Please note that all the recommendations provided are based on our personal experiences and advice we received regarding finding work in the UK. Keep in mind that these suggestions may vary for each individual and workplace.
So, you’ve taken the leap and decided to embark on a working holiday. If you’re anything like me, you’ve relocated from the other side of the world, with the excitement of having new places to explore right at your fingertips, instead of being a 30-hour flight away.
I contemplated whether I should continue my engineering career while here, find a typical 9-5 job and a flat. However, I had concerns that such a path wouldn’t provide the freedom to travel as much as I desired. Moreover, the cost of rent and other expenses seemed like it would drain the funds I’d rather use for exploring.
That’s when I began investigating other options that would allow me to work and travel simultaneously. With a bit of research I stumbled upon seasonal work! Working for 3-4 months at a time, with accommodation and meals included, it sounds pretty ideal, right?
Now, you might be wondering, how can you discover these jobs? Read on, and I’ll share what I’ve learned from my own experiences.
Im currently working in the remote village of Applecross in the Scottish Highlands. We wrapped up our travels a bit late in the summer, so when we started job hunting in August, there weren’t many options for work extending through the year. Luckily, we struck gold and can hang around here during the quieter winter season.
What to Know about Seasonal Work (UK)
The summer season in the UK typically runs from the end of April to the end of October. Consequently, most places start seeking workers around March/April.
On the other hand, the UK’s winter season spans from October to April, with work during this period often being more winter-oriented, such as at ski fields or Christmas markets.
It’s important to note that many seasonal tourist destinations either close or operate with reduced hours during the winter. So, if you’re considering working a bit longer than just the summer season, it’s a good idea to check what kind of opportunities they offer for the winter. For example, we transition from working six days a week in the summer to only four days a week in the winter. Most work with accomodation tends to be within hospitality. We had no specific hospitality experience before moving here so if you are like us don’t worry people will still hire you.
Where to Search for Jobs
I can’t emphasise enough how useful Facebook can be. There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to job opportunities in various sectors and locations. In fact, we found our job through the ‘Dee Cooper Live in Jobs’ Facebook group. If you search on Facebook for ‘live-in jobs in [place you want to go],’ you’re likely to discover a page that can assist you. Here are some examples of the pages we used.
Gumtree
We found several job listings on Gumtree that piqued our interest, especially positions for couples, which were frequently advertised there. Additionally, we noticed that the jobs listed on Gumtree were often cross-posted on Facebook.
Work Away
We received recommendations from a few people to explore opportunities on Workaway. Although we didn’t personally have success with it, we heard a few success stories from people who found jobs with accommodation. From our brief exploration, it seems like Workaway offers many volunteer positions, with paid jobs generally being in more remote locations. Workaway is beneficial because you can read reviews from other employees.
This is how we went about securing our seasonal work. For our next job, I’ll primarily be using Facebook, as I found it to be the most efficient and convenient platform for job hunting. Online job sites can also be helpful, but in comparison, the response rate on Facebook was much higher.
Tips
Before applying, it’s essential to do your research. Take a look at the company’s Facebook page and read reviews. Visit their website and check how long they’ve been advertising the job. In the hospitality and the seasonal work industry, there are places with subpar staff accommodation or unrealistic work expectations. So, it’s important to look into your destination beforehand.
Keep in mind that it can be a hit and miss experience. If you find yourself in a situation that makes you unhappy, don’t hesitate to leave and search for another job. There are plenty of opportunities out there, especially if you have the flexibility on location.
Good luck with your job search, and I’ll keep you updated with any more tips and tricks we discover when it’s time for our next job.
Relevant as of October 2023
Very useful!
Thank you