(If you have been living under a rock and haven’t heard of the Best Job in the World contest (Hamilton Island Caretaker) then go here: http://islandreefjob.com )
OK… so who wouldn’t want this job? You get to live in a three-bedroom villa with a pool on a tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef. Duties include snorkeling, sailing, swimming, scuba diving and basically exploring the islands and documenting it all via weekly video diaries and blogs. Supposedly, it’s a 12-hour work month (not week, month). There may be the odd feeding the fish on the reef, cleaning the leaves out of the pool. Oh yeah… and its for only 6 months and you get $150, 000 Australian! Not too shabby.
Obviously competition is fierce. The due date to get the 60 second video application in is only 3 days away. I have been consumed for the last month with making the video for this job and there could only be a 1/20 000 chance of getting it. The thing is, I really, really want it, but for reasons that go way beyond what I have just mentioned. So, in no particular order:
1. I love to teach. That is what this job is all about. I am at my best when I am teaching something that I am passionate about. I am definitely passionate about the Great Barrier Reef. During my job as a marine interpreter at the Sydney Aquarium I would meet hundreds of visitors a day from all over the world. I realized how limited many people’s knowledge of marine life really is. The surface of the water acts as a barrier for some people. It’s like if they can’t see it then it doesn’t exist. I want to help remove that barrier and show them an underwater world, so different from ours.
2. I want to make a difference. I have struggled for years to find the perfect balance of what is important to me in a job. This job is what I have been searching for. It’s not about the paycheck… I’d to it for free. It’s not about the 3-bedroom villa… I spent months living in run down hostels. It’s about having the opportunity to really make a difference. For me, this job isn’t just about having fun in the sun. It’s about showing the world a truly unique and remarkable place. My hope is to go beyond showing, and to inspire. To inspire people to protect the Great Barrier Reef. I hope people will fall in love with it as I have. When you love something you want to protect it.
3. I value nature. All my life I have had a fascination with non-human life. When I was a child I would help my mom sweep the driveway, but all I could think about was how I would be killing all the ants with my broom as I swept. Those who have known me in the last 2 years know of my cat, Nikko. Even though she is disabled, I know that she deserves a chance to live just like a disabled human deserves a chance. I value her. I value life. Life on the Great Barrier Reef is certainly something to be valued.
4. A chance to learn. I worked at the Sydney Aquarium and learned a lot about the marine life on the reef. I went on two sailing trips in the Whitsundays and snorkeled and scuba dived. The way to really learn about the reef is to immerse yourself in it, literally. I want to use these 6 months as an opportunity to become an expert of the reef. How different is the health of the outer reef vs. the inner reef? How much are tourist’s actions affecting the reef? Are tour operations helping to promote sustainable tourism?
5. I love meeting new people. Part of the reason I love teaching tennis is that I get to constantly meet new people. Traveling is another great way. I have done some traveling in my life, but it’s the three backpacking trips I took where I really got a chance to meet people. When you stay in hostels you share a room with multiple people you are bound to strike up some interesting conversations. Part of the Best Job is getting to know the locals as well and participating in the events that happen on the island, such as sailing regattas. Interviewing is a big part of the Job.
6. What it could lead to. For me, this job will go well beyond the 6 months. It’s a life-changing experience. I lived in Australia for 8 months and I couldn’t think of a better excuse to come back. This time most likely for good. I fell in love with Australia, the people, the culture, the natural beauty, the lifestyle, and the climate. Whether it is working for tourism, marine biology, or teaching marine biology, there is so much potential after this Job ends.
7. I’m not a nine to five kind of gal. I prefer making my own schedule and routine is the death of me. Although, making snorkeling a daily routine I think I can live with. For this Job everyday will be different. Just the way I like it.
8. I’m young, fit and single (sounds like a personal ad) and could not think of a better time to bring more adventure and excitement in my life.
9. I need to get out of my comfort zone. For too long, I have been living in ‘safe’ Vancouver, living a life that I know could be so much better. It is time in my life for a real challenge. I know that if I got this Job there would definitely be a lot of pressure to do well. Everyone who applied and didn’t make it would be thinking, “I could have done better than you”. Here’s a chance to really push myself and be the best I can be (cheesy, I know).
10. It just feels right. You know when something comes along and you just know it’s going to be something big? Something that will make you a better person? Something inside you is telling you that this is what you need to do? This is what I need to do.
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