How to make money while traveling

Are you bored to tears while your significant other is off to work?  Ready to make money while traveling?  Want new ways to meet other people?

 

Consider finding work while you travel.

 

Traveling with your significant other can be filled with fun and new adventures but it can also get REAL boring and lonely too.

 

We all have different reasons for wanting to make money while traveling…maybe it is

• a creative outlet
• extra income
• meet others
• need more than being a stay at home mom (me raising my hand!)
• security in case something happens

 

Whatever the reason, there are options, EVEN while traveling.

 

 

Seasonal jobs

Most large corporations as well as some small businesses will often look for seasonal help.  That season depends on their industry. Sometimes it is summer help for outdoor companies or businesses related to warmer temps.  Other times it is focused more around the holidays, usually end of October to January.  This type of work provides flexibility because it is temporary.

 

Nationwide companies

If you want something steadier, look for nationwide companies that may allow you to transfer as you change locations.  For part of my time with Con-way Freight (now XPO Logistics), I was able to transfer to different terminals since they were a nationwide company.

 

Work at home

This type of work provides the ultimate flexibility because it can go wherever you go!  In most cases you are the boss as well so there is no checking to make sure you can transfer your work.

 

• MLMs

MLMs often get a bad rap.  They get called names like pyramid and Ponzi schemes but their structure is very similar to corporate America.  You have a president, then VPs, then Managers, then workers.  If you drew it out it would look much like a pyramid! There are a variety of different industries/products out there that involve MLMs.  Find one that fits your interests!

• Create something

Maybe you are a creative person.  Do you love to craft?  Have you designed something unique or improved on something already out there?   You could start an online store and sell what you make.  Depending on what it is you are creating, will determine how easily you could run the business on the road.

• Virtual assistants

Do you have administrative or specialized skills, a computer, phone and time to complete the tasks?  Do you enjoy helping others get the job done?  You could sign up to be a VA for online companies or better yet, start your own VA business!

 

 

• Transcriptionist

Transcription is another great option for working from home.  You need fast typing skills, a computer and an ability to pick up words from a variety of people.  Most people think of medical transcription in this category but there are many other types. Check out Rev.com for a listing of current jobs as well as opportunities to do captions for TV programming.

• Recruiting

If you are detail oriented, enjoy working, helping and talking with people then consider recruiting.  Recruiters get to help others find jobs.  Although many companies require a degree for this position you do have the option of creating your own freelance business.

• Customer Service

People skills are a must for this type of work!  A good portion of this position is done from a phone and/or email.  So, as long as you have good signal and enjoy talking to people this could be a great fit for you!

• Writer

Do what I do, share your thoughts with others!  You could write a book or blog, depending on your goals around writing. Both formats have the potential to bring in income and you definitely have the flexibility of working from anywhere. If this interests you, feel free to message me about any questions you have.  Check out the course that got me started here

 

Help others

Not all significant others travel with their Pipeliner.  We all know that they put in long hours most days and could use an extra hand.  If you are looking to make money while traveling, consider offering some of the following services to help out the other Pipeliners on the job;

• Pet sitter
• Baby sitter
• Laundry or cleaning
• Grocery shopping
• Running errands

 

Improve your skills

This option is not great on a resume if repeated over a long period but it does get you out of your small living space and meet others!  If you choose to, look for places you could get a discount like your favorite retail store. You could also find your favorite coffee shop or bookstore.  Another idea is to think of a new skill you would like to learn or improve on and try a place that offers it.

Work with significant other/on pipeline

Another option is to also work on the road.  This could be a bit more difficult if you have children only because of the added need for childcare if you both are out of the home for long hours.  If you can make it work then there are a few options;

• Many women opt to be their significant other’s helper (welders)
• Laborer
• Safety
• X-ray teams
• Office staff

Some choose to work directly with their significant other while others choose to work on a different crew.  Take in the factors of needing childcare, amount of time spent with each other and the type of work to help you decide if this would be a good fit for you and your family.

 

As I mentioned before, there are a variety of reasons to take up employment while traveling.

Here are my reasons…

In the 12 years we have been traveling together I have held a couple of the jobs above and also spent about 2.5 years at home while he traveled.

 

I worked at a tanning salon because I wanted to meet others.

 

We needed the extra income so, I took a job at Con-way and stayed home for 2.5 years and then transferred terminal to terminal.  His job was not very stable at the time (long lay-offs) and we had acquired too much debt.

 

I worked my first MLM because of pregnancy hormones and boredom.

 

My second MLM was started to get healthy and have extra income.

 

My current endeavors have been started to begin an exit strategy from this line of work.  Our kids will be starting school and we have chosen to be stationary for them.  This means our family will be split until we can get my husband off the road.

 

 

If you decide to seek employment, I encourage you to find something that you have an interest in and do enjoy.  Remember that it is ok to try something, not like it and then try something different. Don’t trap yourself in a job that makes you unhappy.

 

Please feel free to comment or send a message to me with any questions about working on the road.

If you are currently working or thinking about working on the road comment below.  I’d love to hear what you are doing!

 

If you are looking for other ways to beat the isolation, check out my post here.

 

As always, thanks for reading!

 

–Katie