When is a job more than a job? When it’s an adventure that couples share. That’s part of the vision of WorkingCouples.com, a job search portal that caters exclusively to teams of two: spouses, partners, siblings or friends.
“My wife Robin and I began WorkingCouples.com after our own experience working together at several unique and unexpected locations,” explained Lee Ashworth. “We were looking to spend more time together and break out of our routine, so we took a job on a tiny island off the coast of Nicaragua. We didn’t know Spanish, and we hadn’t even seen the place; there was definitely an element of fun and adventure. It’s been nearly 10 years and we still reminisce regularly about that experience.”
From the Bahamas to the Pacific Northwest and from Southern California to New England, resorts and inns are regularly looking for qualified help. Management, caretaking, maintenance and domestic work represent some of the most common available jobs. These employers understand that full-time, on-site work can sometimes be demanding and therefor provide on-site housing; some even allow couples to bring children or pets along, too.
From a couple’s perspective, the benefits of working as a team, particularly outside of the usual employment environment, are tough to put a value on. Obviously, there is the immediate benefit of having more time in each other’s company. More quality time can translate to an improved relationship, while accomplishing tasks and meeting goals together can enhance the sense of teamwork in any marriage or partnership.
Anyone can browse the job listings on WorkingCouples.com for free. For a monthly or quarterly fee, job-seeking couples can access the employer’s contact information on each listing. A paid subscription also unlocks a host of useful features, including the ability to add photos to the site and upload a couples’ resume for a one-time fee. WorkingCouples.com recommends taking advantage of the resume and photo features; employers will typically short-list candidates who are the most forthcoming and transparent with their profile and application information.
Meanwhile, couples can rest assured that employment opportunities on WorkingCouples.com are safe and legitimate. The site screens every new employer, and new postings are passed through an editorial review process before going live. There is also a flagging feature to help to catch anything bad that may have slipped past the review process.
Glowing testimonials from happily employed couples are a testament to the success of the WorkingCouples.com model. Many couples speak to the notion of escaping the “craziness” that is the working world today. An island resort or a bed and breakfast tucked away in the woods offer a far different kind of pace. Many couples find being together and working toward the same goals to be a life- and relationship-changing experience.
Employers, too, have recognized the benefits of listing their frequently hard-to-fill but rewarding job openings on WorkingCouples.com. The typical avenues don’t make it easy to find and connect with qualified couples. Employers who have tried WorkingCouples.com report great success and have come to rely on the site.
Ashworth added that when employment feels like an adventure, it’s hard to imagine going back to a cubicle. “After working in Nicaragua, we were hooked on the concept of couples’ work. Jobs in Puerto Rico and northern Michigan soon followed. We can’t recommend this kind of work highly enough.”
New retirees, unemployed couples or those who simply need to escape the “rat race” can all find something they’re looking for at WorkingCouples.com. Over 2,000 employers have registered with the site, posting hundreds of jobs at locations across the USA and abroad.
