Having a strong passion for travelling and some experience working in other countries in a customer service capacity, a reader wonders how to continue travelling for a living/as a career.
Travel and Work - a Perfect Combination for Those Seeking Outside the Box Careers
**Q. Hi Paym. I saw your article on Career advice on the suite101.com website and as I am in need of some career advice I wanted to email you to get some info. I am 22 and have a huge passion for travelling. I have had work experience in hospitality and customer service during my time abroad to support my travels.
I also have a keen idea for a book i want to right in the future about my travels and experiences, but right now I am looking for my next opportunity abroad. I have been thinking about cruise ship jobs, airline jobs or even working in a beach resort somewhere. I am really flexible on where i go and when, but i just cant seem to find much info on the net reguarding, applying for jobs. I also have a tefl cert and was thinking of teaching english abroad. After much research i noticed a lot of the employers are looking for people with a degree, which i dont have. I am really open to any ideas you have. Thanks in advance.
Check out These Sites for the "Truth" about Cruise Ship Opportunities
A. You are well ahead of the game by already having some experience in the customer service environment while working abroad. And yes, your adventures culminating in a book is a great goal to plan for as well. In the meantime though, you might want to consider some other options. Cruise Ship work is not always that glamourous, and not everyone can handle being on the water for that length of time. Cruise ships are usually always looking for "grunt work" staff: clean up crews; housekeeping; dishwashers; cooks. There's also retail shops that need to be operated, as well as all the services such as manicurist, hairdresser, etc.
Cruise Ship Jobs is one of the best places to start to find out the "truth" about applying for real jobs, not scams. And remember, if any job site asks you to pay to register for great jobs - DON'T. You will have to pay for visas etc. once accepted, but not to find the job. You can check out individual cruiseline websites. Another site is All Cruise Jobs, which lists jobs according to section of industry - ie retail, land-based. You'll find some jobs there right now you might be interested in applying and doing - you already have the qualifications.
Work and Travel Programs - Cost Covers Help Once Overseas and Help in Finding Work
You may also qualify for one of the many Work and Travel programs that help adults between 20 to 30 years of age work abroad - these type of organizations help you obtain employment while also travelling in the country (mostly Australia and New Zealand, but other countries and programs available). Yes, these type of organizations do charge a fee, but you also get some accommodations (usually 1 or 2 days while you first arrive) as well as help in getting visas and help getting interviews. Kind of like a paid companion while you travel.
And with your TEFL certification you have a huge advantage and an opportunity to work almost anywhere - teaching English to either children or adults.
Good luck! Let's hear where your journey takes you please!
**Note - all letters are reprinted as received (with typos and grammatical errors) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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