Golf caddie jobs in HI? Other recreation related jobs? (compensation, living)

[bennecc]

I have a bit of an unusual career here on the mainland where I am off from work from at some point in middle or late fall until march or so. As I can't stand the cold, I typically head to central/south america or oceana for the winters. This year, however, I'm thinking of maybe checking out HI or the Caribbean.

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a golf course or a resort that has caddies? Or, any other kind of fun outdoor recreational jobs that don't involve surfing or kiteboarding (hard to be qualified for these when you're from TN!). I imagine winter is high season there. In the current economy, has the seasonal job sector taken a big hit?

I don't absolutely have to work if I come to HI, but I'd like to find something part time to defray the COL a bit plus its good to have something to do considering I don't know a soul! Thanks for your help!

[PacificFlights]

Can you speak japanesse? If so, you should not have a problem getting a part time job as a caddie on a golf course. If you don't speak japanese or anyother asian language, stand in line behind the dozen other people getting off the plane in front of you with the same idea and the hundred people already here who were laid off from their caddy job due to tourist downturn. The tourist trade is way down and that means jobs are way down also. To stand out, you got to have something special such as second language.

[bennecc]

Thank you for the response. No, I do not speak Japanese. I am really wondering where there might be a course that hires seasonal caddies. I know there are plenty of courses, but what I don't know is which ones hire caddies. Also interested in any other fun outside jobs.

Like I said, I don't have to work..... But if I want to apply, even if there are a gazillion other people trying to get the same job, where would be a good place to start?

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by bennecc

Thank you for the response. No, I do not speak Japanese. I am really wondering where there might be a course that hires seasonal caddies. I know there are plenty of courses, but what I don't know is which ones hire caddies. Also interested in any other fun outside jobs.

Like I said, I don't have to work..... But if I want to apply, even if there are a gazillion other people trying to get the same job, where would be a good place to start?

No offense intended, seriously (really) ... but if you "don't Have to work" you might consider leaving such job as you might find - available for someone who Does have to work ... this is a serious comment on my part, not any attack ... the tourism industry is down so bad that a lot of locals are struggling harder than ever to get by ... and the normal pay out here, when tourism is healthy, sucks badly compared to most any other place in the mainland states ... especially considering the astronomical cost of living here.

Come out and enjoy your winter ... but leave the few jobs here for the locals who are not so fortunate as you to be able to take off and travel afar ... live simply that others may simply live. But do come out and enjoy yourself in the islands

Aloha

[AlohaHuey]

Here's an idea: If you don't have to work, how about volunteer in some capacity that keeps you outdoors?

[bennecc]

Volunteering is an idea I should consider. That's actually what I spent last winter doing in central america. Of course, daily expenses for food and accommodation were maybe $20......which makes it easy to justify taking a few months off work. In HI, I could afford to not work, but given the COL it just seems....irresponsible/foolish. I've never thought about the "live simply so that others may simply live" rational. It makes good sense.....stupid economy. Still, from the perspective of a business owner, I would want to hire the best person for the job....not just the most down on their luck.

Maybe I could come to HI for a month or so and see if the cost is worth it....anyone have any good ideas where one might volunteer? Thanks again.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by bennecc

Volunteering is an idea I should consider. That's actually what I spent last winter doing in central america. Of course, daily expenses for food and accommodation were maybe $20......which makes it easy to justify taking a few months off work. In HI, I could afford to not work, but given the COL it just seems....irresponsible/foolish. I've never thought about the "live simply so that others may simply live" rational. It makes good sense.....stupid economy. Still, from the perspective of a business owner, I would want to hire the best person for the job....not just the most down on their luck.

Maybe I could come to HI for a month or so and see if the cost is worth it....anyone have any good ideas where one might volunteer? Thanks again.

You are right about the business owner perspective of wanting to hire the best person for the job ... but I would say that for the types of jobs you have asked about, there would not be any shortage of locals equally qualified.

Economy in Hawaii is maybe not any worse than average everywhere, btw ... but the COL is so high that the locals are at a distinct disadvantage in Hawaii compared to most other places in the States. Given Hawaii's charms and climate and all, it's no wonder that hordes of Americans and Japanese with more money than good sense have descended from the friendly skies to grab pretty much every square inch of land and drive the values out of reach of everyday worker-bee types (upon whom the world relies every bit as much as the money-changer Big Boys). Thus, those worker-bees for whom Hawaii is "home" truly, have little opportunity in their own backyards -- often forcing them "away" to the States (mainland, that is) for a decent living. That is the point behind suggesting you consider leaving what work there is to be found for the local bees

As for places / causes to volunteer -- and given your concern about the costs of living being high without some compensation -- there are some agricultural co-operative programs that offer room and board for labor. Off hand I don't know the names but they can be found by internet search -- and there are other contributors to this board who have mentioned in the past so perhaps someone else will pipe up and link a couple contacts for you.

Thanks for thinking it all through ... and best wishes for your potential visit.

Aloha