An All Encompassing Road Trip

David Kaufmann
David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
in All Encompassing Trip
Hi guys. Hope this is the right page to post this? If not please let me know.

Having spent 5 years doing my dream job, I made a huge mistake in my selection of new role in 2016. I stayed there for approximately 14 months before being off on paid sick leave for a further 12 months. The toxicity of the work place, and my employer's treatment of me whilst sick with mental health issues, was nothing short of disgraceful.

The care provided by the NHS has left a lot to be desired and 18 months after my first encounter with the mental health team, I'm still waiting for the promised help.

Anyway, to cut a very long story short, I have taken my recovery in to my own hands. On Tuesday, I swapped my car for a small van,  and as soon as I have tied up loose ends (fingers crossed within a month), I shall be packing some essentials and heading south.

I plan to get work in the Southeast of England picking fruit initially but eventually (sooner rather than later), I will head to Europe. So to the point of my post. If any of you guys know of any kind of seasonal work, anywhere in Europe, I'd love to hear from you. I'm a physiotherapist by trade but obviously not looking for that kind of thing right now. Anything else considered.

I can get by in German, have a smattering of French, Spanish and Italian and keen to learn more.

I lived in Germany for two years in the 90s and Italy for one year in 2015. My previous job saw me travelling around the world and the thought of a day job in the UK leaves me with cold sweats.

Anyway, if any of you can help, I'd love to hear from you.

Peace & love

David
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Comments

  • vogonpoetbythelake
    vogonpoetbythelake Posts: 2,146
    In Canada there is a loose association of  " woofers" they are travelling people that "Work On Organic Farms"  or WOOF for a living and are usually paid a small stipend daily. With room and board..usually 6 hours per day picking,tilling,planting, fixing things around the farm for food lodging and a cultural experience... and I think mostly this was generated in Europe...word of mouth around here as far as I can tell..Happy and safe travels to you!! How exciting!!!
  • Renfield
    Renfield NYC NY Posts: 1,054
    edited July 2019
    Based on above...  WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

    https://wwoof.net/
  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Cheers guys. That looks like a great opportunity. I will have to earn for a while but very interested in this option down the road. 
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    Sounds like a good move, David.  Keep us posted on your adventures if you can. 
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    brianlux said:
    Sounds like a good move, David.  Keep us posted on your adventures if you can. 
    I certainly shall 😉
  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    I've booked a pitch at what we Brits call a car boot sale this Thursday in order to raise a few quid and get rid of stuff that I've been dragging around for 25 years. If by any remote chance any of you are in the Preston area on Thursday, feel free to come and browse my wares 😁
  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    edited August 2019
    .
    Post edited by David Kaufmann on
  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Wherever I lay my hat and all that! 
  • vogonpoetbythelake
    vogonpoetbythelake Posts: 2,146
    May the road will rise up to greet you! Bon voyage!
  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,372
    Has this trip begun yet?
  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Not yet, couple of weeks yet to sell as much of my stuff as possible and then south.
  • JPPJ84
    JPPJ84 Hamburg, Germany Posts: 3,464
    Seasonal jobs are easy to get for the fruit picking season. In fact I hear all the time that farms have difficulties finding people willing to do it. That’s not gonna help you though until April... you could always try Southern Europe for bartending/campsites etc.
     It’s gonna be an adventure in any case, good luck and enjoy the freedom 
  • Halifax2TheMax
    Halifax2TheMax Posts: 42,196
    I’ve heard the grape harvest is a fun time. Hard work but working with like minded folks, good food and of course, wine.
    09/15/1998 & 09/16/1998, Mansfield, MA; 08/29/00 08/30/00, Mansfield, MA; 07/02/03, 07/03/03, Mansfield, MA; 09/28/04, 09/29/04, Boston, MA; 09/22/05, Halifax, NS; 05/24/06, 05/25/06, Boston, MA; 07/22/06, 07/23/06, Gorge, WA; 06/27/2008, Hartford; 06/28/08, 06/30/08, Mansfield; 08/18/2009, O2, London, UK; 10/30/09, 10/31/09, Philadelphia, PA; 05/15/10, Hartford, CT; 05/17/10, Boston, MA; 05/20/10, 05/21/10, NY, NY; 06/22/10, Dublin, IRE; 06/23/10, Northern Ireland; 09/03/11, 09/04/11, Alpine Valley, WI; 09/11/11, 09/12/11, Toronto, Ont; 09/14/11, Ottawa, Ont; 09/15/11, Hamilton, Ont; 07/02/2012, Prague, Czech Republic; 07/04/2012 & 07/05/2012, Berlin, Germany; 07/07/2012, Stockholm, Sweden; 09/30/2012, Missoula, MT; 07/16/2013, London, Ont; 07/19/2013, Chicago, IL; 10/15/2013 & 10/16/2013, Worcester, MA; 10/21/2013 & 10/22/2013, Philadelphia, PA; 10/25/2013, Hartford, CT; 11/29/2013, Portland, OR; 11/30/2013, Spokane, WA; 12/04/2013, Vancouver, BC; 12/06/2013, Seattle, WA; 10/03/2014, St. Louis. MO; 10/22/2014, Denver, CO; 10/26/2015, New York, NY; 04/23/2016, New Orleans, LA; 04/28/2016 & 04/29/2016, Philadelphia, PA; 05/01/2016 & 05/02/2016, New York, NY; 05/08/2016, Ottawa, Ont.; 05/10/2016 & 05/12/2016, Toronto, Ont.; 08/05/2016 & 08/07/2016, Boston, MA; 08/20/2016 & 08/22/2016, Chicago, IL; 07/01/2018, Prague, Czech Republic; 07/03/2018, Krakow, Poland; 07/05/2018, Berlin, Germany; 09/02/2018 & 09/04/2018, Boston, MA; 09/08/2022, Toronto, Ont; 09/11/2022, New York, NY; 09/14/2022, Camden, NJ; 09/02/2023, St. Paul, MN; 05/04/2024 & 05/06/2024, Vancouver, BC; 05/10/2024, Portland, OR;

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  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Well, I finally made it.

    Left home yesterday afternoon and as i was driving south, i toyed with the idea of dropping in on an old boss and friend who i haven't seen for 5 years. I say toyed, it should have been a no brainer, but when you feel like you have failed, it's hard to face people you respect. Anyway with 300 yards to the exit, I figured at worst, I'll get a decent cup of coffee, and left the motorway. . I wish I had reached out 2 years ago, when i began having mental health problems, caused by my last job and employer.

    Turns out; a) he was delighted to see me and b) he has been struggling himself. To cut a long story short, ended up having dinner (prior to being involved in his current role, he trained as a chef), which was spectacular, and enough for 6 people, a good catch up and I stayed over. 

    Duly refreshed with 2 cafe doppio, I hit the road. I'm not a religious man but the road was clear from Cheshire to Canterbury; not one hold up on the M6/M1/M25/M2. To any Brits reading, you will know that this is nothing short of a miracle!

    Arrived in Kent at approx 2pm and by 2:30pm, I had secured fruit picking work with accommodation. I think apart from the owners, I am the only native English speaker; and I can't wait to meet and work with people from across Europe. Prior to the nightmare job, I had spent 5 years in my dream job. It involved a lot of travel, from places as varied as Australia, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa and the good ole USA. In addition, I was working with people from across the globe and I look forward to it again. 

    Maybe one day I will go back to the profession that I worked 4 years to achieve at Uni, as mature student aged 40 but right now, this is the reboot that I need!

    Incidentally, the sun is out, it's 10 degrees celsius warmer than "home" and no rain forecast to mid-September. #CostaDelCanterbury

    I have just bought, but not yet put on the van, a "Stickman". Once it's on, I'll post a pic so that if any of you see a white Peugeot Partner, suitably adorned, you'll know to say hi!

    Anyway, early night for me before my first day of work in over 2 years. Bring it on!

    #SmallHouseBigGarden
  • vogonpoetbythelake
    vogonpoetbythelake Posts: 2,146
    Fantastic...great to know you are following the road less traveled and sharing the adventure here...thank you...
  • Fifthelement
    Fifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,965
    Good luck on your adventures David.  I’ll be watching this thread for updates.
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • lastexitlondon
    lastexitlondon Posts: 14,896
    Hey  im in st.albans m25 jct 22. I am about  as mentally fucked as they  come 
     Good on you. 


    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • MayDay10
    MayDay10 Posts: 11,853
    This sounds awesome
  • David Kaufmann
    David Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Cheers guys 😁

    Well my first day fruit picking and not much picking. I was on a crew pulling out raspberry plants. After 8 hours manual labour in 33 degrees (Celsius), i feel like I've gone 15 rounds with Mike Tyson.

    More important,  I have regained some dignity! Fingers crossed i can get out of bed tomorrow morning for some more of the same.

    Worked with a Polish guy who served Eddie a vegan pizza in Krakow last year 😁
  • Halifax2TheMax
    Halifax2TheMax Posts: 42,196
    David Kaufmann said:
    Cheers guys 😁

    Well my first day fruit picking and not much picking. I was on a crew pulling out raspberry plants. After 8 hours manual labour in 33 degrees (Celsius), i feel like I've gone 15 rounds with Mike Tyson.

    More important,  I have regained some dignity! Fingers crossed i can get out of bed tomorrow morning for some more of the same.

    Worked with a Polish guy who served Eddie a vegan pizza in Krakow last year 😁
    Living vicariously through you and your posts so keep em coming. Would love to do what you’re doing. Keep on keeping on!
    09/15/1998 & 09/16/1998, Mansfield, MA; 08/29/00 08/30/00, Mansfield, MA; 07/02/03, 07/03/03, Mansfield, MA; 09/28/04, 09/29/04, Boston, MA; 09/22/05, Halifax, NS; 05/24/06, 05/25/06, Boston, MA; 07/22/06, 07/23/06, Gorge, WA; 06/27/2008, Hartford; 06/28/08, 06/30/08, Mansfield; 08/18/2009, O2, London, UK; 10/30/09, 10/31/09, Philadelphia, PA; 05/15/10, Hartford, CT; 05/17/10, Boston, MA; 05/20/10, 05/21/10, NY, NY; 06/22/10, Dublin, IRE; 06/23/10, Northern Ireland; 09/03/11, 09/04/11, Alpine Valley, WI; 09/11/11, 09/12/11, Toronto, Ont; 09/14/11, Ottawa, Ont; 09/15/11, Hamilton, Ont; 07/02/2012, Prague, Czech Republic; 07/04/2012 & 07/05/2012, Berlin, Germany; 07/07/2012, Stockholm, Sweden; 09/30/2012, Missoula, MT; 07/16/2013, London, Ont; 07/19/2013, Chicago, IL; 10/15/2013 & 10/16/2013, Worcester, MA; 10/21/2013 & 10/22/2013, Philadelphia, PA; 10/25/2013, Hartford, CT; 11/29/2013, Portland, OR; 11/30/2013, Spokane, WA; 12/04/2013, Vancouver, BC; 12/06/2013, Seattle, WA; 10/03/2014, St. Louis. MO; 10/22/2014, Denver, CO; 10/26/2015, New York, NY; 04/23/2016, New Orleans, LA; 04/28/2016 & 04/29/2016, Philadelphia, PA; 05/01/2016 & 05/02/2016, New York, NY; 05/08/2016, Ottawa, Ont.; 05/10/2016 & 05/12/2016, Toronto, Ont.; 08/05/2016 & 08/07/2016, Boston, MA; 08/20/2016 & 08/22/2016, Chicago, IL; 07/01/2018, Prague, Czech Republic; 07/03/2018, Krakow, Poland; 07/05/2018, Berlin, Germany; 09/02/2018 & 09/04/2018, Boston, MA; 09/08/2022, Toronto, Ont; 09/11/2022, New York, NY; 09/14/2022, Camden, NJ; 09/02/2023, St. Paul, MN; 05/04/2024 & 05/06/2024, Vancouver, BC; 05/10/2024, Portland, OR;

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