Growing up in the outdoors led me to a career in the outdoors as an environmental consultant among other things. Spending over half of each field season "out there" has had some powerful and sometimes unintended consequences.

It would be enlightening to hear from people like NOLS instructors, field techs, fire fighters, seasonal Federal Govt employees, etc. How have these experiences shaped your thinking as opposed to being a backpacker that goes on a few trips a year?

Even one field season as a backcountry ranger for instance, has changed some people's lives forever. Please share your thoughts.