We're sure you've heard the question "When are you going to get a REAL job?". It's about time we debunk some falsehoods about the outdoor career!
Earn a living while practicing your passion in the most amazing places around the world.
"Being a guide is only a summer job."
FALSE. You can work as an outdoor guide all year around.
You can find a permanent position at an all-year-round adventure center or change between locations (and even continents) to follow your favourite season. The choice is yours!
"You can't have a career in the outdoors."
FALSE. People have been making adventure and the outdoors their life and career for a long time.
A common route is to start of as a guide then gain experience and becoming an expedition leader or center manager. Starting your own business or going into consulting is another route after gaining know-how from the industry.
The freedom to make your own path, work almost anywhere in the world and create a life that is both rewarding, challenging and suit your lifestyle is a possibility few other careers offer.
The outdoors sector is also a great place to gain skills and qualifications that set you apart in other professions, such as the emergency services, medicine, wildlife conservation, the event industry or tourism bodies.
Want to spend every day on
great adventures in amazing places
that others only get to experience on their holiday?
"You will earn very little."
FALSE. The monthly income for an outdoor guide spans from USD 1700 to 3000 per month, depending on qualifications, experience and skills.
Having a bus or trailer licence, being a good photographer or cook, and management skill to run a camp or center are other factors that impact your pay and employability.
Put simply, the depth and width of skills your skills and the more experience you have - with the qualifications to prove it - the more you get paid.
A guide's income often consist of three parts; 1. a fixed salary, 2. a per trip rate and 3. tips. Free housing and meals are sometimes also covered by your employer.
The rates varies depending on where you are woking and local customs. In the US you can expect a lot of tips from guests and a high per trip rates, while in the Scandinavian countries you can expect a higher fixed salary but little tips.
"It's not for everyone."
FALSE. It is a common misconception that working as a guide is for the young and strong [often implying men] and this couldn't be further from the truth. The guide profession requires more brains than muscle, and your social skills always go hand-in-hand with your technical skills.
There are great conversations being had on diversity and representation within the outdoor industry. Although the ratio of women, LGTBQIA+ and BIPOC is still too low, change is noticeable and many companies are taking actions towards inclusivity in it's teams and the outdoors in general.
Being a guide requires dedication and love for your work, rewarding you with
the freedom to create your own path in life.
Exploring new adventures, having great fun with like minded people and
spending your time in amazing environments. If all that sounds like the way you'd like to live your life - this is the career for you!
Find out how to make it possible with the
.
