#1: What is Workamping?
We trademarked the word “Workamper” back in 1987. Workamping is accomplished by individuals that travel the country and work. Some people try to limit the definition by saying, “Well, I’m only a Workamper if I’m working in a campground or if I live in an RV.” That’s not technically the definition. If you are living and traveling, (which usually means in an RV) and you are doing any kind of part-time or full-time work – you are a Workamper!
So think about any work that you might be doing. If you are also living full-time or part-time in an RV, then you are truly a Workamper in the simplest form of the definition. But if you’re living onsite while you manage a property such as a cattle ranch, or you travel fulltime and write an adventure blog or sell your photography- well you’re a Workamper too, and we welcome you to our community with open hands!
#2: What type of work is available for a Workamper?
Workamping is most enjoyable from the standpoint of what type of work is available that a person could do and actually enjoy. While the majority of the operations that utilize Workampers are in fact campgrounds, there’s really a vast assortment of opportunities available for someone who is able to think outside the box. From amusement parks, retail shops, fulfillment centers, restaurants, lodges, water parks, shooting ranges, state and county parks, U.S. Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife Service, Christmas tree stands, blueberry farms, campground map ad sales, and more- the jobs available for travelers who are willing to relocate to different areas of the country and take on jobs of all types, are endless in supply! We’ve provided SAMPLE JOB LISTINGS for more examples of ads we’ve run, from employers offering all types of opportunities for those who wish to work while they travel! Active Workampers work for large companies, for small, mom-and-pop operations – and everything in-between!
Question: “So, if I was to find a job working at Walmart and I was living in my RV, would I be a Workamper?”
Answer: “Yes, you would be!”
#3: How much income can I earn?
First, please understand that the majority of the Workamping opportunities out there are not going to provide the type of compensation that will replace your career income. What you’re going to find is a mix of positions that provide an hourly wage, provide no hourly wage, and those that provide some hourly compensation/benefit combination.
Many Workamping opportunities out there are work in trade for a campsite. So you’re getting the value of the campsite (and often other perks like WiFi, propane, laundry) for your time, yes, but you’re not receiving a paycheck. The employer may just simply say, “We need you to work X amount of hours per week to trade out for the campsite.”
In other situations, the employer will provide you a campsite as well as an hourly wage, and that wage can run from minimum wage up to $12+ an hour.
Workampers can best determine the value of these types of opportunities by evaluating how much value the employer is placing on the provided campsite and perks, along with the personal value he/she places on being in the location of that job.
There are opportunities out there with organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that have contract opportunities that you can bid on. These provide campsites as well as a contractual wage for a season. You submit a bid, and if you win the contract, your bid amount would be the monies that you earn for that period.
Workampers living the lifestyle range in age and budgetary needs. Some find theat they only need minimal pay and enjoy workamping for non-profits and other charities, while many others enjoy the lifestyle by taking positions that offer larger compensation packages. Luckily there’s a wide variety of compensation available to help meet those needs. If you’re in need of a more regular income, there are opportunities that pay commissions or provide career-like benefits on top of a campsite or housing. View this SAMPLE WORK AGREEMENT to see how just one Workamper Employer might structure their compensation package.
Thanks for reading the Gone Workamping blog from Workamper News. Join Workamper.com today to see all the new job opportunities for RVers, as well as the training and resources to confidently find the right Workamping job for you – easily and securely.
