Knives and forks- a way to make a living on the road

While we were in Winchester Bay for a couple of nights, we talked to some of our neighbors, members of the RoVing Rods. They were early for the annual crab fest. Two couples work on the road so, of course, I asked them what they do.

Duane and Janet are wood carvers. In the summer they stay at the Arrowhead RV Park in Idaho. The Arrowhead Carving Pavilion is located here and this is the center of the Raven Carving Club. The club offers seminars and open carving times under the direction of a master carver and several instructors. Duane is in charge of chain saw carving. This last summer he made the "blanks," or rough cut that the chain saw carvers start with. Both Duane and Janet worked on carvings of their own. The griffin is Janet's creation and the whimsical woodsman is Duane's. Duane also completed a large totem pole this summer.

Gary and Dee, the second couple, travel in the summer, but in the winter they come back to Salem, OR to their home base. While in Salem, Dee works for Warehouse Distributors and does food demonstrations at Costco, doling out samples and coupons.

I recently read an article about a family who went a whole month without spending any money except for things like milk. The father spent several different days with his son "grazing" on the samples for their lunch. Dee confirmed that she will see the same people stopping in for their samples day after day. I'm sure she has some funny stories to tell. One thing she likes is she can pick how many days a week she wants to work.

Gary works security through an agency. Each winter he is sent to a different company. Costco was one of his assignments; he's had others at manufacturing facilities. Because he is a valued employee, Gary can travel during the summer and yet be assured of an assignment when he comes back.

RVers can work in RV parks. It is a good fit, but as Duane and Janet and Gary and Dee illustrate, there are lots of other possibilities. A hobby or interest could bring in some money. Agencies are also a good source for temporary jobs that could suit your travel schedule. Broaden your horizons, get creative. You could have an interesting summer or winter ahead! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Photos by George Bruzenak

Comments

[Cath Lawson]

What awesome carvings and a great way to earn cash while travelling.

I've heard about people doing four or five month trips, in between working and I wondered how they managed it. Working for an agency sounds like a great idea.

An online friend of mine actually retired and his old company asked him to go back on a six month contract. He did that then went travelling in his RV. And now they've asked him to go back for a few more months. It sounds like a great way to live.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Working for an agency can be a good way to travel and work when you need/want to. Some agencies even offer benefits if you work a certain amount of time.

Getting called back and working for part of the year could be the ideal way to finance your RV travels!

And, there are hundreds of other ways to earn money or at least reduce your expense drastically as you travel.

Jaimie