What to do, where to go?

Hello,

I'm about to be 26 and head off on another 'big' trip. I'm going to South America for 4 months this October and I know when I get back afterwards I'll still not want to settle down (I didn't after my Euro trip, my Aus trip or my SE Asia trip) and will want to head off another big trip as soon as finances allow instead of settling down and getting a career or 'proper' job. My life has pretty much just revolved around travel for the past 3 years since finishing uni, I've travelled, saved, travelled more and so on. I love it and want to make it something I do more permanently.

I've racked my brains as to what I can do that would allow me to work and travel but can't come up with anything that would suit me or my skills. The TEFL thing isn't for me, I considered getting a certificate but when I really thought about it I realised teaching is NOT where my skills lie. I'm not a good teacher, I don't explain things well and my spelling and grammar is terrible after too many years of relying on spell check. I'd need to relearn the basics of English myself. So that's out.

I don't have any IT skills and no experience in any sort of online work that would allow me to work from anywhere with a net connection. I'm not all that interested in computers aside from surfing the internet. I considered taking up web design as the idea of being able to work from anywhere in the world free lance appeals but on further research seems I'd need to learn coding and programming something that was never my strong point in computing studies at school, coding would drive me mad.

The idea of volunteering with animals, childrens or on farms etc WOOFING doesn't really appeal either.

What I do have experience in is administration / office work though I hated it and would rather never do it again. I have an honours degree in Events Management and some limited experience in the field but not enough to land a top job and I'm not sure I'm really than keen on it. For the past 6 months I've made money for my next trip through manipulating online casinos and sportsbooks (nothing illegal just playing in a manner which puts the odds in my favour) but those opportunities are running out or I'd keep it up and live a comfortable life abroad doing it.

I want to be my own boss, make my own hours and be able to work from anywhere in the world. I'm not against going back into education or learning new skills if something appeals to me and it would help.

So any suggestions as to what I could do or what I could train / study to do in the future?

Healthcare is the obvious answer.

Another thing which I have no interest in and couldn't see me doing I'm afriad.

Anything else I'm missing?

You really sound like you don't actually want to work for a living at all. May I suggest lottery tickets or an advantageous marriage.

Ha ha maybe that's it. Lottery tickets are purchased regularly. If only some rich women would marry me. :D

It's not that I don't want to work, I just can't find anything I enjoy. I've done plenty of mind numbing jobs short term to get money for travel but I refuse to commit my life to some soul destroying 9-5 just because that's what's expected of me. I have an education and skills, I'm not completely useless or anything and there are plenty of options out there for me but I struggle to find something I'm passionate about.

I want to ideally find a job where I'm my own boss and can work from anywhere in the world. I don't like to be stuck in one place for any length of time I'd love to move round every 6 months to a different country and keep things fresh.

Do you actually enjoy the field of Events Management or is it something you went into but came out not really sure why (common with a lot of degrees) or what you can do with it? Unfortunately there are probably millions of people around the world with 'office' skills (myself included) that aren't really able to use it in another country unless its in the same sort of field.

That being said, there's no reason why you can't look at applying for large companies in foriegn countries where the local labour pool might not be of the highest standard and your skills and labour standards are seen as more advantageous. The problem is you'd need to be there and have the right to work too....which could be an issue.

If you like casino's and know your card games you could look at casino work - dealers can get work on cruise ships and get a good wage while seeing the world and you could probably also get work in some other countries with it. You'd be able to start off in your local casino (if there is one) plus you can earn big money in some places. I've got friends that work in Atlantic City and can't believe how much they take home!!!

My actual uni course was a bit rubbish, nothing like expected, no practical experience and tbh we didn't really learn anything about events management was all general business, marketing and tourism modules with modules about youth culture and music thrown in. I had a little experience volunteering as an event organiser for a local charity after I graduated, it was OK but turns out planning events isn't actually as fun as attending them and I'm not really sure that's what I want to get into. It'd be very difficult to get a job abroad in this field with my limited experience and without knowing the local language.

As for the casino side of things, I love winning money from the casinos, working for one is another story. Interesting idea though and I actually saw a local casino advertising for blackjack dealers today. Could potentially be a good way to travel and make money.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Cool, maybe it could be a new career. You'd get to learn lots of tips from the regulars and probably be more successful at winning money from casino's :)

The cruise side of the thing isn't for everyone but looks like a fun way to travel if you're ok on boats and want to spend time away working (and saving) instead of being cooped up in an office the whole time.

Here's a link to the Carnival casino career page if you're interested - http://www.oceancasinojobs.com/hrapp/disclaimer.aspx - just watch out if you're applying for cruise jobs as there are lots of scam sites looking to charge you. Best to go to the actual cruise lines themselves and apply through them.

Salary wise you'd be earning quite a bit as you get to keep tips as well which may provide more than you're getting from the office work or playing in casino's plus you get to meet and talk to a range of crazy people which has got to be more fun than staring at a computer screen all day.....

Theres not much left to choose from after your list of No's. Remove Web work, TEFL etc and your options are limited. I know people here who are tradesmen - builders, plumbers and electricans. They earn big money for six months then travel the next few and keep repeating the process or disappear during downturns and come back for boom periods. Any good to you?

Visa considerations and the changes to long stay permits are making the world a much more difficult place for 'f'ree spirits' who want to do what you are doing.

Whilst potentially it could be a good way to travel and make money I don't think I'll take up the idea, at least for now. Have 4 months of travel in South America to get out the way first as of next month. Also I wouldn't learn anything from casino regulars, the way I make money from casinos can only be done online. It's just no longer all that profitable unfortunately, the ship has sailed so to speak.

Me and boats don't mix well, sea sickness ahoy and I have a bit of a fear of open waters and feel the need to be on dry land. Probably wouldn't be the most ideal job but it's a pretty original suggestion, so thanks and keep them coming if you have some more. :)

My first reaction is similar to that of #3. You rattle off many of the popular lines of work and then go on to say that you don't like them. No one said you had to like work and many people do it only because there is a paycheck at the end of the day. I've read once that 65% of Americans do not enjoy, or like, their jobs. You may well belong to that 65% majority.

Asking total strangers to suggest work you may enjoy also doesn't seem a constructive way to search for careers. After all we don't know you and have no clue about what you may like, may not like and may be good at. This is what career counselling back in college would have been for.

Having said all that, let me mention one which at least you may be good at. If I understand you correctly you make money betting on the spread among bookies. This tells me that you are good with probability which probably means you are good in math. This is a skill. Most people couldn't calculate accurate probability to save their lives. You'd probably enjoy and be good at jobs where you put this skill to use. Like quantitative analysis which is another way of saying using mathematical analysis to make money. They include math and physics PhDs who work for investment banks. They design derivatives that are traded on markets. You should look into what types of specific jobs and careers are available.

I see that you want to be your own boss but that may have to wait. These kinds of jobs aren't conducive to being self employed. But after you have saved up a good chunk of capital, you can then invest it using your quant skills. Be your own boss, live off the profits. I bet you'd like that.

useful websites; anyworkanywhere.com, gumtree/london/overseasjobs.com, jobsabroad.com;bunac, campamerica(if youre young enough)

try googleing "jobs/working abroad" and sign up for daily emails.

alternatively look at online freelance work, get to a country with good wifi, and work for yourself.
a book that really helped me start out was "Work your way around the world" by susan griffiths

or just book a ticket to a country you want to go to and start asking around when you get there

good luck

My first reaction is similar to that of #3. You rattle off many of the popular lines of work and then go on to say that you don't like them. No one said you had to like work and many people do it only because there is a paycheck at the end of the day. I've read once that 65% of Americans do not enjoy, or like, their jobs. You may well belong to that 65% majority.

The point is I've done plenty of jobs I don't like and now want to move away from that and find something I enjoy. No point in being miserable my whole working life.

Asking total strangers to suggest work you may enjoy also doesn't seem a constructive way to search for careers. After all we don't know you and have no clue about what you may like, may not like and may be good at. This is what career counselling back in college would have been for

I did give a fair bit of background info on what I've done in the past as well as some as my strengths and weaknesses. So that should give some help

If I understand you correctly you make money betting on the spread among bookies. This tells me that you are good with probability which probably means you are good in math

No not spread betting, something different. My maths are not up to scratch at all. Most of my money is made from casinos rather than sports betting but it plays a part.

No, I like post's #10 idea. However, you're turning that down as well. So I'm going to take this from a completely different perspective: psychology. Let me save you thousands of dollars and tell you a few things about yourself...

1. These trips, ESPECIALLY the fact that you now refer to them as get out the way first are just an escape for you. Obviously by your term, you've already grown tired of them too.

2. You avoid working and finding something you enjoy doing due to your childhood. Start analyzing your childhood and question why you are the way you are. You need to do this first before you can go onto finding your future.

3. I would not suggest that you move overseas. This will only end badly as you won't like anything there either.

It's normal not to know what you want to do at 26. Your problem is that you don't like anything. Either you're depressed or something went wrong in your childhood. Check it out. ;)

If I'd wanted a session with a wannabe psychologist I would have asked for one. ;)

Of course travel is an escape. It is for most people, an escape from every day life back home, their mundane job, responsibilities, whatever. But it doesn't mean that's the only reason people do it. I travel for a change of scenery, to see and do new things, have new experiences, meet new people and have a load of fun.

You've looked to much into the wording I used. All I meant by 'get out the way; is that I wouldn't be able to set my self on the path of any new career until I was back from South America. If you'd seen how much fun I had on my last trip to SE Asia you'd know I am far from bored of travelling. Definitely one of the highlights / happiest times of my life.

I've worked from when I was at school (age 16) until now (with breaks for travelling obviously). It just so happens that my last job had not been a traditional one that involves having an employer or going to a place of work every day. Made more money than if I had an office job or whatever anyway so made sense. So where you get the idea that I've avoided working I'm not sure,

The thing is I DO like things overseas. Hence why there's certain countries I'd love to move to. The more time I've spent away from home the more I realise the country I was born in and the city I currently live in probably isn't for me. Definitely not the city.

I like plenty of things, just not mind numbing jobs. I don't see why I should settle for a life time in a job I don't get any pleasure from. Just need to find one I do love and I'll be set. :)

Currently looking at doing some open university courses when I get home from S. America in a completely different field from anything I've done before. Something a bit more creative.

Edited by: TheSpade

Edited by: TheSpade

I understand wanting to do something you enjoy for work and working for yourself. It will most probably entail a bit of sacrifice though in the early years. During my 20's I worked in mostly journalism and sometimes as a bartender. Sad truth: I made more money as a bartender taking home cash every night. Finally after many years of expanding my skill set year after year I am able to make it as a freelancer (albeit in lower-cost Argentina).

Just find something you love and do that. Most foreigners overseas who are successful (and not working for corporations, or the state, the medical industry, etc.) that I see are people who do their own thing -- arranging tours on a subject they know well, organizing language exchange or retreats, teaching yoga, music or other arts, freelance copywriters and translators, videographers, dj's, day traders (for those with a bit of capital), even selling original art or goods in street fairs.

Most of these things won't make you rich though so your other option is the old work, save, travel roundabout.

To many posts, did not read them all, but did anybody say tour guide. email me if you are interested in more info.

travelbribirk@yahoo.com

You don't sound very driven or sure of yourself so I wouldn't advise an Open University course. I'm not the most diligent person and I get easily distracted and I ballsed up a OU course - in a subject that is my passion, because I wasn't committed enough to home study. It is NOT an easy option.

There are a lot of other comments I could make about your attitude to work and life but it's not my place - one thing I will say however is it is often useful when you are 'confused' about life (which it sounds like you are) to get a huge big piece of paper and draw a 'mind map' - like big spider diagrams/brainstorms with all the things you love to do on one side (in life) along with attributes in a job which appeal to you , then the opposite/negative on the other side. List all the ideas for jobs that interest you in the middle and link them up to the +ve's and -ve's and it may give you a clearer picture/start to your options than you will get here. Basically you need to filter and organise your thoughts and get to know yourself a bit better. This worked well for me a few years ago.

Good luck

I'll have no problem with an OU course. I already have an honours degree, most of the work is done at home, you have to push yourself to do it because no one else will. Once I start something I will see it through.

You can comment on my attitude to work and life if you wish, I've put it out here for people to do so. Some people will think I've a 'bad' attitude. I would disagree, it's not bad it's just different from the society accepted norm.

Your idea about a mind map is an interesting one, I can give that a shot and see if anything interesting comes from it.

Do give it a go, nothing to lose.
Really do think hard about the OU course - I have a solid BSc Economics from a top UK university (so I'm neither stupid nor lazy) and I dropped out of the first module of my OU course. Turns out I got a 1st in my first assignment but I just didn't keep up with the reading. Like I said I'm not great with time management but I really struggled to discipline myself. It's a waste of money if you don't complete it and probably wont answer your questions on what to do in life (or help you much acheive it). You don't sound particularly disciplined (no offence). In fact, with all your hopping around from trip to trip (yet never actually living somewhere abroad permanently) and your sudden desire for something 'creative' to study seems like you are constantly running away from commitment and deciseveness (sp?). This seems to be the bigger problem and is an uncomfortable place to be in.

I'm not saying that you are anything negative at all, but I don't envy your situation and running into courses (which cost money) could be a waste of time and make you look even more 'jumpy' to potential employers.

My penny's worth. :)

I don't see how an OU course is any different from a regular uni course, in both you need to keep up with the reading, manage your own time and motivate yourself to do the work. If you don't you'll fail. I could definitely do that no problem.

Tour guide was probably not mentioned as many countries have very stringent rules and regulations around guiding - ie they prefer to keep that type of job for their own nationals. Again - work permits are often required - even for tour leaders who are really only company reps. The rules are complex in many countries and often it is not possible.

If you do an OU course just make sure there is a realistic chance of finding employment at the end of it and try to find stories from people in that career first. I say that as you may end up completing your course and finding it very hard to actually get into any job and back to square one.

I know several people that completed their Master degree at the same time or before me and they haven't been able to find anything to go into. Higher education is worth it in the long run, but for the next few years it's going to be tough without previous experience in that field, especially if it's something you've not worked at before.

I'm not saying don't do it, just make sure that you think of life after and if it will make you happy and be able to give you the change you need.

Why don't you learn how to sail? Then you could crew on yachts, working and travelling at the same time.

But you probably wouldn't enjoy that either.

^he gets sea-sick. keep up pompom

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