Different ways to make money

At the rally in Casa Grande, Al and Marilyn Verheyn stopped by and we got to talking. They offered some additional ways they make money that works for them.

Each summer they work for a Boy Scout camp for 10 weeks. They arrive a week early to help set up, then stay a week afterwards to pack things up again. Each session lasts week when the campers are there. Al does shotgun training and Marilyn works in the camp store. In return, they receive a full hookup RV site and their meals. On weekends, between sessions, their meals are provided. Boy Scout camps pay depending on your age. A fifteen year old doesn't earn as much as an adult. Al said you need to negotiate your salary but generally for adults it ranges between $350 and $500/week. With both working, they can earn enough in ten weeks to get them by the rest of the year. Last summer they worked at the Woodruff Scout Reservation in Georgia.

While at their daugher's in Indianna, Al is a substitute school bus driver. He has his CDL and is paid $100/day. If he doesn't want to work that day, he says he is unavailable. He works for a couple of hours in the morning, a couple in the afternoon.

Another job Al and Marilyn have investigated but haven't tried is working security at airports. Al already has clearance from a former job, but you would need to get that. Once you are hired at one airport, you can work for a while, then go to another airport and get hired while in the area. They like older part-time workers.

While at the Wal-Mart in Casa Grande, they noticed that Wal-Mart is paying $13-18 to start! Another idea for snowbirds in the area.

These ideas may give you some ideas - especially if you don't want to stay for long periods in one place or just work when you want to while you are in an area. 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.

Fairgrounds can provide opportunities

George and I are at the Western Gypsy Gathering at the fairgrounds in Casa Grande, AZ. Alice Zyetz and I are giving seminars plus staffing the RV Authors' Co-op booth.

Many fairgrounds not only have inexpensive camping for RVers but also provide seasonal and short-term work for RVers looking for work. Bev and Jim managed the RV park at the Expo Center in Tulsa, similar to a fair grounds. See my September 16 post about meeting them. I have known other RVers who ended up being the camp host at a fairgrounds. One or both of the couple might also pick up work during events at the fairgrounds.

State fairs, racing season (if the fairgrounds has a track), or other special events mean extra personnel are needed for all sorts of jobs. This can be another source of employment as you travel. A good way to find these jobs is to spend a night or two at the fairgrounds and then go into the office on the grounds and ask about opportunities. If you express your interest in hosting, even if they have no openings now, it could result in a call at a later date. If an event is coming up and you'll be in the area, ask about jobs and who to contact. You might work a weekend or up to a couple of weeks. Or you could land a place to stay for a season. 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.

Time travel

How about a trip back to the Renaissance? Perhaps dress in costume from days of olde, serve at the Pleasure Feast or sell your wares like turkey thighs and steins of beer in the marketplace. Hear lances clashing as jousting knights try win their lady's honor. Balladeers, jugglers, whip masters, singers and dancers entertain.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival east of Phoenix starts today. The festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast -- all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure! They are still hiring for the festival, which is open weekends and President's Day through March 30.

Here's another short term job opportunity for RVers. There are many RV parks in Apache Juction that have monthly rates where you could stay. See the Arizona Renaissance Festival Web site for more information. Huzzah!

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

Tampa, FL opportunities

As usual I picked up a free employment newsletter in Tampa before we headed to the airport. There is nearly always a short-term opportunity in these papers. Some don't say they are looking for seasonal help, but because of the area and the nature of the business, they could be delighted to hire you for a month or two. Two ads specifically say "ideal for retirees."

• Two ads are for inventory specialists. Training is paid.
• A temporary agency that supplies drivers is looking for CDL A & B drivers FT, PT and temp to hire.
• Another PT job is delivering free publications. A truck or van is required but no CDL.

Don't limit yourselves to working only in RV parks. That is a good fit for RVers but for short-term jobs, there are many other possibilities. Wherever you are there are often jobs if you will look. Jaimie

Two-day money-making gig

We are visiting George's brother and sister-in-law after the job fair. I picked up a copy of JobNews, a free employment newsletter in the Jacksonville, FL area. A flower shop is accepting applications for contract drivers to deliver flowers on February 13 and 14. You use your own car and earn $7 per delivery.

In the past around Valentine's Day, I have not only seen ads for drivers but also for additional help in the flower shop, preparing flower arrangements or handling phone and counter sales. Keep your eyes open for these opportunities and pick up a few extra dollars. Jaimie

For more information on finding short-term jobs, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

Very short term jobs- work at events

A free employment newspaper ad reminded me that there are opportunities to work very short term. We mentioned working the Super Bowl earlier (see my post). However, there are all sorts of other games, concerts and festivals needing temporary help for their event.

One company that specializes in hiring event staff mentions positions as

• valets
• ushers
• ticket takers
• parking
• traffic control
• money takers
• licensed security

You can pick the events you want to work at. In some cases, it would be like a free admission. Temporary agencies, classified ads in local newspapers and free employment newspapers are all sources. And, if you know of an event you'd like to work at, contact them to find out how they hire.

NASCAR events are another possibility, working one event or following the circuit. You can see Workamper.com for more information and find ads in their publication. Jaimie

For more information on finding short-term jobs, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.