Growing up, I was raised with a traditional roadmap to success: attend university, secure a job in your chosen field, marry, buy a home, and start a family. This blueprint, passed down from my parents and echoed by the high school counselor, guided my path as I neared completion of my second year studying biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph in 2016.
Intent on enhancing my resume with a summer engineering position, I initially pursued opportunities in Ontario without success. However, I unexpectedly landed a job at a horseback trail riding operation in Banff National Park. This deviation from my planned trajectory was a stark contrast, but my childhood experiences riding horses on our family farm prepared me well for the role.
In Banff, I relished the chance to explore the rugged Rockies on horseback, fulfilling my childhood dream of riding in the mountains. Guiding guests allowed me to lead excursions through pine forests, steer horse-drawn wagons along the Bow River, and lead tours to meadows teeming with elk.
My perspective on a fulfilling life evolved. I learned to appreciate simple pleasures like peaceful mornings before a busy day and the gratitude of residing in a picturesque locale. Even enduring long, rainy workdays where my toes numbed was balanced by the warmth of a crackling fire and a comforting cup of tea afterwards.
Engaging in seasonal work connected me with remarkable individuals who left a lasting impact. I encountered peers in their late twenties taking career breaks, international colleagues funding travels through seasonal jobs, and full-time seasonal workers alternating between summer and winter roles while exploring during the off-season. These friendships reshaped my definition of a fulfilling life.
The bonds forged during my time as a trail guide were unique compared to those from school or my current desk job. Living, working, and sharing meals with colleagues around the clock for months nurtured deep and enduring relationships. Some of my dearest friends, like Katie and Phil from Australia, who visited my family home for a memorable Canadian Christmas, remain cherished companions.
Despite the emotional challenge of bidding farewell to friends after intense periods together, I embraced the transient nature of seasonal work. These experiences illustrated that success can be attained through diverse paths, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who radiate positivity.
My journey led me to pursue my cowgirl aspirations at a ranch in Cranbrook, British Columbia, post-engineering graduation, deviating from my family’s expectations. While initially skeptical, my family acknowledged how seasonal work broadened my horizons and enriched my relationships, ultimately supporting my unconventional path.
My current role in international sales allows me to continue exploring the world, a confidence instilled by my seasonal work background. The independence, quick thinking, and problem-solving skills honed during my time outdoors as a guide remain invaluable in my current professional endeavors.
While I occasionally yearn for the simplicity of mountain life with horses, I am content with the life I’ve crafted by following my dreams. The perspective shift brought about by these experiences has redefined my notion of success, emphasizing the importance of exploration, embracing new challenges, and enjoying life to the fullest.
