11/20/06 Our First Day as Workampers!

What is a Workamper?
Workampers are adventuresome individuals, couples and families who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines ANY kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping. If you work as an employee, operate a business, or donate your time as a volunteer, AND you sleep in an RV (or on-site housing), you are a Workamper!Most Workampers are in their 50’s and 60’s, however there are many who are younger and many who are older. A little more than half of all Workampers work to supplement their retirement income, while the rest work to support a full-time, or near full-time, RV lifestyle. Most Workamper jobs are in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (resorts, campgrounds, theme parks, state/national parks, etc.), but there are many very interesting jobs available in other areas as well.

So here we are in sunny, warm, Florida on our first day as workampers. It's pretty cool going to work in shorts and a T-shirt. We'll work 4 hours each today, Tuesday and Wednesday this first week. These hours pay for our site for the week. Usually a workamping couple works 12 to 16 per week in exchange for their site and utilities but here in Florida, a premium place in the winter time, the hours in exchange are higher. At least that's what Bob the owner told us. This is a learning experience for us, keep that in mind.

I went into the office to meet with Debbie, the office manager, to learn what my duties will be. I soon learned that Debbie doesn't want to teach any of the workampers ANYTHING! I was allowed to walk out to the mailbox to get the mail that day. Other than that, I didn't do a damn thing! Easiest four hours I ever worked! Bob, on the other hand, walked into a hornet's nest. He, Jim and Wayne were having a morning cup of coffee getting to know each other and were waiting for Bob the owner to show up to explain what had to be done with the out of plumb wall, or so Bob thought. It was soon learned that Bob the owner had left town the night before and didn't say anything to Wayne or Jim about the work that had to be done over. When Bob brought this up he was met with dirty looks and protests. Wayne was adamant that the wall couldn't be fixed and that it is what it is. Bob explained that it can be fixed and was met with even more protests. Not a great way to start a new job to say the least. Bob finally put his foot down and said it WILL BE DONE OVER! The tear down was started amid much grumbling from Wayne and Jim. By the time that was all done our four hours was up and we were done for the day.

While I worked around the house Bob went into town with Jim to get us a 50 amp extension cord. Being out in the boonies the RV parts store know they have you right where they want you and can charge whatever they want for what you need. Need I say more? Let's just say we were charged about $40.00 more than what we would have been had we been in Delaware and close to Camping World.