If you’re craving a change of scenery but wondering how you’re going to keep your wallet happy, it’s time to think creatively.
Since COVID, opportunities for flexible and remote work have grown exponentially. Gone are the days when you needed to be anchored to one location to find stable work, which opens new doors for travelling and working concurrently. And it’s not just for high school graduates on gap years.
Taking a gap year or a sabbatical, or tempted to? There are some jobs that might suit you better than others. Credit: Supplied
Personally, I believe everyone deserves to – and ought to – take some kind of break from work at some point in their lives (I have).
But where should you start? Firstly, consider whether you can (and want to) leverage your existing skills for a travel-friendly job. If so, it’s worth doing your research and potentially some online networking to find relevant remote opportunities. Or you might want to do something entirely different.
From easy-to-start jobs to others requiring a little more grit, here are 10 ideas to inspire you and make what you might think is impossible, possible.
Teaching English: If you’re proficient in English, that alone means you could find a job overseas. You could do one-on-one tutoring or undertake a course via TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) to teach in some school settings. Depending on the course, you could be certified between a few weeks and six months.
Translator: If you’re proficient in more than one language, you could work as a translator, interpreter or transcriptionist (converting audio to text). You might be able to find work assisting those who are not proficient in the main language of the country they’re living in, perhaps in medical or legal settings. There’s also the option of remote transcriptionist work through companies such as Rev, Scribie and TranscribeMe.
Tutor: If you’re an expert in a certain subject, consider video tutoring. It’s not only rewarding, it offers flexibility, as you only need to find a time that works for you and your students. Take a look at Learner and Kis Academics for opportunities. You might also be able to tutor international students, but note it’s easier to find work tutoring STEM subjects, given they’re more universal.
Virtual assistant: Are you impressively organised? Becoming a virtual assistant is rising in the ranks of remote-work popularity. The role can look vastly different depending on the client, but the common denominator is providing an individual or business with administrative assistance. Tasks include things that many of us already do at work – for example, managing calendars, emails and bookings.
Customer support agent: Customer support roles are often entry-level and don’t require specialised skills. Companies hire remote customer support agents to handle cases via phone, online chat and email. Many customer support agents work completely remotely.
Nanny or au pair: As it’s become more common for both parents in a family to work full-time, the demand for nannies and au pairs has risen. Those who speak English are especially sought-after in non-English-speaking countries to help develop language skills. Depending on the country, you might need to apply for a working with children check and/or a police check. Look for opportunities on websites like International Nanny and Au Pair World.
Social media manager: Managing social media accounts while on the road is doable. What are the main asks? Ensure you have access to plenty of content, schedule posts at the right times for your client, have a stable internet connection, and be available to respond to community queries and comments.
Freelance creative work: While there’s a level of uncertainty with freelance creative work, there’s one massive plus: it can be done from anywhere in world, from photography and videography to graphic design, animation and writing. There are opportunities to photograph weddings overseas, design for clients back in Australia, or write a few articles a week for a brand you love.
Hospitality: Planning to travel somewhere and hunker down for peak season? Resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants usually need more staff during busy periods.
Nannies and au pairs who speak English are especially sought after.Credit: iStock
Tourism industry: Join a local tour company as a guide and you’ll get to know your whereabouts better than you ever could have imagined. If you’re skilled in a specific sport or activity, look into those sub-industries, like skiing, surfing or dive instructing.
Some housekeeping
You’ll need to investigate visas and local employment laws, which includes understanding the restrictions on what kind of work you’re allowed to undertake.
You might need to undergo different employment checks or apply for specific permits depending on the work you’re doing.
A final, big-ticket item to put on your research agenda: taxes. If you’re earning money in a foreign country, you’ll have to consider your tax obligations. Seek local accounting advice if things are unclear.
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