Excessive work just for space to park

[likearollingstone]

As somebody who would enjoy full-timing if it could not only pay for itself but put a little extra money in my pocket, I am positively appalled at some of the "opportunities" as campground hosts, managers, etc. I check out "WorkampingJobs" and other listings on the web, and it's no wonder a lot of the positions say "need help immediately!"

As just one example, one of them wants a couple to work 24 hours per week in exchange for a site. No pay, just an even trade. If we take the state's minimum wage of $11 per hour, that's $264*52/12= $1144 per month worth of labor at minimum wage. Considering the monthly rate of $450 per site, that is ludicrous. Oh, but there's free golf!! Sure, but who's going to spend almost $700 per month on golf? You could join some of the finest clubs in America for that amount.

A lot of these exchanges are nothing more than the old "company store" model of yesteryear where the people labor and toil for their overlords and then give it all back to them for food and shelter. When talking about RV's and vans, etc., the footprint is tiny. We're not renting a house, we're providing our own shelter and renting a parking space for crying out loud.

I've also noticed excessive RV park rates these days. I guess it's money sloshing around since RV sales are through the roof lately, and the money printing by central banks is off the charts.

I don't mean to complain, but I wanted to address this among people who are interested in this sort of lifestyle, and hear others' thoughts.

 

[jimindenver]

They will pay more when people stop showing up to take the jobs.

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

The problem being, imo, that many (most?) people are either incapable or unwilling to take the time to figure out the "exchange rate" like in the example given. For decades now, I've been astounded by the number of people that can't do simple math in their heads because they are so dependent on what a machine says a total/change amount should be ...

 

[Wabbit]

... that many (most?) people are either incapable or unwilling to take the time to figure out the "exchange rate"...

I give people a lil more credit than that. Maybe the "exchange rate" is worth it to them. Who knows but them.

 

[user 15857]

Your summary is spot on, our state parks used to be a good deal for a site but I've noticed they have increased the hours and tasks to be completed, ie cleaning bathrooms, that I no longer have that on my list of options. Might still volunteer as a docent at a lighthouse but not camp host at a state campground.

 

[Almost There]

To a lot of those who do the camphosting, the math of the hours vs campsite cost is not even factored in to the decision to do this type of thing.

Some do it because they enjoy campground hosting and living for 3 months or more in a campground without having to move. Some do it for the love of the park system...hard for some people to wrap their heads around but it's true! Some do it because it gives them free accommodations without any tax implication...yes, they could go out and earn money but then it might result in a tax or income situation that they don't want.

There's lots of reasons other than money that some people do things that others would insist on being paid for...think of all the other volunteer work that gets done....the list of volunteer work being done across the world is endless!

Not everything revolves around the almighty dollar!

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Not everything revolves around the almighty dollar!

  

  Amen, Sister!
Charlotte

 

[likearollingstone]

I appreciate the responses, and look forward to more. I subscribe to the mentality that the most important thing in life is one's time, it is finite, and that cannot be overstated or undervalued. When people say "not everything revolves around the almighty dollar!" I'm reminded that these gigs have everything to do with the mighty dollar, on both sides of the equation, otherwise they wouldn't even exist. It's about cheap labor to earn a profit.

 

[Almost There]

It's about cheap labor to earn a profit.

That depends on where one is volunteering their time...if it's in a private campground, then yes. If it's in a wildlife preserve, a national park or a state/provincial campground or any other type of not for profit environment then no, it's not about cheap labor to earn a profit.

 

[lenny flank]

I appreciate the responses, and look forward to more. I subscribe to the mentality that the most important thing in life is one's time, it is finite, and that cannot be overstated or undervalued. When people say "not everything revolves around the almighty dollar!" I'm reminded that these gigs have everything to do with the mighty dollar, on both sides of the equation, otherwise they wouldn't even exist. It's about cheap labor to earn a profit.

I do believe that National Parks and State Parks are nonprofit........

I thank the gods and goddesses every day that people are willing to volunteer their time and effort in places like hospitals, parks, animal rescues, homeless shelters, etc etc etc, with no thought whatever about how much they are not getting paid.

 

[jonsun]

Read reviews that 24hrs turns into alot more real quick without pay too. They talk about volunteer shit until the tables are turned and its time for them to volunteer a dollar.

 

[lenny flank]

Read reviews that 24hrs turns into alot more real quick without pay too. They talk about volunteer shit until the tables are turned and its time for them to volunteer a dollar.

I give money to Greenpeace and the ACLU every month.

 

[jonsun]

Well why not a few bucks to a private campground?

 

[lenny flank]

Well why not a few bucks to a private campground?

Because they are not a nonprofit.

They'll get my bucks when/if I stay there.

 

[jonsun]

You dont have to pay, they accept workcamping opportunities!

 

[lenny flank]

You dont have to pay, they accept workcamping opportunities!

I prefer the peace and quiet of the Walmart parking lot. 

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

 Some do it because it gives them free accommodations without any tax implication...yes, they could go out and earn money but then it might result in a tax or income situation that they don't want.

Therein lies the rub; ... there are increasing instances where, to help with their bookkeeping, the price/income the site/amenities could have been brought in are considered part of a workamper's "wages" (though may not be explained as such during the interview process) so at the end of the year the workamper has it reported as "income" making a tax liability --- happened to one of my relatives while on the road.

 

[likearollingstone]

I do believe that National Parks and State Parks are nonprofit........

I thank the gods and goddesses every day that people are willing to volunteer their time and effort in places like hospitals, parks, animal rescues, homeless shelters, etc etc etc, with no thought whatever about how much they are not getting paid.

I would prefer to keep this at the level of workamping, I'm not talking about hospitals, rescue centers, homeless shelters, etc., I'm strictly talking about trading labor for a site.

Also, I have different sentiments regarding "public lands." They are just that, PUBLIC, and I do not believe there should be a charge to use them. I am in vehement disagreement, as a matter of fact. Their upkeep should be handled by paid public servants just like any other bureaucracy.

I'd much rather "waste" taxpayer funds on that than endless wars in foreign lands, replete with fat contracts for political insiders such as Haliburton, etc., but that's for another discussion.

 

[pamerica]

Re:  Apparent WorkKamper rules in Florida......from personal experience, not hearsay, I know folks living in an RV park where the park manager recently took a course and got certified as some type of campground manager.

They have workkampers doing various jobs.  Office, maintenance, grounds keeping.  Up until last year, they had to work 20 hours per week for the site.  The normal site rate is $350 per month plus electric.  That includes WiFi, Direct TV plus the usual water, sewer, trash.

Well, their now certified manager says the workkampers need to be paid at least minimum wage, which for 2017 in Florida is $8.10 per hour.  So this year they will only be working 11 hours per week for those sites.  This is one sweet deal, in my opinion, because their electric is also included.  I am not aware of any tax implications.

(p.s.)  please don't ask the name of this park.  I am not authorized to do that.  I am telling you this for your information and hope it is helpful somewhere.

 

[VanKitten]

^^^ AMEN. ^^^