Ever dreamed of working in a hotel room overlooking the Mediterranean, travelling through Europe, or exploring Australia in a caravan? The flexibility in today’s job market, driven by the remote working revolution, has made it possible for many to combine work with travel.

 

From backpackers to middle-aged professionals and semi-retirees, more people than ever are eager to fund their travels while earning money on the go. Many people want to go overseas for a few months or longer, often resigning from their current roles to pursue lifelong dreams of travelling abroad or hitting the road in a caravan.

With the advent of Starlink, mobile phone technology, cloud storage, and video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, you no longer need to be tied to a single location to be productive and successful.

So, what jobs can be done while travelling?

If you want to continue in your current profession, networking to find flexible or remote opportunities is essential. Engineers and accountants often find roles globally through their contacts. Others may seek a complete career change, exploring jobs in teaching, bartending, or virtual assistance. It’s crucial to research and prepare for a career change – while some jobs accommodate people with transferable skills, others require specific skills, experience, and qualifications.

Here are some jobs that mix well with travelling:

Hospitality

From receptionist, chef, and bartender to event planner and marketer, there are endless opportunities in hospitality. This industry often relies on travellers to step into roles during peak periods.

Virtual Assistant or Running a Digital Business

Providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance from afar is perfect for those wanting to be self-employed on the road. Many people have already performed aspects of VA tasks in their roles. Being in a different time zone can be beneficial, allowing you to work on tasks during your client’s overnight hours. Using services like Freelancers can also help manage the workload.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping is an excellent job for travellers who are good with numbers and detail-oriented. Many small businesses and freelancers need help managing their accounts, tracking expenses, and preparing financial reports. With the right software, bookkeeping tasks can be handled remotely, making it flexible and flexible.

English-as-a-Second-Language Teacher

Many Australians are native English speakers, which is a valuable skill in the global workforce. Teaching English as a Foreign Language or Teaching English as a Second Language requires short courses for qualification, though some positions need no qualifications at all.

Translator

Translating is more specialised than teaching English, though there’s plenty of ad-hoc work available that requires no qualification. This can be a lucrative and flexible option, whether you’re translating from English or to English.

Au-pair or Nanny

With many families requiring dual incomes, the demand for au pairs and nannies is growing. Many families overseas welcome English speakers to enhance their children’s language skills. Specific qualifications or documentation may be required, including working-with-children checks and police checks.

Nurse

Nursing is another in-demand profession that offers opportunities for travel. Nurses are needed worldwide, especially in locations facing shortages of healthcare professionals. This role allows you to work in various settings, from hospitals to clinics, often providing critical care where it is most needed. Qualifications and licenses are essential, and you’ll need to research and comply with the specific requirements of the countries you wish to work in.

Social Media Manager

Managing a person or brand’s PR, website development, digital services, content creation, and publicity can be done on the road. Many small businesses need someone to oversee their content or post periodically. This work can often be done outside of core business hours, allowing you to explore during the day and log on in the evening.

Freelance Creative

Roles such as content writer, SEO specialist, graphic designer, or photographer are ideal for a flexible lifestyle. Companies often need ad-hoc assistance or help with fixed-term projects, which can be done outside of standard working hours.

Flight Attendant

This is a perfect opportunity to see the world and get paid for it, though there are some physical tests during the recruitment process. Once settled, you will have gained valuable transferable skills in organisation, logistics, and customer service.

 

Research Before You Travel

Consider visas and local employment laws when exploring which roles align with your interests and lifestyle. Some countries restrict foreigners from roles locals can fulfil, while others prohibit it.

If you’re working for an Australian company while abroad, you remain liable for taxes in Australia. If your employer is based overseas, you’ll likely be subject to local taxes, so it’s worth seeking advice from a local tax accountant.

Ensure you have appropriate insurance, including travel insurance, income protection, life insurance, and general insurance for your possessions like car, caravan, and contents. Researching the local scene is essential to understand what you’re stepping into.

Above all, enjoy the experience of doing something different and stepping out of your comfort zone. If you can do what you love and travel, it’s a win-win.

 

 

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)