Working on the road

Make your RV lifestyle work for you

It is coming up to the time of year that snowbirds are returning and some may be looking for volunteer work or part-time jobs. Supplementing their income is a common practice amongst many full time RVers and the term “working on the road” is used to describe what they are doing. At times people make the mistake of thinking the only type of work available for RVers are campground jobs. That is definitely not true. Although a good number of workampers do work in private and public campgrounds, resorts, fishing lodges and marinas, there is an unlimited list of potential work that may also be available in other sectors of the workforce.

At times the thought of looking for work while travelling can be daunting but if a person creates a strategy to follow they will increase their chances of success.

Determine your skills

Make a list of your skills and work experience relating to possible jobs that may interest you. Think of what a potential employer may be looking for and compare your knowledge and skills. Why not take this opportunity and try something completely different than what you have done in the past? What hobbies or interests can you apply to creating self-employed income or to find work in a totally different industry?

Resumes

Create your resume around the skills you have determined are your strengths and the type of work you are interested in. There is no need to go back over 10 years describing your work history and there are many resume books in the library than can help you write one. My suggestion is to keep it simple and no more than two pages. A simple straightforward cover letter telling the potential employer who you are, what you are applying for and why they should hire you is a good idea. A picture attached with your RV is also welcomed if it is applicable. Many campground owners appreciate seeing a picture of you and your RV to get a feel for who they may be hiring. Include your dog if you have one so there aren’t any surprises to either of you.

Job search

There are many sources of potential work for RVers. RV forums on the internet list campground related job opportunities for Canada and the United States and other sources are local employment agencies, newspapers, friends and family and the internet. First determine the area you wish to be in and then research for potential employers and jobs you may be interested in.

Applying/follow-up

Be professional about applying or inquiring about job openings. Follow the instructions stated in the listing and apply for as many jobs as you can. It doesn’t hurt to request confirmation that they have received your application and follow up periodically to see if the position has been filled. Make sure you are a good fit for the job and the company is a good fit for you. It’s just as important for you to be happy with the employer as it is for the employer to be satisfied with you. Prepare questions in advance to ask at the interview to ensure you are clear as to what type of work you will do, when will you be required to start, wages and other potential benefits such as a site for your RV.

Potential job opportunities include:

Campground jobs

* Camp Host

* Campground Manager

* Maintenance person

* Reservations/retail

* Gate attendant

* Cleaning services

* Caretaker

Tourism positions:

* Tour guide

* Tour driver

* Performer

* Sales

* Security

* Food service

* Adventure guide

Seasonal positions:

* Christmas tree sales

* Retail

* Delivery driver

* Santa Claus attendant

* Security

* First aid attendant

* Golf course attendant

* Landscape centres

Self employment:

* Virtual business via Internet

* RV delivery business

* Lease a campground/purchase

* RV repair/technician

* Construction

* Writer

* Tour Company

Whether you are supplementing your income by working or volunteering there are many opportunities for both. If you are successful in obtaining work please confirm prior to your arrival and acknowledge acceptance, preventing any nasty surprises when you get there. January and February are quite often when an employer start advertising their seasonal jobs and is a perfect time to be sending in your applications. Good luck with your “working on the road” experience.