Fireworks for 4th of July!

As we travel across the Midwest states a couple of weeks before the 4th of July, we have passed many fireworks stands, usually clumped together in the same area. Often they are just outside a municipal area that does not allow sales.

Selling fireworks can be a short term opportunity for workers on the RV road. Workamper News often has ads for managing a fireworks stand. You work on commission. Most promise a minimum of $1500 and work begins this weekend through the 4th, though stands are busiest the two days before the holiday. Right around New Years is another time some fireworks stands are open.

Be sure to ask plenty of questions. If you'll be providing security at the stand in your RV, will you have electricty? water? a porta potty or someone to pump your tanks? If you are paid commission, is that percentage figured on gross sales or net? Do you have to line up helpers for those last couple of days and does that come out of your earnings?

It's also a good idea to get feedback from other Workampers who have tried this type of work and who have worked for the owners you are considering. Posting a thread on the Workamping forum or other forums on working on the road can help you avoid the few employers who do not follow through on their promises.

Like selling Christmas trees, running a fireworks stand is hard work but you can earn a nice sum in a short period of time.

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.

Midwest agricultural jobs

Driving through Kansas passing miles of corn fields reminded me that hybrid corn needs to be detasseled. What's that? In order to get cross-pollination, the tassels or flowers of some rows of corn are pulled out so they are pollinated by another variety, making a stronger, sweeter product.

Corn detasselers work from eight days to three weeks in July - it depends on weather - and get paid per row. According to one agency, someone really good at their job can make $2700 in three weeks. When I step out in the already hot, humid, sunny days here in Kansas and Nebraska, I find it hard to imagine working all day in these conditions. Perhaps that's why most corn detasselers are students. Still, if you are in good shape and want a good workout, check out the information at Sunshine Enterprises or Team Corn. These companies do not provide housing, though may have a free spot for you to camp.

The wheat harvest also employs people, though mostly truck drivers and drivers of combine tractors. Other mechanical skills are helpful. Most companies want a commitment for the season as they travel from farm to farm, following the harvest. Meals and housing are provided. U.S. Custom Harvesters has classifieds from a number of companies seeking workers.

Seasonal and short-term job opportunities for RVers are not limited to working in RV parks or camp hosting. Even if detasseling corn or driving for the wheat harvest are not your thing, it's nice to know other possibilities exist. Jaimie

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.