Sometimes, when it comes to careers, you just want to stray off the beaten path.
Do you consider yourself to be adventurous, up for new experiences, and a bit of a wanderlust?
Are you a jack of all trades? Meaning, do you like doing lots of different jobs?
Are you a bit of a lone wolf–or do you like working and living within a small, very tight knit community?
Then you might want to consider working in Antarctica!
You might be thinking that Antarctica is strictly for research scientists…and trust us, there are many important jobs there in the fields of marine biologists, environmental scientists, meteorologists, chemists and more. So if you’re passionate about studying our planet and its life, and you don’t mind bundling up (a lot!), then you might be a good candidate for life in the South Pole.
BUT… did you ever think of how all those scientists down there actually live?
How do they eat…receive medical treatment…turn on the lights…or even get haircuts?
It’s because people work in Antarctica as cooks, bakers, hairstylists, plumbers, doctors, nurses, electricians and even musicians.
Scientists working in Antarctica still need the basic things to live, work and play. There are shops and even live music pubs in Antarctica. (Pretty cool, huh?)
So…what are the upsides to working in Antarctica?
1.)Though you might be paid a higher salary here in the states, workers in Antarctica tend to save more money because their expenses are low. Lodging, food, clothing and other accommodations are largely paid for. (Plus, there’s just not enough to be tempted to spend your money on!)
2.) It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a tight knit comm of people you will never forget.
3.) The views!!
4.) You’ll get to do lots of types of work. You’ll probably need to share time serving food or cleaning or selling retail from time to time, and that can break the monotony of your day-to-day job.
So what are the downsides to consider?
1.) It’s COLD. Like, right now it’s -35 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.) It can be lonely. There just aren’t very many people working in Antarctica, so you will see the same people every day…and it won’t be very many of them.
3.) You will be away from family and friends back at home for months on end, depending on how long your job rotation lasts. That can be isolating too.
4.) Life as you know it will just be different. You can’t jump in your car or ride a bike or call a Lyft and go somewhere. There are things to do, but it is very limited and just different.
5.) We need to mention how cold it is once again.
But don’t be fooled into thinking the continent is desperate for workers. There are only about 250-1000 workers living in Antarctica depending on the season, and far more people apply each year for jobs in Antarctica then there is a demand for.
If your interest is peaked though…do learn more and check out the job postings available!
