What does September Mean to You?

Here it is: the beginning of September. Does that hold any significance to you? Is it the end of vacation and time to get to work, or did you just finish your workamping position and taking a break?  For students and teachers, it means a new school year. For many Workampers, it means preparing for a new season of work.  At the end of this month, it means we begin the last quarter of the year!  And next month, it means the October Rendezvous.  My, time does fly!  2011 will soon come to a close!

Did you make New Year resolutions on January 1, 2011?  No, I’m not asking “how are they working for ya?”  Even though we are nearly in the Fourth Quarter of the game of life 2011!  What I am wondering is, do you ALWAYS use the calendar to initiate change?  Do you tend to wait until you are pushed; are you a procrastinator?

Frankly, I think everyone procrastinates at times; some people, all the time! But some don’t seem to ever realize that  “change” can be initiated at any minute, and probably is healthier, rather than relegating it to “next Monday,” “next year” or some other arbitrary time.

When we get the urge to make a change, the best time to do it is NOW.  If you are in the middle of devouring that second piece of chocolate cake, push it away NOW.  Resolve to change NOW.  In so many cases, as definitely is with dietary change, the decisions you make for yourself each minute can have immediate consequences.  Don’t wait until TOMORROW, or for any other circumstance.  If you allow circumstances to be in control, you will never accomplish the goal set before you.

Push that old, negative behavior away immediately and replace it with a newly found positive activity or mindset.  Immediately, you will feel a sense of satisfaction.  You will associate yourself with future possibilities as a result of positive change.

Some things you can’t just jump into, but you can immediately initiate plans.  Any minute of any day is the right time to begin planning positive change.  Then, next January 1^st, just chuckle at those who mistakenly pinpoint a day to change.

Remember “resolution” comes from the word “resolve” which means “to make your mind up,” to “decide.”  So those that wait for an arbitrary date on the calendar are “deciding” to “decide.”  Does that really indicate determination?

A synonym for “resolution” is “steadfastness.”  Yet, studies show that New Years ‘resolutions are broken by 93% of the population within months.

You are more likely to be successful with your resolution if you begin the very moment you are inspired to do so.  Don’t wait: the inspiration may fade.  As Nike has so famously said:  Just Do It!

Workamper News Answers Your Questions

Did you miss the Workamper Campfire August 22, 2011?

Workampers and Workamper Dreamers discussed the following questions about Workamping around the virtual campfire.

Questions discussed were–

• How do we get started learning about Workamping?
• How long do Workamping jobs last?
• Are there opportunities to work for a month at a time?
• Are there jobs available for shorter times like 4-6 weeks?
• What states can you Workamp in?
• Can you Workamp as a single? Is it difficult?
• I would like to start Workamping in Summer 2012 – is it too late to start looking for jobs?
• Is it too late to find fall/winter volunteer positions?
• Are there any Workamping positions in Oklahoma?
• Are there jobs out there for people who need work during the week (not the weekends)?
• What is the amount of money that people can earn a week?
• My online resume has been viewed a number of times, but no contacts from any prospective employers. Why?
• I’m a writer/editor. What work is available for folks with that skill set?
• Are there Workampers who have truck campers instead of an RV?
• I need help with my resume quick. Where do I turn?
• Would you mention married or single in your interview?
• What should you allow for an overall, monthly expense budget?
• I am from Canada and would like to travel in my RV across the U.S. Are there campgrounds that I could work in?
• What do you do about health insurance?
• If we work in a state with a state income tax, do we have to file a return if we are only working for our site, or a small wage?
• If you are Workamping and your site is provided, is this considered income and you have to pay taxes on this?
• When first starting out, are there any companion/mentor/buddy systems available?
• If you have a small business, will a campground hire a “small business entity” as the Workamper, rather than as “individuals?”

Those are quite profound questions!  Interested in hearing the responses and discussions?  Anyone can watch the recorded session on the Webinars page at Workamper.com -  scroll down to the 8/22/2011 Workamper Campfire.

Have Even More Questions You’d Like Answered?

Then, if you haven’t already, sign up for the Workamper Rendezvous, taking place October 18-20, 2011. Stay for the Bonus Day Seminars on October 21st and you’ll have so much knowledge you will have to tie weights to your feet to hold yourself  down!  We will get you ready to soar!

To help you decide, listen to a pre-recorded Symposium with past attendees discussing their experiences at the previous Rendezvous.

Steve Anderson, WKN President, fills you in on the details of the upcoming Workamper Rendezvous. And past Rendezvous attendees Charlotte Magill (RVer, new to Workamping), Dave Olmstead (current Workamper) and Kevin Placzek (Dreamer about to begin!)  share what the event was like, the benefits they received, how the camping was and much more!

We would love for you to decide TODAY to register to attend the Workamper Rendezvous. However, if you still aren’t convinced, find out . . .

Who IS Jaimie Hall Bruzenak?

How qualified is she to speak at the Workamper Rendezvous?

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak and her late husband, Bill Hall, began traveling full-time in an RV in 1992. Their first jobs were at Grand Teton National Park as seasonal maintenance workers for the National Park Service. Between them in the next ten years, they worked at seven national parks in maintenance and as an interpretive ranger; at a houseboat company; sold Christmas trees; and worked in the tourist industry. Jaimie also worked one tax season in an accounting office. Her favorite position was working in Skagway, Alaska at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park giving guided walks through town, a program in the visitor center and assisting visitors from all over the world.

After eight years as full-time RVers, Jaimie and Bill bought a homebase in Arizona and traveled and Workamped part-time. Jaimie authored Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider’s Guide to Working on the Road in 2002 and shifted her focus to writing and marketing her books. She has written four others with her writing partner, Alice Zyetz: RV Traveling Tales: Women’s Journeys on the Open Road, The Woman’s Guide to Solo RVing, Retire to an RV: The Roadmap to Affordable Retirement and Taking the Mystery out of RV Writing. Bill passed away in 2004.

Jaimie now travels with her husband, George Bruzenak. She is the editor of Workamper Viewpoint and writes a regular column for Workamper News. Jaimie also presents seminars on Workamping at RV educational events and job fairs and writes for other publications. In addition, she maintains her own website (RVlifetyleExperts.com) and publishes RV Lifestyles, a bimonthly ezine. As she and George travel in their RV, they enjoy meeting Workampers and looking for unusual places and ways to work or volunteer on the road.

She brings her extensive experience to the October Rendezvous to share with you!  First, she will be presenting at the Workamper Rendezvous “Workamping Basics: Seven Steps to Finding a Workamping Job” beginning with Session One! She will also be presenting “Workamper Resumes” at two different times during the seminar.  Then, you can benefit by staying ONE MORE DAY on October 21, 2011 for a resume makeover or the start of “Workamping 101.”

As a way of introduction, here’s what Jaimie has to say about it!

Are you looking for your first Workamping job? Or hoping to find one this season that is a better match for you? If so, I can help.

Finding a Workamping job is easy. There are many jobs available — if you take just any job. The question is: Will this be a job that meets your needs – not only financially and geographically but all other aspects as well. Will this employer be someone you like working for?

Let me tell you a story. My husband, George, and I traveled to Australia last December. We took two guided tours. Our two guides showed us parts of Australia we would not have otherwise seen. Their knowledge and expertise helped us to experience Australia in a way we wouldn’t have done so on our own, especially since our time was limited.

When you face new, uncharted territory —or if you’d like to avoid a lengthy learning curve — having a guide can make sense. You can avoid mistakes, focus on the important things, and often save in the long run. You make more effective use of your time and accomplish your goals.

I’d like to be your guide for finding your first Workamping job. Too many Workampers find jobs, but they turn out to be different than what they were expecting. Crucial information isn’t found out until the Workampers are on the job so they either have to tough it out or make the expensive decision to leave.

Workamping 101: Finding Your First Workamping Job will show you my process designed to greatly improve your chances for finding a match. You’ll identify what it is you want and then find and research 20 or more potential employers that can meet your needs and expectations. You’ll write your resume and a cover letter that sells your knowledge and skills. And you’ll start preparing for that all-important interview.

I’d love to be your guide! The course begins October 21 at the Bonus Day at the Workamper Rendezvous and then continues for five consecutive Tuesdays beginning October 25 at 6 CT.   Go HERE to see more details and bonuses.   Workamper Rendezvous attendees should sign up on the registration page. Feel free to email Jaimie at calamityjaimie@gmail.com with any questions.

At The Workamper News Forums Site

Join the discussions on these hot topics!

• 85 resumes and “No Response From Employers.” Any advice? Add yours at the Workampers Forum (Member-only).
• If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Experiences Forum (Member-only).
• Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
• “Workamper Job Sharing” – anyone doing it? Join in at the General Workamping Forum.
• “ADA & motorized vehicles for disabled in parks”- progress or opening a can of worms? Weigh in at the Full-timing Forum.
• Any advice for “New, single, frustrated”? Share yours at the Solo Workamping Forum.
• Check out the latest projects at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum. You can upload photos too!
• “Dish TV Tailgater” Will it work for RVers? Let us know what you think at the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.

Log in (or register at) Workamper Forums

At the Workamper News Store

The Frugal RVer

Yes, you can enjoy the RV lifestyle on a budget! Nick Russell tells you how! Nick has presented his Frugal RVer seminars at RV shows and events across the country, teaching RVers how to enjoy traveling without spending a lot of money. Now you can learn these same money saving techniques to cut your travel expenses and get the most out of your RVing experiences for the least! Learn little-known secrets about free and low cost campgrounds, boondocking and dry camping, traveling for less, equipping your RV for low cost camping, alternative energy for your RV, communicating by phone and email for less, cutting your food costs, free entertainment and much more to help you save money as you travel. Paperback. 85 pages. Written by Nick Russell.

You can purchase this book at a reduced price at the Workamper News Store.

Also available for purchase at a discount is–

Corps Camping

RV Camping at Corps of Engineers Public Recreation Areas. Second Edition. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 12 million acres of land and water nationwide. In fact, they are the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation in the nation! This book will guide you to more than 600 Corps-managed campgrounds with sites suitable for RV camping. Detailed campground information includes location and directions to each campground, season of operation, total number and types of sites, pull thrus, hookups,  daily fee, basic amenities, RV length limit, phone number and address. The lakes offer everything from highly developed, modern facilities to quiet, secluded spots to simply escape for awhile. 2010. Paperback. 264 pages. Written by Jane Kenny.

Price before discount: $15.95 – Your Savings: $2.39 at the Workamper News Store