I just lost my job completely out of the blue. No warning signs at all, just gone. The last time I lost a job it cost me a mortgage and a fiance so this time it's less dramatic but it's still a kick in the teeth. I thought I was on my way back to normality. Still, at least it happened [i]before[/i] I put the deposit down on the flat which was a 1 minute walk from work.
Anyway I didn't come here to whinge but I am struggling with the grim reality of job hunting and spending a lot of time daydreaming about packing the van and 'taking off'. But where would I take off to? I'm getting too old to keep starting from scratch but I am desperate to escape the northeast of england for a few months and hopefully find somewhere to settle.
Does anyone know of any mountain bike related work anywhere? Trail building, driving, airport transfers, anything considered. If I must have a dead end job that could end at any moment I at least want some nice scenery and some time on my bike, which I won't get in newcastle. I know it's a bit late in the season but surely there's something in Spain or Portugal or somewhere sunny with trails.
Sorry but I've got a lot of free time on my hands now for daydreaming! Just hoping to find that 'something' that gets my imagination going.
[url= http://www.world-trail.com/ ]These Guys are busy[/url] in Oz, I hear Bike Park wales may be kicking off if you fancy the valleys.
If not are you able to get a working holiday visa anywhere - might aswell find some sunshine
Do a ski season?
Perfect time to start looking.
WWW.Natives.co.uk for some info.
crap money , crap hours , crap working conditions.
I would rent my flat out and go if i was in your position.
Not sure if working in Oz is an option but that does look like a cool company. Bloody long way to go though! Something similar in Europe would be nice.
Thanks I was aware of Natives but I really don't fancy a winter season. I can't ski or board and I want to escape the cold after surviving the horror that was summer 2012. They do have some driving jobs in the summer section.
Just a thought but how hard is it to do a working holiday in the USA? They seem very unwlecoming to 'aliens'. I seem to remember reading somewhere about a Brit who is in charge of some huge bikepark and my jaw was dropping in jealousy. Can't remember the details now though. I've got a slight obsession with California after spending some time there a couple of years ago and I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live, work and ride. Probably impossible but I'm all ears.....
Cold in the alps is not like cold in the north of England. The sun and snow is inspirational. You can ride bikes you can learn to snowboard damn well in a season.
Sorry to hear this but as you say it's not the end of the world. Some time to recharge the batteries is a good idea IMO. How about learning a new skill whilst you are thinking what next ? Something practical perhaps which could be useful in the future.
As for winter season don't knock it till you've tried it and also a few of the bike companies actually grew out of the owners winter seasons. You don't have to be a mad keen winter sports fan to enjoy the mountains, there could be driving jobs or maintainence etc.
Best of luck
Would you work as a Sales rep for one of the importers? If so I have contact I can call.
Apologies for the hijack, Kryton 57, i'd be interested in trying sales, could you forward any info, email is: sunderlandnick@googlemail.com
Cheers
Nick
i'm just back from a couple of days away so thought i'd check in and see if the weekday crew has any suggestions.
Try bike biz jobs section if you want to work in the bike industry. If you choose wisely the distance from the hobby should be great enough not to spoil your spare time.
Good Luck