In September 2021, James and Courtney decided the standard 4-weeks annual leave available to most Australians just wasn’t enough. They wanted more- more time spent exploring, more exciting adventures, more priceless moments with their kids. Taking a leap of faith, they decided to trade their ‘forever home’ for new one, a home on wheels!
Learning to balance work on the road has meant being open and flexible. Courtney works remotely, continuing working in the same industries as before they hit the road just with less hours and a more flexible schedule. Taking work as a broker assistant and assistant bookkeeper provides Courtney with a workload of roughly 25-35 hours a fortnight.
For James his work as a tradie allows him to consistently pick up work on the road. As a qualified Electrician, Air Con and Refrigeration Technician, when James picks up a work stint, the family will often stop for period to top up the savings and allow the kids to return to mainstream schooling for a few months. To help find work as a tradie, James will often connect with local contractors for subcontracting opportunities or look into securing mine work through FIFO shutdowns.
“[On the road] we’ve spent a school term in Weipa, QLD, two terms in Mount Isa, QLD, three months in Darwin, NT, six to eight weeks in Melbourne, and now we’re in Perth. Currently, James is working a FIFO roster, balancing two weeks on and two weeks off to mix work with family time.”
Supporting the work+travel lifestyle has been so important to Courtney and James they even set up their own business to help others do the same! They set up the Tradies on Tour platform to help connect other travelling tradies with job opportunities on the road. Their platform aims to bridge the gap between tradies looking for work and clients, particularly those in remote and rural areas, who are in need of services.
“Balancing [Tradies on Tour] alongside our regular jobs has been challenging but rewarding, knowing we’re helping others embrace a similar lifestyle.”
Routine is key for James and Courtney’s family, especially as they have kids. When travelling, Courtney typically starts work around 6am and James will help get the kids started with school by 8am. This ensures everyone gets some work done before they need to hit the road again!
When they are stopped for an extended period, James could be away at work from 6am-6pm, meaning for Courtney balancing work, life and kids can be more of a challenge.
“One of the most unexpected perks of travelling has been the way it’s exposed us to new industries and different types of work. I had a unique experience where I was flown out to a remote airbase for a 30-minute job—a 1.5-hour flight each way! I’ve never flown to work before, so that was definitely a first!” James
“[A] major sacrifice is being away from family and friends. While it’s amazing to meet new people and form connections with fellow travellers, there’s nothing quite like the relationships you leave behind.”
Courtney:
James
For Courtney, the best part of their lifestyle is flexibility. Having the freedom to travel and move as they wish is liberating and watching their kids explore, learn and fall in love with Australia is priceless. For James, you can’t put a price on the quality family time their lifestyle awards them. The simpler way of life allows them to focus on what truly matters, their family.
And their message for anyone thinking of hitting the road themselves? Just do it! The freedom to forge your own path is worth the risk and with innovative platforms like Tradies on Tour popping up, there are so many opportunities to find work on the road.
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Tradies on Tour Website
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