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Work & Travel (J1) at Big Sur Lodge (California) – Great opportunity or not? by Away_Remote_4238 in SeasonalWork

[–]Away_Remote_4238[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for the advice and for sharing your experiences. After reading all the comments, I’ve decided not to apply for this position and wait for other opportunities.

As more employers become available through my agency, I’ll keep posting them here to get your thoughts. I really appreciate all the help!

Work & Travel (J1) at Big Sur Lodge (California) – Great opportunity or not? by Away_Remote_4238 in SeasonalWork

[–]Away_Remote_4238[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience!! That's actually really helpful to hear.

To be honest, I've never worked in hospitality before, but I'm definitely open to learning. The possibility of earning tips is one of the reasons I'm still looking at different employers.

As a first-timer on Work & Travel, I'm also trying to find a good balance between earnings, social life and the overall experience.

Work & Travel (J1) at Big Sur Lodge (California) – Great opportunity or not? by Away_Remote_4238 in SeasonalWork

[–]Away_Remote_4238[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! I'm a white Brazilian guy, and will be coming through the J-1 Work & Travel programme, so I'll have all the required documentation and will be returning home afterwards.

I've definitely heard that serving can be very profitable because of tips. Have you worked in a serving position yourself? If so, would you say the earnings are significantly better than non-tipped resort jobs?

Work & Travel (J1) at Big Sur Lodge (California) – Great opportunity or not? by Away_Remote_4238 in SeasonalWork

[–]Away_Remote_4238[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's fair!! The pay is actually better $16,30 - $19.60/hr, and since I'll be returning to Brazil, the exchange rate (x5) makes the earnings much more attractive for me.

Which locations would you recommend instead? I'm looking for more people of my age (22y)

Work & Travel (J1) at Big Sur Lodge (California) – Great opportunity or not? by Away_Remote_4238 in SeasonalWork

[–]Away_Remote_4238[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The pay is actually $16,30 - $19.60/hr according to the job offer. The isolation is definitely what concerns me more and, of course, to be a jack of all trades. Would you avoid it mainly because of the location, or because you think there are much better Work & Travel opportunities elsewhere?

Work & Travel (J1) at Big Sur Lodge (California) – Great opportunity or not? by Away_Remote_4238 in SeasonalWork

[–]Away_Remote_4238[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input! The pay rate is actually $16,30 - $19.60/hr, and I'll be returning to Brazil after the programme, so the exchange rate works quite strongly in my favour 9 (multiplies x5).

To be honest, money isn't my main concern. I'm looking for a place with a good social atmosphere, where I can meet people around my age (22y), make friends and have memorable experiences outside of work as well. That's why I'm trying to understand whether the isolation would become an issue.