Dustin Wittmier Employee Statement

During the summer of 2015, I found myself three years into a career as an analyst at a major logistics company in Seattle, WA. I was caught up in the corporate hustle, but in my personal life, I felt continuously more drawn to the mountains. Corporate life left me feeling unfulfilled, lacking the free time I desired to follow my passion for climbing. At a happy hour one Friday afternoon, I was lamenting to my closest friend about work. He said to me, "it seems like you should quit." By Saturday morning, my manager had received my two weeks notice.

For the next 18 months, I worked a variety of part-time jobs around the American West, mostly driving shuttles between airports and major ski destinations. More importantly, I was climbing or skiing most days of the year. I was happier but still struggled to find the balance I desired. The money was not great, and I wanted even more time for outdoor pursuits. That was when I took a leap and decided to apply as a guide for RMI.

By mid-2017, I was working full time guiding on Mount Rainier. I discovered a community of guides from many different walks of life, joined together by their passion for climbing and teaching. Drawing from their knowledge and experience, my skill set expanded faster than ever before. With this personal growth came career growth. In 2018, I made my first international trip for RMI to the Mexico Volcanoes. In 2019, I spent three weeks working in Alaska, guiding the West Buttress of Denali. I have since added Ecuador to the list of places my guiding career has taken me.

I work for an organized, well-respected guide service with approachable owners and managers, alongside many of the best people I have ever known. My work life and personal life both revolve around spending time outside, and I finally have a sense of fulfillment at work. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and would encourage anyone considering becoming a guide to apply at RMI and see where it could take you.