If having the opportunity to travel to new places is something that’s important to you, but you don’t want to have to put your career on hold to do so, you may be interested to learn about some of the roles you can do all over the world. Particularly since the pandemic, professionals in all different fields have been given more flexibility around where they work. However, there are some traditional career paths that are intrinsically linked to travel and offer flexibility over working locations.
For those actively researching jobs in the travel industry, it’s worth knowing that there are both obvious and unexpected roles that allow you to explore new destinations while still building long-term career prospects. Here are some of the most common jobs people might pursue to see the world while building their career.
English teacher
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact on local communities as you explore different places and cultures, teaching the English language abroad could be a perfect fit. With so many opportunities all over the world, this role could allow you to tick multiple places off your travel bucket list without sacrificing your regular income.
On top of helping to educate local people, travelling as an English teacher will help you to grow both personally and professionally. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in new cultures and try different things. From food to music to hobbies – in every place you go. In a professional sense, gaining this valuable experience will boost your employability once (or if) you return home, and really help to kickstart your career in education.
Journalist
One of the greatest perks of working in journalism is the opportunity to explore the world while doing what you love. From covering breaking news stories in foreign countries to discovering new travel destinations and profiling different cultures, being a journalist presents a multitude of possible destinations for your next adventure.
As an added bonus, journalists can even gain access to unique and exciting experiences that might have otherwise been unavailable to them. Not only can journalism help to fulfil your wanderlust, but the more you travel, the better and more successful you can become in the profession. Immersing yourself in different environments can provide new perspectives that can inform your writing and broader world view. As a journalist, the more you explore the world, the more insightful and informed your writing or reporting will become.
Freelancing
Speaking more generally, working as a freelancer will often allow you to ply your trade in various locations. As more and more companies adopt flexible working policies, employees have the freedom to choose when and where they work. Providing it doesn’t impact your ability to complete the job to the standard expected of you; you have the chance to travel to new places without taking a long-term break from your career.
As a freelancer, this freedom is often even greater since you won’t be under the same obligations as a full-time employee. Whether you’re a copywriter, designer, programmer or photographer, any jobs that don’t require you to be in an office regularly are conducive to a travel-and-work arrangement.
When you do decide to base yourself somewhere for a month or two, finding reliable short-term housing becomes a key part of making location-independent work sustainable. Platforms such as Kamernet aggregate furnished and unfurnished rooms, studios and apartments across Dutch cities with month-to-month options and clear notes on utilities. Prioritise listings that mention fast internet, a quiet workspace and good transport links to avoid disruption to your projects. Reading recent updates and tenant notes can also help you secure accommodation that fits both your schedule and budget.
Virtual Business Support
With the rise of remote work, virtual business support roles have gained immense popularity, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. From administrative tasks to managing schedules, these jobs allow professionals to provide essential services without being tied to a physical office. For instance, if you’ve ever wondered what is an appointment setter, it’s a virtual support role where you coordinate meetings and schedules for clients. Roles like this are in high demand across industries, making them a great choice for those who want to see the world while maintaining a stable career. All you need is a reliable internet connection and strong organizational skills to thrive in this field—perfect for combining work and wanderlust!
Broaden your horizons
Having the opportunity to work while you travel is an excellent way to see more of the world without needing to take a career break. Once you start exploring the opportunities available, you may be surprised to learn that working abroad could be a little more realistic than you first thought.
