Leaving the steady day-to-day of your static life is an ideal way to see the world, but it becomes difficult to find financial stability. The good news is that there are hundreds of careers that you can have while road tripping, traveling, and rambling.
Here are just a few of the best jobs suited to this unique and exciting lifestyle.
Gig Musician
You don’t need to be famous to go on tour. Did you know that with the right planning, gig musicians can make a full-time salary on the road? If you’re spending the summer traveling, you don’t need to go without income if you’ve got an instrument and a little bit of skill. Buy the best drum thrones, sticks, guitar, or whatever you play, and pack up your gear for the road!
Common places to hire gig musicians are:
- Bars/cafes
- Weddings
- Bar Mitzvahs and Birthdays
- Charity events
- Retirement communities
- Kids parties
- Music festivals
Get paid a flat rate for a night of music and make great tips! Try inquiring at some local places that you’d like to travel and see if they are looking for paid musicians. This can be a great way to substantiate your income while traveling and seeing the world.
Virtual Tutor/Teacher
There are many career opportunities available solely online. This means that there is no commute or office – just digital communication. If you have a computer and an internet connection, you can be a virtual teacher from anywhere in the world.
The great thing about this job is that you aren’t restricted to applying in areas where you travel. You can be a virtual tutor for students all over the world on your chosen schedule while traveling.
Think about what age you feel comfortable teaching, and what subjects you believe you have mastery of. Think about your degree and career experience and let these inform the types of teaching or tutoring jobs you apply for.
Craftsman or Artist
Almost every small town has a farmer’s market, fair, or event where small entrepreneurs and craftsmen can sell their work. Whether you make art, jewelry, clothes, or even furniture, you can travel the country selling your creations and making money.
This is also a great way to learn about the flavor of different communities and experience life like a local. You get the chance to talk to other craftsmen and residents and learn about the places you are passing through.
The best way to travel this way is to plan your route around major festivals, markets, and fairs. You can find schedules online and inquire about getting a table or a slot. For these types of events, you’ll want to bring supplies to keep you comfy all day and display your items properly, like:
- Display tables
- Labels
- Credit card reader or cash box
- Shelter or canopy
- Fold-up chairs
Photographer/Travel Writer
There is always a demand for content. Magazines and blog publishers are constantly looking for new and exciting voices for their platforms.
If you frequently experience exciting new things and have a creative sense, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Take photos and write about your adventures, and pitch them to websites, blogs, newspapers, and magazines. The more you publish material, the more your name is out there, and the more opportunities will come your way.
The Bottom Line
Whether you want to make a little cash on the side, or need full-time wages while traveling, there are tons of jobs that are perfect for ramblers like you. Use some of these suggestions to help you get started.