Would like some feedback as to whether work can be found by grey nomads, hubby and I are planning to travel for a couple of years and need  to supplement our income along the way, was just wondering if any of you have any experiences of this, would like to hear from former travellers who just wanted a lifestyle change, and to see this great country

Hi Pauline!
I have been on the road now for 15 months. I also have to have my trip self funding.
I started in Melbourne, stood on the door at Target, and supervised kids on bouncy castles. (Even worked in a womens prision for a day!!)  Moved into SA where I sorted onions. Went on up into NT where I was a Woolies checkout chick in Katherine. I'm now in WA, Kalgoorlie, working in a nickel mine.
I haven't found it hard getting work at all. In fact, when I stop to look, I seem to pick up something within a week or so. I'm usually prepared to do pretty much anything though. I am starting to get a bit fussier because I now have a problem with a shoulder tendon, so no fruit/veg sorting.
It's all about being positive, trusting and believing in yourself.
Go for it!!
Cheers,
Dianne
I am 56 (nearly) and came over from NZ to do this. Am in a Winnebago Freeway and on my own. Complete lifestyle change. Never done anything like it before in my life!!

-- Edited by Bubs on Tuesday 13th of April 2010 12:41:47 PM

im a firm believer that there is work where wanted you only have to put yourself out there in my younger years even though i havent hit the big 50 yet but very soon, ive worked doing so many things ,barlady, picked tomatoes, done corn tassling in tamworth, cleaned houses, holiday apartments even in a tiny tiny town on north island of nz ,worked in many towns and various places but people say to me there is no work i always say rubbish there is work you just have to want to work and find it ,it doesnt come knocking to your door. enjoy your travels :)

thanks for your thoughts and reply, would still like to hear more from fellow travellers, and any places a bit off the beaten track that need workers just want to live the dream

All the best to you in your travels. If you're prepared to ask for work and show you're keen to work, they'll take you on somewhere. Work with the skills you have, or branch out to pick up a few new ones. If you're travelling out of city areas there can be rural work on farms and stations, remote roadhouses cooking and cleaning and a great experience. You can park up or get accommodation on site. Anything to make a buck, to fill the tank for the next leg of your journey. Small country towns sometimes have trouble finding workers for retail outlets, cafes, even office-type work. Of course there's the seasonal gig anywhere in Oz, but backpacker seem to get imported for a lot of this, but give it a go. It's out there if you keen. Good luck.

Thanks for your comments, 4 years ago we moved to Darwin, stayed 16 months then bought an older van and returned to Gold Coast via WA, on the road for 5 months, really fantastic, trouble is I have really got the lifestyle bug bad and now am just dreaming of the day we can do it all again, trouble is we are not getting any younger I am 56, hubby just turned 60,so for now I will have to be content reading all your stories, have been back here nearly 3 years and am living on the memories of all the wonderful places we have been.

Hey Pauline .... as I said, I am also 56 and doing it! There is a million reasons you can put in your mind to stop you. It is only fear, and life is nowhere near as scary as your mind makes it out to be. Make a reason to do it, not a reason not to.
The further away from a city you go, the more work that is available. I also do volunteer work in the outback as well. That is a really good way to meet the real families of Australia.
Good luck!
Dianne

pauline wrote:

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trouble is we are not getting any younger I am 56, hubby just turned 60....

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Pauline, don't let age put you off. For a start being in the 55 to 60 bracket these days is NOT old!!  Mrs Bridgee is 56 - she looks younger!! (she might read this ha ha) and I (Mr Bridgee) am 61. We're working full time in a caravan park.

In in the peak season (school hols etc) we average around 65 hours a week. Our duties include cleaning cabins and ablution blocks, sweeping, raking, pruning, mowing, digging drains, reticulation repairs, stocking shop shelves, shop assistants, pumping fuel,  checking in and checking out tourists, taking phone bookings and enquiries, doing laundry etc.
Yes it's hard work and tiring but we've never been fitter in our life and also we get to see another perspective of caravan parks, makes us appreciate how much work goes in behind the scenes in running a caravan park and sometimes how some  campers/caravanners can be rude and inconsiderate to staff and other campers. But also get to meet the vast majority who are easy going friendly people often with a travelling story to tell, or a nice caravan park, camping spot or town to recommend.

However it is a great learning experience that keeps us mentally and physically fit and we honestly believe if you are both fit enough don't let age get in the way. Most people over 50 usually have the maturity, experience and reliability that employers can't find in some younger people so I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting work. The only drawback on caravanning and working is that some managers might beg you to stay working longer than you planned!!

Don`t worry about age as far as work is concerned we were in a caravan park and Bill was offered a three year contract supervising a building site he turned it down as by the time he finished he woiuld have been 80 plus we didn`t want to be tied down that length of time so as you can see age is no barrier these days. so just do it. Helena.

there are quite a few web sites devoted to casual work - try "workaboutaustralia'  'thejobshop'  also 'ebay' has a job section - safe and happy travelling - J+B Perth

Hi Pauline

We are only newbies too, however will agree with all.

Heaps of work, especially in hospitality, and more so out side any capital cities. West of the great divide especially. We are currently at a remote location in west Queensland for the 2010 tourist season. A good majority of their staff, is of a more mature nature, all for the above reasons you can read above.

The bride of 33 years is 58 and the writer is 63.

We have never been out of work, however I will admit, we are expeienced hospitality workers.

Get on board with Workabout Australia, The Job Shop, Grey Nomads Employment, or just the Australian govt job search.

We also have our van sign written, and as soon as I can up date our blog, that will give you, maybe some ideas

Hope that helps.

Cheers & beers

vkgreenie

thanks to all for taking time out to respond to my post, am taking all on board and will not give up my dream. pauline

Good for you Pauline.   Go get'em girl

Hi again Pauline

Just updated our blog.....far from finished yet however....as we have been off the air.

Check out our latest entry..........which sees us at Possum Park...just north of Miles in Queensland early April, on our way north from Goondiwind to Undara Lava Tubes. 

You will also see the sign writing on the van. Just double click on the photos to enlarge 

We were only at this destination as an overnight stay, and was offered a job in the first five minutes.

Sure we are a couple of hospitality junkies, makes life a bit easier I guess. However in saying that there is a stack of work out there. Roll with punches, till you get your niche.

All the best Pauline, and the link to our blog is below.

Cheers & beers

vkgreenie