An All Encompassing Road 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

  • 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!!!
  • RenfieldRenfield NYC NY Posts: 1,054
    edited July 2019
    Based on above...  WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

    https://wwoof.net/
  • David KaufmannDavid 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. 
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 40,596
    Sounds like a good move, David.  Keep us posted on your adventures if you can. 
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • David KaufmannDavid 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 KaufmannDavid 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 KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    edited August 2019
    .
    Post edited by David Kaufmann on
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Wherever I lay my hat and all that! 
  • May the road will rise up to greet you! Bon voyage!
  • tempo_n_groovetempo_n_groove Posts: 38,853
    Has this trip begun yet?
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Not yet, couple of weeks yet to sell as much of my stuff as possible and then south.
  • JPPJ84JPPJ84 Hamburg, Germany Posts: 3,434
    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 
  • Halifax2TheMaxHalifax2TheMax Posts: 36,482
    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;

    Libtardaplorable©. And proud of it.

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  • David KaufmannDavid 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
  • Fantastic...great to know you are following the road less traveled and sharing the adventure here...thank you...
  • FifthelementFifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,905
    Good luck on your adventures David.  I’ll be watching this thread for updates.
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 11,711
    Hey  im in st.albans m25 jct 22. I am about  as mentally fucked as they  come 
     Good on you. 
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • MayDay10MayDay10 Posts: 11,604
    This sounds awesome
  • David KaufmannDavid 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 😁
  • Halifax2TheMaxHalifax2TheMax Posts: 36,482
    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;

    Libtardaplorable©. And proud of it.

    Brilliantati©
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Bit of a minor "catastrophe"over the weekend. Nipped into the nearet town, Canterbury to pick up a fan as without it, sleep would be impossible.

    Got to withn 200 metres of the shop i wanted but took a wrong turn. Entirely missed (seeing) a metal post behind me, and reversing at barely 5 miles per hour, put a massive dent in the offside rear door of my van.

    Here's the progress (in less than a week). Yes i was mildly pissed off but figured, my van is still secure, driveable and judging by my (a physiotherapist's) opinion, an "easy fix" for the body shop 🤣. Nothing doing yesterday as it was a public holiday in the UK. So after finishing work today i Googled a garage, and drove down there.

    With the benefit of a body shop guy's opinion it was clear the door was "fucked". 🤣🤣

    Dude was decent enough to do a quick search and found a used door, at place about 20 miles away in Margate. Very pleasant drive in beautiful countryside and within 20 minutes, I'm driving away with not a scratch on the van 😁

    The fact that I've just "done" my first day and a quarter's pay sure teaches you the value of a buck but more importantly, the whole thing has passed off without me getting any increase in stress. Right now, thats more important to me than a large salary ❤✌

    Canterbury Cathedral at approx 7am Sunday morning before the hordes arrive.My back yard!
  • FifthelementFifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,905
    Bit of a minor "catastrophe"over the weekend. Nipped into the nearet town, Canterbury to pick up a fan as without it, sleep would be impossible.

    Got to withn 200 metres of the shop i wanted but took a wrong turn. Entirely missed (seeing) a metal post behind me, and reversing at barely 5 miles per hour, put a massive dent in the offside rear door of my van.

    Here's the progress (in less than a week). Yes i was mildly pissed off but figured, my van is still secure, driveable and judging by my (a physiotherapist's) opinion, an "easy fix" for the body shop 🤣. Nothing doing yesterday as it was a public holiday in the UK. So after finishing work today i Googled a garage, and drove down there.

    With the benefit of a body shop guy's opinion it was clear the door was "fucked". 🤣🤣

    Dude was decent enough to do a quick search and found a used door, at place about 20 miles away in Margate. Very pleasant drive in beautiful countryside and within 20 minutes, I'm driving away with not a scratch on the van 😁

    The fact that I've just "done" my first day and a quarter's pay sure teaches you the value of a buck but more importantly, the whole thing has passed off without me getting any increase in stress. Right now, thats more important to me than a large salary ❤✌

    Canterbury Cathedral at approx 7am Sunday morning before the hordes arrive.My back yard!
    Beautiful!  Sorry about the vehicle mishap, but you managed it well.  Health > money
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Bit of a minor "catastrophe"over the weekend. Nipped into the nearet town, Canterbury to pick up a fan as without it, sleep would be impossible.

    Got to withn 200 metres of the shop i wanted but took a wrong turn. Entirely missed (seeing) a metal post behind me, and reversing at barely 5 miles per hour, put a massive dent in the offside rear door of my van.

    Here's the progress (in less than a week). Yes i was mildly pissed off but figured, my van is still secure, driveable and judging by my (a physiotherapist's) opinion, an "easy fix" for the body shop 🤣. Nothing doing yesterday as it was a public holiday in the UK. So after finishing work today i Googled a garage, and drove down there.

    With the benefit of a body shop guy's opinion it was clear the door was "fucked". 🤣🤣

    Dude was decent enough to do a quick search and found a used door, at place about 20 miles away in Margate. Very pleasant drive in beautiful countryside and within 20 minutes, I'm driving away with not a scratch on the van 😁

    The fact that I've just "done" my first day and a quarter's pay sure teaches you the value of a buck but more importantly, the whole thing has passed off without me getting any increase in stress. Right now, thats more important to me than a large salary ❤✌

    Canterbury Cathedral at approx 7am Sunday morning before the hordes arrive.My back yard!
    Beautiful!  Sorry about the vehicle mishap, but you managed it well.  Health > money
    100% 😁
  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 11,711
    Margate is a great beach. My partner s son is at uni in Canterbury  we go often.  Where  are you off to next. . 
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Margate is a great beach. My partner s son is at uni in Canterbury  we go often.  Where  are you off to next. . 
    Got work here until at least the end of October. I shall check out the beach as I have got to head back there for a trip to the Hornby/Airfix visitor centre 😁
  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 35,808
    glad I happened upon this thread. safe travels! 
    Darwinspeed, all. 

    Cheers,

    HFD




  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 11,711
    Well if you need anything he is here this weekend and going  back sunday I can send things back with him if you need anything specific 
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    Well if you need anything he is here this weekend and going  back sunday I can send things back with him if you need anything specific 
    Really appreciate that but I think i have everything i need for now. Thanks so much for the offer ❤✌
  • David KaufmannDavid Kaufmann Lancashire Posts: 49
    glad I happened upon this thread. safe travels! 
    Thank you ❤✌
  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 11,711
    Well if you need anything he is here this weekend and going  back sunday I can send things back with him if you need anything specific 
    Really appreciate that but I think i have everything i need for now. Thanks so much for the offer ❤✌
    Like  i say im in this area if it ever goes  wrong.  Ive been in a hole myself . So if you pass my way lets have a beer
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
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