In a bold move towards personal fulfilment, 26-year-old Zoe De La Paz has transitioned from a corporate environment to a hands-on role as a seamstress at Yellowstone National Park. Previously earning a comfortable salary of £75,000 as a mechanical designer in Chicago, De La Paz felt increasingly unsatisfied in her corporate job.
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The turning point came during a visit to Yellowstone in 2024, where she witnessed the joy and freedom her friend experienced in their seasonal role. Inspired by the park’s stunning landscapes and the prospect of a more fulfilling career, she decided to seek a new path. “Life is too short, and I was very unhappy at my corporate job,” De La Paz explained in an interview with CNBC Make It.
In early 2026, armed with a renewed sense of purpose, she discovered a position responsible for repairing uniforms for the park’s personnel. With a background in sewing that began with cosplay as a teenager, followed by costuming experience for The Weeknd’s tour dancers, she seized the opportunity to pursue her passion full-time.
Currently, De La Paz earns £19.25 per hour, working a standard 40-hour week from Monday to Friday, for Xanterra Travel Collection, which manages several hospitality and recreational services within the park. Her income, though significantly lower than her previous salary, comes with unique perks, including dormitory-style accommodation in Mammoth Village. At £96 per month, this cost is automatically deducted from her paycheck, covering her accommodation, including Wi-Fi and utilities.
De La Paz begins her day with a brief 15-minute shuttle ride to the work facilities in Gardiner, Montana. Throughout her shifts, she engages in a range of stitching tasks, such as sewing patches, fixing snaps, and replacing buttons and zippers for workers in various roles, from housekeeping to security. Despite the pay cut, she enthuses about the value of her new lifestyle, expressing, “the trade-off is really worth it to me because I get to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
Living costs in the park are significantly more manageable than in Chicago, allowing her to enjoy her new surroundings without financial strain. Friends and family can stay at the park for as little as £5 a night during visits, adding to the appeal of her new life. De La Paz, who considers herself a “city girl,” has embraced the natural surroundings, stating, “I feel like I’m connected and living with nature, and not just a separate being.”
Outside of work, De La Paz takes full advantage of Yellowstone’s outdoor offerings. She engages in low-cost or free activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and even attended the Cody Rodeo in Wyoming. “Being here has changed my life,” she remarked, reflecting on the transformation she has undergone since leaving her corporate job.
De La Paz’s seasonal employment is set to conclude at the end of September, leaving her future plans open-ended. She is currently exploring sewing opportunities within the film industry in Los Angeles and considering costuming roles in New York City. Although she acknowledges the uncertainty of her next steps, she expresses confidence in her ability to continue working with her sewing machine.
“It’s daunting to think that less than six months ago, I was clocking into my corporate job with my badge, and now I’m faced with the question of what comes next,” De La Paz admits. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic, eager to see where her passion for sewing will lead her in the future.
Zoe De La Paz’s journey reflects a deep-seated desire for authenticity and connection with nature. Her story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of personal happiness requires a leap of faith into the unknown.