What is it and should you do it?

Have you ever heard of work for accommodation? Maybe you have not heard of it, but it is pretty much exactly what it sounds like it should be. You perform some work for the place you are staying in exchange for free accommodation. If you are looking to save money, then this may be the perfect option for you! Keep reading to learn more!

Who is work for accommodation best for?

Work for accommodation is best for any backpacker looking to save money while they spend time in one location. If you are always moving, then most hostels won't employ you. Most hostels are looking for people who will stay for a least a couple of weeks; some even require a couple of months. You should look into it IF you know you will stay in one location for a month or more.

What are the requirements for work for accommodation?

Every hostel has different requirements for their workers. The least number of hours I have seen for a week of accommodation is 12 hours a week. Most hostels I have seen require 15 hours and some even up to 20 hours a week. Usually, the cost of the hostel will impact how many hours are needed each week. In addition to the hours every week, you may also be required to pay a bond at the start. The bond covers the hostel in the case that you leave without notice, but they usually return the bond to you if you provide notice before leaving.

What kind of work is required?

Every hostel has different needs, but most of the work will be some form of cleaning around the hostel. This can include cleaning showers, toilets, kitchens, and rooms. They may also require people to do housekeeping, which will involve changing beds in the rooms. Other potential work, depending on the hostel, includes general maintenance, grounds keeping, and running events.

What happens if the hostel asks me to work extra hours?

This question is a tough one. Some hostels will try to take advantage of people and ask them to work extra hours for no compensation. Since you are not a legal employee, there are no laws to protect you. However, Most hostels will try to take care of their staff and will offer cash in hand if they require you to work extra hours.

What should I do before starting to work for a hostel?

Always confirm how many hours they require you to work each week and if the hostel will pay you for extra hours. It might also be a good idea to see if they have a contract for you to sign so that that you have a written agreement with them in case any problems arise. This contract won't help you if you are hurt while working, but it will provide some backup for you to say no for extra requests.

Is this really worth it?

A lot of complaints people have when working for accommodation is the work required versus the value earned. Depending on the cost of the hostel, the value can seem really low. Think 15 hours a week for a hostel that costs $150 a week. This work comes out to $10 an hour. In Australia, this is way below the minimum wage. If this is worth it for you will largely depend on your circumstances. If you are super busy and your time is extremely valuable, then maybe you are better off paying for your room. On the other hand, if you have a lot of free time and only want to save some money, then work for accommodation can be a fantastic option.

What should I do to find some work for accommodation?

This part is pretty straightforward. Some hostels will advertise that they need some people to fill in roles at the hostel. Other hostels will not advertise this, but they are still looking for people. The easiest way to see if a hostel needs anyone is to ask at reception. Most of the reception staff should know if they are currently looking for people and if they do not know, they should be able to send you to someone who will have the answer. Another thing to note is that most hostels will only hire people in person, so email may not always work.

Work for accommodation is not for everyone. Sometimes it is not right for you at one point during your travels, but during another point, it is perfect for you. When I first found out about work for accommodation, it seemed like a rip-off. While I had no income, my mindset changed, and this work became more valuable so that I could save money for other things. If you are looking for some work for accommodation in Australia, then check out the Backpacker Job Board for some advertised positions.

For more great travel hacks, check out some of my other posts.