The travel bug tends to hit just about everyone at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a short-term holiday or a year off to travel around Europe, more people are embracing the idea of seeing the world. And why wouldn’t they? The rise of internet technology and rapid information share has amplified our wanderlust, allowing us to book increasingly cheaper flights to all corners of the world with ease.
We stay in hotels, hostels and even people’s living rooms with the click of a button, while even our working lives – the typical obstacle to consistent travel – have become incredibly flexible with the rise of the gig economy. As a company whose mission it is to Make Gig Work, Work, it’s a lifestyle we encourage and flexibility undoubtedly lies at the heart of it.
So, when we first heard about GIG Seeker, Christian - a strong devotee of the “Work-Travel-Repeat” lifestyle – getting a train from Edinburgh down to London before jetting off again, we thought we’d grab him for a quick coffee to ask: what makes the travel-bug stick? Why is flexibility so important? What do you get out of this lifestyle? And what are the plans for the future?
Tell us about yourself and why you’ve embraced this lifestyle?
My name is Christian, I’m 24, born and raised in Hampshire, England, but love to travel and visit the new and exciting places. I recently graduated from University with a degree in engineering and before I settle down into the world of white-picket fences and family dinners, I want to go out and see as much of the world as possible. I’m a self-confessed adventure sports fan too.
"That ability to earn on the move has been majorly helpful"
How long have you had the travel bug for?
I’ve always been interested in exploring the world but I guess it was after I finished my degree that I really wanted to go and do whatever I wanted to do, whenever I wanted to do it.
I recently completed my second consecutive summer season working in Hossegor, South West France, as a chef/waiter/barista (bit of everything really!), after which I spent a few months in Edinburgh where my girlfriend lives, working as a waiter. So, I’ve been working all over the place for a while now.
"I’ll often live week-to-week, even day-to-day, whatever the adventure calls for, so I need that flexibility"
What’s the main reason for finding work here in London?
The main reason I’ve been using GIG has been to stay afloat really, especially while I prepare for my next adventure. My exact movements are on a bit of a week-to-week basis at the moment and the Seeker app has allowed me to find shifts in multiple cities around the UK, which has been great. That ability to earn on the move has been majorly helpful. So, right now I'm in London, have a bit of time and need the money, so I'll work a few shifts around town.
How important has it been to find flexible work?
Being flexible is hugely important. I’ve done lots of seasonal work in Europe for either the summer or winter seasons, which is great, as I can earn heaps for 3 months then go travelling. But especially when I’m transitioning between large jobs or stopping over for 3 or 4 weeks, like I did in Edinburgh, it’s really good to find work whenever I need it.
I’ll often live week-to-week, even day-to-day, whatever the adventure calls for, so I need that flexibility.
Where are you off to next?
I have a lot of trips I want to do in the future, however my main aim is to save up enough money to do a big cycle from Alaska to Patagonia. It’ll be a big one but I’m excited. I also plan to do a ski season in Japan as the slopes are notorious!
Interested in what the GIG Seeker App can do for you and your lifestyle? Simply download the GIG Seeker App and start earning on your own terms. It's really that easy.