Gate guarding is not for everyone, but the more gigs you try, the better you get on knowing which works for you best. We eventually found a permanent yard gate that we take turns with another couple. We work 3 months on and 3 months off in a guard shack with our motor home in a nearby park. Our gate is a heavy traffic gate but it’s predictable and has some very slow times allowing us to pursue our hobbies while in the shack. Hubby plays guitar and I love to sew and quilt. We’ve also done the “fun” seasonal jobs and hubby did the sugar beet harvest last year in Michigan, which was sadly poorly managed. Our schedule with the gate guarding now will allow us to live comfortably working only 6 months a year, but if we want to plan something extra or save more money we can take on additional jobs. Part of the work camping experience is to discover what works for you and because most are short term, it allows you to make better informed choices moving forward. So many things to do and places to see. We love our work camping life.
Love how you weave all that great info in-between your hiking adventure content. I’m 62 and wish I could have done what you’re doing when I was your age. Please keep on vlogging, I’m a fan for life!
I'm so glad you appreciate it. This one was a little bit of new territory for us (doing the info during an "Adventure") so we made some mistakes along the way. We were really nervous that this would be a youtube "flop." -J
This is a fabulous geological feature 14:36 that is laid down under water, carved out steps as the water (big lake usually) recedes. Then a fault causes it to tilt. Way cool! I can't tell, but it looks like dolomite - made from pulverized sea creatures (like when the 'great deep' opened up)
I’ve done most of the work camping jobs you’ve described except the sugar beet harvest which I was excepted but never went through with it. It can be a nightmare sometimes. If you’re somewhat fit. Like the outdoors and can walk around 9 miles a day, usually build yourself up to say like 5 miles the first week or two. Travel with your rv with a dependable vehicle and travel all over in the U.S. doing leak survey for Southern Cross Corp with a start pay of $19, per diem that covers your rv site and some grocery’s and mileage reimbursement for projects that usually last about 6-7 months or stay with them full time. Their home base is in Georgia, but you can get hired on almost anywhere. I’ve been with them for 5 years now and never been to the headquarters. Sometimes I’d work a full year and other times 7 months and take 5 off in the winter.
@@kellykaufman6278 Southern Cross Corp. it’s a 800 number 2415057. Ask for HR, then tell them you’re interested in a traveler position. Most travelers will work with the gas companies. There are some that work for an electric companies. Started last year are utility surveyors or locators which I think would be an interesting position, but it’s new to SCC so the locations might be limited.
I have been camp hosting at State Parks for the last five years of the 6 1/2 I’ve been full-time. I really enjoy it. It’s a volunteer position with a site with full hook ups and I pretty much have stayed the last three summers in Tennessee, which was where I lived for 50 years. Thanks for doing the video. It was great information. I’m sure it will help a lot of people.❤
So glad this is an opportunity that works out well for you! If you aren't reliant on income but still want to free up the housing end of your budget this is such a great option. -J
Love your guys videos. There is one thing I noticed you were doing and I would feel really bad if something would happen and I didn't say anything. When walking or hiking on uneven ground, never ever, ever walk with your hands in your pockets. If you were to ever trip, you wouldn't have time to get your hands out of your pockets in time to stop you from face planting into the ground. I have see it too many times. Later and all the best.
Gotta be honest...if anyone is gonna do exactly this it would be me. My only hope is that if it were to happen that the camera was rolling to capture my absolute finesse. 😂 Thank you for caring! Truely! -J
Worked 3 12 hour shifts this week and was looking forward to your Friday video when I got home. Did not disappoint! Y’all have worked your way to the top of our “Can’t wait for the next video” list! Thanks for all you share.
Thanks so much. We were worried about this one because it was a little out of the norm for us. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and took the time to let us know. Thank you! Side note - I've discovered 12 hour shifts are only fun if you get paid overtime. 😀 -J
Hi Joe and Kalyn. My husband found your TH-cam channel yesterday (3/12/24) and we have been binge watching every since. We love your approach to making videos and are learning what we would like to incorporate into our own (coming soon) TH-cam Channel. We love how you interact with one another and keep the videos light and fun. Mostly, we appreciate that you are authentic and real. The best part of TH-cam is feeling like to get to know people when they share who they are. Thanks for being real. God Bless you both!
We were both saying the other day that we don't think we've done enough exploring up there. We only hit 1 trail on the west side and one trail on the east. And we haven't done any of the peaks. -J@@honeybeardesigns9352
Be sure to understand some jobs are dangerous to your health. Fracking jobs have bad air and water. I lived on a ranch less than a 1/4 mile from a fracking pad. So I lived in the zone of some of the issues. I since then I have moved into the center of town. My breathing and kidney issues have greatly improved.
@@totalarchertx11 I'm just gonna say that all of this is anecdotal. Both the fact that you worked in the industry and never had issues, along with their improvement when they moved away. Having covered fracking a LOT when I worked as a camera guy in TV I was always amused at how the oil industry was always so quick to say that their work caused zero issues....while it's very clear that circumstantially there were things that were not happening...then fracking started...and then those things were happening. A great example is the earthquakes in the west Texas area. Very very few earthquakes. Fracking comes to town. Earthquakes skyrocked. Oil/Gas industry "Don't look at us!" 😂 It's completely ok for people to consider why their physical issues got better when they moved somewhere. One other quick example. Not everyone who was at WTC died from cancer years later...does that mean that those who did didn't get it from their time working in the wreckage? Does it have to be a 100% cancer rate for it to be considered? Just some thoughts. I'm not in the habit of downplaying someones experience with their health. -J
@@OpenRoading did you actually cover frac news? Or cover reporting on frac “issues” West Texas earthquakes have been a thing for the lifespan of this earth. Tectonic plates shift. Look at Commifornia, no frac sites whatsoever and they have earthquakes daily. I never said that to attack someone, I’m just saying blaming things without proof is anecdotal. We don’t need more anecdotes, we have plenty in this White House already 😂
I’m new to your channel. I like it, it’s fun! You are going to Alaska for the summer. You can make decent money if you work in a cruise ship port area in a jewelry store as a salesperson. They need people in those stores, a lot of money gets spent and there are people who go there for seasonal work only for those jobs. Just wanted to throw that idea out to you guys.
Thanks so much for this info! Our plan is actually not to work-camp in Alaska (we saved up a bunch this summer so that with that, plus our work from home income we can remain as mobile as possible). But I'm sure this will be helpful for anyone looking for opportunities in the Last Frontier! -J
A ton of blue collar jobs travel too, I know it’s a different type of work camping and it’s own category but it’s always an option. Also if any blue collar workers see this…I’ve worked with my husband (welder) as his helper/fire watch and DO IT if you can! We are already there and the pay can be anywhere from $18 an hour to $20 and hour plus perdeim plus travel! Granted you’re working 72hrs a week and it can range to around a month then move on to the next one. I was scared to do it but it’s totally worth it if you get the chance!!
What a creative way to give out so much good information on work camping. So many ideas! And the hike, so pretty. You truly made it an EPIC video. I’m anxious to see your adventures in Big Bend. 😉
Hi Mike, It was so wonderful to meet you and Terri (I hope I spelled that correctly) this past week! In a week of mostly heads down work it was a highlight! So glad you appreciated the video! Kalyn and I were really nervous about this one since it was pretty different. We'll see what the TH-cam algorithm thinks about it over time. 😀 -J
Love your videos. Good luck on your journey toAlaska. We have been there twice. We flew up and rented a camper both times. Both were 3 weeks each. Look forward to seeing the places you guys will visit and all the sights and wildlife!!!
It's great that there are so many options! We love how you presented them! We're also happy that you can focus on your TH-cam and business going forward! We wish for all the success in the world for you both! 🙂
That means a lot! Thank you. We were genuinely concerned as we transitioned out of workcamping that our TH-cam channel would take a significant hit from anyone who was following us BECAUSE of work camping. But I'm hopeful that our messaging throughout the whole thing (reminding people this was part of the hustle to get back on our feet while saving for Alaska) kept most of our youtube friends on board! -K
@OpenRoading you can always do some occasional interviews or feature other people doing work camping that you meet along the way, if you feel like people are craving it. For now, i think people are following you for you, and they are interested in your journey. 😉
Lots of good information. When i lived in AZ, i went to camp at Grand Canyon in the summers and decided i wanted to work in the general store during the summer when i retire. They give you a choice of dorms there too.
So fun to hear the ins and outs of work camping (while winding down with a puzzle)… love how you guys are so generous to share what worked for you and what you wished you’d known. Also, that closing shot by the campfire made me happy, especially seeing Joseph’s animated hand gestures! 🙌🙌 I talk with my hands too! Lol. Love you guys!
LOL. We hand talkers....we've gotta stick together. If you want something to crack up about, keep your eyes open for my "floating hand." I have discovered (often in the truck) that I will keep a hand just floating out in space when talking. Apparently the hand float is it's default, very awkward, position. -J
There are also gig jobs, that let you travel while working. Such as DoorDash, where you can drive to different counties and states to do delivery work. An example of that would be say Dashing in say Austin for a week or month, then driving up to Dallas or Oklahoma City to Dash up there till you are ready to move to another location. Those jobs have the benefit of letting you set your own hours.
Devils hall is a cool place to hike, the ‘staircase is deceptive going down.. been on that trail several times, always in the fall. Wish it had been warmer for you.
Thanks for the informative video. I wish more RV manufacturers took inspiration from your remodel and started making more options for RV rear offices with a view! Never understood them always putting in rear sofa/loungers where the best view is BEHIND you!
YES!! This one had 2 heavy recliners in that space! I am so happy to see a lot of newer RVs who are at least making the interior of RVs brighter but I hadn't thought about the fact that the rear window is still often a space that people have their backs to. 🤔 -J
@@OpenRoadingUp til recently the best I could hope for were RVs (ideally fivers) with rear U or L dinettes. Best makeshift office with a view for the Black&Decker challenged!
Haha... Black&Decker challenged. I love it. In our case I'm so glad we just had to remove a couple of chairs. The funny thing with our setup is that it took us 3 desks to realize that we needed to fasten them to the floor....because they kept launching into the air on bumps during travel day and breaking apart when they came back down. 😬😂@@celestepalm6949 -J
FedEx and Amazon have seasonal work camping programs. They usually provide a free site, and if the rv park is far from the worksite, some provide commuter vans.
You can find all our videos (new to old) here: www.youtube.com/@OpenRoading/videos We're currently transitioning out of workcamping as we prepare for Alaska! -J
I'm so glad you enjoy it. We will continue to do it. This week our slide mechanism broke...yay! lol. Expect fun drama around that coming to your feed in a few weeks. 😂 -J
I love Guadalupe NP and Big Bend, (where I saw bears in the wild for the first time.) I'm 61 and hike solo to the top of Guadalupe Peak two years ago. I've hiked twice up Emory Peak in Big Bend, also.❤ I just love both parks. Big Bend Ranch SP is definitely worth a visit too.
We really wanted to hit the SP but it was just too far from our campground with the work we needed to make sure we made time for. Next time though! We considered adding Emory Peak to our loop trail hike (it was right "on the way") but we hadn't done a 10+ mile hike in a while so we figured we should probably pace ourselves. 😂 -J
That's awesome that you 2 do what you have to do to keep going! I know a couple that did 24/7 gate guarding for 3 years so they could travel the world. They have been traveling the world for 2 years now.
Gonna get to that 3 years of gate guarding in a second... 😳 We have a few "personal values" that we hold to for our family. Gratefulness is #1. We thank each other daily even for the things that we are "supposed" to do. (Like, I do 90% of the dishes...but Kalyn thanks me for doing them almost every time). Resilience got formally added to our list in 2023 and personal value #2. "We can do hard things." Whenever life get's tough or something goes wrong we just remind ourselves that we can do hard things and then we do it. Ok...now to the interesting part. GATE GUARDING FOR 3 YEARS?! I know I just said we could do hard things....but I might die. 🤣 I sure hope they got some solid breaks between jobs. But yeah, if you work the summers as a gate guard I've heard the money gets even better! Does this couple have a public IG or TH-cam? Would love to follow their journey!! -J
@@OpenRoading yes they had a TH-cam but stopped posting. They said they might start it back up again one day because they miss doing it @travelingdeficitdisorder
Another example of why you guys are amazing. What a great review of all the options. Joe I can tell why you are spending so much time editing, you are a pro. Not to mention the number of clips you record for each video is probably more than we have recorded in three years on the road. 8)
Someday I'd like to get my editing streamlined down a little bit but at the moment I only seem to be getting marginally faster. 😂 Thanks so much for the kindness Kyle & Michelle. I've been trying so hard to follow your lead and really work on remembering names with handles. Kalyn can attest that I'm only getting marginally better with that as well. -J
I’m so happy that you decided to keep the dog. My wife and I have worked the sugar beet harvest in Crookston, Minnesota in September and October. We just made it back home in Alaska at the end of April. Looking forward to watching your trip to Alaska. Do you guys have a Paterson group?
We don't have a Patreon (I think that's what you were referring to before autocorrect got super smart and decided you meant something else) but we do have an Alaska Postcard Club as a creative way to say thanks to generous people who wish to support the channel. openroading.com/poscardclub We also have a paypal link but we don't really advertise it much just because we don't want the appearance of trying to get others to "fund our lifestyle" (as extravagant as we are with all our PB&Js 😂). That link is: paypal.me/openroading But know that whether or not you choose to support us monetarily - we so appreciate the support of watching and sharing our channel with others. It genuinely means the world to us. More info on the Post Card Club (and a little bit as to why we chose not to do a patreon) in this video: th-cam.com/video/t6abPr3wnrQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hwzx00QrLhunJHNO -J
Commenting for the algorithm. I know how much work goes into shooting and editing videos. You guys are doing a great job! I also know how easy it is to get burnt out and lose momentum. Keep going! Also btw my grandma lived in that area and I remember the locals pronouncing it GwadalooPAY.
I am so happy I found you guys! You two are super personable! I want to do two to three weeks stays in places, kinda like the original gypsies in Europe. I grew up in Switzerland and we had a group of Roma come through my hometown every year. They would stay for three weeks, do random jobs in town and then move on to the next spot.
I've been trying for to subscribe. Thinking about workamping jobs. Just not sure where to start. Still looking for an RV. So trying to research everything. Thank you for sharing.
Hahahahahahaha. Sorry...I laugh because of the two of us...Kalyn has managed to be more at ease in front of the camera than I. However....I do have news in my history...but behind the camera. I worked as a videographer and live truck operator for 8 years - but it was my job to put the pretty people on TV and stay out of the shot. 😂 -J
We tried to make it as little of a talking head as possible...or at least if it had to be talking heads make something pretty be in the background. 🙂 -J
My question is . What happens on travel days with your refrigerator? I have a new to me 5th wheel with a a 2 way refrigerator. Prior i had a class A with a 3 way ref. Other then securement of refrig items does movement effect the chill and freezer at all ? I know not to run propane , do you charge your battery's thru your alternator or just your battery to keep refrigerator running while moving? Working at a Ranch this season in West Yellowstone then to Michigan for Beet Harvest then it's...
If you're manager is named Rip.... beware. 😂 So...Refrigerator. We travel with it on propane quite a bit. If it's a super sunny day I'll switch it to electric because our solar setup will be able to keep up with it. I DO always hop back and switch to electric before entering a fuel station or tunnel. I'd like to eventually double our battery storage capacity and if I did that I'd be super comfortable just leaving it on battery for every trip without worrying about getting to our boondocking spot and starting off the night with low power. We don't have a setup to charge the batteries off the truck, but we do have the 600+ Watts of solar and 300ah of Lithium batteries. And if we start to get low and the sun isn't out we have a small generator that I can use to recharge. -J
It can be! It's not for everyone for sure and to make a lifetime out of it you need to do your retirement planning on your own (something we are still behind on) but it certainly is doable! -J
Thanks so much! It's been a whirlwind and we thought it might slow down a bit for us (personally) when we stopped workcamping but honestly we've been working harder the past 3 weeks than we were before! -J
On one hand we wish it was May and we were heading into Canada already, but on the other hand we know it's going to all go so fast we want to savor the lead up! (plus we have a LOT of work and planning yet to do!) -J
Thank you! We're working hard on everything but the staying warm part. We seem to have moved to a part of the country that wasn't quiiiiite done with winter yet. 😂 -J
Hope that this is helpful. This video is the first video of yours that I found. I'm only on my second video of yours , but I already see your potential. So excited to get to know you guys and learn from you... best of luck!
Kaylin, are you a Binghamton alumna? The alumni magazine is always looking for stories of what alum are up to, and PR might also get yoh moochdocking spots and a meet-up in Alaska. ( I ask because I saw the sweatshirt once.)
This is awesome. So cool seeing you all out there in the process of making it. If you remember in Jude and my dad was Peter. We were on our bikes and saw you out on the trail. Love your videos ❤️
Of course we remember! Here we were thinking we can do hard things while complaining about the cold and then we meet you who's been riding a bike for months on end. And to top it off you were wearing shorts. 😂 (maybe this whole Alaska thing is a bad idea for us. lol) How's the adventure going?! I remember you we're nursing an injury that prevented you from doing the AT or another thru-hike, have the legs continued to hold up on the bike? -J
Great video! Very informative. Thanks for sharing. I might add that Amazon hires RVers for the Christmas season. They used to have a specific site for seasonal RVers but have now rolled that into their general seasonal job postings.
@OpenRoading they used to offer a stipend but it's hard to tell from their hiring website if they still do. I suspect they just upped hourly pay. We looked into it last year but the lift requirements didn't work for us. Just FYI, Buc ees also hires seasonal. They too have a lift requirement.
Really well done on the video. Very helpful for newcomers to Workamping. I think we are pretty close to you all. We are Workamping/host in Fredericksburg Texas for the winter. We really enjoy it. We work one day a week for a FHU site. We are trying to get down to Big Bend as well!
Looks like we were close to you for our first gate guarding gig (that was near Floresville). Now we're a good bit south of ya'll. I hope you get to Big Bend. It's beautiful! -J
Thank you so much! I really appreciate all of the helpful information you put out about your camping life and adventures, but I REALLY appreciate your TH-cam information. :)
We plan to stay transparent about that as long as we can. At a certain point one has to have some privacy boundaries but there is so much "incomplete" information out there for people starting out, or who have even been trying to get monetized for years, that we wanted to give as full a picture as possible of how our specific youtube journey evolved. -J
Hi Joe and Kalyn! Nice hike, looked pretty chilly from here. What a cool way to earn money while you travel. Loads of great info for people. Y’all have a great way of bringing everyone into your adventures.
@@OpenRoading I am sure it was lol! I love hiking and I finally found the solution for me was layers. Too many times being out and freezing. I also make sure I have gloves and those hand warmers. Those things can go in your boots as well to help warm the toes. Though not the best for walking with the bulk. So enjoy your videos. Y’all are just so upbeat and fun. It isn’t always fun I’m sure but neither is life. We just have to put the best spin on it we can. When I was in high school (50 some years ago) I wanted to buy a school bus and convert it into an RV. Dad was a mechanic and I was mechanically minded. I designed it over and over again on paper. But then college happened and who converts school busses? It wasn’t a thing. But my whole life I have regretted it. I look at skoolies that are being built now and Im so jealous. But now I can travel vicariously with all y’all.
I am about to leave for Fairbanks AK where I will be a tour bus driver for Holland America Princess for 6 months. Not work camping but a seasonal job that will help us save for full timing next summer
Thanks for the information. You answered so many questions I had about work camping in one video. I really enjoy your videos although I never found out if you got the other side of the camper painted. Loved the colors you picked it looked really beautiful.
To answer your question.... No. 😂 We are still "Two-face" from batman. We have been so heads down in work the past 2 weeks we haven't had the time to even start it. I'm HOPING we can jump on it not this coming week but the week after. -J
excellent info. I like your plan for slowly traveling---I need to learn that. Hopefully you accumulate to the colder temperatures. The west side of Alaska can be in the low 40's in August. But hopefully it will stay in the 60's when you are here
Thanks for that info! We can survive 40s in the RV and when dressed appropriately...unless we're talking dropping down to the teens at night... then we wimp out. I am amused at how often we complain about the cold right before heading to....Alaska. 😂😂 -J
It can most definitely hit the teens at night up Northern AK such as Dead Horse even in August. But southern AK will be significantly warmer. But if you get the chance definitely go see Northern AK it's amazing. And don't be afraid to extend your trip longer than originally planned. Too many people don't extend and end up realizing they didn't get to do something or see something really cool and then need to go back next year. Same with North West Canada don't be afraid to take your time getting to AK.@@OpenRoading
We hit 55 degrees and winds at 27mph in Homer on July 25. It was so cold we had to purchase warmer jacket/sweater! So, don't leave your gloves and scarves behind!
Thanks for the advice! I don't know how far north we are going to go - I do know we should be getting to Fairbanks and surrounding area. We haven't decided on a path out yet but since our final destination prior to winter is in central NY I could see us potentially traveling across Canada. -J@@jhonsmitty3481
I know this a bit off topic but similar that some of your viewers might find it helpful. When I was backpacking in Europe and Turkey there are similar jobs to help one stay on the road longer. Mostly employment in hostels, festivals and I was once asked help harvest olives in Turkey.( I declined) If you have a passion for long term travel it can be done and the both of you have proved it. A another good resource is the "Caretakers Gazette". Cheers and happy travels
Thank you so much for this information. I love your videos! I’m just starting out as a full time RVer with my husband. I hope our paths will cross one day and I’m looking forward to seeing your adventures in Alaska!
If you ever see us please stop us! And we are much more "Real time" on instagram so if you are on that platform be sure to follow us over there. If we're in your area on youtube...there's a good shot we've already left. 😁 -J
Starting my first work camping job in May. Looking forward to it but it’s quite remote with NO amenities other than peace and quiet. Hope it works out! 😅 Good luck and enjoy you travel to Alaska this summer! 🐻
I had not come across his channel but I will take a look! We've got about 3-4 other youtubers who went up the past few years that we've been watching to make sure we know at least a little bit of what we're getting ourselves into. 😁 Thanks for the rec! -J
Great video. Your videos come up weekly and I watch every one of them. The past 3 weeks I’ve checked to ensure I’m subscribed. Each time I’ve had to subscribe. Not sure what’s going on. But that shouldn’t be happening
That's really weird. The TH-cam gremlins must be active 😂. I do appreciate that you keep finding us! Maybe soon that subscribe will stick. I don't think we've done anything yet that youtube would find all that problematic. -J
Don't know if you can work camp there but, Lowes and H depot hire seasonal jobs during the summer. I've worked for Lowes quite a few times from Mar until Jul. At the time, they paid $11 an hour. That was 5 years ago.
Could def do that as an RVer especially if you had a place to moochdock or camp on the cheap! Seasonal work is such a good way to get some work without the long term commitment. -J
THIS is why we took it! With out goal being to work on TH-cam and for Kalyn to turn her business around we needed something that wasn't going to monopolize our time and energy. -J
You're welcome! And i'm glad we weren't boring. It's always interesting to try to figure out how to cram a bunch of info without just sitting down and spilling it. -J
I enjoyed how you weaved your story into hiking Devils Hall trail instead of sitting in one place for 30 minutes telling us the story. It kept me interested because things were always in motion and involved. Thanks! Are you traveling to Alaska with Wild RV crew?
Greetings, I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers but you have a great video presence and more subs are coming. I found you about 3 weeks ago and have been trying to keep myself at a video a day to not run out too soon. (my average is 1.5 a day) I noticed that you are using a phone to record content. What phone are you using and do you have other cameras you are using? On that note to you use a gimble sometimes? Can't wait for the Alaska trip, wish I was going too. I have a 32" class A and tow a jeep Trailhawk for exploring. Keep it up and thanks for the entertainment.
Thanks so much for the incredible encouragement. Just 90 days ago we were somewhere between 2000-3000 subscribers so we certainly aren't going to complain about being at 20K now. 🙂 We couldn't be more excited and humbled at the same time. No gimble, we do use a tripod/monopod (I think we link to it in the "This is unreal" video) and that helps us keep it pretty stable even when we are holding it for walk and talks. Overall - the iPhone 15 is pretty incredible (and I have an iPhone 13 that we use sometimes as well). We do have a Sony A7III that we are trying to get the hang of but we'll see if we incorporate it into videos. Right now we are trying to really learn the photo end of it all. The benifit of the phone too is that you don't stand out more than your average tourist when you're walking around talking to your phone. 😂 -J
For campgrounds and beetharvest you are stationed at a campground. For gate guarding the company will provide a generator, a very large water tank, and they will come and pump out your black tank once a week. At our first gate they also pumped out the gray tanks, at the second gate we did the gray tanks were allowed to be dumped on the dirt. -J
This has been very helpful, Thank you. I plan on traveling in Sept of 2024 full time alone. I know I will need to produce income. I have been in the home remodeling business many yrs of my life as the owner. Before that 16 yrs in CATV and sporting goods . I gave you that back ground for advice, knowing some of my skills. I presently make hard carved signs, those signs might be a name of a camp site or a lake a town etc. The art comes in because I carve one of a kind signs of wolfs, American Indians, Military etc. and make Adirondack and Punisher chairs. My question is do you think there is a market to sell these items at campgrounds. ( and not considering craft fairs and things like that I have no interest ) Thank you in advance.
This can vary from company to company but this is what I've heard (beyond my own experience). The amount paid varies by location and how much work there is. Where we were in southern Texas we got paid $200 a day to guard the gate for 24 hours. This worked out really well for us because we purposefully tried to get a slower gate so we could also work on our side hustles (youtube and Kalyn's biz). Other people love it because they can watch netflix etc while working. BUT we've heard from many who say they would never work for that little and they have found similar work for closer to $200 per person. Our second gate we got $200 per day and it was just a single 12 hour shift so effectively same amount for half the work. This was in West Texas as opposed to southern Texas. My advice is shop around to different companies and join facebook groups about gate guarding specifically! -J
The jobs that pay an hourly wage plus per diem are nice. They pay more than work camping as well. Most are trades related though. $15k for Alaska, but what about an emergency fund?
Yes, if you have special skills you can certainly find places that will compensate you for that! Emergency fund? Who needs that?! 🤣 I kid I kid. Our first goal was the $!5K because this trip has been such a huge goal for us. We are now are building this youtube channel and Kalyns business in order to have our income exceed our expenses in order to build up our savings and be more financially sound than ever. -J
@@OpenRoading Do you have any mechanical and or electrical background? These roles are 100% travel and pay damn good. Get that emergency fund, the relief is INSANE!
I was wondering with all the different types of work camping jobs in different states are you a 1099 sub contractor or are you a W-2 employee? How do you handle the tax liability? Maybe a good topic for another video. Safe Travels
We are going to have to do a video all about taxes next year. It's.....not fun. 🤣 I got a W2 for the Michigan campground and the beet harvest. For the gate guarding it was all 1099s. For Kalyn's business she submits 941's every quarter and also pays estimated taxes quarterly from our personal account. The new game in town (youtube income) we are trying to head off with increasing those estimated taxes but we are also setting money aside in a wealthfront account so that when next April comes around if we end up oweing a lot....at least it earned some interest for us before we ship it off to the government. -J
Gate guarding is not for everyone, but the more gigs you try, the better you get on knowing which works for you best. We eventually found a permanent yard gate that we take turns with another couple. We work 3 months on and 3 months off in a guard shack with our motor home in a nearby park. Our gate is a heavy traffic gate but it’s predictable and has some very slow times allowing us to pursue our hobbies while in the shack. Hubby plays guitar and I love to sew and quilt. We’ve also done the “fun” seasonal jobs and hubby did the sugar beet harvest last year in Michigan, which was sadly poorly managed. Our schedule with the gate guarding now will allow us to live comfortably working only 6 months a year, but if we want to plan something extra or save more money we can take on additional jobs. Part of the work camping experience is to discover what works for you and because most are short term, it allows you to make better informed choices moving forward. So many things to do and places to see. We love our work camping life.
That’s awesome that you found the perfect gig for your style! -J
I’m so glad you guys gave Trinity
A home!!! great job
We are too. To this day I'm not sure who got the better end of the deal, her or us. She's practically perfect. -J
Love how you weave all that great info in-between your hiking adventure content. I’m 62 and wish I could have done what you’re doing when I was your age. Please keep on vlogging, I’m a fan for life!
I'm so glad you appreciate it. This one was a little bit of new territory for us (doing the info during an "Adventure") so we made some mistakes along the way. We were really nervous that this would be a youtube "flop." -J
@@OpenRoading Turned out great.
I am a single 62 year old woman considering work camping.
@@nancywidger7179 There are opportunities. The campground where I worked in Michigan had retired people working in the registration area! -J
This is a fabulous geological feature 14:36 that is laid down under water, carved out steps as the water (big lake usually) recedes. Then a fault causes it to tilt. Way cool! I can't tell, but it looks like dolomite - made from pulverized sea creatures (like when the 'great deep' opened up)
I’ve done most of the work camping jobs you’ve described except the sugar beet harvest which I was excepted but never went through with it. It can be a nightmare sometimes.
If you’re somewhat fit. Like the outdoors and can walk around 9 miles a day, usually build yourself up to say like 5 miles the first week or two. Travel with your rv with a dependable vehicle and travel all over in the U.S. doing leak survey for Southern Cross Corp with a start pay of $19, per diem that covers your rv site and some grocery’s and mileage reimbursement for projects that usually last about 6-7 months or stay with them full time. Their home base is in Georgia, but you can get hired on almost anywhere. I’ve been with them for 5 years now and never been to the headquarters. Sometimes I’d work a full year and other times 7 months and take 5 off in the winter.
How do you get involved with southern cross? That sounds interesting.
@@kellykaufman6278
Southern Cross Corp. it’s a 800 number 2415057. Ask for HR, then tell them you’re interested in a traveler position. Most travelers will work with the gas companies. There are some that work for an electric companies. Started last year are utility surveyors or locators which I think would be an interesting position, but it’s new to SCC so the locations might be limited.
I have been camp hosting at State Parks for the last five years of the 6 1/2 I’ve been full-time. I really enjoy it. It’s a volunteer position with a site with full hook ups and I pretty much have stayed the last three summers in Tennessee, which was where I lived for 50 years. Thanks for doing the video. It was great information. I’m sure it will help a lot of people.❤
So glad this is an opportunity that works out well for you! If you aren't reliant on income but still want to free up the housing end of your budget this is such a great option. -J
Love your guys videos. There is one thing I noticed you were doing and I would feel really bad if something would happen and I didn't say anything. When walking or hiking on uneven ground, never ever, ever walk with your hands in your pockets. If you were to ever trip, you wouldn't have time to get your hands out of your pockets in time to stop you from face planting into the ground. I have see it too many times. Later and all the best.
Gotta be honest...if anyone is gonna do exactly this it would be me. My only hope is that if it were to happen that the camera was rolling to capture my absolute finesse. 😂 Thank you for caring! Truely! -J
@@OpenRoadingI am over 50yrs old and up to 1 year ago I was also spelling “Truly” wrong. Nobody pointed it out, I wish someone would have. 🤝☮️
@@ericstainz9072 Hahaha...if only that was the single word that I misspell regularly. 😂 -J
Great info!
But my favorite part...our family's favorite muppet song....mmm-nom-mi-na or however you spell that.
Haha! That reference was somehow lost on Kalyn. I don't think she grew up with the muppets but I sure did! -J
We’re working at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping this summer. I recognized the store and the pool immediately from that overhead shot.
Awesome!!! Tell Sarah R,. Sara, Courtney, and anyone else returning from last year that I say hi! -J
@@OpenRoading will do!
Worked 3 12 hour shifts this week and was looking forward to your Friday video when I got home. Did not disappoint! Y’all have worked your way to the top of our “Can’t wait for the next video” list! Thanks for all you share.
Thanks so much. We were worried about this one because it was a little out of the norm for us. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and took the time to let us know. Thank you!
Side note - I've discovered 12 hour shifts are only fun if you get paid overtime. 😀 -J
Devil's Hall trail has gorgeous red colors in the fall. ❤
Well then...I guess we'll have to come back in the fall! -J
Saw that post for Chicken, Alaska today. If we were ready to take off, that is one we would apply for ASAP.
I feel like I should get a referral bonus if someone applies because they saw it on this video. 😄 -J
Hi Joe and Kalyn. My husband found your TH-cam channel yesterday (3/12/24) and we have been binge watching every since. We love your approach to making videos and are learning what we would like to incorporate into our own (coming soon) TH-cam Channel. We love how you interact with one another and keep the videos light and fun. Mostly, we appreciate that you are authentic and real. The best part of TH-cam is feeling like to get to know people when they share who they are. Thanks for being real. God Bless you both!
Thank you so much! When you start that channel be sure to let us know so we can subscribe and follow along! -J
@@OpenRoading Will do. We are in Northern Colorado. Maybe we will see you around Rocky Mountain National Park someday. 😄
We were both saying the other day that we don't think we've done enough exploring up there. We only hit 1 trail on the west side and one trail on the east. And we haven't done any of the peaks. -J@@honeybeardesigns9352
Be sure to understand some jobs are dangerous to your health. Fracking jobs have bad air and water. I lived on a ranch less than a 1/4 mile from a fracking pad. So I lived in the zone of some of the issues. I since then I have moved into the center of town. My breathing and kidney issues have greatly improved.
Good info! -J
@OpenRoading Im just concerneded. There is so much we just don't know. Sometimes we learn the hard way... very sad!
That wasn’t from fracing lol I’ve been working in the oilfield pumping daily for 10 years.. no breathing, kidney or liver issues in my life
@@totalarchertx11 I'm just gonna say that all of this is anecdotal. Both the fact that you worked in the industry and never had issues, along with their improvement when they moved away. Having covered fracking a LOT when I worked as a camera guy in TV I was always amused at how the oil industry was always so quick to say that their work caused zero issues....while it's very clear that circumstantially there were things that were not happening...then fracking started...and then those things were happening.
A great example is the earthquakes in the west Texas area. Very very few earthquakes. Fracking comes to town. Earthquakes skyrocked. Oil/Gas industry "Don't look at us!" 😂
It's completely ok for people to consider why their physical issues got better when they moved somewhere.
One other quick example. Not everyone who was at WTC died from cancer years later...does that mean that those who did didn't get it from their time working in the wreckage? Does it have to be a 100% cancer rate for it to be considered?
Just some thoughts. I'm not in the habit of downplaying someones experience with their health. -J
@@OpenRoading did you actually cover frac news? Or cover reporting on frac “issues”
West Texas earthquakes have been a thing for the lifespan of this earth. Tectonic plates shift. Look at Commifornia, no frac sites whatsoever and they have earthquakes daily.
I never said that to attack someone, I’m just saying blaming things without proof is anecdotal. We don’t need more anecdotes, we have plenty in this White House already 😂
I’m new to your channel. I like it, it’s fun! You are going to Alaska for the summer. You can make decent money if you work in a cruise ship port area in a jewelry store as a salesperson. They need people in those stores, a lot of money gets spent and there are people who go there for seasonal work only for those jobs. Just wanted to throw that idea out to you guys.
Thanks so much for this info! Our plan is actually not to work-camp in Alaska (we saved up a bunch this summer so that with that, plus our work from home income we can remain as mobile as possible). But I'm sure this will be helpful for anyone looking for opportunities in the Last Frontier! -J
A ton of blue collar jobs travel too, I know it’s a different type of work camping and it’s own category but it’s always an option. Also if any blue collar workers see this…I’ve worked with my husband (welder) as his helper/fire watch and DO IT if you can! We are already there and the pay can be anywhere from $18 an hour to $20 and hour plus perdeim plus travel! Granted you’re working 72hrs a week and it can range to around a month then move on to the next one. I was scared to do it but it’s totally worth it if you get the chance!!
I did hear that firewatch is a good paying gig! Thanks for sharing this. -J
What a creative way to give out so much good information on work camping. So many ideas! And the hike, so pretty. You truly made it an EPIC video. I’m anxious to see your adventures in Big Bend. 😉
Hi Mike,
It was so wonderful to meet you and Terri (I hope I spelled that correctly) this past week! In a week of mostly heads down work it was a highlight!
So glad you appreciated the video! Kalyn and I were really nervous about this one since it was pretty different. We'll see what the TH-cam algorithm thinks about it over time. 😀 -J
Love your videos. Good luck on your journey toAlaska. We have been there twice. We flew up and rented a camper both times. Both were 3 weeks each. Look forward to seeing the places you guys will visit and all the sights and wildlife!!!
OOoo! Flying and renting is not a bad idea! Maybe we should do that next time...
-J
It's great that there are so many options! We love how you presented them! We're also happy that you can focus on your TH-cam and business going forward! We wish for all the success in the world for you both! 🙂
That means a lot! Thank you.
We were genuinely concerned as we transitioned out of workcamping that our TH-cam channel would take a significant hit from anyone who was following us BECAUSE of work camping. But I'm hopeful that our messaging throughout the whole thing (reminding people this was part of the hustle to get back on our feet while saving for Alaska) kept most of our youtube friends on board! -K
@OpenRoading you can always do some occasional interviews or feature other people doing work camping that you meet along the way, if you feel like people are craving it. For now, i think people are following you for you, and they are interested in your journey. 😉
Lots of good information. When i lived in AZ, i went to camp at Grand Canyon in the summers and decided i wanted to work in the general store during the summer when i retire. They give you a choice of dorms there too.
Such a beautiful area to retire to! I think that's a great idea. -J
So fun to hear the ins and outs of work camping (while winding down with a puzzle)… love how you guys are so generous to share what worked for you and what you wished you’d known. Also, that closing shot by the campfire made me happy, especially seeing Joseph’s animated hand gestures! 🙌🙌 I talk with my hands too! Lol. Love you guys!
LOL. We hand talkers....we've gotta stick together.
If you want something to crack up about, keep your eyes open for my "floating hand." I have discovered (often in the truck) that I will keep a hand just floating out in space when talking. Apparently the hand float is it's default, very awkward, position. -J
There are also gig jobs, that let you travel while working. Such as DoorDash, where you can drive to different counties and states to do delivery work. An example of that would be say Dashing in say Austin for a week or month, then driving up to Dallas or Oklahoma City to Dash up there till you are ready to move to another location. Those jobs have the benefit of letting you set your own hours.
Great call! Especially good if you have a fuel efficient vehicle AND can be a good way to get to know an area in a hurry. -J
Devils hall is a cool place to hike, the ‘staircase is deceptive going down.. been on that trail several times, always in the fall. Wish it had been warmer for you.
We managed! Blue lips and all. lol. We should have just been more prepared for the weather. 100% our bad. -J
Thanks for the informative video. I wish more RV manufacturers took inspiration from your remodel and started making more options for RV rear offices with a view! Never understood them always putting in rear sofa/loungers where the best view is BEHIND you!
YES!! This one had 2 heavy recliners in that space!
I am so happy to see a lot of newer RVs who are at least making the interior of RVs brighter but I hadn't thought about the fact that the rear window is still often a space that people have their backs to. 🤔 -J
@@OpenRoadingUp til recently the best I could hope for were RVs (ideally fivers) with rear U or L dinettes. Best makeshift office with a view for the Black&Decker challenged!
Haha... Black&Decker challenged. I love it. In our case I'm so glad we just had to remove a couple of chairs. The funny thing with our setup is that it took us 3 desks to realize that we needed to fasten them to the floor....because they kept launching into the air on bumps during travel day and breaking apart when they came back down. 😬😂@@celestepalm6949 -J
FedEx and Amazon have seasonal work camping programs. They usually provide a free site, and if the rv park is far from the worksite, some provide commuter vans.
Thanks so much for sharing. I didn't know about Fedex!
If I am correct I'm pretty sure Amazon shut down their camperforce this past year. 😣 -J
Just came across your channel and hope you are successful growing your channel! Enjoying your videos. ❤
Thanks so much! We are simply thrilled that we've seen the growth that we have already. 🤗 -J
I love when you insert moments of jocularity in your videos!
haha! That's us in real life. (I did have to look up Jocularity though! New word for me!) -J
@@OpenRoading haha, yeah, I noticed you guys are like that! You guys are so cute. I love it! You make my day!! 😎😎😎
Love when you make work camping videos! I cant seem to find current ones. Wow what a freezing hike! It was pretty! Thanks for the video!
You can find all our videos (new to old) here: www.youtube.com/@OpenRoading/videos
We're currently transitioning out of workcamping as we prepare for Alaska! -J
@@OpenRoading thank you!
Thank you for creating genuine content that reflects the day-to-day realities of RVing.
I'm so glad you enjoy it. We will continue to do it. This week our slide mechanism broke...yay! lol. Expect fun drama around that coming to your feed in a few weeks. 😂 -J
great information, we are back on a gate for a while, this one is a Frac not sure how long it will last. Semper Gumby time.
A salute to anyone working a gate at a frac 🫡 I admire your stamina. -J
I love Guadalupe NP and Big Bend, (where I saw bears in the wild for the first time.)
I'm 61 and hike solo to the top of Guadalupe Peak two years ago. I've hiked twice up Emory Peak in Big Bend, also.❤ I just love both parks. Big Bend Ranch SP is definitely worth a visit too.
We really wanted to hit the SP but it was just too far from our campground with the work we needed to make sure we made time for. Next time though!
We considered adding Emory Peak to our loop trail hike (it was right "on the way") but we hadn't done a 10+ mile hike in a while so we figured we should probably pace ourselves. 😂 -J
That's awesome that you 2 do what you have to do to keep going! I know a couple that did 24/7 gate guarding for 3 years so they could travel the world. They have been traveling the world for 2 years now.
Gonna get to that 3 years of gate guarding in a second... 😳
We have a few "personal values" that we hold to for our family.
Gratefulness is #1. We thank each other daily even for the things that we are "supposed" to do. (Like, I do 90% of the dishes...but Kalyn thanks me for doing them almost every time).
Resilience got formally added to our list in 2023 and personal value #2. "We can do hard things." Whenever life get's tough or something goes wrong we just remind ourselves that we can do hard things and then we do it.
Ok...now to the interesting part. GATE GUARDING FOR 3 YEARS?! I know I just said we could do hard things....but I might die. 🤣 I sure hope they got some solid breaks between jobs. But yeah, if you work the summers as a gate guard I've heard the money gets even better! Does this couple have a public IG or TH-cam? Would love to follow their journey!! -J
@@OpenRoading yes they had a TH-cam but stopped posting. They said they might start it back up again one day because they miss doing it @travelingdeficitdisorder
Awesome! Thanks. @@NowBoardingVlogs
Another example of why you guys are amazing. What a great review of all the options. Joe I can tell why you are spending so much time editing, you are a pro. Not to mention the number of clips you record for each video is probably more than we have recorded in three years on the road. 8)
Someday I'd like to get my editing streamlined down a little bit but at the moment I only seem to be getting marginally faster. 😂 Thanks so much for the kindness Kyle & Michelle.
I've been trying so hard to follow your lead and really work on remembering names with handles. Kalyn can attest that I'm only getting marginally better with that as well. -J
Thanks for the info on work camping jobs! We're planning a trip to Guadalupe Mountains NP so that was nice to see.
I am so happy that you found it helpful and thank you so much for your kind support of the channel. 🤗 -J
I’m so happy that you decided to keep the dog. My wife and I have worked the sugar beet harvest in Crookston, Minnesota in September and October. We just made it back home in Alaska at the end of April. Looking forward to watching your trip to Alaska. Do you guys have a Paterson group?
We don't have a Patreon (I think that's what you were referring to before autocorrect got super smart and decided you meant something else) but we do have an Alaska Postcard Club as a creative way to say thanks to generous people who wish to support the channel.
openroading.com/poscardclub
We also have a paypal link but we don't really advertise it much just because we don't want the appearance of trying to get others to "fund our lifestyle" (as extravagant as we are with all our PB&Js 😂). That link is: paypal.me/openroading
But know that whether or not you choose to support us monetarily - we so appreciate the support of watching and sharing our channel with others. It genuinely means the world to us.
More info on the Post Card Club (and a little bit as to why we chose not to do a patreon) in this video: th-cam.com/video/t6abPr3wnrQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hwzx00QrLhunJHNO -J
Commenting for the algorithm. I know how much work goes into shooting and editing videos. You guys are doing a great job! I also know how easy it is to get burnt out and lose momentum. Keep going!
Also btw my grandma lived in that area and I remember the locals pronouncing it GwadalooPAY.
Haha! I was pronouncing it that way and we thought it was wrong so we switched. Too funny. 😂
Thanks so much for the encouragement! -J
I am so happy I found you guys! You two are super personable! I want to do two to three weeks stays in places, kinda like the original gypsies in Europe. I grew up in Switzerland and we had a group of Roma come through my hometown every year. They would stay for three weeks, do random jobs in town and then move on to the next spot.
2-3 weeks I think is a really good sweet spot for staying sane while still traveling! -J
This is what I hope to do really soon. Thanks so much for all the information.
You're welcome! -J
I've been trying for to subscribe. Thinking about workamping jobs. Just not sure where to start. Still looking for an RV. So trying to research everything. Thank you for sharing.
Subscribe should just be a button click away! -J
Was Joe a newscaster or weatherman in the past? He’s very comfortable in front of the camera and it’s great! Just found your channel and loving it.
Hahahahahahaha. Sorry...I laugh because of the two of us...Kalyn has managed to be more at ease in front of the camera than I. However....I do have news in my history...but behind the camera. I worked as a videographer and live truck operator for 8 years - but it was my job to put the pretty people on TV and stay out of the shot. 😂 -J
The nice thing about it in this world….if you desire work, work is always out there….just gotta be humble and do what it takes.
This is very. very true. -J
Great video! Very informative and I appreciate the great scenery Look forward to ur next one
We tried to make it as little of a talking head as possible...or at least if it had to be talking heads make something pretty be in the background. 🙂 -J
Thanks for all the information! I'm still in the prep stage but I'm getting there. I appreciate what you do!
Thanks so much for watching! -J
Love Big Bend! Thanks for the great information .
We just started to explore it....wow wow! -J
My question is . What happens on travel days with your refrigerator? I have a new to me 5th wheel with a a 2 way refrigerator. Prior i had a class A with a 3 way ref. Other then securement of refrig items does movement effect the chill and freezer at all ? I know not to run propane , do you charge your battery's thru your alternator or just your battery to keep refrigerator running while moving?
Working at a Ranch this season in West Yellowstone then to Michigan for Beet Harvest then it's...
If you're manager is named Rip.... beware. 😂
So...Refrigerator.
We travel with it on propane quite a bit. If it's a super sunny day I'll switch it to electric because our solar setup will be able to keep up with it.
I DO always hop back and switch to electric before entering a fuel station or tunnel.
I'd like to eventually double our battery storage capacity and if I did that I'd be super comfortable just leaving it on battery for every trip without worrying about getting to our boondocking spot and starting off the night with low power.
We don't have a setup to charge the batteries off the truck, but we do have the 600+ Watts of solar and 300ah of Lithium batteries. And if we start to get low and the sun isn't out we have a small generator that I can use to recharge. -J
I enjoyed this video. Thank you for all the information.
Glad you found it helpful! -J
Thanks for all the Informative content. Sounds like it is an obtainable lifestyle.
It can be! It's not for everyone for sure and to make a lifetime out of it you need to do your retirement planning on your own (something we are still behind on) but it certainly is doable! -J
I just found you this morning and from now on I will follow you! You are both so cool. I really have a good time watching your videos.. Thank you !
So kind. Thank you! -J
I just binge watched the last 4 months of your journey….sheesh! You guys are doing great! How entertaining. Thank you
Thanks so much! It's been a whirlwind and we thought it might slow down a bit for us (personally) when we stopped workcamping but honestly we've been working harder the past 3 weeks than we were before! -J
you guys are now better than ever.:)
Thank you! We keep trying to learn new things every week! -J
Looking forward to follow you along on your Alaskan trip. and I wish I was there to follow you on your trip. Enjoy and have a good time.😄
On one hand we wish it was May and we were heading into Canada already, but on the other hand we know it's going to all go so fast we want to savor the lead up! (plus we have a LOT of work and planning yet to do!) -J
Great video. Love your approach with your videos. Stay warm and keep the videos coming. Want to see Alaska with you!!
Thank you! We're working hard on everything but the staying warm part. We seem to have moved to a part of the country that wasn't quiiiiite done with winter yet. 😂 -J
Great info not eving yet but hopefully next year. Thanks for all the help your videos provided
You're welcome! -J
Hope that this is helpful. This video is the first video of yours that I found. I'm only on my second video of yours , but I already see your potential. So excited to get to know you guys and learn from you... best of luck!
Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment! Very much appreciated! -J
Kaylin, are you a Binghamton alumna? The alumni magazine is always looking for stories of what alum are up to, and PR might also get yoh moochdocking spots and a meet-up in Alaska. ( I ask because I saw the sweatshirt once.)
Yep! Class of 2005. -J
This is awesome. So cool seeing you all out there in the process of making it. If you remember in Jude and my dad was Peter. We were on our bikes and saw you out on the trail. Love your videos ❤️
Of course we remember! Here we were thinking we can do hard things while complaining about the cold and then we meet you who's been riding a bike for months on end. And to top it off you were wearing shorts. 😂 (maybe this whole Alaska thing is a bad idea for us. lol)
How's the adventure going?! I remember you we're nursing an injury that prevented you from doing the AT or another thru-hike, have the legs continued to hold up on the bike? -J
Great video! Very informative. Thanks for sharing. I might add that Amazon hires RVers for the Christmas season. They used to have a specific site for seasonal RVers but have now rolled that into their general seasonal job postings.
Thanks for that!
Do you know if Amazon offers RV park stipends or anything? Or are you on your own for that? -J
@OpenRoading they used to offer a stipend but it's hard to tell from their hiring website if they still do. I suspect they just upped hourly pay. We looked into it last year but the lift requirements didn't work for us. Just FYI, Buc ees also hires seasonal. They too have a lift requirement.
👍 alot of good information. ❤ For Trinity and Cody
We made sure to get them air time! All though probably not quite enough. 😂 -J
Really well done on the video. Very helpful for newcomers to Workamping.
I think we are pretty close to you all. We are Workamping/host in Fredericksburg Texas for the winter. We really enjoy it. We work one day a week for a FHU site. We are trying to get down to Big Bend as well!
Looks like we were close to you for our first gate guarding gig (that was near Floresville). Now we're a good bit south of ya'll.
I hope you get to Big Bend. It's beautiful! -J
Thank you so much! I really appreciate all of the helpful information you put out about your camping life and adventures, but I REALLY appreciate your TH-cam information. :)
We plan to stay transparent about that as long as we can. At a certain point one has to have some privacy boundaries but there is so much "incomplete" information out there for people starting out, or who have even been trying to get monetized for years, that we wanted to give as full a picture as possible of how our specific youtube journey evolved. -J
This is so helpful. Thank you!!
Glad it had some good info for you! -J
Hi Joe and Kalyn! Nice hike, looked pretty chilly from here. What a cool way to earn money while you travel. Loads of great info for people. Y’all have a great way of bringing everyone into your adventures.
It was so much colder than we expected! 😂 Next time...better coats. -J
@@OpenRoading I am sure it was lol! I love hiking and I finally found the solution for me was layers. Too many times being out and freezing. I also make sure I have gloves and those hand warmers. Those things can go in your boots as well to help warm the toes. Though not the best for walking with the bulk. So enjoy your videos. Y’all are just so upbeat and fun. It isn’t always fun I’m sure but neither is life. We just have to put the best spin on it we can.
When I was in high school (50 some years ago) I wanted to buy a school bus and convert it into an RV. Dad was a mechanic and I was mechanically minded. I designed it over and over again on paper. But then college happened and who converts school busses? It wasn’t a thing. But my whole life I have regretted it. I look at skoolies that are being built now and Im so jealous. But now I can travel vicariously with all y’all.
Oooh. Our kids would love that hike. Looks like a fun one! 👍
It was fun! We like a good scramble and only 600ft of elevation gain makes it not grueling. -J
Very useful video! Thanks for posting.
You're welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch! -J
I am about to leave for Fairbanks AK where I will be a tour bus driver for Holland America Princess for 6 months. Not work camping but a seasonal job that will help us save for full timing next summer
Very cool! -J
Great episode tonight Joe and Kalyn! Your hike spot was beautiful!
Thanks so much! -J
Had no idea there were so many work camping type jobs.
And I know there are more! -J
Cool hike. Thanks for taking us along. This was a great video filled with helpful info. I'm enjoying your channel
So glad you found it helpful! -J
Thanks for the information. You answered so many questions I had about work camping in one video. I really enjoy your videos although I never found out if you got the other side of the camper painted. Loved the colors you picked it looked really beautiful.
To answer your question....
No.
😂 We are still "Two-face" from batman. We have been so heads down in work the past 2 weeks we haven't had the time to even start it. I'm HOPING we can jump on it not this coming week but the week after. -J
Excellent video. I like the pace and the way you two play off each other. Fun to watch. Safe travels!
Thanks you so very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. -J
excellent info. I like your plan for slowly traveling---I need to learn that. Hopefully you accumulate to the colder temperatures. The west side of Alaska can be in the low 40's in August. But hopefully it will stay in the 60's when you are here
Thanks for that info! We can survive 40s in the RV and when dressed appropriately...unless we're talking dropping down to the teens at night... then we wimp out.
I am amused at how often we complain about the cold right before heading to....Alaska. 😂😂 -J
It can most definitely hit the teens at night up Northern AK such as Dead Horse even in August. But southern AK will be significantly warmer. But if you get the chance definitely go see Northern AK it's amazing. And don't be afraid to extend your trip longer than originally planned. Too many people don't extend and end up realizing they didn't get to do something or see something really cool and then need to go back next year. Same with North West Canada don't be afraid to take your time getting to AK.@@OpenRoading
We hit 55 degrees and winds at 27mph in Homer on July 25. It was so cold we had to purchase warmer jacket/sweater! So, don't leave your gloves and scarves behind!
Thanks for the advice! I don't know how far north we are going to go - I do know we should be getting to Fairbanks and surrounding area. We haven't decided on a path out yet but since our final destination prior to winter is in central NY I could see us potentially traveling across Canada. -J@@jhonsmitty3481
@@juanitasellshouses If you see how much we complain about the cold you know those things are coming with us for sure for sure! 😂 -J
Another great video with a wealth of information!
So glad you found it informative! -J
Great video and info. Safe travels.
Thanks so much! -J
I know this a bit off topic but similar that some of your viewers might find it helpful. When I was backpacking in Europe and Turkey there are similar jobs to help one stay on the road longer. Mostly employment in hostels, festivals and I was once asked help harvest olives in Turkey.( I declined) If you have a passion for long term travel it can be done and the both of you have proved it. A another good resource is the "Caretakers Gazette". Cheers and happy travels
Good info! -J
Thank you so much for this information. I love your videos! I’m just starting out as a full time RVer with my husband. I hope our paths will cross one day and I’m looking forward to seeing your adventures in Alaska!
If you ever see us please stop us! And we are much more "Real time" on instagram so if you are on that platform be sure to follow us over there. If we're in your area on youtube...there's a good shot we've already left. 😁 -J
Digi Key in Minnesota is supposed to be really decent
Yes! I've heard very good things! They even have some winter options that provide housing I believe. Thanks for mentioning that! -J
Just an FYI filming and putting it on you tube in national parks is a 1000.00 fine without permits
I watch everything surrounding this with great interest. -J
Yes, I’ve heard of some folks actually being fined. Crazy!
Starting my first work camping job in May. Looking forward to it but it’s quite remote with NO amenities other than peace and quiet. Hope it works out! 😅 Good luck and enjoy you travel to Alaska this summer! 🐻
@@Vantasticviews2 Quite remote can be nice! -J
Love your videos❤ Have y’all watched the Traveling Robert Alaska videos? Very interesting and informative. Good luck with your journeys☝️
I had not come across his channel but I will take a look! We've got about 3-4 other youtubers who went up the past few years that we've been watching to make sure we know at least a little bit of what we're getting ourselves into. 😁
Thanks for the rec! -J
Great video. Your videos come up weekly and I watch every one of them. The past 3 weeks I’ve checked to ensure I’m subscribed. Each time I’ve had to subscribe. Not sure what’s going on. But that shouldn’t be happening
That's really weird. The TH-cam gremlins must be active 😂. I do appreciate that you keep finding us! Maybe soon that subscribe will stick. I don't think we've done anything yet that youtube would find all that problematic. -J
Don't know if you can work camp there but, Lowes and H depot hire seasonal jobs during the summer. I've worked for Lowes quite a few times from Mar until Jul. At the time, they paid $11 an hour. That was 5 years ago.
Could def do that as an RVer especially if you had a place to moochdock or camp on the cheap! Seasonal work is such a good way to get some work without the long term commitment. -J
Thank you. Very helpful... safe travels
Glad it was helpful! -J
EPIC ! Good Stuff!! Thank You
YES! We made it Epic!! WOO HOO!! 😂 -J
Thank you for all that information. Gate guarding. Seems interesting.🤔 and also seems can be very boring at times that would be a very long 12 hours.😴
THIS is why we took it! With out goal being to work on TH-cam and for Kalyn to turn her business around we needed something that wasn't going to monopolize our time and energy. -J
Great video and full of interesting information.
So glad you enjoyed it! -J
Thank you both for the information, really enjoyed your video, thank you
You're welcome! And i'm glad we weren't boring. It's always interesting to try to figure out how to cram a bunch of info without just sitting down and spilling it. -J
There also in blueberry, potato, and cranberry harvest in maine
Awesome! -J
Great video!
Thanks so much Pat! -J
Another helpful video 👍🏻
20 something comment award. 🥉 😉 -J
Love this video format!!
So glad! We tried so hard to make a "talking head" topic as interesting as possible. -J
Thank you, guys, so much for your hard work, great information, and awesome videos. Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks so much! Hopefully you caught yesterdays video! -J
I enjoyed how you weaved your story into hiking Devils Hall trail instead of sitting in one place for 30 minutes telling us the story. It kept me interested because things were always in motion and involved. Thanks! Are you traveling to Alaska with Wild RV crew?
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫
😁
-J
There's also seasonal work for travelers at Amazon
They provide camping spot
I think you are correct - however they disbanded a good portion (if not all) of their kamperforce a year or so ago. -J
Greetings, I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers but you have a great video presence and more subs are coming. I found you about 3 weeks ago and have been trying to keep myself at a video a day to not run out too soon. (my average is 1.5 a day) I noticed that you are using a phone to record content. What phone are you using and do you have other cameras you are using? On that note to you use a gimble sometimes? Can't wait for the Alaska trip, wish I was going too. I have a 32" class A and tow a jeep Trailhawk for exploring. Keep it up and thanks for the entertainment.
Thanks so much for the incredible encouragement. Just 90 days ago we were somewhere between 2000-3000 subscribers so we certainly aren't going to complain about being at 20K now. 🙂 We couldn't be more excited and humbled at the same time.
No gimble, we do use a tripod/monopod (I think we link to it in the "This is unreal" video) and that helps us keep it pretty stable even when we are holding it for walk and talks. Overall - the iPhone 15 is pretty incredible (and I have an iPhone 13 that we use sometimes as well).
We do have a Sony A7III that we are trying to get the hang of but we'll see if we incorporate it into videos. Right now we are trying to really learn the photo end of it all. The benifit of the phone too is that you don't stand out more than your average tourist when you're walking around talking to your phone. 😂 -J
What do you do about your water and tanks during gate guarding
For campgrounds and beetharvest you are stationed at a campground. For gate guarding the company will provide a generator, a very large water tank, and they will come and pump out your black tank once a week.
At our first gate they also pumped out the gray tanks, at the second gate we did the gray tanks were allowed to be dumped on the dirt. -J
great info !! where do you go for gate guarding jobs ? thanks guys
I don't know all the locations, but they are prevalent in oil country - Texas, Louisiana, etc. I believe you can find them in Alaska as well. -J
This has been very helpful, Thank you. I plan on traveling in Sept of 2024 full time alone. I know I will need to produce income. I have been in the home remodeling business many yrs of my life as the owner. Before that 16 yrs in CATV and sporting goods . I gave you that back ground for advice, knowing some of my skills. I presently make hard carved signs, those signs might be a name of a camp site or a lake a town etc. The art comes in because I carve one of a kind signs of wolfs, American Indians, Military etc. and make Adirondack and Punisher chairs. My question is do you think there is a market to sell these items at campgrounds. ( and not considering craft fairs and things like that I have no interest ) Thank you in advance.
You talked about the gate guarding and ranged like 175-250 a day. Is that per person or for the 24 hr period? Thanks… great videos
This can vary from company to company but this is what I've heard (beyond my own experience).
The amount paid varies by location and how much work there is. Where we were in southern Texas we got paid $200 a day to guard the gate for 24 hours. This worked out really well for us because we purposefully tried to get a slower gate so we could also work on our side hustles (youtube and Kalyn's biz). Other people love it because they can watch netflix etc while working. BUT we've heard from many who say they would never work for that little and they have found similar work for closer to $200 per person.
Our second gate we got $200 per day and it was just a single 12 hour shift so effectively same amount for half the work. This was in West Texas as opposed to southern Texas.
My advice is shop around to different companies and join facebook groups about gate guarding specifically! -J
When you go to Alaska, be prepared for any temperature at anytime.
Haha! I do think it's funny that we complain about the cold a lot....and are heading to Alaska this summer. 😂 The irony is not lost on us. -J
I worked at Digikey.
Oh yeah! DigiKey is another great option I've heard! Thanks for dropping that in here! -J
The jobs that pay an hourly wage plus per diem are nice. They pay more than work camping as well. Most are trades related though.
$15k for Alaska, but what about an emergency fund?
Yes, if you have special skills you can certainly find places that will compensate you for that!
Emergency fund? Who needs that?! 🤣 I kid I kid.
Our first goal was the $!5K because this trip has been such a huge goal for us. We are now are building this youtube channel and Kalyns business in order to have our income exceed our expenses in order to build up our savings and be more financially sound than ever. -J
@@OpenRoading Do you have any mechanical and or electrical background?
These roles are 100% travel and pay damn good.
Get that emergency fund, the relief is INSANE!
No professional background in either of those. I installed my own solar setup but I don't think that counts. 😃@@mmmd3429
@@OpenRoading Solar installers are looking for people all over. I think it does count!
Great video on jobs to do while full-timing!
I was wondering with all the different types of work camping jobs in different states are you a 1099 sub contractor or are you a W-2 employee? How do you handle the tax liability? Maybe a good topic for another video. Safe Travels
We are going to have to do a video all about taxes next year. It's.....not fun. 🤣
I got a W2 for the Michigan campground and the beet harvest. For the gate guarding it was all 1099s. For Kalyn's business she submits 941's every quarter and also pays estimated taxes quarterly from our personal account.
The new game in town (youtube income) we are trying to head off with increasing those estimated taxes but we are also setting money aside in a wealthfront account so that when next April comes around if we end up oweing a lot....at least it earned some interest for us before we ship it off to the government. -J