Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Historically, many people have been forced to become itinerant workers due to lack of earnings, leaving no choice but to wander from place to place in search of work. There are many different theories about the origin of the word "hobo", ranging from the abbreviation for "Hoe Boys" (farm worker) to "Homeward Bound" (returning home). One way or another, the American Heritage Dictionary defines hobo as "a person who moves from place to place, without a permanent place of residence and livelihood." But the rise of the internet and a rise in dissatisfaction with routine from nine to five, more and more people are interested in earning a living while on the road - a viable option instead of the daily hard labor. If you're considering becoming an opportunistic and resourceful temporary worker, lowering costs, simplifying responsibilities, and staying free, here are the questions you need to ask yourself and a list of necessary preparations.

Steps

1. 1 Remember the difference between itinerant workers (hobo), vagabonds and bums:hobo - travel in search of work, tramps - traveling and not looking for work, homeless neither one nor the other is uncharacteristic.
2. 2 Hired Agricultural Worker - If you've ever thought about working as a farm helper, there are jobs all over the world offering housing, food, scholarships, and experience in exchange for menial jobs. You can plan your trip to follow the harvest season across the country or even around the world.
3. 3 Assess your skills and experience critically. Historically, hobos have earned their living through physical labor, but that doesn't mean it should always be that way. Any skill that is in demand and does not require long-term commitment can be useful for the hobo. As long as you advertise your services and earn people's trust (ideally through testimonials), you can do whatever you want. Here are some activities that are appropriate for this lifestyle:
   • Landscape architecture and construction - Many migrant workers crossing international borders find work in this field because they are less demanding on their language skills. But experience in this field is of great importance, as you have to deal with potentially hazardous equipment and machinery.
   • Farm Helper - If you've ever thought about becoming a farmer, there are jobs all over the world offering shelter, food, scholarships and experience in exchange for menial jobs. You can plan your trip to follow the harvest season across the country or even around the world. Progressive farms usually provide better conditions.
   • Fishing - Service as a sailor, cook or fisherman in case of traveling on the high seas.
   • Any web service such as typing, editing, or programming.
4. 4 Consider Plan B, because this big decision will change your life. You shouldn't suddenly drop everything and disappear. You will need to leave something behind in case your life on the road does not work out. Make sure you pay off all debts and fulfill all obligations before leaving. If possible, save before you travel, you can use your savings on the road if needed. Emergencies also cost money.
5. 5 Prepare yourself. It may sound romantic, of course, traveling light with a bundle on your back and an empty wallet, but this is a sure way to ruin. You have to figure out where you will sleep, cook, travel and, in fact, you will have to live on the street, unless you decide to go by car.
   • How are you going to move from place to place? Hobos are often associated with the hare riding on freight trains, as they did during the Great Depression. The car can be used as a means of transportation and living quarters at the same time, but keep in mind that gasoline is expensive and car maintenance can cost a pretty penny. If you are on a budget, then hitchhiking is an excellent option. it's free. Some hobos prefer bicycles, but this will limit the area of ​​your travel (warmer regions) and the amount of things you are going to take with you. The motorcycle will help you get to your destination faster, but it has its own maintenance requirements, slightly similar to those of a car. Buses are also a good option: for example, Greyhounds of America (US National Bus Company) offers big discounts when buying tickets a week in advance, and big discounts when buying tickets well in advance. For the best discounts, buy tickets at stations; for web purchases, you will pay an additional $ 3 or $ 4 to ship tickets by mail or to a specified location.
   • Where will you sleep? If your place of work cannot provide you with accommodation, you can sleep in your car (if you have one), a city camp, an abandoned building, or stay in hostels or motels. Alternatively, use online community directories to find city co-ops, trust sites, and other accommodation options that typically host guests. Visit directory.ic.org.Another option is the travel network couchsurfing.com or globalfreeloaders.com, which offer free accommodation for those willing to contribute (in the same or different ways). Consider the costs and risks associated with each.
   • Where are you going to shower? Showers can be found in some campsites, but many do not, so you may want to consider purchasing portable shower equipment. You can also get memberships to the national gym network and use the showers there (if you really exercise and keep fit).
   • How are you going to defend yourself? A nomadic lifestyle can be dangerous due to the fact that you are constantly in an unfamiliar environment, and you can be targeted for theft and attack. You will need to take some precautions, such as always letting people know where you are, carrying a mobile phone with you, choosing only locations with an uninterrupted signal, warning systems or weapons, etc. Also, always check your location so that you can give an accurate address in case you have to call for help.
6. 6 Make a list of people you know. Look at the map of the area you intend to travel to and remember everyone you know, directly or indirectly. Ask your Aunt Sally if your great Uncle Bill still lives in a cabin in the woods. Ask your friend if his brother still works at a car dealership in Utah. Most importantly, ask them if they can be disturbed in an emergency. Some people might suggest you, in fact, which is always a good thing, to visit their acquaintances. (Just be a good guest!)
7. 7 Make a route based on the type of work you want, acquaintances and areas you would like to visit. Do as much research as possible in advance. Make a list of places to stay, eat, shower, and camp. Also check out the locations of churches, shelters, and any other services offered for the homeless. The more prepared you are, the more enjoyment you will get from the trip.
8. 8 Examine graphic codes. Historically, hobos have relied on their symbolic system to provide travelers with more information about a particular place. Symbols vary with terrain, and some may not be used in different areas. Here are some signs to get you started:
   • spearhead - protect yourself
   • circle with two parallel arrows - get out faster, tramps are not welcome here
   • wavy line (symbolizing water) above X - fresh water and camping nearby
   • three diagonal lines - the place is unsafe
   • cross - "angel food" (food left for vagrants after the party)
9. 9 Let's hit the road! Leave it all behind. Find a place where you will live and work day in and day out. See the sights of each new place. Make interesting friends (you never know when they can give you a helping hand). Living on the road means that every moment belongs to you. Without schedules and responsibilities (other than maintaining health), you decide how best to plan your time to achieve a balance between work, travel, play and play. Enjoy the variety of every day ... you deserve it.
10. 10 Feel free to dive into the trash can. You won't believe how much free, untouched food is thrown away all the time. For best results, check the bins near small grocery stores and fruit markets, as they usually don't spend money on a sealed waste compactor (although they can sometimes be open as well) - be careful. Fast food chains are good too, but more traditional restaurants don't waste so much food, although if you're really hungry you should be able to find at least something there.

Tips

• Memorize the hobo symbols. You can find them on the Internet, here are some of them:
  • Bird symbolizes free phone
  • The cat is a kind lady
  • Circle with an arrow - indicates the direction
  • Top hat - gentlemen live there
  • In fact, there are many more of them. Here are just a few of them.
• Take a camera with you, preferably a digital camera with more memory, and / or keep a diary. On the road, you will always remember your travels.
• If you have the opportunity, attend the annual National Hobo Convention in Britta, Iowa in August and get in on the festive events. Share a few ragout stews (vegetable stew) and your stories as you sit around the campfire. There are many other hobos out there enjoying the free life without obligation who simply travel from place to place enjoying their lifestyle.
• Read several books on this topic:
  • "You Can't Beat" Jack Black, an insightful look at the life of a man in a career who has made his way.
  • "Pounds of Dashing in Paris and London" by George Orwell. This is a non-fictional story about people living in poverty and from hand to mouth.
  • Steal this book or did it inspire the wiki at stealthiswiki.org for more specific information.
• Remember that, as a hobo, you enjoy the journey and are willing to work, unlike beggars or vagabonds who also travel but are unemployed and survive by begging money or food.
• Don't waste all your money on booze. Many drunken hobos were killed on the trains. Remember your safety!
• If you are physically and mentally unable to accept your lifestyle. If you have enough self-confidence, you believe that you can cope with all life's difficulties, you will make a successful hobo or someone in this area.
• Read the following books: Eddie Joe Cotton's Hobo, a cautionary tale of a modern-day vagabond, and Chris Damitoi's Hard Time: A Guide to Urban Survival. Both books offer travel tips, tips on how to find food and shelter, and essential information about hobo, as well as definitions and things to avoid. For more practical information, try Duffy Littlejohn's Jumping Freight Trains in America. A more detailed list of hobo books can be found at danielleen.org.
• Look for temporary employment with agencies in major cities. Most of these agencies will pay you daily or pay you a daily check. Even if you don't get the job, you will be offered free coffee. Arrive early and try to look dignified. Warehouses, parking lots and other large places are great for looking for daily work.

Warnings

• If something is said about you, just ignore it. If things are gaining momentum, try to run away or call for help. Never get into a fight especially with a group of people.
• Don't trust everyone.
• Obey the law, you are not ready to spend some time in jail or get a criminal record.
• Do not neglect what you have, otherwise you will be left with nothing.
• Study the laws on workers' compensation in the areas where you intend to travel. If there is a possibility of injury in the workplace, it is important to inquire about the coverage offered and what steps you need to take to obtain it.