How To Choose The Best Workaway Host

Mar 12

Uig Isle of Skye.jpeg — Here some things I wish I considered before saying *yes*.

Workaway and other organizations (WWOOFing, HelpX) are great resources to help you travel the world on a budget. With Workaway, I worked at a hostel on the Isle of Skye in exchange for a bed and some cash, and I did WWOOFing in Devon for food and a room with another guest. These are some of the tips I wish I knew to help me choose the best host.

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE?

Workaway is more than just a place to sleep. You are meant to learn more about other cultures, to find a home. I loved Uig, but it was a small and isolated place, and transportation options were limited. There was a small pub and a Post Office that also served as a grocery store. The isolation allowed for a lot of self-reflection

WILL THIS WORK MAKE ME HAPPY, MAKE ME FEEL FULFILLED?

I chose workaway because I needed a place to stay after I finished my studies. I thought, "Hey, a hostel is grand, a free place to stay, and meet people." I didn’t care about the work. The location looked beautiful. I should have given more thought to the work I would be doing and whether it would benefit me.

REMEMBER IT IS A TRANSACTION! SELL YOURSELF AND THE HOST NEEDS TO SELL THEMSELVES TOO!!

I should have looked into the type of work I would be doing more often. I didn’t even ask! I just assumed “classic hostel work,” whatever that would be. I spent at least 5 hours cleaning a day.

Also, look into the place, especially if it is a hostel. ASK FOR THE NAME. Often, the sites don't disclose this information, so ask for these details! Read the reviews; a 5-star place will mean extra work for you, while a low star may indicate a less-than-ideal situation for you. Ask your host questions, get to know them, and their expectations.

THINK ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU THE HAPPIEST.

Is it working with people? Animals? Being outdoors? Working with your hands? Think about this! Workaway is an excellent opportunity, but remember what you want, what makes you feel alive, because at the end... this is work! Make sure it feeds your soul.

I am an introvert. After working all day, I enjoy having some space and alone time. While living in a hostel, finding my own space to decompress after work was difficult. The team used to laugh because I had a corner; they'd go, "There's Renée in her spot!"

Uig, Isle of Skye - where I did my workaway experience.

ASK FOR THE DETAILS!

Do you get a food stipend? What are the working conditions? How many hours, what do they expect, what is the work like? Is it only you, or is there another workawayer? How many days off, etc. Don’t just show up, as I did. Understand what is going to happen and what the work entails? For instance, my place offered a stipend, but I was unaware because I hadn't asked. It was a happy surprise!

Remember to consider yourself and the situation you’ll be in, and where you’ll thrive. In the end, Workaway is a great learning opportunity not only in a specific field and culture but also about yourself.

In case you were wondering, my time in Uig wasn't all glamorous pictures! I worked hard, was it worth it? HELL YES! I cleaned about six bathrooms a day, cleaned about four private rooms a week, and did the front desk shifts.

*There are a variety of organizations that allow travelers a chance to work in different locations in exchange for room and board.

WWOOFing refers to World Wide Opportunites on Organic Farms. You work on an organic farm for a period in exchange for room and board (depending on the site).

Workaway is a cultural, volunteering or working exchange that provides different opportunities for work in exchange for room and board (depending on the site).

Helpx is another volunteer exchange site. I have not personally used this site.

* I receive no commission from these links, just sharing the knowledge!