Baldwin Native Chosen as Australian Dream Job Finalist; Needs Votes

After five years of sitting behind a desk, Baldwin native Alisa Messeroff pulled a 180 and decided to leave the corporate world for a more extreme career.

Messeroff worked in outdoor advertising for Titan Worldwide and in publishing for Time Inc. for a total of five years. After that time, Messeroff said she and her husband -- an airline executive -- shocked friends and families, quitting their jobs and moving to St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.

“While in the Caribbean I enjoyed working as a hiking tour guide, crew member on a 50-foot catamaran and waitress,” Messeroff said. “I loved going to work, it was so refreshing! After a year of island life, we decided it was time for our next destination: Australia.”

Messeroff said they picked Australia because it offered a working holiday visa for visitors 30 and under. Without any hesitation, the couple  headed Down Under in November of 2012 and is currently on a backpacking trek around the country.

In March, Tourism Australia announced a contest to win one of six "Best Jobs In the World," so Messeroff sent in a video entry for the Outback Adventurer position.

Last week, Tourism Australia announced the top 150 finalists (25 finalists per job) and Messeroff was chosen from more than 600,000 entries in 196 countries. More than 45,000 candidates applied for the Outback Adventurer position.

On May 15, the top three finalists per job will be announced. To advance to the next round each finalist needs to round up as much support as possible.

Messeroff needs as many “likes” on Facebook as she can get. She has started a Facebook campaign, “Alisa for Outback Adventurer,” and as of Monday had collected more than 2,300 “likes” from friends, family and the public.

“It's an overwhelming response and I am so thankful to have support from people all over the world,” Messeroff said.”

“I want to bring more people to Australia and have them experience what this wonderful country has to offer,” she added. “The landscapes are jaw dropping, the Aussies are so kind and life is so peaceful. As Australia’s Outback Adventurer, I would explore the Northern Territory, camp under the stars, go camel racing and fly in hot air balloons, while sharing my adventures with the world.”