Advice from experienced workampers please - RV-Dreams Community Forum

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Advice from experienced workampers please

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry Sherry. I'm having a hard time with what the actual question is?

Do you feel like you are okay with what you working?

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Ckerr,

I meant to add that I hoped my question was clear. Think I did it on my first round. Anyway, your thoughts on the requirements here?

Thanks,
Sherry

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I guess for me it seems like a pretty cushy job. Hours are not unreasonable. Duties are light as you said.

I think they are correct when they say that the national average is 25 hours per couple and most do not provide free propane. Many actually require more.

From my perspective the freedom of not needing to be in the office for even your scheduled 5 hours on duty more than makes up for a few extra hours in the evening for late check ins.

I would be good so long as they don't start spilling over into my "unscheduled" days without advance notice and agreement.

Some folks will complain about even the best deal in the world.

Relax, enjoy and don't let the gripers bring you down!

Carol

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Words of advice here; watch out for workers who have been here longer as they will sometime tell "stories" about the duties which aren't true. Go by what the owners say!!!
25 hours a couple a week isn't bad for all the perks over and above your site. Some are asking 18-24 hrs a person with just site and hookups and have to pay for electric usage.
Like CKKER said: If this is where you want to be and as long as they don't try to take advantage of your two days off; this sounds like a place to be. Best of luck; do the duties asked by the owner and let what others say go over your head. Most of all have fun!!!

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Guys,

Your replies were inline with our feeling.

Sherry

Loydstuts · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds like you have a good deal. Remember, it's what YOU want to do that is important. Don't let naysayers cloud your idea of a good job.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

It used to be that Workamper News said the average was 15 hours. That was a while ago, and I am no longer a member. It does not sound like your job is "bad", though. More than 24 hrs a week in a commercial campground just for the site is too much, IMO. But each job is different and only you can decide if the "hours" are worth it. Sometimes just being "available" ties you down but is no big deal....again, only you can decide that.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Really good thoughts, Jack, Pierre, Loyd, & Carol,

It "feels" good to us right now. Others are settling in. Important thing is we have a good team, backing each other up and having fun.

Jack, not just the site, but propane, electric, DTV (think I forgot that before), laundry all free.

Now if I could just do something about the weather......

Sherry

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry - laughing at your comment about the weather, just wait until July. Rumor has it that summer starts July 5th on the "wet" side of the Cascades and end the Friday before Labor Day. Why do you think some of us are leaving the Pacific NW? We plan to spend our summers here but you won't find us here in May any more. Talked to some work campers last May when we were staying in an OR State Park and they were already complaining about the rain in early May. I hated to tell them they had another 6-8 weeks before the 10 month rainy season ended.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

WestWardHo wrote:

Jack, not just the site, but propane, electric, DTV (think I forgot that before), laundry all free.

Now if I could just do something about the weather......

Sherry

ALL workamping jobs should come with all amenities. That is pretty standard. Where is is not, it is a negative to jobseekers. If the facility has an amenity then it should be free to the workamper. The site, cable if the park has it, propane, electric, and Internet (if the park has it) are the minimum amenities for any job - IMO. I'm talking about commercial parks, not volunteer positions at Nation parks, etc.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack, again great information.

Ruth & Dale, quit laughing! 😄

Lloyd, yup, it's what we want to do right now.

We're learning as we go about weather (thanks Ruth) and working in CampgroundMaster. Our owner here is a real micro-manager and it bothers others more than it does me and he was actually calm and humorous yesterday with park water going out because we hosts stayed calm, helped guests and just made it all flow working with him.

Gosh, the stories from the other hosts here about some campgrounds they stayed and worked in and the work rules! Scary, downright scary. This place is a piece of cake.....if we don't mold!

Sherry

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

I heard that too about the Spring job I did in 2011 & 2012. Turned out to be one of the best employers I ever worked for. When I had the heart attack they came and visited me in the hospital and when i returned they gave me two more weeks to recuperate; then worked me light duty until the end of May when the contract ended.

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

20-30 seems to be an average. We try to find something that offers more than just a free site. As an example, the upcoming job will provide us with a couple free meals a day. Also, we do not get too much into the hours worked. We just work when there is a job to do. For us, it is preferable to sitting around. Working more hours than required did once presented a problem with other work campers. They were couch potatoes and let us know that we were sitting a new higher standard of hours worked. Since I totally agree with Loydstut's statement, we paid no attention to their comments.

I have not had any employers try to "take advantage", but then I am very selective of who we work for. I suspect if that every happens, I can work it out with them. If not the RV has wheels.

Sound's like the CG work camping is organized. That's a plus.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We sure appreciate all the opinions and information we read on here. For us, we are finding this campground and the owners delightful. Our duties are light (to us) and we have lots of flexibility. I think it helps that we're both pretty flexible and have no prior experience in workamping.

Our park owners really want the guests and hosts to be happy. The sights are large and we hosts are a bit close together but provides for a central host gathering area. We have a lot of fun together.

We had two unhappy campers this week. Ironically both we're forest service workers. One had a reservation for the summer and came to register and was rude to Host. Took him to his site and he had a second vehicle plus a boat he hadn't mentioned. He didn't like his site because he would have to park everything in tandem and refused to speak to the Host guiding him. Host said, I don't think you're very happy with this campground, if you think you'll be happier elsewhere we'll fully refund your credit card. Guy seemed surprised and I was totally impressed that the owner graciously and cheerfully refunded him and wished him safe travels.

2nd came in night before last for one night. He had an RV and a tent and 5 campers. No problem, gave him a site with plenty of space for the tent. He came back to demand a fire ring, when host explained we'd be happy to rent that but that they must use (purchase) our wood as the Forest Service does not want wood brought in from other regions. He paid but was not happy. Later Host was making the rounds and saw the fire was high and larger logs were hanging over the pit and gently again explained that because we're in the middle of a pine forest and for their safety and others the fire must be kept within the large pit and our wood used only. He had been using logs that were stacked around the campground as 'rustic' decorations. He said no problem, thanks.

Later that night his fire was large again, an extra tent, car & guests were sneaked in there. In the morning they trashed the bathrooms and left the water running full out at the site spigot. Their card was charged for the extra charges and an alert in the system to not accept a reservation again.

The rest of our guests are delightful.

Sherry

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh: there is always a couple of rotten apples in the barrel; some think they are above the rules. That's when they need to be sent packing. I think the second group should have been escorted out after the second warning. It would be great to alert all the campgrounds in the area so he gets blackballed from going there also. Adults deserve more than a slap on the hand.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't do second warnings....It is NOT baseball -you do not get three strikes. Second time you are out. With a police escort. They would have been gone... It is not fair to other guests. And taking decorative logs would have been the "killer" on that one.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack, you're right of course. Host making the rounds was in training as well and "wanted to give them a chance" her husband would have tossed them. Plus the rest of us didnt jnow there was concern about that site or the larger fire later on until after the fact this morning. Had we known we would have poured water on on the fire and "invited" them out right then.

Our owner here says trust you instincts and if you don't feel right about anyone checking in, tell them we're full or that we made a mistake about confirming their reservation and turn them away.

Pieere, you're right on as well, although I don't know the legality of bad mouthing customers to others.

Sherry

Rob_Fla · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dealing with the Public is always a challenge, most people are great but again there are always bad apples that spoil it for everyone else.

The reason we have so many rules today is not for the majority but for the minority that just does not get it !!!!!

Interesting post since one day when we retire we may do some workamping, guess time will tell since we are still a few years away from retirement and working on the road now.

-- Edited by Rob_Fla on Monday 27th of May 2013 06:00:44 AM

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Who's bad mouthing; when people do things that endanger other people and their property. Starting a huge fire could endanger peoples' lives and property. I believe their would be a way to get the word out anonymously; but of course I could be wrong. After I told them the first time the second time i would have called the owner/manger or LEO's.

-- Edited by PIEERE on Monday 27th of May 2013 02:17:00 PM

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

WestWardHo wrote:

Our owner here says trust you instincts and if you don't feel right about anyone checking in, tell them we're full or that we made a mistake about confirming their reservation and turn them away.

That is exactly the way we operate. If you feel funny about the setup or the people, we are "full".

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Update on this workamping job for those thinking about the area. Crater Lake RV Park in Prospect, OR. Craterlakervpark.com for those interested in sending a résumé.

We love this job and working here. The couple that were "experienced" hosts have settled in and the other couple, like us prefer to be busy, so take on extra chores and simply do our best. It's a very easy job and place to work as long as you do it the owner's way. Some people have a hard time with that, but we don't, so we're loving it here.

Saturday nights owners sponsor a free weenie, s'mores, beverages and campfire in the central area and Sunday mornings are bran muffins and cinnamon tools with coffee and tea.

Weather finally turned perfect.

Sherry

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We were surprised when we were away from the park for the warranty work for 3 days when I called the owner to update him on our status as requested he asked if we had access to email. I replied, sure we have cell coverage and great Internet connections here. Very shortly received and email saying he was making some changes and when we returned could we please pull into any pull thru slot and not to worry our, things in the provided storage shed were safe and sound. We worried as we searched our brains for anything that might have gone wrong but really felt we were doing great and were enjoying our jobs. The other hosts nick named us the browns, as in ....well you know just add the nose.

We arrived back yesterday and the other two host couple females were polite "but had no idea what was up, just that the owner had told them the same thing". But I felt like we had some contagious disease and were being avoided.

Owner returned from the campground and asked us to come to their house. We went and chatted a few minutes and he turned to Jesse and asked him how he enjoyed his job and the other hosts? Jesse
seemed surprised by the question but replied that he was really enjoying the work and liked the other Hosts just fine. The owner launched into an accusation made by another host that Jesse had said something very rude and mean to one of the host women. Very few of you know Jesse but he's probably the kindest, gentlest man I've ever known. He likes everyone and takes them at face value. He was so shocked he could hardly speak. He absolutely did not say what he was accused of. We discussed it further and the owner was going to investigate more. We decided we were not going to be comfortable here under these circumstances and choose to leave. The owners agreed and we all said no hard feelings.

If I was reading this about someone else I would wonder what was the rest of the story. The only rest is that I had been picking up "vibes" fron the one host woman but just rolled with it. I couldn't figure it out but know everyone is different. Jesse doesn't pick up vibes, he's an engineer. 😘

Our dear friends sent us this:

That reminds me of the parable of the crab bucket. If you go crabbing ( Chesapeake Bay style) if you have one crab in the bucket you have to cover it so it won't climb out. After you catch more, you no longer need the cover. When one tries to climb out, the others pull it back down. I guess you climb-outers are getting attitude from the hold-em-downers.

We're packing up now, not sure where we'll be short or long term for now but we'll figure it out. Think I've finally figured it out and know that good is right around the corner.

Sherry

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

"When one door closes another opens."

Move on and let the soap opera at that particular campground play out without you. I know you will keep us informed where you land.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bill,

Our plans exactly.

Sherry
PS, this is still a lovely park for those who might be interested.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry: One of the workcamping sites; workcampingjobs.com or worker on wheels had an ad for working in the state parks; I have seen in the past week. I've done the same once before; it is better to just let the old dogs lie; than to rouse their sleep!!!

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pierre,

Thank you, we're on both and searching.
Best of luck on Monday!

Sherry

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dont take it to heart!!!!...........it all comes around and each time it gets better!!!!!

Ann-Hank · RV-Dreams Family Member

HHi Sherry, so sorry to hear of this happening to you. It sounds like someone was a bit jealous and felt threaten by your enthusiasm . It's too bad someones insecurities have to spoil your happiness.

Like Bill said, when one door closes another opens. Something better will come along.
Hugs, Ann

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike and Ann,

thank you for your kinds thoughts. Putting it behind us and moving on.
It will all work out the other door will open. We don't need to work, thank goodness but we enjoy it so looking for another opportunity with some sane hosts! 😊

Sherry

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

PIEERE wrote:
Sherry: One of the workcamping sites; workcampingjobs.com or worker on wheels had an ad for working in the state parks; I have seen in the past week. I've done the same once before; it is better to just let the old dogs lie; than to rouse their sleep!!!

I wanted to add that is the Oregon state parks!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry - just catching up on this post, so sorry to hear that someone else' pettyness (is that a word??) has ruined what seemed like a great first work camping experience for you and Jesse. Hope to see you down the road somewhere and I know you'll find the best path forward for the 2 of you.

Let us know if you make it into WA, we can suggest a few great camping experiences!!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

BTW, one more comment, having spent almost a week with you and Jesse at the Harrisburg OR rally, can't believe whatever story was made up about Jesse. Kind, considerate, very intelligent person desribes your hubby, maybe a bit of an introvert (that's not bad), but unkind, rude, etc??? NEVER!!

LibertyLinda · RV-Dreams Family Member

What a story. It has shot down the fact that my 30 years of dealing with patients as a nurse, will come into play workcamping & sadly, I will not get away from it either.

Please, let us know where you land.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Linda,

Ironically, the woman host with the original issue about the owners, their management style, the hours, etc. and eventually made up the stuff about Jesse is a retired nurse. The second couple had very similar medical issues as the husband of the first but were also unhappy with the weather -too much rain, then too hot but were definitely following the first pair. We still have no idea what her agenda was. You probably worked with that type of person when you were nursing.

Jesse had offered them all use of our canoe and kayak any time we weren't using them, we gave them bed sheets (no big deal, I packed too many), and the husband of the other couple was allergic to bee stings so I gave him my spare sting injection kit.

We're real trouble makers all right. 😄

Sherry

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think that was good of the Owner of CL to realize and apologize for their behavior. Most will not do that has been my experience.
Am pleased to hear the employer and people where you work now are appreciative. I have heard from other work campers that if you get employed by someone who changes the agreed upon letter of understanding after you arrive; the best to do is move on like you both did. I am happy to hear you are enjoying yourselves because that is what this lifestyle should be about.

biggrin BY THE WAY YOU MAYBE TAUGHT THAT OWNER A VERY VALUABLE LESSON FOR HIS FUTURE WORKAMPERS====THEY MAYBE WILL TREAT THEM BETTER!

-- Edited by PIEERE on Monday 8th of July 2013 10:20:43 AM

-- Edited by PIEERE on Monday 8th of July 2013 10:21:37 AM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yeppers....I'd be hesitant as well. If an owner is going to go off wrong with the comments of one "party," who is to say they wouldn't do it again?

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 8th of July 2013 12:23:01 PM

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, well, well.......the owner of Crater Lake Park called Jesse yesterday and apologized. Said he hadn't researched the original issue much but also said other hosts owed Jesse an apology as well. It seems one host is gone and more changes are coming. Owner said we'd be welcome back anytime. Jesse was polite but non-committal. If the owner hadn't got our (and the pther hosts) measure in the couple of weeks we were there, his bad.

We like where we are and the peacefulness of being with managers who appreciate us and have none of the childish games from the other hosts here, just all nice, polite, friendly adults. No hidden agendas, no chaos. Life is good!

Sherry

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yup, burn us once shame on them, burn us twice, shame on us! We made a commitment here and we're keeping it, that's what we do if its a fair and equitable working environment. 😄

Amazed to learn from our current manager how many workampers just don't show up or don't want to work when they get here! I know our RV Dreamers wouldn't do that! Must be the 'other' guys! 😒

Sherry

grandpalarry · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry & Jesse
Sorry to hear about your problems. Just knowing Jessee for the few hours we were together makes me wonder whats wrong with the owners of Elma.
sounds more like petty stuff and she was just affraid Jess would cause her to have to work more.
Have you made any other plans ?
Rita and I are going to the Lucky Eagle RV park Wednesday 7/10.
It's only $125 a week.
Push come to shove you have our card-we will expect you to stay in touch-you two are part of our family now.

Larry & Rita

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh Larry, sorry for the misunderstanding, ELMA is terrific, the info I was referencing was from Crater Lake RV Park which is where we were before here. Never fear, while Elma isn't a fancy resort its the friendliest around and very moderate pricing.

Hope we can hook up again before you go. We're off to explore the Western side of the Olympic Peninsula tomorrow.

Sherry

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

After meeting you two; I'm flabbergasted at this unfair turn of events. Certainly a misunderstanding somewhere! How very weird! Stop off and dry camp at the Osborne's a couple of nights until you figure out your plan! Weather is incredible on our Chehalem mountain! Probably some jealousy over your gorgeous 5er, some people light up the room by leaving; and your nemesis sounds like one of those!

Best regards, LeO

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Leora,

We're happily employed here at Elma RV Park on the other side of WA. Come see us and let us know your latest thoughts.

Hope that beautiful home sells soon!!!

Sherry

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

Sherry & Jesse,

Just reread all these and feeling dense:Somewhere think I missed an update MSG:So are you at Crater Lake now then? It sounds like a way better spot for extended stay anyway! Do hope you made it up to Olympic National Park while in Elna?

We'll be heading to Loon Lake,OR (20 miles inland from Reedsport) Aug 5-10 for camping trip; but wish I was heading to Crater! I hope your loving it, if that is indeed where you are?

Best regards, LeO

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

Duh, looks like via your July 10 post; you stayed in Elna, after all? Correct? LeO

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

Regarding Westward Ho:

Think I finally "get it" after paying more careful attention to dates and not hop skipping around like an ADHD gone wild!. The issues were prior to our meeting you and Jesse in Vancouver! CL through ignorance lost some great hosts no doubt! Trust by now the NW glorious weather has reached Elna? Sure hope so, as is truly heaven on earth in the great NW right now! 85 and above sure beats rain any day!

I'm a wimp and when the temp goes above 85 (like today) I'm inside catching up on all the interesting stuff! Glad to finally figure out your situation (if I have) and not feeling sad and disappointed for you!

LeO

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Leora,

You're right the weather up here is fantastic (now). We're checking because its 90 in the shade here with a gentle breeze and no one but us is outside! 😄

We love this park. Our manager's point of view is that they/we are inviting people into their/our home so treat them as valued guests. There is no unpleasantness here.

Can't wait to hear which rig you decide on.

Sherry

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Leora,

That many homes in your price range!!! That's a bummer. No wonder you're anxious. Keep the faith and start exploring as many alternatives as you can, renting or buying an RV and hitting the road anyway, workamping until house sells? Anything else you can think of. I know it's a beautiful house - trying to figure out your market there.....and don't have a handle on that lprice range in your area.. Just sending you hopes for a quick sale to a happy family!

Sherry

-- Edited by WestWardHo on Sunday 21st of July 2013 06:44:25 PM

LeO · RV-Dreams Community Member

Sherry, Can't wait to be in a position to choose that rig; but at this point I'm very much ready to follow your and Ann4now lead with Trilogy 3650RL. Please both keep updating about your experiences with those gorgeous rolling homes! It's the wind beneath my wings for now!

When we listed Stick & bricks April 15 there were under 10 homes in a 3 zip code close area at our price point; as of a couple days ago there are 47! So competition is fierce for a small pool of buyers, but I only need one! Lord, please send them; my patience grows thin!

Dick (my DH) keeps reminding me, I need to follow my favorite football coach (Chip Kelly former UofO, now Phily Eagles)"Win the day" attitude; meaning I can't spend so much time focused on the playoffs and super bowl. House sale first, then RV fun later!

But RV Dreamers so much more fun then pulling those weeds and trying to stay show ready 24/7!

God bless one and all and thanks for your great stories and adventures.

I'm enjoying so much!

LeO

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

LeO,

You are only just one step away from where me and DH are (started almost 3 years ago). Need to sell the house first before we can buy our new home on wheels. We're not on the market yet as we still need to do a bit more cosmetic upgrades to make it more attractive (otherwise, we'd end up selling an "as is" house and not even make enough to pay off the mortgage). It just takes so much time and money.

But I refuse to give up The Dream! Every day I participate in this forum and I continue my research; there's always more to learn. I look at floorplans and photos and imagine living there. Even when I wash my dishes or clean the house, I imagine that I am doing so in the RV and try to picture how I would do things differently. I feel that if I didn't do this, the dream would slowly start to slip away and I don't want that to ever happen! I want this lifestyle and it WILL happen when it's meant to.

Good luck to you!