2009 is the Year for Opportunity!

Surely everybody knows that 2009 is the year that I am leaving Amarillo. Many of my latest blogs and discussions with friends and family have revolved around steps that I'm taking in getting ready to move, but the last two weeks have been full of realization that this is really going to happen this year.

Unless you've been living under a rock lately, you know that I have been promoting, spamming, and pushing my Australia video application like a drug dealer pushes crack. Working in the tourism industry in Australia for a six month contract would be a HUGE boost to what I really want to do, at least for the next few years. What do I want to do, you ask? I want to travel the world, island hopping, and working as a divemaster along the way. Getting the Australia job would allow me to gain some excellent experience in promoting tourism, allow me to explore the wonders of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, and to $105K USD for six months of work would go a long way to providing a rainy day fund for my global trotting. Even if I don't get the job, I'm still proud that my video is ranked in the top 1% out of 34,000 video applications. That means a lot to me and I have my friends and family to thank for helping that happen!

That's not the only opportunity I'm exploring. Last week, out of no where, I got an email from a local US Army recruiter asking if I would speak with him. What really through me for a loop is that he emailed an email address that I typically don't give out on web sites, just because I use it for friends and family and don't want the spam. I have no idea how he got the emal address, but I spoke with him and will be going in to speak with him on Thursday. This wasn't an opportunity that I was expecting, but I'm not going to turn down the possibility. I'm going to explore all options available to me and ultimately make my decision in the next few months. I also put a add on the employment forum on the PADI members website. The PADI members website is where PADI dive professionals can network on job opportunities around the globe. Anyways, I've recieved to emails from potential employeers today, both seeking divemasters in tropical locations. One is for a position in Maldives and the other is in St. Maarten.

Maldives is located about 435 miles south east of Sri Lanka/India in the Indian Ocean and St. Maarten is in the post Atlantic, south west of Puerto Rico. I'm totally excited.

I'm also looking at the possibilities at doing Scuba Instructor internships. Doing so would make it easier to gain employment while traveling. I'm looking at a 2 - 6 month internship in Pattaya, Thailand! I have a lot to think about as I'm finishing up my house over the next few months. Wow!

Best Job in the World!

Hey Guys/Gals,
I'm sure many of you have hear of Australia's "Best Job in the World", and I would appreciate any help that you can provide. My video application has been accepted and Tourism Queensland will be selecting their top 50 candidates for voting starting March 2. It would be awesome if you could visit the link below, watch my video, and rate it. Rating it, at this point doesn't officially gain me any head way with beling selected, but it could help the Tourism Queensland panel make a decision to select me as a top 50 finalist. I would much appreciate your help!
Thanks,
James
My Video:
http://www.islandreefjob.com/#/applicants/watch/HPTIfYyWOO8
Information on the "Best Job in the World"
http://www.islandreefjob.com