List of jobs to help you fund your travel lifestyle [Tips]

July 27, 2024

Find out the different job options that can help support you while you travel the world.

Ask anybody if they wanted to travel the world full time and, chances are, you would get an affirmative answer. For most people, to visit the most beautiful destinations around the world is the ultimate attainment of their dream. I, myself, have also once harbored that dream but due to some personal circumstances, I decided to forego it.

Jobs that can support you while you travel
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List of jobs to help you fund your travel lifestyle [Tips]


    I am not reigniting that fantasy though but I am writing this piece when I chanced upon an old note, a list of the jobs that I was researching on some years ago when I was thinking of packing my bags and leaving my desk job. I would like to share that note so that it might help a reader whose aspiration of seeing the world is burning boldly.


    Before I proceed, let me just caution you that there is no such thing as traveling the world full time. The more appropriate term, I believe, would be traveling for an extended period of time. 

    When you travel continuously, at some point, you will exhaust your budget so you would have to seek employment or an income source albeit one that is not confined to the four corners of a cubicle. 

    That job may require you to either be physically present or to work remotely. However you want to work, you can find a job that suits your lifestyle and capabilities.

    Anyway, here is a list of jobs that you may want to check out should you decide to travel for an indefinite period of time:

    Traditional Jobs


    Some people are more comfortable with jobs that they have so been used to doing for so long. There is nothing wrong with it, in fact, it can be an advantage because they can easily adapt to it. That job can be anything – from office jobs to health-related professions, to work in the hospitality industry, even odd jobs.

    Traditional jobs
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    It can also be a good starting point for people who are hesitant to quit their jobs to travel or adopt non-traditional work. There are plenty of stories out there about travelers whose wanderlust was ignited when they took on a job abroad, either to cure homesickness or to take advantage of their newfound freedom.

    One such person who I know so well is my mother. When she was working as a nurse in Spain, she and her friends made it a point to visit a new autonomous community or province at least three times a year.

    Furthermore, they spent their holidays traveling to other European destinations like Norway and Rome in Italy. I was so happy and, at the same time, surprised to hear her stories because when she was working here in the Philippines, she would rather stay home most of the time, save for the occasional visit to her sisters.

    Online Jobs (digital nomadism)


    Taking on online jobs is one of the most popular schemes for long-term travelers to earn income that is why most of them are also called digital nomads. 

    Online jobs
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    It is not bound by time or physical space but be sure to invest in a good smartphone, in any of the best laptops for travel, and in a reliable internet connection. You may also want to invest in some of the best travel backpacks so that you can easily and comfortably bring your gadgets wherever you are going.

    You can do an online job or run an online business from anywhere – at the comfort of your home, in a coffee shop, in a co-working space, or in a hotel where you are staying.

    1. Teaching English


    An example of an online job would be teaching English, which is among the most popular and decent-professions in the virtual world.

    If you are interested to work as an online English teacher, you may register in online portals such as Verbling. The platform links up language students with qualified language teachers for private sessions via live video chat. 

    According to Verbling, their mission is to empower people all over the globe to become fluent in a foreign language of their choice.

    Another example of an online portal for teachers is Teach Away. Aside from online job opportunities, it also connects teachers with schools abroad that have manpower requirements.

    2. Virtual assistance or social media management


    Since online work requires only a few hours a day, most digital nomads can juggle a few more opportunities like a virtual assistant and social media manager jobs.

    In addition to online jobs, why don’t you consider setting up an online consultancy business or maybe an online shop? You can integrate these as sections to your blog if you keep one. With the internet, opportunities are endless!

    Non-paying opportunities


    There are jobs though that do not pay in cash but come with perks that may help travelers from time to time, like free lodging and food. Some of the most popular ones that fall under this category are house and pet sitting and volunteering.

    1. House and pet sitting


    As the name suggests, the job would entail individuals to look after the home and/or pets of other people for free. House and pet sitters is a community of trusted and registered individuals in over 130 countries who are willing to take care of homes and pets in exchange for free accommodation. Some arrangements can be as short as a weekend or as long as a few months.




    Sitters are verified via their global identity and I.D., document cross-checks, and criminal background checks to give home and pet owners peace of mind when they are away.

    2. Volunteering


    Volunteering opens opportunities for travelers to learn the language and culture of the host community. If volunteering is your cup of tea, then you may want to check Workaway.

    It is a site dedicated to promoting fair exchange, volunteering, and work opportunities for budget travelers, language learners, or culture seekers. 

    In return, they can get free food and stay with families, individuals, or organizations that are looking for help with a range of varied and interesting activities. When you do volunteer via Workaway, keep in mind that you must share the housework with your host family.

    Volunteering opportunities abound in around 170 countries worldwide, thus, if you are traveling long-term, Workaway will allow you to see many interesting places on a budget. Aside from traveling, you may use the opportunity to become skilled in a new language.

    If you want to add a social component to your adventures, Mercury Center in Vietnam is looking for volunteer English teachers. 

    Through Mercury Center, volunteers can help needy children who are unable to pay for the high price of English education in Vietnam. In return, volunteers can gain valuable teaching and classroom-based work experience.

    Epilogue 


    This list is not exhaustive. In fact, these are just a very few options for those who are looking for job opportunities while traveling. If you have suggestions or would like to add anything to this list, please feel free to write it in the comment below.

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    10 comments

    1. shreyasaha198718 May 2018 at 01:34

      I remember before leaving my country, I was actually looking for travel jobs where I came across being an au-pair, teacher, volunteering, and so many. You have listed down very well. Who won't like to keep going around while not worrying of the cash much? Being digital nomads sound easy but it is not in real. Thanks for the share.

      ReplyDelete
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      1. Yup, those are the most popular jobs for travelers. And yeah, being digital nomads is not easy. Until now, I’m still figuring our how to do it well and profitable. Thanks for dropping by! Happy traveling!

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    2. if i'm not a family woman, i would do volunteering to travel abroad and help underprivileged people with my skills. I think this is a very good idea because it gives you the opportunity to see other place and do charity at the same time.

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      1. Me too! I wanted to do that some years ago but had to re-calibrate my plans due to personal reasons. Thank you for dropping by!

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    3. This is a really helpful advice for someone like me who wants to travel for “an extended period of time” hehe thank you so much! Will keep this in mind once I graduate from uni

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      1. Glad that this post helped you. Thank you also for dropping by!

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    4. This post pretty much covers the basics! You left off travel blogging and exchanging marketing kind of work for accommodation! I've also known ppl who worked at hostels in exchange for food and a bed.this can help your savings last longer or supplement a good online opportunity like teaching or coding!

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      1. Wow, thank you for the additional info! I can add these when I refresh this post. I love getting feedback from those who have extensive experience in world travels. Thank you for dropping by!

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    5. I think someday, I would want to do volunteering just to immerse into the local culture. I don't think I will ever want to work anything digital apart from updating Blog and doing deals with travel business. I would want to do physical work and live a life like a wage earner at the farm.

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      1. I am with you on that. If I were up and about and traveling, I'd rather be outside and interacting with other people. I'm not saying doing online work is ridiculous or anything, it's just my preference to be on the road or on the streets.

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