Growing up, I was raised with a traditional belief that success followed a set path: attend university, secure a job in your field, get married, buy a house, and start a family. This mindset was passed down from my parents and reinforced by the high school counselor as the key to a fulfilling life. Following this trajectory, in 2016, I was completing my second year of biomedical engineering studies at the University of Guelph.
After unsuccessful attempts to land a summer engineering job in Ontario, I unexpectedly found employment at a horseback trail riding outfit in Banff National Park. Despite deviating from my planned route to success, my childhood experience with horses on our family farm in southern Ontario gave me the confidence to excel in this role.
In Banff, I immersed myself in exploring the rugged Rockies on horseback, fulfilling my childhood dream of riding in the mountains. Guiding guests through pine forests, driving horse teams along the Bow River, and leading visitors to meadows teeming with elk provided me with unique experiences.
My perspective on a fulfilling life shifted from the traditional desk job and corporate ladder climbing to appreciating simple moments, like a tranquil morning before a busy day or warming up by the fire with a cup of tea after a long, rainy shift. Seasonal work not only introduced me to breathtaking landscapes but also to remarkable individuals who reshaped my definition of a good life.
The friendships forged during my time as a trail guide were profound and enduring, unlike any I had experienced in school or my current desk job. Living and working closely with colleagues for months created strong bonds. Some of my closest friends today are from my time in Banff, such as Katie and Phil from Australia, who even visited my family home in Utopia, Ont., for a memorable Christmas.
While the goodbyes at the end of each seasonal stint were tough, the valuable lessons and diverse perspectives gained from these experiences outweighed the temporary separations. Seasonal work taught me that success comes in various forms and that surrounding oneself with positive influences is paramount.
After pursuing my cowgirl dreams at a ranch in Cranbrook, B.C., post-graduation, despite initial family skepticism, they eventually acknowledged how seasonal work broadened my horizons and enriched my life. Currently, working in international sales allows me to continue exploring the world, a path I might not have pursued without my seasonal work background.
The independence and problem-solving skills honed as a guide instilled confidence in my abilities, enabling me to embrace new challenges. Although I cherish my current role, there are moments when I yearn for the simplicity of life in the mountains with horses.
While my past self may have lamented not pursuing an engineering career, my present self is grateful for crafting a life aligned with my passions. Success, as I now see it, is about embracing change, exploring new avenues, and finding joy in the journey – lessons instilled in me by the enriching experiences of seasonal work.