Growing up, I was raised with a specific roadmap to success: pursue higher education, secure a job in your chosen field, start a family, own a home, and raise children. This was the mantra passed down by my parents and the high school counselor’s advice for a fulfilling life. As I neared the end of my second year studying biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph in 2016, I was on track to follow this prescribed path.
After facing rejections from engineering job applications in Ontario, I unexpectedly landed a position at a horseback trail riding establishment in Banff National Park. While this opportunity didn’t align with my predetermined success plan, my childhood experience riding horses on our family farm prepared me well for the role.
In Banff, I immersed myself in exploring the rugged Rockies on horseback, fulfilling my childhood dream of riding through the mountains. Guiding guests through pine forests, driving horse teams by the Bow River, and leading visits to wildflower meadows filled with elk became moments of joy and appreciation in my life.
I came to realize that a fulfilling life doesn’t necessarily revolve around a desk job and corporate advancements. For me, it’s about cherishing simple moments like a calm morning before a busy day or finding warmth and comfort after a long, cold shift. Engaging in seasonal work introduced me to remarkable individuals who reshaped my perception of a fulfilling life.
The friendships I cultivated while working seasonally as a trail guide were unparalleled to any others I had formed in traditional settings. Living and working closely with colleagues for extended periods fostered deep and enduring connections. These bonds led to unforgettable experiences, like hosting former colleagues from Australia for a Canadian Christmas and planning future adventures together.
Despite the inevitable goodbyes that come with seasonal work, the enriching relationships and diverse perspectives I gained outweighed the temporary separations. This journey taught me that success can manifest in various forms and that evolving definitions of success are natural as we grow.
My decision to veer off the conventional path after graduating with an engineering degree to pursue my cowgirl dreams in the mountains of Cranbrook, B.C., was met with skepticism from my family. However, they eventually recognized how seasonal work broadened my horizons and nurtured valuable connections, paving the way for my current role in international sales.
The outdoor challenges and independent problem-solving demanded by my guiding role instilled confidence in my abilities, empowering me to embrace new opportunities like my current job. While I occasionally yearn for the simplicity of mountain life, I am content with the life I have crafted by following my aspirations.
Today, I am grateful for the changed perspective on success that seasonal work has provided me. Embracing exploration, new experiences, and fun has been the ultimate lesson in living a fulfilling life.