Sometimes our wanderlust and our wallets are out of synch. If you long to see the world but don’t have the funds to just pack your bags and go, then you’re going to have to fund yourself through working.
Though options are shrinking due to the looming recession, there are still options open to you if you know where to look.
Teaching English As A Foreign Language (TEFL)
As the name suggests, this involves teaching English to those people who don’t speak it as a primary language. There is an increasing demand for English teachers across the non-English speaking world. Most positions can be found in language schools, further and higher education.
You will need some form of qualification to be able to teach abroad. Each country will have its own rules. These qualifications can be taken online, you simply need to visit website to get started.
The good news is, once you decide to come home (if you do), then you can also use your skills here too, teaching English to those people who wish to stay in the UK but don’t speak English as a first language.
There are also opportunities to teach foreign students through online platforms.
Working Remotely
The internet is full of ‘digital nomads’ selling their courses about how to make a fortune while working one hour a day and living in a beach house. While the reality is very different from this, there are still good opportunities to fund your travels by working remotely. Depending on the skills you have, you can basically work from anywhere, running your entire business online with a laptop, phone and internet connection. Skills that lend themselves to remote working include:
- Copywriting
- Graphic design
- Programming
- Marketing
- VA Services
There are many sites such as UpWork, People Per Hour and Fiverr where you can pick up clients. The pay isn’t always great on these but if you’re travelling in countries that have a lower cost of living, then the money you make will go a lot further.
Pick Up Odd Jobs & General Work
There’s a long tradition of travellers working their way around the world, picking up odd jobs in bars, restaurants or admin to fund their travel. It’s still possible to do this, but as many economies are struggling with the economic consequences of COVID-19, there are fewer jobs available and more people fighting for them. Most countries have organisations aimed at finding temporary jobs for those on a short term visa. The jobs are usually seasonal and the pay isn’t great but it can still finance your travel if you’re frugal in other areas.
Conclusion
For those looking to quit their 9-5 and spend a significant amount of time travelling, working is often the only way to make it viable. While you’re not going to be travelling everywhere first class but you can still have a truly fulfilling experience and see the world.