized the idea that if clothing isn’t also technical gear, it isn’t worth our money. We’re rightfully horrified by fast fashion and the wastefulness of the garment industry. Often without question, we adopt the standard dress of the straight, white, middle-aged men who formalized the outdoor industry.
Does a Carhartt pant, plaid shirt, and Bludstone boot actually represent how you feel on the inside? Perhaps! As a woman who came of age during the height of the noisyplume / rubyandrevolver outdoor influencer craze, you can bet I tried to make this look work for me. But it never felt quite right. I’ve been on a mission ever since to tap into my own personal style, independent from the unspoken rules of the outdoor industry or rural town I live in. I see my wardrobe sometimes as armor, sometimes as personal creative statement, and always as an inherently political act.
The upcoming February monthly challenge is all about translating your outdoor seasonal clothing into a both functional and aesthetic wardrobe for your year round life.
In four weeks we’ll go from closet full of company logo button-downs, nothing to wear :( → feeling myselllfff :) All without buying a thing.
Here’s a preview:
Week 1: Outfit SOS. A tried and true formula for creating a polished conference, interview, or indoor-job outfit from your outdoor seasonal wardrobe.
Week 2: Identifying Your Personal Style. Tips, tricks, and tools for identifying what you feel great in and how you want to present yourself to the world.
Week 3: Closet Audit. A system for assessing and reimagining the wardrobe you already own.
Week 4: Style Bootcamp. Let’s take everything we’ve learned and construct three *perfect for you* go-to outfits.
Heads up! This challenge - starting February 6 - will be sent only to paid subscribers. $5/month gives you full access, with the opportunity to cancel or pull back to a free subscription at any time.
- Questions for Your Next Journal or Hike -
On Reflection
- Dispatches from the Unseasoned Community -
Heard on Social
This week on Instagram, we’re talking about our number one job search cheerleader or detractor… the inner voice.
Join us this week to learn with our community of over 4,000!
Note from Emerald: In 2025, the “How I’d Apply” section will be available weekly to paid subscribers and once-per-month (paywall free!) to all subscribers. This is the paywall free edition. Enjoy and thank you to our paid subscribers who make this possible!
Emerald’s Free Resource Library
Resume and CV templates, career transition therapist and coach recommendations, and more. What would you like to see in the library? Reply and let me know!
- Tips for your next application -
How I’d Apply
Many senior outdoor seasonal workers participate in training junior and incoming staff. This often aligns well with roles in staff development and training. Look for roles, often housed under HR departments, such as “Training Specialist” / “Staff Development Leader” / “Adult Learning Specialist” / “Instructional Designer” / “Workforce Development Specialist”. For example…
The Arc of Western Montana is hiring a Staff Development Specialist (Missoula, MT).
Unique Value Proposition (UVP): Highlight ways in which you’ve designed and implemented training (external and in-house) for a variety of adults, including both fellow outdoor seasonal staff and paying guests or participants.
Sample Resume Bullet Point:
Training Program Tracking: Designed and implemented an adult training tracking system for a team of XX employees, resulting in automated notifications to managers for staff approaching or overdue on training requirements.
Flags / Interview Questions to Ask:
“What is one surprising or unexpected aspect of working on the Arc team?”
This is a great question for understanding how an organization functions on the inside. A positive response (“How close and supportive our leadership is! I feel like they truly have my back…) often indicates a green flag organization. A negative response (“People don’t understand how exhausting this role can be…”) might give you pause.
Hiring Manager: Reach out to Evora McDonald (Chief HR Officer) via email or LinkedIn once you’ve applied!
Need a script for outreach? Find one in the Job Application Checklist here.
Continuing Ed: While a Masters of Education in Adult Education and Training could be in your future, I suggest starting with a simple 101 course such as this one first.
Open Jobs Grab Bag
Get a Foot In: Visual Journalism Fellowship (Helena, Montana) - Montana Free Press
Early Career: Fullsteam / The Flybook (Remote) - Marketing Specialist
Go Pro: Trust for Public Land (Oregon) - Project Manager - Oregon
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