Many people are drawn to the idea of exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different ways of life. However, these experiences often come with a hefty price tag, and not everyone has the financial muscle to travel for extended periods of time. Working while traveling can help you offset some or all the costs of your adventures, while still having the freedom and flexibility to explore and immerse yourself in new environments. It could also give you an opportunity to gain new skills and experiences that may not be available in your country.Â
From teaching English to blogging and more – here are some jobs you can do while on the move:
1. Digital Nomad
A digital nomad is a person who works remotely and has the freedom to travel anywhere in the world. The beauty of this job is that you can work from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. There are many digital nomad jobs to choose from, including freelance writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, and so forth. All you need to get started is to learn a skill you can use to help people online, then market yourself to prospective clients on job platforms like LinkedIn; just post a professional headshot and upload a LinkedIn cover photo that lists your services.
Remember, being a digital nomad requires a lot of self-discipline and time management skills, but it offers a lot of freedom and flexibility.
2. English Teacher
With the increasing demand for English as a universal and international language of business, it’s no surprise that English teaching jobs are popping up all over the world. Besides being an income source, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is an enriching experience as it lets you transfer to students a valuable skill they can use for personal and professional growth.
To become a TEFL teacher, you will need to take a TEFL course online or offline for a TEFL certification. The course provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to teach English abroad. Most courses take around 120 hours to complete and cover topics such as grammar, lesson planning, and classroom management.
3. Blogging/Vlogging
Create a blog or YouTube channel and make it your travel journal where you document your adventures and share your insights and perspectives on the places you visit. Next, monetize your blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships. You can also work with tourism boards, travel companies, and other brands to promote their products or services to your audience.
Of course, being a successful travel blogger or vlogger takes more than just writing and publishing content. You need to engage with your readers and promote your blog and social media channels to build a brand that people can trust and relate to.
4. Translation
As a translator, you can work from anywhere in the world and provide a valuable service to individuals and businesses that need to communicate in different languages. To be a successful translator, you need to have excellent language skills and the ability to translate accurately and efficiently. You’ll also need a deep understanding of both the source and target languages and be able to convey the meaning and nuances of the original text.
5. Diplomacy
Diplomacy involves significant international travel and might therefore give you the opportunity to work in various locations around the world. As a diplomat, you are a representative of your country and are tasked with promoting your country’s interests, building relationships with foreign governments, and negotiating agreements. The sweet bit about this kind of job is that you may move to a different country every two years, giving you the experience of living in many countries rather than just visiting them.
6. Maritime Shipping
Whether it’s working on a cruise ship, cargo vessel, or in the offshore industry, maritime jobs provide an exciting and unique way to earn a living while exploring the world’s oceans and seas. Unlike diplomacy jobs that only allow you to live in one area for about two years at a time, maritime roles allow workers a chance to visit exotic locations, experience different cultures, and meet new people from all over the world within a short time.
The idea of traveling the world while earning a living may seem like a far-fetched dream for many, but it’s possible with the right job. Just find a job that aligns with your interests and ensure it can let you explore the world. The four jobs we’ve discussed in this article offer just that, and with a little hard work and determination, you can turn your dream of working while traveling into a reality.