If you’ve been to VVR, you have had a glimpse into how many different roles and people it takes to operate this place. A role that is close to my heart is the housekeeper because that’s where my ranch career began. For me working at VVR was not about the job I would be doing. I had dreams of being an outdoorswoman and had no idea how to do that as a girl from the suburbs. It was about being on a ranch, in the mountains, and part of a community. It was a wonderful entry into the ranch. Yes, I cleaned toilets, ironed sheets, and mopped floors. But what is so fun about being a housekeeper is once you learn the systems, it’s a job that can be done while gabbing with your coworkers, not to mention you get to live at VVR! The perks far outweigh the tasks. And, that’s what it’s about, right? Who you work with, what benefits the job offers. And if you’re lucky, you enjoy the work too. And, you can actually enjoy housekeeping. No, it’s not fun to clean up someone’s mess, but you can see the good work you’ve done.
Being a housekeeper at VVR is unlike the same role at major hotels. Traditionally, housekeepers are never to be seen and they often work solo. Of course, we tidy up your cabin while you are out on activities. But, all of our staff eat lunch with our guests and join in the evening activities. And that’s the thing, there isn’t a hierarchy of roles at the ranch. No one role is treated better than another. Also, your wranglers and guides are housekeepers one day a week when we turnover the accommodations from one set of guests to another. We are a team and everyone has their own contributions to the overall goal at the ranch.
Still, it’s fair to wonder how a college graduate could be happy to be a housekeeper. Admittedly, I had no horse experience and at the time I had minimal outdoor skills so that took wrangling and guiding out of the picture for me. When I graduated from college what I knew was that I wanted a different experience. I didn’t want to move to a major city to figure out my next steps. I wanted to have the space and peace that the outdoors provides to make the best next choice. More simply said, I was choosing a lifestyle or experience rather than a specific position to pursue in post grad life. And we continue to see this. Staff decide to come out here for many different reasons. From wanting a fun summer job to needing a place to work while they contemplate a career change. It’s a place where staff members find like-minded comrades, learn about the outdoors, find their passions, learn how to work hard, find a home, and learn new skills. VVR is the perfect place to land or to launch from, no matter your title.