She Works Six Jobs to Keep Her Island Afloat

For most people, keeping track of one job is complicated enough—now, imagine juggling six. On the small island of North Ronaldsay off the northern coast of Scotland, that’s the case for many of the residents. With a population of just 50, everyone has to work a handful of jobs to keep the island afloat. Sarah Moore is part of North Ronaldsay’s trusted work force. She works as a mailwoman, home care worker, council clerk, airfield attendant, baggage handler and firefighter. Oh, and did we mention she also keeps a flock of sheep? Sarah moved to the island after searching for quiet from the big city. In North Ronaldsay, she feels like she has found her purpose as a part of something bigger than herself—a caring community.

#NorthRonaldsay #OddJobs #Working

This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com

[zeecaptainz]

When you're in a group project but the other people won't do their part

[AdilAli-qxgk]

She said, "I am gonna here until I die" This is internal satisfaction. This is her love for that place.

[Schaffsbiggestfan]

When you need to put out a fire at 5 but shear the sheep at 6

[rayzedark]

Bruh this is what our parents make us feel like their childhoods were like

[emilkris]

When you're the only admin on your friend's Minecraft server

[DakuJTenshi]

So basically you work to maintain the island rather then to pay off things, interesting

[istoleyourwalletwhileyouwe]

And then someone discovers that the island has oil.

[rwade]

Thought she said “I’ve got a fookin sheep”

[nameinvalid]

'safety is no.1 priority...…..'
I hear that way too much xD

[johnification]

I know a lot of people say “oh I’d love to do that” but inreality 95% of people wouldn’t last a week there. I would love to experience it and help out the community there but it takes a strong person to live there full time.

[ivansivak]

This is fascinating! With such a small community, they are able to live their lives how it should be lived. No separation from people, having local farms, ... and they don't have to do jobs to hunt for most money their whole life and living in stress. What they need, they have right there. Great way to live!

[francislematt]

Even though she is not intending to leave the island she already has an impressive CV that could get her anywhere!

[noobass]

No wonder her last name's moore. She's got moore jobs than most.

[tc]

She’s literally that character from cartoons that keeps reappearing in different jobs

[rubyia]

Man, if something happens to one person on that island, the whole system is messed up...

[sirsoos]

2:34 "ruled by the weather, instead of the clocks." yooo.

[ilsunnylo]

Wow. I wanna join the island too. Where can i sign up?

[Funkyappeltj]

I honestly admire this lady so much I'd love to the same thing

[saguputih]

1:50 I’m worried that that sheep’s head would get stuck

[ianbaker]

I enjoy that they have to have subtitles and sometimes translate in order for people to understand the accent.