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RESORT JOBS PAY AND EXPERIENCE

For many people, the greatest attraction of resort employment is the opportunity to travel and live in another part of the country, or even another hemisphere. Although almost all positions will pay enough to cover living expenses and your trip home not all of them will leave you with much money left over. Most people who work at resort hotels do so for their scenic settings and fun job opportunities, not for their high wages. Nevertheless, there are jobs out there that will allow you to save money.

People working at secluded resorts tend to save more money than those working near large towns; not because they earn more but because there is no place to spend their paychecks. Often, room and board is provided, and free time is usually spent entertaining guests or enjoying the outdoors. Most of the money earned is saved or spent on further travel.

Another factor to consider is monetary pay versus other perks such as housing, transportation, or tips. One former Club Med employee who earned $450 per month said although tipping was not encouraged, it did occur, usually in the form of complimentary drinks or other freebies. In addition, her room, board, and transportation were provided without charge.

The prospect of finding housing and paying rental deposits can be daunting for someone planning to spend only a limited time in an area; luckily, many employers help their new hires with housing. Usually, employee housing is quite affordable and provides an opportunity to meet co-workers from all over. Be warned, however, that some companies providing "free" housing pay substantially less or deduct the cost of housing from workers' paychecks. A former resort worker cautions against situations where housing and meals are deducted from employees' pay, especially in remote locations:

"It's good to get it all on paper. You really are working for someone else and in that respect there's really not much you can do about certain things. You just have to live with it. Just never let yourself get in a position where you don't have any other options. Don't get in a position where you're dependent on your employer."

If you need to save money for school, you should consider planning a budget for the season. Before accepting a job, find out exactly what your pay will be and how much room and board will cost. Don't forget to consider travel expenses; these can be high if you're traveling all the way across the country. Also, remember to budget for your return trip home.

Finally, if you keep in mind that your first season at a resort will probably not make you rich, you might end up enjoying yourself more than if you constantly worry about how much you're earning. In the words of a former resort employee:

"I was okay with the money because my objective wasn't to make money but to have the experience."

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