Want to work from Antarctica and earn in lakhs? Today is the last day to apply
Are you tired of your 9-6 corporate job? Do you ever feel like quitting your job and moving to a hilly place or some remote area? While working in a high-paced environment, switching off your mobile phone seems like a dream. Every working individual can relate to these thoughts; especially on a Monday.
But what if we tell you that you can work from Antarctica without any internet and earn up to $2,300 (Rs 1,76,174) per month?
And the skill you need is: Ability to count penguins
Interesting, right? You will be surprised to know that every year, thousands of people apply for this job but there are only 4 positions.
Dream of waking up & seeing Antarctica in all its glory? Penguins plodding around, the sun peeping over snow topped mountains. A job like no other. Join us & help protect Antarctica's heritage & conserve its precious environment. Apply by 25 April. https://t.co/NPSf6dKLdi pic.twitter.com/GmJYIq5w1m
— UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (@AntarcticHT) April 4, 2022
The Penguin Post Office at Port Lockroy is an ancient British post office on Goudier Island. Hundreds of penguins live on this island. The post office is managed by UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. The hiring process will also be controlled by the Heritage Trust. The trust needs staff for maintenance during the tourist season.
Here’s your job description (incase you are interested)
Number of positions: 4 (Base leader, shop manager, gift shop assistant and post office assistant)
Salary: $1,600 to $2,300 (Rs 1,22,728-Rs 1,76,174)
Location: Port Lockory, Antarctica
Duration: 5 months, November to March
Last date for application: 23:59 GMT, April 25, Monday (which is 5:29 am Tuesday in India)
Job description: Each employee will have unique roles but some common responsibilities include maintaining the site, counting penguins and collecting other environmental data.
You can read the detailed job description here.
This seems like a dream job where you live in a beautiful location, you get paid in lakhs, you don’t have to travel to your work place and you live close to nature.
WAIT
But before you click on the apply button, let’s tell you a few things:
1. NO INTERNET: Switching off mobile phones or living without the internet for a few days sounds tempting. But imagine not being able to share pictures of your amazing work location on social media for 5 whole months. Also, human beings are too dependent on the internet, and there is no going back.
Not just the internet; you won’t be able to make calls either. According to the job description, text-only emails on a single address are available for work purposes only. There will be a satellite phone that can be used in emergencies only.
2. SHARED ROOMS: The staff will share one bedroom.
3. NO-FLUSH TOILETS: You will not get running water on the island which means there will be no showers and no flushing toilets. So, you have to collect water in cans for use which will be delivered by visiting ships.
Visiting ships will offer showers but not every day. Sometimes, you may have to live without a shower for two weeks.
4. YOU HAVE TO REFINE YOUR COOKING SKILLS: The staff will receive regular food supplies but the staff will share cooking duties and cook meals turn wise.
5. LIMITED ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC GADGETS: There is a limited supply of electricity at Port Lockroy, which is majorly dependent on solar energy. So, the staff can use only essential electric equipment. Hairdryers, electric toothbrushes, etc. are a big no.
There is more:
- You cannot do any adventure sports activity in your free time.
- If you are a smoker, you need to ditch the habit as soon as possible because the site is a no-smoking zone.
- There are no doctors available but you will get all the basic medicines.
- And obviously you live under extreme temperatures, which are usually between -5°C to 10°C.
- Applicants must also have the right to work in the UK.
Camilla Nichol, the chief executive of the trust told The Washington Post, “Living there is quite hard work. You might be working 12-hour days. There’s not much time for rest and relaxation.”
Looks like people are too tired of these regular jobs. Even with these extreme conditions, the job post received more than 2,500 applications in one year.
Nichol further revealed that people of all ages from all over the world apply for these jobs every year.
People’s experience:
One of the base leaders from the 2019-2020 session shared her experience with The Washington Post.
Lucy Dorman said, “Living takes a bit more work over there. There’s lot of carrying things around. You spend a lot of time brushing penguin poop off rocks.”
If you are still interested and are physically and mentally ready for this journey, let us remind you again: today is the last day.
(In case you are looking for some more unconventional jobs, here's a list)