JOIN THE ON-ROAD BUSINESS REVOLUTION

Turn your dream escape into reality – here’s an insider’s guide to finding or starting your own business

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS OLAFSON AND MAZ MACKAY OLAFSON

Thousands of RV travellers find working on the road a rewarding, life changing experience. Whether looking to offset your travel costs, save for an emergency fund, a specific project or make a regular income, there are unlimited opportunities available. Finding work while travelling has never been easier. The internet has revolutionised connections for employers, job seekers and those looking for a mobile business venture.

10 TIPS FOR EARNING WHILE YOU TRAVEL

TAKING THE PLUNGE

It was an easy decision to hit the road full time as we enjoyed travelling and new experiences. Being self-funded early retirees, after a wind-down holiday and the financial shock of a blown engine we needed to generate income. We wanted challenging opportunities with an element of adventure.

USING EXISTING SKILLS - WITH A TWIST

Before retiring, we had great jobs that were satisfying and rewarding. Travelling and writing reports were integral to our work and photography was a hobby we enjoyed. Fortunately, opportunity came knocking!

We simply fell into freelance writing emanating from Facebook comments, then photo posts and one little letter to the editor. Online tutorials helped us get started. A couple of inexpensive web based photography courses, one specific to our Nikon DSLR camera, were just what we needed. You’re constantly learning if you’re into photography. What a great way to enjoy working while travelling.

THE INTERNET OPENS DOORS

Grey Nomad websites really helped our search for active work. Maz would often say, “What about this job?” We’d mull it over and perhaps bookmark it. After sometime searching, we spotted a country based Pest Management company seeking a Grey Nomad couple. The business owners, caravanners themselves, required a roving contractor to fill seasonal vacancies over two states. We jumped at it, refreshed the resumes, completed an online application, provided police checks then attended a face to face interview. The business owners needed a mature, customer-service oriented couple able to manage the paperwork and the physical tasks. We were offered the job at the interview!

LEARNING AND EARNING

To obtain a license Chris undertook an online certificate course through an industry training organisation, combined with several weeks of supervised on-the-job pest treatments. We consulted our accountant to cover the tax and business set-up best suited to our needs. An ABN was arranged, a compact printer and upgrading of existing Wi-Fi and phone plan came next. Tools of trade and safety equipment were purchased. Maz volunteered at the business office learning the administration processes. Total up-front investment was a little over $2000, a modest sum for a surefire business opportunity! One bonus of being RVers was that we were able to relocate for training then head off to our allocated region. Having that level of flexibility was a bonus.

The work is seasonal, from October through to February. We’re located in one region for the full season servicing mostly existing customers who love the business and its consistent results. Anything from a nursing home to a remote farmhouse can pop up on our job list. We enjoy a daily variety of worksites, the satisfaction of doing a good job for a happy customer. The company really looks after us and the annual boost to our income supports our perpetual wanderings.

AUSSIE NOMADS AND EMPLOYERS – THE BENEFITS ARE MUTUAL

The ‘virtual city’ of RVers roaming our great country and thousands of employers needing short-term or seasonal workers, are an ideal mix. Employers want to engage with people they can trust, who are committed and will be an asset to their business. Aussie Nomads want valued, satisfying work. We want to stretch our horizons, keep fit and enjoy the income while gaining new life experiences and skills.

The work may be totally new to us or in a location we’ve never contemplated before.

Employment opportunities are extremely diverse and situated all over the country! Small business owners need additional workers at peak times or may want to take a break and know their business is in safe hands. Large contractors require a steady pool of seasonal workers for the harvest. There’s constant demand for motivated people to keep the wheels of production turning.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

You’ll find jobs for caravan park staff plus training courses to equip you for these roles; or you can just learn on the job. Peak season hospitality jobs are available all over the country. Find interesting jobs with the Circus, become a remote station nanny or a town Santa! If you enjoy driving then there is truck, bus and forklift work in a variety of industries and short, sharp courses to obtain or upgrade tickets and licenses.

Agriculture offers many interesting work options – from grapes and blueberries to cotton and citrus. You can choose from more physical picking and pruning jobs through to lighter mechanical packing, transportation and stores management. Basic skills, a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic are the essential criteria.

EARN - UNDER THE AWNING 

RVers selling to RVers is a great way to earn when on the road. While winter camping in Isisford in outback QLD, we bought from a satellite TV specialist and a fishing tackle retailer. We left camp with new yabby traps and our digital TV decoder converted from 240 to 12 volt. You can hang out an ‘A’ Frame to sell your wares and services anywhere. We all need haircuts, clothes mended or handcrafted gift items.

START YOUR OWN TRAVELLING BUSINESS

Do you have a fertile imagination or a craft skill? Own a good quality camera or possess artistic skills? Turn them into profits using online business tools. We’ve met an Aussie Nomad who has turned her love of story-telling into a profitable eBook business – complete with a punchy website and systems to communicate with her readers.

Another great business opportunity is Copywriting, which we are training for right now. You can even sell someone else’s products online and have the packing and shipping done for you; all while on the road. This is a great time to be exploring new business opportunities!

PETER AND JOAN’S SIGNWRITING BUSINESS

In outback QLD we met Peter and Joan from the Sunshine Coast who offered signwriting services to fund their annual winter travels.

In quick time and at a great price, we acquired a safety sign for the rear of our van showing the overall length of our rig. Peter told us, “We enjoy helping out fellow travellers no matter where we are, putting our skills to good use and boosting our budget as a result”

IF YOU WANT WORK – IT’S OUT THERE

Spot job vacancies as soon they are listed or find work by chatting with RVers and locals

Generate profit from an inspired idea or turn a hobby into a paying business

Provide a service! Unfold your “A” frame and you’re on your way

Find work that’s completely new to you or in a field you’re already proficient at

Invest some time to study and start a new career or business venture for long term income

USEFUL LINKS TO BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS

STARTING A BUSINESS

• www.business.gov.au

• www.flyingsolo.com.au

UPSKILLING COURSES

• training.gov.au

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PROFIT

• creativelive.com/photography

• submit.shutterstock.com

WRITING/COPYWRITING COURSES

• copyschool.com

• thebarefootwriter.com