Saturday, December 08, 2007

Work while cruising

Ok, we all know how to work from a land or live-aboard base. This list is for money making ideas that travel with us as we make our way around the world. These projects can be undertaken while making an ocean crossing, at anchor in some South Pacific hideaway, or in a foreign country where our visa won't allow us to work at a "real" job. Difficult proposition? Perhaps, but nevertheless possible since I have just thought of one or two. Send me an email or a comment if you have any others.

1. Taping books for the blind.
2. Writing
Many cruisers at least attempt to write and publish, but some like David make enough to feed the cruising kitty. I also met a woman who published a cookbook for cruisers full of recipes submitted by other cruisers.

3. Making something (arts or crafts)
Pat sailed around the world and supported herself by painting water colours and selling them along the way.

4. Playing an instrument
Eileen is a musician who sings and plays a guitar. She also records her own CDs and sells them to people along the way and through her website.

5. Website development and e-commerce.
Working Nomad supports himself with his website.

6. Boat work
Many cruisers do boat work. Varnishing, engine repairs, even crewing on mega yachts. Lin and Larry started out that way.

7. Mobile services
Jonathan runs a weather service using a satelite phone. John does number crunching for a doctor. He downloads the data on Monday and emails the report on Friday.

Jerry is on a retainer from a watermaker company. He supplies parts and provides installation and maintenance services for other cruisers.
Here is a book that deals with the subject for land travelers:
Work Your Way Around the World by Susan Griffith
More ideas coming...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barbara,
How about "new product development", AKA "inventing"? Develop a new idea, pursue patent, assign licensing, collect royalties, sail on. Cruising seems very conducive to creative solutions to practical problems, and patent applications can be written anywhere.
Your site is very entertaining & informative - sometimes downright inspirational!
Mike

Barbara Molin said...

Great idea, Mike, thanks.