Road Work: How my “Other Half” Lives
08-21-2015
Author: Blog Editor in RV Tips & Education
By Stephanie Mayberry
Last time we talked about how I earn money when we are on the road. This time I thought we would discuss what my husband does. Currently, we have been in the same place for several months now to be near his mother and help her out. He has done some pest control work while here, but that is not a forever endeavor.
While I think he is an amazing writer and could easily join forces with me in the freelance game, he doesn’t see things the same way. He would rather think a little more creatively, step outside of that proverbial box, and maybe even get a little unconventional. Yes, you can make money while full-time RVing.
If you do a Google search you will find all kinds of crazy stuff that is supposed to allow you to make money while on the road. While a few of the ideas are legitimate, some are illegal, others are dangerous, and the rest are downright ridiculous. Moral of the story: not everything you find online is worthwhile. That is why I am doing the Road Work series, to give you real ideas for making money (that are legal!).
Selling Stuff
We love thrift stores – OK, I love thrift stores and my husband pretends not to. Anyway, people get rid of some interesting things, things that other people will pay money for. We go through thrift stores and yard sales, picking up interesting dishes, collectible items, and sometimes clothing. Then we turn it around and sell it. Most of the time we post the items on Ebay, but sometimes on Craigslist. The stuff sells, we stick it in a box and send it on its way. It’s easy money and we can do it together. There are thrift stores everywhere, just make sure you get the items at a low enough price that you can make a profit.
Day Labor
Temp agencies can mean pretty quick cash. Usually you get paid the same week you work and it has been our experience that you can be put to work fairly quickly. My husband has worked at these places before (while I sat at home typing away). Honestly, he doesn’t always love it, but it does pay – although it can be a pain in the neck at tax time. Trying to track down W-2 forms across the country may be difficult if you aren’t organized.
Do a google search for “temporary agencies near me” or “temporary agencies” in the city and state you are in. From there, select a couple and look for reviews. Yelp and Google are pretty good for finding reviews on businesses so that is a good place to start. Just try to keep the reviews in context; they are not the final word on the agency. For instance, reliability of pay would be something to pay attention to, while type of work would be more subjective.
You want to know that a company has a good record of paying on time, but a person may not like manual labor so they may skew the review to reflect that.
Music Lessons
My husband is an awesome musician. He plays the guitar and bass so from time to time he has given guitar lessons. You can pick up some pretty good cash if you can teach a skill that is in demand. It doesn’t have to be a musical instrument.
Traditional Jobs
Yes, if we know we will be somewhere for a while he will just get a traditional job – much like we have done here. This works very well during the busy season (spring and summer) when many pest control companies are overwhelmed. He does have certifications, but in most states a technician doesn’t have to be certified as long as he works under someone who is. So, if the state we are in does not reciprocate with the state where he has his certifications, no problem!
The key here is to look for opportunities anywhere. Don’t limit yourself to just one and definitely don’t limit yourself to just one stream of income. For instance, while my primary job is as a freelance writer, I have also written and published several books and I am a photographer. There are money making opportunities to be had while on the road if you are willing to dig a little.
Last time we talked about how I earn money when we are on the road. This time I thought we would discuss what my husband does. Currently, we have been in the same place for several months now to be near his mother and help her out. He has done some pest control work while here, but that is not a forever endeavor.
While I think he is an amazing writer and could easily join forces with me in the freelance game, he doesn’t see things the same way. He would rather think a little more creatively, step outside of that proverbial box, and maybe even get a little unconventional. Yes, you can make money while full-time RVing.
If you do a Google search you will find all kinds of crazy stuff that is supposed to allow you to make money while on the road. While a few of the ideas are legitimate, some are illegal, others are dangerous, and the rest are downright ridiculous. Moral of the story: not everything you find online is worthwhile. That is why I am doing the Road Work series, to give you real ideas for making money (that are legal!).
Selling Stuff
We love thrift stores – OK, I love thrift stores and my husband pretends not to. Anyway, people get rid of some interesting things, things that other people will pay money for. We go through thrift stores and yard sales, picking up interesting dishes, collectible items, and sometimes clothing. Then we turn it around and sell it. Most of the time we post the items on Ebay, but sometimes on Craigslist. The stuff sells, we stick it in a box and send it on its way. It’s easy money and we can do it together. There are thrift stores everywhere, just make sure you get the items at a low enough price that you can make a profit.
Day Labor
Temp agencies can mean pretty quick cash. Usually you get paid the same week you work and it has been our experience that you can be put to work fairly quickly. My husband has worked at these places before (while I sat at home typing away). Honestly, he doesn’t always love it, but it does pay – although it can be a pain in the neck at tax time. Trying to track down W-2 forms across the country may be difficult if you aren’t organized.
Do a google search for “temporary agencies near me” or “temporary agencies” in the city and state you are in. From there, select a couple and look for reviews. Yelp and Google are pretty good for finding reviews on businesses so that is a good place to start. Just try to keep the reviews in context; they are not the final word on the agency. For instance, reliability of pay would be something to pay attention to, while type of work would be more subjective.
You want to know that a company has a good record of paying on time, but a person may not like manual labor so they may skew the review to reflect that.
Music Lessons
My husband is an awesome musician. He plays the guitar and bass so from time to time he has given guitar lessons. You can pick up some pretty good cash if you can teach a skill that is in demand. It doesn’t have to be a musical instrument.
Traditional Jobs
Yes, if we know we will be somewhere for a while he will just get a traditional job – much like we have done here. This works very well during the busy season (spring and summer) when many pest control companies are overwhelmed. He does have certifications, but in most states a technician doesn’t have to be certified as long as he works under someone who is. So, if the state we are in does not reciprocate with the state where he has his certifications, no problem!
The key here is to look for opportunities anywhere. Don’t limit yourself to just one and definitely don’t limit yourself to just one stream of income. For instance, while my primary job is as a freelance writer, I have also written and published several books and I am a photographer. There are money making opportunities to be had while on the road if you are willing to dig a little.
Comment
No comments found! Be the first one to write a comment!
Author Information Not Available
