voidwanderer

The sincerest of gratitude to all of those that have posted their advice in this thread and those that have sent me messages! As for the gear I need see below: Climbing Rope Cramp-ons Ice axes Mountaineering Boots Harness Those are the more expensive items that I need to start climbing ASAP (other than a 4 season tent but not sure if that is required for most climbs). I would like to add that I am not against providing some help (for example some manual labor) in exchange for gear! Best Wishes, Matt

Hello, My name is Matt, I am in my late twenties, have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and am currently volunteering at a farm located in Graham, WA after recently relocating from the southeast about a month ago. After a number of life changing events that happened in relatively quick succession, I find myself here, looking for purpose. Lately, I have been going on weekly solo backpacking trips at Mt. Rainier and thinking to myself, "There is nothing that I would rather do than this". I remember seeing quotes from various sources saying to "find something you would do for free, and then find a way to get paid for it", or something along those lines. I have decided that I would like to pursue a career in becoming an expedition/mountaineering guide. I reached out to a very reputable local guide service and asked what would be expected of me to become a competitive candidate for an entry-level guide position. The response was in all honesty, disheartening. A few summits of Mt. Rainier, numerous summits of other alpine climbs, a solid rock climbing resume. At the moment, these seem unattainable to me, an inexperienced (and in most cases no experience) mountaineer/rock climber. I have looked at the possibility of taking courses to fix this problem of inexperience, and beyond the basic/introduction courses, I am currently unable to attain the funds required to take the $1000+ courses that would help me gain the intermediate and advanced skills required for this type of work. I currently have no income, all my savings derived from things I have sold before landing in Washington. I am working on selling most of the other items I own to purchase the needed equipment to begin working towards my goal, everything other than my car, computer, my limited music production hardware, 2 fishing rods/ 1 flyfishing rod and tackleboxes, and of course my backpacking gear. I am looking for a mentor to help guide me towards realizing this dream, I can't offer much, but within reason I can help out in anyway to earn such a mentor-ship. I am dedicated, a quick learner, and an active listener. I am typically available every weekend. If any of this interests you please message me directly. Any and all advice is welcome and greatly appreciated. Best Wishes, Matt