Before there were digital nomads, there were people who pursued career paths that allowed them to travel the world while getting paid to do so. Although the list of jobs you can do from just about anywhere has exploded in the digital age, there are still plenty of interesting “regular” jobs that allow you to spend time abroad. Here are just a few.
Musician
Mastering an instrument and traveling as a solo performer or as part of an orchestra or band is a terrific way to see the world and gain invaluable global insights. As an organist and organ consultant, the president of Piedmont University, James F. Mellichamp, has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. His experiences have given him a unique perspective from which to lead his campus.
While musical skill is required to play in a professional capacity, if you join a group you won’t have to worry about making your own travel arrangements. Just hop on your assigned flight, hook up with your fellow musicians, and enjoy spending time doing what you love in a far-flung land.
Lifeguard
If the idea of coupling international travel with living an endless summer appeals to you, consider becoming a nomadic lifeguard. With beach season always on in one part of the globe or another, there’s a place to put your lifesaving skills to work even if it’s the dead of winter back home.
Although it’s not typically a lucrative career choice, lifeguarding has the outstanding fringe benefit of allowing you to spend your days in the fresh air and sunshine, usually along a beautiful shoreline. It also leaves you with free evenings in which to explore your surroundings and take in the local nightlife. Some popular beach regions are so perpetually understaffed that they offer incentives like free room and board, which can offset your travel expenses and make it even more rewarding to work as a traveling lifeguard.
Excavator
For adventurers interested in history, taking part in an archeological expedition is yet another way to visit amazing corners of the world. While being a geologist or archeologist requires an advanced degree, training, and experience, all you need to join most excavation crews is a willingness to work hard. You can find jobs in this area through universities, or do pick-up work in locales that are hosting excavations.
Since many digs take place outdoors and in a variety of climates, you should be in good health and able to perform physically demanding tasks in all sorts of conditions. This is generally a very labor-intensive and sometimes tedious job, but in addition to exploring historic regions, you may have the chance to be part of a one-of-a-kind discovery.
When you’ve got an itch to travel the world but aren’t sure how to make it happen, tapping into your skills and interest just might be the key. Learn more about these and other opportunities that are available to people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and then get moving into a career abroad!
