Paid to Play Episode 1: The one where after screwing off for 5 1/2 years, the author finds actual year-round employment.


Well, now I am just like all of you reading this blog. I have a job. I have to get up every morning and do actual work, just like you. I must be responsible for stuff and in general, work hard to earn my wages just like you. I have to check e-mail, follow a budget, manage expense reports, and type things into Excel spreadsheets just like you. It is a full time commitment and I now have to work all year round...just like you. At first, this sounds rather depressing. But the administrative tasks associated with this particular job thingy is just a part of what I have to do everyday. I am now a Tour Leader in Central America for the number one Adventure Tour Operator in the world, G.A.P. Adventures.... The "Great Adventure People"

My work consists of a variety of tasks and my office is an ever changing outdoor environment. Job duties include climbing volcanoes, swimming in rivers, riding horses and ATV´s, exploring caves, mountain biking, hiking, rappelling and canyoning, white water rafting, relaxing in hot springs, zip lining through jungle canopies, snorkeling and scuba diving, going to the beach, visiting Maya ruins, and finishing a tough day at the local disco tech. So I am officially hard at work now....just like you.

In San Jose, Costa Rica, I learned a bunch of office and computer stuff and got to meet the visionary CEO of the company. Next up, a training trip with 4 other new trainees up to Guatemala...