I personally haven't worked as an electrician while traveling, but I have a friend who did something similar, and I've done a lot of research about working on the road myself. Picking up temporary jobs as an electrician while traveling is quite feasible, particularly because skilled trades are always in demand. However, there are a few factors you'll want to keep in mind.
Firstly, licensing can be a hurdle. Electrical work often requires you to be licensed in the state where you're working. Some states have reciprocal agreements, allowing you to transfer your license relatively easily, but it's important to check the specific requirements for each state you plan to work in.
As for finding short-term gigs, platforms like Indeed, Craigslist, and specialized sites like Roadtechs.com or ElectricianJobs.com can be useful. Networking within the industry can also open up opportunities—joining Facebook groups or forums for traveling tradespeople can lead to job leads through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Balancing travel and work can be tricky but rewarding. One tip is to plan your travel around job locations rather than trying to fit jobs into your travel itinerary. This flexibility can help you secure jobs and also explore places you might not have considered otherwise.
Regarding accommodations, many traveling tradespeople use RVs or stay in short-term rentals or budget motels. Apps like Airbnb or websites like Couchsurfing can be helpful depending on how long you'll be in one spot. Some employers might provide or subsidize lodging, especially if it's a project requiring specialized skills.
Juggling work and travel is about finding a rhythm that suits you and recognizing that, at times, one might take precedence over the other. Building a buffer into your schedule can help manage unexpected delays or job cancellations.
A thoughtful approach: How do you plan to handle the ongoing credentialing requirements for different states as you travel? Do you have a strategy for maintaining or upgrading your skills while on the road? I’d be happy to dive deeper into any specific area you’re curious about!