Developing a working network

Networking, or using contacts you've previously met, is probably the most effective way to find a job. Networking is also powerful when you are looking for a job on the RV road. How do you develop a network when you are traveling?

• As you travel and meet Workampers, find out about what they are doing and exchange cards with them or write down their contact information. Make notes on the back of the card or in your Job Notebook to refresh your memory: what kind of job they had, where you met them, any advice they gave you.


• Attend seminars or job fairs for workers on the RV road. Life on Wheels, The Rally, FMCA, Escapees often have seminars at their educational events/rallies. Workamper News will be putting on two job fairs next January: one in Florida, one in Arizona.


• Join an online community on working on the road where Workampers share information and feedback. I highly recommend Workamper.com. Participate in forums on working on the road such as those at RVTravel.com and Workamper.com.


• Other RV groups that have online communication may also be helpful. For example, we belong to the Boomer Birds of Feather group of the Escapees RV Club. Many of these younger RVers work and volunteer as they travel so are good resources.

When you are looking for a job or volunteer position in a particular area or of a particular kind, you can post at a forum or contact one of your network members who has experience that fits. If they don't know directly, they may know someone who does.

The other good use of networking is to check out a potential employer or an area. Talking to someone who has direct knowledge can be invaluable in finding good employers, avoiding bad ones and knowing what you are getting into.

The other RVers you work with can be the most helpful. Ask them about previous Workamping experiences. If you find a good one you might like to do, ask if you can mention their name. They might even be willing to contact the employer and mention they have worked with you. This sort of recommendation gives you an advantage over others applying for the same position. Use it shamelessly whenever you can!

For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.