Andy
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 20:28:40 -0700
From: gary dunn <garydunn@pullman.com>
To: "Andy Clark, SAN Coordinator" <san@nal.usda.gov>
Subject: Re: The Caretaker Gazette
Living the Good Life, Rent-Free
Pullman, WA, October 23, 1996---Property caretaking has become an
increasingly popular occupation in recent years. With theft and vandalism
on the rise, many property owners, even in rural locations, are finding
that it's cost effective to find a caretaker to watch over their property.
Thea Dunn, editor of The Caretaker Gazette, has been researching the field
and found an increased demand, across the country, for property
caretakers.=20
=09More people than ever are looking for property caretaking
opportunities. They have discovered that caretaking is an interesting and
varied profession, offering unique rewards. People wanting a lifestyle
change, retirees seeking a second career, and city dwellers searching for
new job opportunities have discovered caretaking. Many newcomers to the
caretaking field have spent their entire lives in cities or suburban
areas. They're motivated by the desire to live a simple, rural life and
enjoy the challenge of living in harmony with nature. Successful
caretakers are self-reliant types who enjoy an independent lifestyle, free
from the constraints of a 9-5 job and the constant scrutiny of
supervisors. Working independently, they manage their own time, take care
of the property and fulfill their caretaking responsibilities at their own
pace.=20
=09Caretaking can also be an inexpensive way to experience life in a
specific geographic area. Housing is provided by the landowner, enabling
the caretaker to live rent-free without incurring rent or mortgage
obligations. Caretaking also enables people to leave the rat race behind,
along with the crime, pollution and other problems associated with urban
blight.=20
=09On the landowner side, Dunn reports that a growing number of
farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, camps and nature preserves are utilizing
the services of qualified caretakers. "The average age of American farmers
is 55. There are a large number over 65 who will retire and have no sons
or daughters who want to take over. They are increasingly turning to
caretakers to maintain their land." The benefits are significant: a good
caretaker can ensure that property is cared for even when the owner is no
longer able to do it himself; =97 the land is preserved for future
generations rather than being sold off to developers.=20
=09=09=09
=09Locations and responsibilities for caretaker jobs are as varied as
the landowners and caretakers themselves. Caretakers may be single
persons, couples or families. Landowners are not always individuals:
nature retreats, ecological preserves, camps, and national or state
forests and parks also employ caretakers. According to Dunn, "Depending
upon the position and its location, caretaking can give one an opportunity
to work in dozens of areas, among them: grounds keeping, land stewardship,
farming, organic gardening, forestry, ranching, animal husbandry and
fisheries."=20
=09Caretaking can also be an inexpensive way to explore other areas
of the country before settling down in a specific location. A caretaker
usually lives alone on the property of an absentee landowner. In this
situation, the ability to function independently and fulfill one's
responsibilities without daily guidance and instruction from the landowner
are important qualifications. Although a love of nature, solitude, and the
simple life is important, having hobbies and interests that can be pursued
in what are often remote areas is extremely helpful. Autonomous caretaker
positions may include winterkeepers at lodges and camps, managers for
"gentleman" farmers and ranchers, or caretakers of resort properties
during off seasons.=20
=09While many landowners seek experienced caretakers with specific
skills, others are willing to take on and train people with general
backgrounds. As with most other occupations, such traits as honesty,
common sense, and flexibility are key prerequisites. For those who do not
yet own a piece of land of their own, caretaking enables them to learn the
self reliance and survival skills that will enable them to be prepared
when they do acquire their own property. Many people find that caretaking
evolves into a lifelong career. With solid backgrounds in caretaking and
excellent references from previous employers, they are in great demand by
landowners and are able to find positions throughout the U.S..=20
=09How does one get started in caretaking? Where does a landowner go
to find caretakers? Dunn will send a free report that answers these and
other questions to any of your readers who send her a large
self-addressed, stamped, envelope. (The report discusses caretaking from
both the landowner and caretaker perspectives.) The Caretaker Gazette,1845
NW Deane Street, Pullman, WA 99163-3509.=20
###