In this situation, the ability to function independently and fulfill one's responsibilities without daily guidance and instruction from the landowner are important qualifications. Although a love of nature, solitude, and the simple life is important, having hobbies and interests that can be pursued in what are often remote areas is extremely helpful. While many landowners seek experienced caretakers with specific skills, others are willing to take on and train people with general backgrounds. As with most other occupations, such traits as honesty, common sense, and flexibility are key prerequisites. For those who do not yet own a piece of land of their own, caretaking enables them to learn the self reliance and survival skills that will enable them to be prepared when they do acquire their own property.
Many people find that caretaking evolves into a lifelong career.
Dunn will send a free report that answers these and other questions to any of your readers who send her a large self-addressed, stamped, envelope. The Caretaker Gazette, PO Box 540, River Falls, WI 54022-0540. He has facilitated ongoing support groups, spoken to professional groups on the radio, and produced a perpetual calendar of daily readings from a wide range of authors from a variety of ethnic, religious and work settings.