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3 Unconventional Jobs that Allow You to Travel While You’re Working

Most people don’t mind working the typical “9 to 5” job, but many others would prefer more freedom when it comes to work and making money. Fortunately, in this day and age, there are so many different and unique kinds of jobs available that will allow you to do just that. There are even jobs that will compliment your love of traveling! Here are three not-so-typical jobs that allow you to travel.

#1: Teach English Overseas

If you’re fluent in the English language and can obtain a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, then you can travel to a foreign country to teach English to students. This job will relocate you to one country, but you may have the option to teach in different countries after a year, or whenever your teaching contract is up. Some of the most popular countries that you can live in while you’re teaching are:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

You can also teach in Spanish-speaking countries, such as Costa Rica and Spain. When getting your TEFL certification, you have the option to attend your classes in person or online. You can also choose to teach virtually, if possible, while still living in that country. 

#2: Live With a Host Family

If you’re between the ages of 17 and 30, then you can become an au pair in most countries. An au pair is basically an overseas babysitter, helping families take care of their young children. This position doesn’t really allow you to travel around the world (unless your host family is traveling), but you do get to travel to one foreign country, learn about their culture, and teach your culture to your host family. Au pairs are also usually required to take a language course (usually that of the country they’re staying in). Au pair responsibilities and duties include:

  • Driving the kids to and from school.
  • Helping the kids with their homework and personal care routines.
  • Keeping the kids’ rooms clean.
  • Light shopping.
  • Playing with the kids and helping them get ready for bed/school.

They are to be treated just like any other member of the family, but their job is to help with the kids. Meals, room, and board are all provided by the host family and there is even a weekly salary paid to the au pair. Au pairs who are not EU citizens working in another EU country won’t need any insurance, but those coming from/working in other countries will need insurance, for things like car crashes, illnesses, and other possible emergencies. 

#3: Become a Digital Nomad 

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A digital nomad is someone who works remotely but travels the world at the same time. Their work office is hardly ever the same place. With so many people now working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people can become digital nomads as long as they can keep working remotely and have a reliable internet connection wherever they choose to work. Common digital nomad jobs include:

  • Blogger
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Entrepreneur
  • Graphic Designer
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Photographer
  • Software Developer
  • Virtual Assistant
  • Web Designer

Keep in mind that there are a lot of things that you have to take into consideration when thinking about becoming a digital nomad. Some countries require work visas, even if you’re working remotely, and you have to have traveler’s insurance for things like health and transportation. Also, note that to become a digital nomad doesn’t always mean that you have to travel and work internationally. So if you are traveling within the US, you still want to take all safety measures like being aware of your surroundings and knowing who to contact in the event of an emergency. 

Another option is to work seasonal jobs that only require you to work at certain times of the year, such as construction or traditional teaching. Either way, there are several ways you can satisfy your desire to travel, while also being able to work and make money.

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