The Unseasoned Weekly: June 17
Apply for a role as a customer retention specialist, photos from rural Idaho Pride, and the benefits of moving slow.
- Words from the other side of outdoor seasonal work-
The Check In
In a decade as an outdoor seasonal whitewater guide, one of the most valuable skills I honed was throwing myself into whitewater. Literally and metaphorically, throughout my twenties, I did a lot of “jump and figure out the rest later.” This is a helpful skill, and one of my favorite professional and personal attributes. But it’s also a skill with a shadow side. Often - both metaphorically and IRL - I would find myself exhausted and out of my depth, having taken on too much too quickly.
Any chance this sounds like you too? You’re not alone!
In helping and co-leading a group that helped host our town’s first LGBTQ+ pride event, I decided to try something new. Despite the feelings of urgency that attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have created, I committed to moving at the pace of relationships.
Five years ago, we hosted a small, private pride dinner party with a few friends.
Three years ago we held a word-of-mouth-only river float. More or less only “passing through town” outdoor seasonals joined. It was lovely, but I also knew there had to be some year-round folks in the community too.
Two years ago, we started holding a monthly LGBTQ+ social gathering. Casual. Easy. Getting to know each other.
Four months ago we stood together at a series of tough school board meetings
And three days ago, we celebrated our first publicly advertised pride event for the queer community and allies.
I’m not saying this was necessarily the right choice - or the right pace. There might’ve been something to gain by jumping in years ago and figuring it out as we went. But I think moving slower allowed us to adapt and grow. It gave time for the right people to arrive at our sides. By the time we got to Saturday, I felt confident and excited, not nervous and overtaxed. It took that “jump in” skill to start to begin with, then a completely different skillset to know how fast to grow.
Are you celebrating pride? Did you attend a #nokings protest last weekend? As always, my DMS and replies are always open!
XX - Emerald
PS: In the next week, I’m collaborating on a post with the gem-of-a-newsletter You Getsy! We’re talking all things wardrobe and self expression including my favorite pieces, how to blend outdoorsy style with professional dress, and more. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
- Questions for Your Next Journal or Hike -
On Reflection
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- Dispatches from the Unseasoned Community -
Heard on Social
Top shots from Salmon, Idaho’s first PRIDE celebration!
How are you celebrating Pride this month? Join us this week to share with our community of almost 6,000!
- Tips for your next application -
How I’d Apply
Fullsteam / SOS Inventory is hiring a Customer Onboarding and Retention, Inventory Specialist.
Unique Value Proposition (UVP):
Outdoor seasonal staff, especially in outdoor recreation industries, are often tasked with helping guide others through learning new skills or techniques. Consider this job requirement: “Monitor onboarding progress and provide guidance to address any challenges, ensuring customers are well-prepared to utilize our products.” How have you helped guests or students “onboard” into a new experience? What do you do ahead of time to ensure a positive experience once in motion?
Sample Resume Bullet Point (Ski School Instructor):
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