Growing up, I was brought up with a traditional view of success: attend university, pursue a career, get married, buy a home, and start a family. This narrative was passed down from my parents and reinforced by my high school counselor as the formula for a fulfilling life. As I approached the end of my second year studying biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph in 2016, I was diligently following this prescribed path.
After fruitlessly applying for summer engineering positions in Ontario, I unexpectedly landed a job at a horseback trail riding establishment in Banff National Park. While this opportunity diverged significantly from my planned trajectory, my extensive background in horseback riding on my family’s farm in southern Ontario assured me of my capability to excel in this role.
In Banff, I embraced the chance to explore the rugged Rockies on horseback, fulfilling my childhood aspiration of riding in the mountains. Guiding guests through pine forests, driving horse-drawn wagons along the Bow River, and leading tours to meadows teeming with elk allowed me to appreciate the beauty of nature and the joy of simple moments.
Through seasonal work, I encountered a diverse array of individuals who reshaped my perspective on life. From career break-takers in their late twenties to international travelers funding their journeys through seasonal employment, each person I met contributed to my evolving definition of a fulfilling life.
The friendships forged during my time as a trail guide in Banff remain unparalleled. Living and working closely with colleagues for extended periods created deep and enduring bonds. Reuniting with my Australian friends Katie and Phil, who visited my family in Ontario for a white Christmas, exemplifies the lasting connections formed through seasonal work.
While bidding farewell to these cherished friends at the end of each season is bittersweet, the experiences and relationships cultivated through seasonal work have taught me that success is not confined to a singular path. Success can encompass career breaks, transitions, or entirely new directions, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with positivity and growth.
Following my graduation in engineering, I pursued my cowgirl dreams by working at a ranch in Cranbrook, B.C., against the expectations of my family. Despite initial reservations, they came to appreciate how seasonal work broadened my horizons and enriched my life with diverse experiences and lasting friendships.
My current role in international sales allows me to continue exploring the world, a path I may not have taken without the confidence and skills acquired through seasonal work. While I cherish my current position, the simplicity and freedom of outdoor life with horses still beckon to me, underscoring the impact of seasonal work on my values and aspirations.
Though my past self may have been disheartened by deviating from an engineering career, my present self revels in the life I have crafted pursuing my passions. Embracing change, exploring new avenues, and savoring every moment have become the essence of my understanding of true success, a lesson instilled in me by the transformative experiences of seasonal work.