At 75 will you be part of the 6.4 percent still working?

An AARP Bulletin article (Oct. 2007) gave the percentage of people over age 55 who are part of the work force. More older workers are in the work force today than 10 or 20 years ago. The average of all workers 55 and over is 38 percent, up from 30.1 percent 20 years ago, up from 30.3 percent just ten years ago. Today, of those 55-59, 72 percent work. From 60-64, 52.5 percent work. At 75 years of age, 6.4 percent are still working.

The article goes on to mention that it can be difficult for an older worker to find a job they want to do. AARP is testing a WorkSearch program to help you assess your interests and skills and connect you to local jobs where these skills are in demand. Their National Employer Team consists of employers who actively seek to hire older workers. At least a couple of employers have programs where RVers can move from one store to another.

Workers on the RV road are in a unique position when it comes to finding work. They are in demand at businesses that deal with the public. For those working at an RV park or resort, they can often find a job that includes a free RV site as well as pay. Expenses are less, plus money is coming in. Using a computer to make money is feasible now with so many more ways to stay connected to the Internet. RV workers with the right skills who are willing to go where the jobs are can earn even more.

We do hope that if you are still working or volunteering when you are 75 years of age or older, it is because you are doing something you love to do and are still having a ball! Jaimie

Winterizing for winter work

Pipeline workers in Billings MT live in their RVs through the winter. Living in a hotel is very expensive and not conducive to family life so many pipeline workers travel from job to job in their RVs so they can have their families with them.

Workers who drill for natural gas have also chosen to travel in RVs. When we stopped in Heber Springs, Arkansas to visit with Steve and Kathy Anderson of Workamper News and Greg and Debbie Robus, former owners of WN, our campground had a number of RVs with natural gas workers.

To stay in Billings, even Heber Springs, in winter requires you winterize your RV. RVs are not designed for extended below-freezing weather. Pipeline workers have learned many tricks to keep warm and to keep their utility bills down. These include things like heat tape around hoses and skirting around the bottom of the rig. Read the full article on this sort of life working on the RV road in the Billings Gazette. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.

Pricey RV kitchen brings in the big bucks

Not only does Chef Robért Lamkin have a kitchen in his RV that cost more than $300,000, Robért (pronounced Ro-bear) hobnobs with the movie stars. He takes his RV on location, feeding film crews.

Acording to the Denver Post, "Robért runs his movie-catering operation from a 35-foot RV, a double grill/trailer and a truck with a built-in, walk-in fridge. It's like the ultimate covered wagon, complete with three convection ovens, a six-burner stove with a grill and a 20-gallon coffee urn. One of seven in his fleet, this flagship kitchen cost about $300,000, plus $75,000 in extra gear, and the support truck, about $150,000."

Robért has been feeding actors for eighteen years and got his start on the set of Dances with Wolves. Read the entire article about his unique experiences and celebrities he has cooked for here.

Robért's business (and reputation) took time to build and capital to custom-build an RV to suit his needs. His success shows the versatility of RVs and that you are only limited by your imagination in having an RV-based business. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.

San Diego seasonal jobs

Last weekend I was in San Diego. I spotted one of the free employment newspapers, Job Giant. In this issue several short-term and seasonal jobs were listed.

• UPS seasonal driver helper $8.50/hr
• Deliver phone books, clerical and warehouse positions available
• Election workers for February, June and November - different duties available $8.76-$25/hr
• Target hiring several categories of workers
• Phone customer service reps for Red Envelope

This time of year brings lots of short-term job opportunities. Keep your eyes out for these free employment newspapers and check the classifieds particularly in the Sunday newspapers. It can be a way to earn some money without commiting to the usual four ot six month season. Jaimie

For more more than 350 ideas for working and volunteering on the RV road, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

Biking for dollars

Get paid to ride a bicycle? Two weeks ago, Alice Zyetz (my writing partner) and I boondocked in her Lazy Daze at Casino Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ for two nights while we attended a publishing workshop.

The daytime security men at the casino were outfitted in dark pants, a yellow t-shirt with "security" emblazoned on the back and bike helmets. Yes, these security personnel were riding bicycles around the parking lots, checking for anything unusual. I checked at their website and only found one security type position being currently advertised: Emergency Medical Technician/Security Officer. This may or may not be the same position, though it would make sense. While waiting for an emergency, the security officers probably patrol. Bicycles allow them to stay cooler (some were wearing Camelbak®-type hydration packs) plus check the lots more frequently.

At the Phoenix airport I also saw personnel on bicycles riding in the terminals. They are members of the Phoenix City Police, Airport Bureau.

I would need a big padded seat to ride my bicycle for hours, but for a Workamper looking to work for a season who likes being outdoors and active, and could meet the other qualifications, bicycle security could be a fun option. Jaimie

For information on some unusual jobs for working RVers, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

Are you ready for disaster?

The recent California wildfires reminded me of a few years ago when an RV friend was volunteering in a national forest in Prescott ago when there was a forest fire in the area. The fire was moving her way so she was loading up a few things in her truck and had her two cats inside the cab. She was about to hitch up when fire personnel told her she had to evacuate - now. The flames were in sight, moving towards her. She did not have time to hitch up plus one cat escaped. The cat was terrified and wouldn't come. She had to leave it.

She was fortunate that the wind shifted and her 5th wheel was saved. However, she never did find her cat. It was a tramatic experience.

RVers are fortunate in that their house is on wheels. Often they can move their rigs out of harm's way, whether it be fires, floods or hurricanes. The time to move, however, is before you see the flames, water rising around the wheels of your RV or the winds reach gale force. If you do have to wait until the last minute, have your pets in carriers. Also, have important papers near the door of your RV ready to grab. Just like a regular homeowner, photos of your possessions and scans of important papers on a memory stick or CD could help you file a claim if need be. Keep that in a safe deposit box or give a copy ot a relative.

Plan ahead for disaster. People grab some crazy things if they only have a few minutes. The mother of my sister's friend, when evacuated from her home near Lake Hodges, took evening gowns because she had never worn them! My writing partner, Alice Zyetz, who was evacuated from the Escapee park in Aguanga (by Temecula), took her medicines with her but not her prescriptions. She only remembered her valuable guitar because she'd had it out from the day before and then tripped over it.

If you are working or volunteering somewhere, make sure you are aware of your escape route if fire or floods should threaten. Have your RV hooked up, if you can. In case you might have to take just your tow vehicle or toad, have things ready beforehand. Don't wait until the last minute if you have any inkling you could be in danger.

The fires in California were like a raging inferno. Often the firefighters could do nothing but watch as the hot winds blew clouds of embers forward, scorching everything in its path. I drove along the perimeter of the Harris fire southeast of San Diego yesterday. Acres were blackened and the fire went right to the edge of many communities. Fortunately, in this particular area, I did not see any places where houses were burned. Other communities were not so lucky. RVers have an advantage - if they use it. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.

Have winery will travel

A St. Louis winery has found that doing business with an RV makes sense and saves them money. The Mount Pleasant Winery in August, Missouri does business in Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas. Mount Pleasant purchased a self-contained Class B Pleasure Way recreational vehicle with Internet access and phone service so Schrader, who drives back and forth between Augusta and Branson where they are setting up a new operation, can work as he travels.

The availability of Internet and phone service enables many workers on the RV road and RV entrepreneurs to conduct business as they travel.

Read the full article at STLToday.com. Jaimie

For more information on getting an Internet connection while traveling or starting an RV business, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com

A common mistake new Workampers make

Beginning the full-time RVing adventure is exciting! Many RVers combine full-timing with Workamping® or working or volunteering on the road. This brings in income, allows you to stay in one spot for an extended time and may even provide a free spot. It’s an excellent way to explore an area in depth or stay in an area you like as well as the chance to be productive and make RV friends.

However, many new to Workamping® make this mistake: They only apply to one or two jobs and they take the first offer. At the end of the season, they are often unhappy. It wasn’t quite what they expected.

What are the advantages of applying to lots of jobs?

1. Each time you interview for a position, you learn more about what to ask. One employer may mention discounted propane and free laundry. Not all employers offer that, but you are more likely to obtain these perks if you ask about them. It may not occur to you the first time to ask about days off together if you are a couple, but when an employer mentions that, it goes on your list of questions to ask.
   


2. You get a feel for what compensation you can ask for. By seeing the range of compensation, you may find some employers are willing to pay more—or offer more perks— than you had initially expected. You can ask for more from a stronger position.
   


3. You’ll get an idea of how seasonal businesses are run and how they differ. Perhaps one Workamper couple does it all. At other places, employees specialize and work at only one task. As you hear about these differences, you may realize one is a better fit than another.
   


4. Owners/managers can vary considerably in their personalities. Talking to different employers will give you a better idea of what type of boss you want to work with.
   


5. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you only apply to one or two jobs and those do not work out, you have to start from scratch. By having a number of applications and résumés in process, if your favorite one falls through, you have others in the works. You might even find a better one!
   


6. You can bargain. If you have applied to lots of employers —and I recommend 15-20— you are more likely to end up in the enviable position of having two employers who both want you. This can help you negotiate for better compensation or more perks.
   

There is definitely a learning curve when becoming a Workamper®. Rather than grab the first job and risk being unhappy, talk to a number of employers and get a feel for what is available. You’ll make a better choice when you have several to choose from. Jaimie

For more information on getting started working and volunteering on the RV road, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.