(hehe) Hold on folks ...let's not get out of hand here ...I/we started this post as someone who absolutely cannot get by without wages for all hours worked. Yes, we could possibly work outside a CG, but we would have to keep the same hours, have the same days off, and most likely drive who knows how far to do it. We prefer to stay in the CG setting and feel that we have a lot to offer with our diverse backgrounds. We won't judge someone for volunteering, but we also don't want to be judged for expecting an honest wage for honest day's work ...full-time compensation for full-time work; seems fair enough to me. Heck, we'd be happy to pay the whole going rate for the site and punch a clock for all hours worked, but CGs don't seem to offer that option.
All in all, it's all good. Let's all give each other a big virtual hug and share some laughs
Jeff (and Tracy)
* This post was
edited 07/06/08 07:10pm by NH_Snowbirds *
2005 Four Winds Chateau 31P
E450 Super Duty Triton V-10
Toad: 1999 Mazda 626
Demco Kar Kaddy 3 Tow Dolly
Had I not lost my retirement funds we'd prefer to volunteer at gov't campgrounds, but we too will be forced to earn an income workkamping. And it does frost me a bit when I read help wanted ads where they'll provide a site in exchange for full-time work -- sometimes labor intensive, hard work. I'm hoping we'll find campground owners who believe in, and can afford, fair pay for fair work. If we can't do that I'm sure we can find jobs off the campground.
Oh my, reading this thread again I'm always amazed by how it goes. I'm now workamping at my 3rd private cg. In each case the hours and/or wages have been very favorable for what I needed where I was.
First of the three, I wanted minimum hours in a pretty specific area. I found it. Worked 16 hours per week for the full-hook up site - had the same 2 days every week, with 5 days off to see/travel the area. I got my spot for the entire season and only had to work from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
2nd, I worked 10 hours a week for my site, including fhu's, propane and perks. A monthly at this cg would have been $1000. I think my 10 hours were more than worth it. And I was paid for all hours over that, as well as received a bonus at the end of the season. Best part? I absolutely LOVE the owners and managers of that cg and had a great time. I will go back there again another year.
Right now, I'm paid for all hours worked, with a discounted monthly site rate, electric and propane deducted. There are perks and is a bonus after completing the season. And I'm at a summer resort. They aren't seeing empty sites because of gas prices - are as full as always. And I'm happy to be here, have already signed on for another season.
Is the pay at any of these jobs the same as my profession? Of course not. Am I doing the same work? No.
Yes, I carefully consider whether the "deal" with a cg is right for me. If it's not, I won't do it. Are there cg owners who take advantage, sure. Are there workampers who take advantage? Yes. It's a two way street.
Find what's right for you - but if you're looking to be paid what you're worth "outside" - chances are you won't find it working at a cg - as that's not the type of work you do/did - and that's not the wages these jobs get whether by workampers or locals. On the other hand, of course I turned down the job where the cg wanted 40 hours for the site (and OMG, they only gave a small stipend toward the electric! - why anyone would do that I have no clue). I also turned down one that offers to pay the same as they would a local - and you pay for your site. I'd have lost in that situation, also.
Good luck to any/all of you coming into workamping. Just have your eyes open and know what will and won't work for you.
Fulltimers (9 years)
Volunteering/workamping
Ambassador RV Resort, Caldwell, ID for the winter
DataStorm
HAM WB6N (Terry)
2005 Teton 39' Frontier Grand
2003 Freightliner FL60
Life Member Good Sam
Escapees
Geocache..."RVcachers" RV net Blog
As one who will be looking into workamping next week for the 2009 season this thread has been helpfull. Question: Has anyone ran into any legal problems leaving a CG before agreed time was up? Perhaps a situation was not at all what was promised. I would hate to get stuck in a situation that was 180 degrees from what I signed on for.
Ken & Toni
2006 Damon Challenger 3 slides
2007 Chevy HHR Toad
No. Sioux City, SD
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