If you’re recently retired, in semi-retirement or, heck, even currently in or just entering the workplace, the allure of traveling abroad is downright irresistible. Who wants to get paid to travel? Quick answer: pretty much everyone. (Tweet this thought.)
But suppose you are closing in on the twilight years of your career — what should you with the newfound time on your hands? Well, that really just depends on your needs, what you enjoy and your own, personally cultivated skill set. Once you do pinpoint your passion, zeroing in on the particulars, like finding the right organizations and protecting your nest egg, becomes more important.
Depending on your chosen field, there are dozens, if not hundreds or even thousands, of opportunities for working and living abroad. For a little inspiration, let’s take a look at a few options:
Love Working Outdoors?
There are countless campsites around the country (and the world) that need people to live on-site and keep watch over the grounds. Being a campground host is a pretty pleasant gig — you’re in the middle of a forest, with duties ranging from greeting campers and collecting fees to light maintenance. Occasionally, cabins or lodging might be provided, but the vast majority will require calling an RV home.
Perhaps you want to get your hands a little dirtier and literally eat the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor. The WWOOFer movement, an international, volunteer-based organic farming network, is wildly popular. With hosts in 100 countries, money doesn’t generally change hands during a typical arrangement in this organization, but plenty of other paying, temporary agricultural jobs exist around the world, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Love Working with Kids?
Teaching TEFL, ESL or any of the acronyms associated with teaching English to non-native speakers is still a huge industry, and you can make good money in it. The required certification can be obtained online or through an in-class program, and it usually runs at least a couple hundred bucks. There are classes for everyone from preschool-aged students to adults, offered in just about every country you can name off the top of your head.
Being a “nanny” is often thought to be a job for the kindly grandmother type or the hot-stuff homewrecker sort (I’m stereotyping and half-joking). But au pairs across the globe come in every age. If you love to nurture, but don’t necessarily have a large family, there might be another family out there waiting for you.
Love Health and Fitness?
Good, because the universe can’t seem to get enough yoga instructors. My own mother became certified back in her mid-50s and now teaches weekly classes at a rural but stunning beachfront locale in Mexico, primarily to other retirees. It’s a nice balance of staying healthy and keeping busy.
For those in the healthcare niche, travel nursing is one of the fastest-growing enterprises on the planet. Though a bit of a blanket term for a variety of healthcare positions, RNs are in extremely high demand. Contracts are available worldwide and generally run from one month to several years. Housing is usually provided by the agency that sets you up with the position.
Love Making a Difference?
Luckily, you’re not alone. Volunteer vacations have been a big part of the philanthropy world, even before JFK decreed the Peace Corps into existence. Using all manner of skills for community development and improving infrastructure — anything from helping to provide clean water to building schools — you’ll be enriching lives and making deep connections with people across the world.
Everyone’s heard of teaching abroad, but what about preaching abroad? Yep, overseas ministries are always in need of compassionate and devoted individuals to spread the message of faith and forgiveness while working to improve local livelihoods. There are numerous organizations for every denomination, and plenty without a specific affiliation, so finding a perfect fit shouldn’t be too hard.
Hate Being Nickel-and-Dimed?
Join the club! So you’ve spent a lifetime with your nose to the grindstone, working hard, living frugally. Now you have your nest egg and it’s time to fly the coop. If you’re traveling, working or living abroad, protecting your finances from excessive taxes and fees becomes paramount. International financial managers can help you weave through the intricacies of overseas banking, transferring funds and avoiding double taxation. Or brave the waters on your own, if you’ve got the know-how and gumption.
Some of the positions listed in this post are fiscally compensated, others solely for the love of fill-in-the-blank vocation, and all are rewarding. If you know of a great paid-to-travel job, leave us a comment and let us know. And have fun out there!
What’s your ideal way to trot the globe? Share in the comments!
Image: Flickr
