When the sun starts declining and the temperatures start rising, it’s time for us to pack up and go home. Hopefully, though, home isn’t a place you return to once you’ve left paradise. It’s about time we looked into what life is like behind the scenes at London’s famous tourist attraction. How is day-to-day life as a ranger like? Does the job satisfy your desire for adventure? Are you making the right decision? Perhaps now is the right time to find out.
ROBERT PATTINSON’S LIGHTHOUSE
London’s most famous and most photographed landmark is situated on the rocky coast of Scotland, on the northern tip of what was once known as Albion. It is most often described as a working lighthouse, which of course it is, having been operational for over 150 years now. In order to keep the light shining brightly, the fog horn has been automatically tooting since 1849, sending residents and tourists alike scurrying for cover. Since 1881, the light has also been regularly played upon by British royalty, including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
Visitors can get quite a taste of Scottish history as they navigate the winding streets of the old town towards the looming silhouette of the lighthouse. Many will arrive by foot or bicycle, riding up the steep, winding staircase that leads to the door of the lantern room. Today, the light is a focal point for selfies sticks and starstruck tourists alike, who can get quite a scare when the fog horn sounds and the light briefly blazes out, revealing the isolation and inhospitable nature of the site. It is said that the light can be seen for miles around, but the truly adventurous might venture even further afield, trying to catch sight of it atop a frozen loch.
INVEST IN ADVENTURE
A life at sea isn’t for everyone, especially those who prefer their creature comforts. Thankfully, rangers are not obligated to work at sea; they can work anywhere that’s relevant to the duties of the position. This gives them the opportunity to travel the world and see new places and new sights. In fact, many will do so, returning home only when their tour of duty is over. Many will keep in touch through social media, sharing photos and funny anecdotes from their travels.
IS THIS THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU?
It’s an incredible opportunity to work in a place like this, with all the fascinating things that it has to offer. If you’re looking for a new challenge, this could be the job for you. The fact that there are occasional demands for your physical presence at sea puts the location in a completely different league to many other tourist attractions, giving you the opportunity to work in a truly unique environment. It’s an incredible life experience that will no doubt satisfy your desire for adventure, allowing you to continue traveling and seeing new places. Be sure to consult with a reputable agency before making any plans, as there are many scammers out there who would do their utmost to get you to work for them, putting your job and your safety at risk. The odds are in favor of you having a good experience, however, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have any regrets.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE JOB?
The most difficult part of the job, in terms of physical and mental challenges, is undoubtedly the weather. The climate can be harsh, especially in winter, making it a rather inhospitable place to live. This means that you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, in all weathers, with little or no shelter. Being on the edge of a huge mountain, in a place where the wind can be rather unpredictable, is also difficult. It can get pretty cold out there, so you’ll need to get very warm clothes, dry bags, and lots of patience. Being at the mercy of the elements also means you’ll be completely reliant on the kindness of strangers, or on yourself for assistance, in the case of an emergency. This sort of self-reliance can be a major test of character, and a valuable life lesson, that many come back to, time and time again, as they grow and mature in their experience of life.
ARE YOU GOOD ENOUGH TO DO THE JOB?
No one is truly good at everything, and that’s okay. Some people may think that they are; they believe that they can do anything, that they are capable of achieving success in any area that they choose. The truth is, there are some things that you may simply be not capable of, no matter how much confidence you may have. There are also some things that you may not even be willing to try, despite having the ability. Being good enough to do the job is not about what you can do, it’s about what the agency will allow you to do, and it’s about being the best that you can be, at being adequate. Do you have what it takes to be the best that you can be at something? You’ll never know, unless you try. Good enough isn’t good enough, it’s the first step to becoming the best. Sometimes, you just need to accept that you aren’t capable of doing something, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have what it takes to be the best at something else.
HOW LONG DO YOU STAY AT SEA?
Depending on the circumstances, a lighthouse ranger can spend anywhere from three months to three years at sea. Most of them will spend around a year on their tour of duty, returning home once their contract is over. The amount of time that you’ll stay at sea will determine what sort of accommodation you’ll need, and what sort of equipment you’ll need to bring with you. Are you planning to do this as a round-the-world trip? Are you hoping to settle down and have a family? These are all things that you need to consider, and the sooner you do, the better, as you might miss out on crucial details that could end up affecting your application.
CAN YOU TRAVEL ALONGSIDE THE WALRUS?
It’s not only the elements that pose a threat to your health and safety; there’s also the possibility of a large animal wandering into your area, and causing havoc. Sometimes, especially in winter, large animals such as deer and moose come close to the coast, looking for fresh vegetation. This can mean that you’ll need to be on the lookout for large mammals whenever you go outside, making sure that they don’t eat the bulbs and seeds that you’re planting, or damage your garden. It’s not always easy to tell if an animal is dangerously wild or simply curious, so it’s best to assume the worst and take the necessary precautions. If you’re ever faced with the decision of whether or not to shoot an animal, you’ll need to make the right call, but you’ll also need to be prepared to justify your actions. The best option, in most cases, is to remove yourself from the situation, by escaping while you have the chance. In some instances, particularly if the animal turns out to be rabid, this might not be so easy. If you’ve ever had to make a life-or-death decision, you’ll know that it’s not something you’ll easily forget.
CAN YOU ESCAPE?
Of course you can escape! Don’t get too attached to the idea of living at the lighthouse, it’s not like it’s the most peaceful and idyllic location in the world, and there’s no chance of you ever getting bored. After all, you’ll be doing the same thing day after day, year after year. There’s also the opportunity to travel to other locales, other continents even, which many will do, after their tour of duty is finished. It’s not just a question of going home when you want to; you have the option of remaining at sea, and eventually going somewhere new, to see new places and new things. There will always be something new to see and do, which is the key to making this job rewarding and interesting. It doesn’t all have to be work; there are lots of opportunities for you to enjoy yourself, while still staying true to the values and principles of the British Empire.