More and more ads on Workamping News are calling for couples only....and consequently, more ads are appearing for travel/work partners. I really am starting to feel like the employers are discriminating against me because I'm a widow, because I'm 'a single' and I choose not to travel with someone else.

I can understand that employers love to get '2 workampers for the price of one RV site' but that does not eliminate 30 years of work experience and expertise that I bring to a workamp position and therefore would really be upset if I didn't get a job just because I was "a single. "

Does anyone else feel this way? Do you think the Editor of Workamper News should address this issue? If so, how?


Single and content in WY

Re

I have not noticed any increase in the amount of employers wanting couples, that has always been the main drive in workamping, the two for one deal.

I don't think it has hindered singles from finding jobs as they travel, and I doubt WK News staff could do much to change the attitude that it is better to have a couple than a single. Just sell yourself and work through each situation as best suits you and your desires.

Happy RVing.

If I were in your shoes, I'd apply to lots of jobs, and not let the fact that they are asking for couples stop me. Sometimes they do want a couple, but sometimes they are also willing to consider a single. There are a number of solo Workampers who have no trouble finding jobs. Having a good track record and confidently selling themselves is what I believe makes the difference. Whether a single or a couple, you gotta make that employer think he/she can't live without you!

If you don't have experience yet, consider volunteering for a state or national park or working for a non-RV park employer where each person applies on their own merits, even if a couple.

Good luck!

CJ

I personally have had no problem getting a position, as a matter of fact, I have had to turn down multiple offers for winter. But I don't like, in the very short time that I have belonged to WK (4 months), that more and more ads are asking for couples only.

I just brought up the question was to see if other single WKers felt the same. I also don't remember all the 'looking for traveling companion' ads being as prevalent as they are now, for this very reason.

re

Good suggestions, Lisa/Sunflower.

Do you think perhaps people are more comfortable using the Internet to meet potential partners and that could be another reason we see more posts?

CJ

I'm note sure if I understand the "two for one" thing. Most positions are around 20 hours per couple for a FHU site. I understand "20 hours per couple" not to mean 20 hours each. 20 hours worked per couple and 20 hours worked by a solo workamper is still 20 hours of work.

That's not to say there are benefits to the employer of having two people working, say, 10 hours each. For example, one person can be in the office at the same time the other is tending to chores outside. Perhaps it's a logistical need of the employer.

I do consider it a problem if the employer is operating under the mistaken notion that they come out ahead financially with "two for one". I'm new so this may have already been answered, but have the employers been polled to find out why they have such a strong preference for couples?

What I meant by the 2-for-one was that the employer gets 2 works for the price of one RV site. Probably one of the main reasons they really want couples instead of singles. Two singles = 2 RV sites where one couple is only one. I realize that is good business sense and being a retired business owner, I have nothing against saving money but I still think that you shouldn't be penalized if you are qualified for the posted position and 'choose' to travel alone.

ReAnn

20 hours (or whatever) per site means that the park gets 20 hours work out of that site, whether it's one or two workampers. BUT, the "norm" that we've seen at commercial RV parks is hubby works outside, maintenance, RV escort, mowing, security, etc. Wife works inside, reception, store, office, etc. Housekeeping can go either way, he or she can do it. I think this is a paradigm (or "rut") that some RV owners get stuck in, so they have trouble thinking outside that "box."

The RV park will have their "schedule", which they've probably used for years, which "always" has a balance of the "he/she" jobs, and they just stick the names of their current workampers in the "name" field.

In our case, "he" has years and years of office experience, working with computers, telephones, etc. "She" has always worked with her hands, loves gardening, and being outdoors. But when we worked at a commercial RV park, he was outside in the garden, and she was inside in the office. Not a major problem, since we can both do either job, but we might have been more productive if the roles had been reversed.

One way to improve your job search success (as a single) might be if you told the employer you want to do 2 different jobs. Say you'd like to spend half your time in the office and half outside. Then you might fit more easily in the park's "box."

I would say, from my experience, that KOA franchise owners notriously discriminate against single workampers. While I have been hired and have worked for four different KOA campgrounds, getting those positions makes for a long waiting game because basically they will hold out for a couple and then when they get in a jam they will resort to singles. In my book, that is discrimination.

Yes, it is discrimination but it's not illegal discrimination. Singleness is not a protected status. Just like they can discriminate against people who drive Buicks, it's perfectly legal.

Hi Reann,

I am Joanne, a single fulltimer. I have only recently tried to get back to Workamping after a divorce 2 years ago. I have applied for half a dozen or so positions and yes, I feel like I am discrimated against because I am single. And yes, I understand that employers can get 2 workampers for the price of one spot (thanks for that enlightenment). But don't these employers realize the value of one capable, stong, smart, feisty woman? Or is that what they are afraid of? If the editors can address this issue, I think it would benefit us all.

Lakeinaz, a lot of people have issues (or requirements) that mean it will take more effort to get a job. Being a solo Workamper can be one. I believe it takes two things - apply to more positions and also sell yourself. Be enthusiastic and positive. Yes, some employers are stuck on couples, but not all if you do a good sales pitch.

Good luck!

CJ

Hi Y'All.

I have just completed a season as a Solo Host.
The Park had a Couple before in this campground
and have decided to get a Couple to replace me next season.
But, they want to keep me and are giving me a smaller campground to Host.

They really want 7 days a week and all-nite coverage.
In theory it was OK for me to take off for 2 days and they would cover, but attendance has gone sky-high(multiple vists), including the mid-weeks this season.

I enjoyed what I did and look forward to returning.

Tom.V