Every once in a while, a job opportunity pops up that sounds absolutely amazing. There was the travel agency hiring 'professional slackers' to relax abroad, the tourism website offering vloggers $10,000 a month to live in Cancun, the company that will pay $13,000 a year for donating your poop. Okay, I don't know if "amazing" is exactly the right word for that last one, but, hey, it beats flipping burgers. Maybe.
Anyway, if you missed out on those glamorous gigs, a new dream job has gone viral: You can get paid to travel and spread holiday cheer as a full-time Christmas elf. Seriously. And no, this isn't inside a depressing American shopping mall. It's in the spectacular Lapland area of Finland, the northernmost region, and "official hometown" of Santa Claus. (Also, you'll be in prime position to admire the eerie, coruscating glow of the Northern Lights.)
If you've ever wanted to cosplay as Will Ferrell's Buddy The Elf, listen up! Lapland Safaris are looking for elves to spread Christmas cheer at all their destinations in the Scandinavian countryside. The job description reads, ""An Elf is at the same time an entertainer, a guide and a mythical creature of Christmas. We expect our Elves to be energetic, outgoing, positive persons with good customer skills. Elves work in an international environment, so good oral skills in English are essential and other language skills (French/Spanish/German) are advantageous."
You will be expected to work the Christmas season, from the end of November 2018 to the beginning of January 2019. The duties include guiding guests to the right locations, driving the elf bus, and creating a magical atmosphere of delight. In case you're intimidated, don't worry - they offer training to you can master the art of 'elfing.' (And no, the training isn't just watching Elf a million times.)
"Before the start of the actual work, Lapland Safaris organizes an Arctic Hospitality Guide training for the new Elves. The training is part of the Arctic Hospitality Academy and is cooperated by Lapland Safaris, Lapland Hotels and local schools in tourism. Training includes learning the required elfing and communication skills. Knowledge, skills and security are the main principles of the training. Training language is English. Employees will also be briefed to each task in the beginning of the employment."
So, if you're bursting with holiday merriment and can't wait to decorate your house with red and green tinsel, you can check out Lapland Safari's job application here. One possible drawback could be the cold temperature, being so close to the Arctic Circle. But remember, this is Finland: They have saunas everywhere like America has Starbucks. Also, it's a unique experience; how sweet would it be to add "Christmas Elf" to your resume?
Anyway, if you want to apply for Christmas Elf, you won't have any competition from me. I've got my heart set on that poop-donating job.
