5 Weird Realities of Working as a Lighthouse Keeper

Automation has put workers out of work in numerous careers, including lighthouse keepers. However, some professionals remain at their posts on each coast. The ones with a job work like everyone else, although they encounter strange realities. Some daily occurrences could be enough to submit your resignation letter. Here are five odd truths about working as a lighthouse keeper.

1. Weather Reporting

People can’t control the weather despite what you’ve seen on TV and in movies. However, lighthouse keepers are responsible for reporting weather conditions throughout the day. While computers could do this job, humans must report the precise forecast to ship captains. Lighthouse keepers may get calls wanting to know the weather at their location.

With these responsibilities, lighthouse professionals must wake up early and often to report the weather. For instance, your workday could start around 3 a.m. to record weather conditions and perform quick maintenance checks. You could go back to sleep after, although you must wake up again around 6 a.m. for additional reporting. Good luck getting the recommended seven hours of sleep each night!

2. Secluded Shifts

If you want to be alone, lighthouse work could be your preferred career. This job can feel too isolated because lighthouses are far from cities and hard to reach. A typical week could involve not talking to anybody in person, thus making you feel completely isolated. Humans typically thrive on social interaction, so being alone for that long can be mentally challenging.

That said, you’ll find occasional opportunities for communication. Ship captains need guidance when darkness overwhelms the night sky. Plus, you have radios and other channels to talk to your bosses when necessary. Family and friends can visit your lighthouse if they arrange transportation, but you must entertain yourself. Ultimately, the solitary life isn’t for everyone.

3. Haunted Co-Workers

Who said you’re always alone? Some lighthouses are famous (or infamous) for being haunted, as lost souls still roam the building. These rumors could make your lighthouse a popular tourist attraction around Halloween. Conversely, your daily duties could be too spooky to handle. Things that go bump in the night are much scarier when you’re alone. 

So, where can you find these spooky lighthouses? One place you should look is the Great Lakes. Michigan has two centuries of haunted history, featuring numerous posts around the bodies of water. For example, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B has been haunted since 1902 after the death of H. William Prior.

4. Supply Drops

When you work in a lighthouse, you can’t exactly head to the grocery store or your fast food restaurant for dinner. These structures could be hours from the closest town, with only boats taking you back to the mainland. Lighthouse keepers must rely on their stash to stay fed each day. The state or federal government typically supplies employees with food and other necessities.

Alternatively, the lighthouse keeper could garden in their downtime and produce their food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are hard to come by, so this task is necessary for many professionals. Of course, the plants heavily depend on your climate. If your lighthouse is in Alaska, you probably aren’t growing tropical fruits.

5. Wildlife Interactions

Lighthouses are usually calm environments, with waves crashing and rocking you to sleep. The tranquility is pleasant, but life could quickly get scary if you encounter wildlife. Being close to the ocean means you’re likely to see sea lions, mountain lions and other dangerous animals. Despite their cuddly looks, it’s not wise to approach these wild animals.

Plus, you have to deal with being in the lighthouse alone. While you can call for assistance, it may take a while before someone can help you or the animal. Some lighthouse keepers carry bear repellent to ensure these animals can’t attack them. Considering their 35 mph land speed, grizzly bears are no joke for anybody in this profession.

The Curious Tales of Lighthouse Keepers

You may have worked odd jobs before, but how do they compare to lighthouse keepers? This profession may seem antiquated, but plenty of people are still earning paychecks by the sea. Within the job, you encounter extreme solitude, haunted corridors and rare wildlife interactions. Running a lighthouse isn’t for the faint of heart, so don’t think you can sleep on the job.