by Loreena Walsh | Income & Finances
So you want to set off on your dream trip around Australia, but to do that you know you’re going to need to work your way around?
Don’t stress; you’re not alone and it’s not as scary to find jobs when travelling Australia as you might think it is.
The Easiest Ways to Find Jobs When Travelling Australia
While there’s no single guaranteed way to find work on your trip around Australia, there are a few ways to make finding a job as easy as possible and keep the money rolling in during your travels.
Word of mouth:
Don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask about work. It doesn’t matter where you are in Australia one of the most proven ways to find a job as you travel is through word of mouth. This works especially well in remote areas or high tourist areas where staffing is made up mostly of itinerant workers. Jobs are not always advertised, so by asking about available work you put yourself in the best position to track down some income.
Chat to shop keepers, the local service station attendant, the bar tender at the pub, locals you meet in the street or at attractions, other campers who might be staying where you are; you don’t have to be on an official job search to find work; in fact casual conversations will surprisingly lead to work opportunities more than you may expect.
Local Facebook Pages:
If you’re on Facebook, it pays to search for local groups for the area you’ll be visiting and join any groups that are work related or similar. Often agricultural positions will be mentioned on Facebook groups or Facebook pages; this can include work such as picking and packing fruit and vegetables, station work, harvest driving, working as a nanny or housekeeper; the options for work are varied and many.
Other than local Facebook pages, there are several major Facebook groups such as ‘Ringers from the Top End’ that cater specifically for agricultural jobs in Northern and remote Australia.
Local Newspaper Classifieds:
While the majority of job searching may be done online, in regional and rural regions the local newspaper employment classifieds will be vital for job hunting. Most newspapers will have online classifieds that accompany their printed versions, but this isn’t always the case and buying the paper will not only support the local economy but there may be extra jobs tucked away inside that aren’t shown online.
Advertise Your Own Skills Online:
This is a hugely underestimated way to find jobs while you travel Australia. One of the most effective ways to find work is to advertise your skills on websites such as Gumtree. Not only do employers advertise their own available employment positions, they also source employees who advertise themselves as available on the site.
List any skills and experience that you have, as well as the kind of work you are looking for, along with what would make you a great employee and where you are willing to travel to. The great thing about Gumtree is that you’re able to easily advertise your skills anywhere in Australia for free, and you can target the region you’d like to travel to next so you can be one step ahead and have work before or not long after you arrive.
by Loreena Walsh | Finances & Obligations
So you want to travel Australia, but you’re not really sure you can afford it? Wondering how to make money on the road? How to finance a travel lifestyle?
As scary as it may sound to leave the security of a job behind, (is any job really secure though?) The reality is with a bit of flexibility and willingness to try new things, almost anyone can find work while travelling Australia.
While there’s always options to try and learn new skills when living on the road, the first option is to use what you know to gain employment.
Use Your Current Skills to Find Work While Travelling:
Almost everyone has skills that they can use to earn income while travelling Australia. Whether it’s life skills, business skills, a trade, or in demand qualifications, finding work is just a matter of being entrepreneurial or knowing where to look.
For workers such as electricians, plumbers, builders, painters, mechanics and similar industries, establishing yourself with a business ABN, suitable insurance cover, business or trade licenses that are recognised in the state you’re travelling, and the necessary tools to carry out work as you travel are essential preparations.
Other industries that allow you to take your skills on the road include things such as hairdressing and beauty services, food and hospitality services, office and administration, teaching, nursing and health services, farming skills and much more.
How to Find Work While on the Road?
Advertise: One of the easiest ways to find work when travelling, if you have a skillset that allows you to work indepenently for yourself is to advertise that you’re available. Have professional signage made for your vehicle, or even caravan so that people know what you do when they see you. This works especially well for industries such as mechanical trades, but also for hairdressers and beautcians who might be able to service other travellers. If you’ll be in town for a while, consider noticeboards or even the local paper to get your name out.
Act professionally: Have a business card, professional resume or portfolio. At least one of these will be useful no matter what industry you work in.
Ask: You might be surprised just what work is around that you can find out about simply by asking. If you have skills in hospitality speak to pubs, clubs, restauarants, motels, caravan parks, or any other business your skills may be useful to. Many places do not advertise, but are often on the lookout for casual staff. Always have a resume or portfolio ready if necessary, and let the business know how long you’ll be staying in their region for.
Use Employment Agencies: While many travellers prefer not to use agencies, they can be a great starting point for getting some idea about the types of work that are readily available within a region. It never hurts to ask, and even if they don’t have anything that currently suits you they may have leads for you to follow in your pursuit for work.
Word of Mouth: Don’t forget to ask other travellers you meet where they’ve been able to find work while travelling. This works well with industries such as farming, fruit picking and hospitality. Always try to get a contact name if possibly and write down the details ready for when you arrive in the same area.
Newspapers & Internet: Don’t forget to check out local newspapers, or online job sites ahead of your arrival and while you’re enjoying your stay in an area.
Turn Your Hobby Into an Income:
If you have a hobby or income it’s often possible to turn your passion into a money maker. While it may not lead to extreme riches, many travellers find that by creating and selling goods or services it allows them to travel for longer and further than might have otherwise been possible.
If you enjoy sewing clothes, knitting and crochet, writing, toy making, painting or any other large number or hobbies, it’s easy to get started selling your creations. There are websites such as etsy and madeit making it easier than ever to share your creations with the world, and local markets are for the most part inexpensive to set up at, and can open you to meeting new people and making a little extra cash at the same time.
The reality is, that while you may not always land in your dream job while travelling, being willing to be creative and flexible with how you work and in what industry or position, can allow you to live a dream lifestyle travelling Australia with experiences so few ever get to enjoy.
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