I started out my traveling journey headed to Wyoming for my very first workcamping gig. Boy was I excited! To get to see mountains, lakes, roaming buffalo, elk, moose, and grizzlies! What an experience. Who could not love that! But then I found myself tired of it all. TIRED OF WYOMING??? How could that possibly be?
Moving onto several other locations such as Montana, South Dakota, and Big Bend National Park…I saw the same feelings creep in. A pattern of restlessness when I am in a spot for too long.
I fight with this feeling hardcore. Like I should stay, do the work, make the money and ride the wave….but something inside me is itching to go go go. I tend to look for all the ways that the workcamping location is in my favor: i.e. free showers, a gym, discounts on food. Whatever the “perks” that are offered for that location. I even start weighing in on the surrounding area. The landscape is pretty, good trails, and I can ride my bike to work, etc.
Ultimately, what always makes me stay either to my commitment date or longer, is the people I work with and get to know. I become very attached to people I have noticed. Love the interaction and socialization that we have. Maybe it is because I travel alone, that this outer socialization is so important to me. I am not sure. But I wondered if others felt this way.
So I took a poll on 7 social media groups and these were the findings…
Turns out this is a common feeling among travelers.
It’s referred to as “Hitch Itch”.
(The need to hitch up the camper and go!)
Nearly 86% of people polled said that 3 months was the limit to their stay. This seems to be the sweet spot. Great for the worker and beneficial for the employer. Three months gives you ample time to “settle” a bit, get a routine going with scheduled pay periods, and allows you to explore the new area to great lengths.
So I am not the only one who feels this way. Whew!!!
My next question was to the employers. Do they want to know that there is an inner gypsy limit? Or are positions like these super flexible? The answers were 49/49/2.
Some workcamper employers said yes they want to know how long you can reasonably commit to a position so that people don’t just get the “itch” and then leave prematurely. The other portion said people come and go and they are used to it. It is part of the gig. A very small handful said that they would not hire if they knew the worker couldn’t commit to the full time.
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Learn how I broke through generational conditioning for the need for stuff to live a life full of adventure with minimal possessions.
Therefore, it really comes down to you! Your desires. Your plans. And your willingness to be at a location and what you can reasonably handle.
One of the ultimate perks of this lifestyle is the freedom to just pick up and go. If a location or a position does not suit you, you can leave. No 2-week notice. No selling of a house. No contracts. No limits.
I have learned now what my ultimate inner limit is and am now listening to the gypsy voice inside of me that alerts me when it is time to go. I feel that honoring that inner voice will bring so much more peace to my travels in the future.
With that said….onto the next adventure. Bye Bye Texas!
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Hey Carrie, My friend, I read your e-book. Loved it! I’m so glad you finally found your happiness. I know it was hard. I wish you more happiness, freedom and peace. Your friend, Nancy.