What is seasonal work?
If you don’t know what seasonal work is, don’t worry! I had no idea when I first heard about it either. I’ve put together a simple explanation to ease that confusion for you!
A one-line explanation for those with little time: Seasonal work - A short-term job with a time limit. For a more in-depth answer, keep reading.
LET´S CLEAR THINGS UP
what is seasonal work?
A seasonal job is a job within a specific season or time limit. A season is often between 2-6 months in most cases, longer & shorter seasons exist but are more uncommon. It’s a popular hiring option for destinations only open for part of the year, or have a peak of higher demand for staff during a few months.
Some countries rely on having seasonal workers & often seek these workers from abroad due to low engagement from their own population within certain fields of work, one of them being farm work. Often these countries offer what is called a ‘‘work and holiday’’ visa to foreigners. One country that uses seasonal workers frequently is Australia. They have even made it mandatory for people that want to stay for a 2nd WH (work & holiday) visa to do farm work. When I wanted to stay a second year in the land down under I found a job on a fruit & vegetables farm, you can read about my 88 days on a farm if you’re curious about that experience.
What can you work with?
You can work as a bartender, waitress, barista, chef, skiing instructor, kite teacher, snowboard instructor, tour guide, or adventure guide. You can also work on yachts & big cruise ships, as a hiking guide, climbing guide, receptionist, cleaner, carpenter, farm hand, or at the register in a store. The list goes on and on but I’d say these are the most common and popular ones. Just because I haven’t mentioned your line of work doesn’t mean it’s not an option!
Besides some countries having an age limit for their WH visa, and the fact that society might have a thing or two to say about the ones choosing not to follow along the stream like the other fishies, there really isn’t an age limit. But, it is definitely a high percentage of young people doing seasonal work! Myself, I worked my first season at 20, and now I’m 26 and have done about 13 (averaging 2 per year). I’m not sure I’ve ever been the youngest, but I’ve never been the oldest either.
Can you live from doing seasonal work long-term?
Depends, does 6 years count as a long time? Haha, I’m gonna say yes to this, because I haven’t had an income besides seasonal work for the past 6 years and I’d say I’m doing pretty good. I don’t live a luxurious life and there are things I’ve sacrificed in order to live like this, but I’m pretty content in life and I wouldn’t say I’m lacking anything. That, and I travel more than the average 9-5 person.
Some popular countries for seasonal work are:
Australia | New Zealand | Canada | Norway | Sweden | France | Austria | Switzerland |
Down below you’ll see a photo from each of the different locations I have worked in. 9 locations in total. In a few locations, I’ve returned for multiple seasons!
Strahan | Farm outside of Townsville | Freycinet National park | Coles Bay | Rottnest Island | Jukkasjärvi | Lofoten Islands | Hemsedal winter | Hemsedal summer
Does this sound like something you’d want to try? Then you must read my post on how to find a job abroad! Hope this clears it up a little bit and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment or shoot me a DM on Instagram @natgoneglobal.
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