View Full Version : Job Vs. Trail
contrast009
05-02-2015, 11:51
I have a large dilemma. In a couple of weeks I will be graduating from college and in June I have been planning on thru-hiking SB . I even have a campsite reserved in Baxter State Park. For the past couple of years I have thought only of thru-hiking after I graduate.
But...
On Friday I received an e-mail from a potential employer out of the blue. One of my professors had recommended me for a job to this person and gave her my contact info. The job is pretty much my exact dream job. It is in the field I want to be in, is 10 mins from my house, and seems to be with a great company. This type of opportunity is what I have been working towards my whole life.
I feel really torn. I am finally getting an opportunity to do the hike I have wanted to do for years, but to do so would require turning down a chance at the job I really want to have. (Though it is worth noting I don't have the job, I still have to go through the application process)
Does anyone have any wisdom that might help me make a decision?
Walkintom
05-02-2015, 12:05
Apply for the job. You currently have insufficient information to make a decision.
Even if you are offered the job, you are not obligated to accept the offer.
Don't lie. If the topic of the hike possibility comes up, be honest about what you want to do and the associated time, chances of not finishing, etc.
What Walkintom said.
I believe that's called a no-lose situation.
Apply for the job. If the interview get's serious, like they are talking $, benefits, potential start dates, then bring up "I have a goal I wish to try and full fill. I really like what I am hearing and seeing here for this job. But could we discuss a start date in the late fall? Potentially even out towards Thanksgiving?"
See what they think. If they ask what you are thinking to do, present the thru-hike dream as a life-goal, bucket list. Point out the potential growth, but also that you might come back sooner even. See how they respond. They might not know anything about it. They might know a lot about it and encourage you to do it, the job will await your return. But to me, a thru-hike or other activities, is not really brought up until the job is very seriously being considered by both parties.
Interview for the job, if you get an offer AND you are interested in accepting then and then see about negotiating the start date. Depending on the size of the Company, the need etc. you may just get the opportunity to delay the start date. If not then you have a decision to make, but not until that point. Also, another consideration, most people don't finish the trail. It would be a shame to turn down the dream job only to not finish and end up with a double disappointment.
2NewKnees
05-02-2015, 14:24
Apply for the job. If the interview get's serious, like they are talking $, benefits, potential start dates, then bring up "I have a goal I wish to try and full fill. I really like what I am hearing and seeing here for this job. But could we discuss a start date in the late fall? Potentially even out towards Thanksgiving?"
See what they think. If they ask what you are thinking to do, present the thru-hike dream as a life-goal, bucket list. Point out the potential growth, but also that you might come back sooner even. See how they respond. They might not know anything about it. They might know a lot about it and encourage you to do it, the job will await your return. But to me, a thru-hike or other activities, is not really brought up until the job is very seriously being considered by both parties.
Exactly. Many good potential companies would respect the goal of completing a thru hike and would be willing to hold you a position. It shows a lot about a persons character to complete something simply for the fact of it being a goal.
CELTIC BUCK
05-02-2015, 16:08
Do a risk reward chart for yourself and cost benefit for potential company.Once you all the facts . This will help you make the correct choice
Tipi Walter
05-02-2015, 16:09
You will have to take the job if you see yourself wanting a career and plan on spending most of your waking hours pursuing such a career. A thruhike is not part of this career most likely and therefore can be sacrificed. If on the other hand you see yourself living outdoors for the rest of your life (in a yurt or backpacking or in a wall tent etc), then any job providing minimal cash will work and then the job becomes secondary to the time spent outside and the full time career can be sacrificed.
4eyedbuzzard
05-02-2015, 16:42
Lots of good advice in the above posts. Definitely apply and see what their offer is, if any. A VT company probably won't consider a thru-hike to be a completely foreign idea. If offered the job, run the idea past them. Then weigh your options. And keep in mind, there are jobs, and then there are careers. Passing on a McJob obviously wouldn't be as damaging as passing on an entry into a career with a good company or Gov agency. For almost all of us, hiking is recreation, not a career. Maybe a long section like ME to Hanover would be a workable compromise.
You are getting really good advice here, contrast009. By applying for the job, you are keeping your options open. Should it be offered, you can negotiate for a later start; if not, you can go hiking. At the age of 22, you have time on your side (at least theoretically).
MuddyWaters
05-02-2015, 17:35
give them your start date and see what they say.
Contrary to some opinions, there isnt just one great job for you out there.
There are thousands and thousands. Its just up to you to look for them.
BirdBrain
05-02-2015, 18:06
I don't agree with the 'let them know you want to hike the trail' approach unless the hike is more important than the job. I know if I was looking for a person to hire and they said that, I would be thinking "next. Let me see if I can find someone that wants a job more than a vacation." We appreciate the difficulty of the decision. Companies seeking employees appreciate profits and hard workers. They do not hire people that lead with things like "when do I get a raise" or "when do I get time off" or "how much do I have to work". I am giving you real world advice, not how I wish the world would be. Search the net for things not to say at an interview. We are biased here.
Having said all this, only you can decide what is important. If the hike is more important, be honest with them and see what happens. If the job is more important, then present yourself that way to the company and forget the hike for now.
Starchild
05-02-2015, 18:34
Set the tone to be open and honest abotu who you are. If they respect that they will respect you more and you will have set the tone of things going forward and is a great indication of who they are. If they deny this that indicates the work environment and attitude towards the people working there and while it may seem like a dream job may be a long term nightmare. Remember the interview goes both ways, you are finding out about them as well as them you.
If you deny your hiking intentions you will be denying a part of your inner desire and deny who you are - not a good place to be and start off with a false impression of you.
Chose the best case senareo and go with it as if that's the way it will work out is my advice.
If you think this may be the perfect job I would take the job and put the hike on hold. Then after 5 years when you have proven yourself to be a very valuable employee you can broach the topic of a 6 month hiatus with your boss. As a business owner I understand the value of great employees and allowing you the time off vs. the idea of losing a valuable employee is a no brainer decision.
Of course if you are not offered the job go for a long hike instead.
brettcorrea
05-02-2015, 20:38
In todays world you are a piece of property raised by the government to think being a part of society is what you want. Really there is no way around that. The only problem is once your in the system there is no way out.
The trail is not something you can just do at any time. There aren't many employers willing to let you take months off at a time to achieve your dream. If your dream really is hiking the appalachian trail this is your best chance. I would apply for the job and tell them my goal of hiking the trail before heading off to work for the rest of my life. If they really want you they will have something waiting for you.
The only problem is most employers don't care about you individually there are plenty of other you's out there. So just like most employers thinking of whats best for them think about what is best for you. There is plenty of time over the course of the rest of your life to find your dream job. I say hike the trail' I have been telling myself I will get to do it one day for 20 years now. I wish I just did it when I had the chance.
MuddyWaters
05-02-2015, 20:44
Employers hire in may/june because thats when people graduate and immediately need work, they have to start paying back loans.
They dont necessarilly have a burning need for another employee at that time, and cant wait a while.
Give them your start date, and see what they say.
Hiring is often driven by annual operating plans, made the year before. They simply plan to hire "x" new hires out of school next year.
Used to be you had to work at least 6 mo the first year to get vacation, all thats changed today. To retain people after the end of defined benefit pension plans, Our hires get hiring bonuses , they collect after a year, 2wk vacation first year immediately available, etc., every other friday off(9-80). And they still leave. They job switch and keep collecting the hiring bonuses.
They arent stupid.
contrast009
05-02-2015, 21:13
Thank you for all of the advice. I agree that applying for the job is definitely the first step that I need to take. If I were to get an offer that I will see what they are open to and see how it goes from there
cliffordbarnabus
05-02-2015, 21:23
jobs are always there. everyone dies. do what you desire before you die.
OnlyJohn
05-03-2015, 11:16
Go to work.
I don't agree with the 'let them know you want to hike the trail' approach unless the hike is more important than the job. I know if I was looking for a person to hire and they said that, I would be thinking "next.
Lie like hell & take the job if offered. Negotiate the start date & learn to appreciate section hiking.
I don't agree with the 'let them know you want to hike the trail' approach unless the hike is more important than the job. I know if I was looking for a person to hire and they said that, I would be thinking "next. Let me see if I can find someone that wants a job more than a vacation." We appreciate the difficulty of the decision. Companies seeking employees appreciate profits and hard workers. They do not hire people that lead with things like "when do I get a raise" or "when do I get time off" or "how much do I have to work". I am giving you real world advice, not how I wish the world would be. Search the net for things not to say at an interview. We are biased here.
Having said all this, only you can decide what is important. If the hike is more important, be honest with them and see what happens. If the job is more important, then present yourself that way to the company and forget the hike for now.
By far the best advise here is the above. A few additions.
It is none of our business and you don't need to fill in details, but use your own knowledge about what you have been trained to do and what that job market is like and likely going to be like. Many new graduates MUST find work in their chosen profession very soon after graduating or their degree becomes 'stale' and later graduates will be given preference over them. If that job is your dream job and the above applies you do everything you can to get that job and you do not mention the trail. This is just being smart and mature. Another issue for you is that it 'seems' as if you have used your relationship with your professor to help you get in line for this job. If you do something stupid and it all goes sour that professor is quite possibly going to not be pleased that they used up 'their' equities on someone who turned out not to be what they thought they were and will be unlikely to ever recommend you again. Professional relationships are/can be very important to build in many professions (does this apply to you? - if so...). Do you have large student loans which will be in need of servicing? I should not need to state in today's world and economy that there is LOTS of competition for any 'dream' job. There is no guarantee it will come around again. The job, as you mention, is what you hope to make your life of - just fyi the Trail IS NOT YOUR LIFE and you do not want it to become your life. The Trail is a really nice 'vacation' which can easily be replicated in other ways like section hiking should you have to wait until you are retired to thru hike like I did and many like me.
futureatwalker
05-03-2015, 14:49
Opportunity is a guest who doesn't linger.
Go for the job. The trail will always be there.
Damn Yankee
05-03-2015, 15:08
Actually, the first step would be to research the company to see if their mission and company goals match yours. If they do, apply and see where it goes. If called for an interview, ask where they see the company going in the future. Ask questions. People will like to talk about the company and will also like the fact that you researched and have questions. If the first interview goes well, most likely you will get a second before hiring. During the final interview phase ask about the possibility of a delayed start date because you have something you would like to complete before you start. All they can say is yes or no. I do think you owe it to your professor for going out on a limb for you. Good luck, however it works out.
Starchild
05-03-2015, 17:41
I have found a listing of AT Thru Hiker Class of ('xx) to be very helpful on the resume, it opens that initial door to get a interview, and the interviewer has a interest in your experience which does seem to help. You are someone that many people want to talk to and will leave a lasting impression. I would not be concerned about your degree becoming stale due to a thru hike.
Keep in mind please ... everything depends on your field, company environment, hiring norms, etc.
Since we know nothing about this, we honestly cannot advise you. If you are a web developer, I'd say go for it. If you are an mechanical engineer, I'd say hold off. Some careers have limited slots and cyclical hiring practices.
I do agree though that you likely don't want to disappoint a professor who's both impressed with you and capable of finding you work :)
Opportunity is a guest who doesn't linger.
Go for the job. The trail will always be there.
the flip side to this: you can work until you die, you're only young once. Some job will always be there.
the flip side to this: you can work until you die, you're only young once. Some job will always be there.
Hmm...
The OP mentioned that this was his 'dream' job and what his education was oriented towards. Dream jobs are not normally 'work until you die' type of jobs and you are making a huge assumption that hiking the AT is more valuable than getting ones dream job. Five months in the woods over a potential lifetime of satisfaction?
What do you base your implication that hiking the AT is only properly experienced when you are young on? That sure does not match my personal experience.
MuddyWaters
05-04-2015, 20:22
Hmm...
The OP mentioned that this was his 'dream' job and what his education was oriented towards. Dream jobs are not normally 'work until you die' type of jobs and you are making a huge assumption that hiking the AT is more valuable than getting ones dream job. Five months in the woods over a potential lifetime of satisfaction?
What do you base your implication that hiking the AT is only properly experienced when you are young on? That sure does not match my personal experience.
Jobs are a dime a dozen.
Particularly for new hires, out of school.
Im literally amazed at the way some think that jobs are .....rare. They arent.
Unless you are middle aged, with family and mortgage and need one in the same location and field you are currently in. Then that gets harder.
A job, is a way to pay the bills, and fund the experiences that will define, and become, your life.
Those experiences are what you will remember about your life.
The opportunity to do another 6 month hike wont come for most until they retire, if ever.
Could OP be turning down a good opportunity? Maybe.
May there be a better opportunity later? Maybe.
Might they meet a spouse on the trail? maybe.
Meet others that become their lifes best friends? maybe.
Decide that their lifes priorities are changed from what they were before? maybe.
In the end, you have to follow your heart. That is what you are accountable to.
Do that and you will never have any regrets.
CarlZ993
05-04-2015, 22:17
Some tough choices here. I'm not sure of the financial considerations you are facing (student loan repayments, bills & other obligations, etc). That could definitely come into play.
I got my 'dream job' @ age 25 (after 3 yrs military & then college). I worked there until I retired. Then, I hiked the AT a few years after retirement. Many hikers around my age complete the AT. I'm sure it's easier to hike it when you're younger. But, it was nice to hike it w/o worrying about money issues.
Good luck in your decision.
rocketsocks
05-05-2015, 00:21
Life owes not one of us a living.
...when the sun is shinning, make hay.
Rising3agle
05-05-2015, 04:54
If this were a younger-me (ok, I'd have to go back 25 years) I would recommend to myself -
don't open with "I have a life-long dream of completing a thru-hike on the AT, would you mind waiting for me to start for 6 months from now?". "Dream" jobs aren't overly common; jobs are common, depending on your field (I'm in cybersecurity - I have no job availability issues due to stupid people always doing stupid things on the interwebz) but finding THE job that you would look forward to going to work to do, AND in a location that works for you (10 minutes from your house), AND offers decent pay / benefits / etc - those are sort of rare. Even in a field with a gazillion available jobs.
I would recommend approaching the job as enthusiastic as possible - one of your professors recommended you, so you are most likely one of his better students. In the business culture, corporations are more interested in 'if I hire this person, what do they bring to the team' and how it affects the bottom line of the company, over 'what do I have to offer this potential applicant'. It makes sense, because at the end of the day most companies are around to make money. Oh some have pretty nice benefits - but those companies still need to show a profit, or change how they do things.
I'm not saying forget about your thru-hike, or to not mention it. During a follow-up discussion, or maybe email a question about it - but don't tie the AT discussion to the interview. That will come across as 'condition for hire' and in general, most hiring guys just don't care for that. Check back with your professor - whoever he put the good word in about you to may have some insight.
Letting opportunities slip by to 'follow a dream' rarely work out.
Unless, of course, you have decided that hiking a thru-hike is more important than having a job that you would look forward to going to each day; if that's the case, then enjoy your hike ;)
BirdBrain
05-05-2015, 08:55
Fully agree with the above. Your odds of getting the job will decrease if you mention the hike in any form at the interview.
Others have commented that companies respect people that have shown the ability to accomplish something as difficult as a thru. I agree. However, you have not accomplished a thru. Your degree is the respectable accomplishment that you have in hand. You do not get points in any company's eyes for talk. You might fail. And how does that help at any interview for the next job.
By the way, I started working when I was 9 (obviously not full time until I was 18). I have never had a dream job. I do have over 35 years in the same company. I don't regret my path. I get to hike. I will never do a thru. I could. I just can't prioritize that amount of time. That is a decision that only you can make. There is time for that decision.
Take the "JOB" the trail will always be their, do the job for a couple of years and if it's not what you thought it was gonna be then you can thru-hike the AT, sounds to me you want the job way more you want to hike.
Francis Sawyer
05-05-2015, 10:12
As an employer I would think twice about a potential employee who tells me that I need to accommodate his hiking schedule before the needs of my business.
Jobs are a dime a dozen.
Particularly for new hires, out of school.
Im literally amazed at the way some think that jobs are .....rare. They arent.
Unless you are middle aged, with family and mortgage and need one in the same location and field you are currently in. Then that gets harder.
A job, is a way to pay the bills, and fund the experiences that will define, and become, your life.
Those experiences are what you will remember about your life.
The opportunity to do another 6 month hike wont come for most until they retire, if ever.
Could OP be turning down a good opportunity? Maybe.
May there be a better opportunity later? Maybe.
Might they meet a spouse on the trail? maybe.
Meet others that become their lifes best friends? maybe.
Decide that their lifes priorities are changed from what they were before? maybe.
In the end, you have to follow your heart. That is what you are accountable to.
Do that and you will never have any regrets.
Boy do I disagree with you.
I am literally amazed that you can equate what he has described as his dream job with a hike of the AT (even if that is something he has dreamed about as well- hopefully he has lots of other dreams too). There is no equality in substance between the two.
"Dream" jobs are hard to come by. Good jobs are anything but a dime a dozen.
He is going to be a Civil Engineering graduate. As a retired electrical engineer who used to help sometimes with hiring new folks I can assure you that he does not want to mess around. If he skips a hiring year he most likely competes with next years crop. That puts him at a disadvantage (even if he then has the hike on his resume - which odds are he will not, completion rates being your best indication of that). If hiring is slow and there are plenty of graduates he might just be looking at graduate school to be able to get a good job. And the need for a Masters in Civil is not real high.
A job IS NOT just a way to pay the bills. Don't put your bitterness onto a young person. Let them find it themselves - or not. Dream jobs have a way of making that not happen.
Maybe that dream job creates a situation which leads to even better jobs and accomplishments.
Maybe that dream job leads to meeting a spouse - far more likely than on the trail by the way.
Maybe that dream job leads to lifes best friends - far more likely than on the trial - though either is possible.
Life's priorities should always change, but you pursue your best options first and they tend to lead to other best options.
The heart and mind are not separate entities. They are one and the same thing. Being conflicted somewhat by ones choices is normal. But self examination (hopefully assisted by some good advise) should be able to separate out ones best choices. Taking ones best choices generally leads to the best end result and the best additional options.
Hiking the AT is a great vacation. I myself intend to take another one just like it each of the next two years. But if that kind of life was what your number 1 'dream' of what to do was then he would not have chosen his 'other' path of an engineering career. He has not indicated in any way he thinks his path is a mistake. If he did he would not have made his original post. Unlike the OP I did decide that the outdoor life was for me. From the age of 15 to 24 I did nothing but climb cliffs and mountains and hike the wilderness as that was what I wanted to do - jobs were just to pay for it. Then I changed my mind and went to university and on to a full professional life and some pretty significant accomplishments. Now I hike again. No regrets either way.