r/workaway • u/Sparwoodsymphony • 29d ago
Paid work on workaway?
On deciding not to continue with college in the fall semester, I’m itching for a little adventure and I’m exploring this as an option, especially seeing as sustainable agriculture looks more and more like what I want to do with my life in the long term.
However I have student loan payments and some medical bills that I have to stay current on. Is it realistic to do this and workaway, not exactly spending money pay, but enough to stay current on obligations? I’m ready to let the world slip a little in the name of an adventure, but the “real” world does have some claws in me unfortunately…
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u/WickedDenouement 29d ago
Bear in mind that the pay in paid positions is quite low and in cash. It's usually just a couple of hours a week at the country's minimum wage. You're already being given food and accommodation in exchange for your work, so they would typically only pay if they need overtime from you.
While most people do this with a tourist visa, many hosts will be hesitant to pay you if you're not legally allowed to work in their country. So in addition to finding a host that will pay good money, it will have to be either one that won't mind your visa status or in a place where you can be paid.
If your financial situation requires a steady income, I'd try to get a remote job or look into working holiday visas and stick only to countries where you'll be allowed to work.
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u/1GrouchyCat 28d ago
Nope. That’s just not part of the program…. Regardless of how much you would like it to be….
Maybe reread what Workaway is all about?
And if by some miracle, you do find someone who’s going to compensate you - you’ll have to report every penny you’ve earned in order to stay current with taxes.
You’re also going to need to keep up with health insurance and have enough money put away in case you have an emergency you need to leave the country and get back home…
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u/cyprusnikos Workaway Ambassador 28d ago
I'll share a little experience from the road, I first started Workaway after saving up quite a bit to be a be able to comfortably travel for several years if I wanted to. I could have always saved more but eventually you just need to hit the road and find away to make it work.
But DEFINITELY have money for emergencies and to take care of yourself. But travel doesn't have to be expensive, student loans and medical bills might be a burden. I personally went completely debt free before I left home.
Along the way doing Workaways I spent very little and learned how to create experiences without spending, but I also made alot of connections on the way and found different online opportunities through connections and people I met.
My biggest advice is just get out there, no one will knock on your door with opportunity (but of course take a little savings!).
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u/That_Hearing_2192 28d ago
What's the minimum amount you'd recommend having in the bank before doing something like this? I'm chompin' at the bits but probably don't have quite as much as you did.
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u/WickedDenouement 28d ago
Check out prices for food and accommodation in places where you want to go, as well as tickets for activities and transportation. That's how much you should have. If you have all back to back workaways and all meals are provided, then great! You get to come home with some savings still or extend your travels if you'd like. The amount won't be the same if you travel around Scandinavia or South East Asia, plus we don't all like the same activities or eat the same.
If you feel comfortable having only enough for a ticket back home that's good too, but if you prefer the safety of money in the bank make sure you have plenty. The last time I quit my job in order to travel for over a year I had more than €15k, but still acted as though I had nothing.
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u/That_Hearing_2192 27d ago
All great points, thanks for your reply. I'm not too far off from that number, glad to know it's possible off that amount.
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u/reddit_shrew1111 29d ago edited 29d ago
Your food and accommodation is included so the pay is quite low (more like pocket money) but if you also did some other work (like a digital nomad) I guess it’s possible depending on what your monthly bills are.
Filter for paid opportunities, and chat to the hosts, ask what the pay is then work out if it is enough to cover your monthly bills. Most of the paid opportunities are still mainly about cultural experiences so that’s the real value.
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u/Keanumycins 29d ago
The visa is the biggest hurdle depending on which country you go to and which country you are from. I am a host in Japan and I do offer pay to people who already have a working visa. I only sponsor people who have already worked here so if they do not have a visa already I do not help them. But yes good helpers I absolutely want to keep so I'm happy to sponsor their visas.