How to quit your life and become a shred bum

By Magee Walker

City friends, I’m sure that you’ve had a lovely summer in town. However, all good things must come to an end. As the days begin to get shorter and the clouds roll in, it is time to prepare for the long, dark and miserable season ahead. There are essentially only two things to look forward to now: Christmas and the pow-filled bluebird holidays—or, if you’re lucky, weekends– that will motivate you to power through the season.

Have you ever let yourself wonder what life might be like if you just said “Screw it”, packed up, and moved to a ski resort town? Guess what? You can, and here is how:

Step One: Determine whether or not you should indeed quit your life. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you really love your job? If you are one of the lucky ones who is extremely passionate about what you do, then maybe leaving the city is not your best bet. On the other hand, if you started your job right out of school and never gave yourself a chance to have a little fun, maybe taking a couple of years off to live a little is worth it. If you DON’T feel passionate about your job, then this could be a good time to try something different.

Do you have kids, a spouse, or a significantly significant other? If your actions affect anyone else, you’ll need to get them on board first. If you AREN’T committed to anyone—then do it!

Can you handle leaving the city? Most ski resorts have a pretty small permanent population. You’re not going to be anonymous, and get used to, well… “she’s not your girlfriend, it’s just your turn.” (Just kidding. Kind of.)

Step Two: Go ahead and quit your life

Quitting your life is probably much easier than you think.

Job: I recommend booking a dentist/eye doctor/whatever else appointment prior to quitting (bye bye, benefits!). Then, have The Talk with your boss. Do not burn any bridges—you never know.
Housing: Give the required notice. If you’re tied to a contract, consider subletting (with your landlord’s approval). Easy peasy.
Throw yourself an epic going away party, and expect everyone to ask if they can crash on your couch every weekend from here until June.

You could be just three steps away from this being your new morning meeting

Step Three: Find a home

Timing is EVERYTHING. It is not easy to find a place to live towards the start of the ski season, so get to work. Rent varies widely depending on what you’re looking for, so determine what kind of lifestyle you’re after—sophisticated solo living or a party house with 20 other tenants.

Start checking Craigslist and the local paper classifieds. The old “Anyone know anyone looking for roommates?” Facebook status update can also be a winning strategy.

Step Four: Find a job

When I was working in a restaurant, a guy once dropped off his resume for a dishwashing job. He had a masters degree in engineering. In other words, what you may have previously thought of as valuable school/work experience might count for nothing in a ski resort town.

Scour the local papers and visit all the local business’ websites. Do a good old walk around to see if anyone has hiring signs, and try to clean yourself up a little so you stand out from all the other scruffy people. Businesses that cater to tourists often want staff that put in a little effort. Finally, tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job.

Step Five: Do it!

Pack up your old house, store all but the essentials away, and move! Start your new job, see how many days you can accumulate on your pass, and meet some really fantastic people. Happy 2012/2013 season!

Magee did it and look how happy she is