by blizzardofozblog.wordpress.com | Jun 29, 2017 | Digital Nomad Tools
After figuring out that life as an Au Pair wasn’t for me, I was on the desperate hunt for a job. But without much time left on my visa and no experience as a barista or front desk agent, I found myself applying for hundreds of jobs without much luck.
Lucky for me I have a computer with pretty decent internet (most of the time), which allows me to make money online! None of these will make you rich but each of these sites has helped to maintain my coffee addiction plus allowed me to save towards my Partnership Visa.
Since December 2016 I have made over $1,000 watching videos, listening to music, and doing odd jobs I have found at these sites:
Method #1: Swagbucks – $245 since Dec 2016
Swagbucks is one of the most well-known sites to make money online and it is for good reason! Over the past year I have made a little over $145 purely by doing surveys, shopping online, watching videos, and playing games whenever I am sitting at home bored watching Ellen. It is such an easy way to make a few dollars while you are sitting around watching TV. I don’t go on Swagbucks everyday but whenever I am just sitting around doing nothing I check to see if there is a short video to watch or survey to take. The best part is I can redeem my rewards on Paypal or gift cards!
You can even earn money while on the go with the various Swagbucks Apps.
Method #2: Upwork – $1,645 since March 2017
Upwork has been my go-to for my new life as a Digital Nomad. After taking a few small jobs, (literally $8 for 4 hours of work), I started getting larger contracts. I personally do lots of data entry and web research for clients but there are tons of different jobs listed for anything from website design to voiceovers.
Method #3: Slice the Pie – $5.90 since Feb 2017
I love checking out Slice the Pie to see if there is any new music or fashion to review. What is awesome about this site is the all of the music and clothing reviews you write directly to help artists, record labels, and brands make decisions. Many of the songs I have heard on this site have ended up becoming hits! There usually aren’t more than a few things to review at a time but at .04-.05 each it is always worth a shot to sign in and see.
Method #4: UserTesting – $353 Since Dec 2016
UserTesting is definitely my favorite way to make money online. I started using this site back in the USA when I was saving to move to Australia and have since made over $250 from doing website reviews for clients such as AirBnB, T-Mobile, and more! You get paid $10 via PayPal for every 20-minute video review you complete. This site pays you out exactly a week from the completion time and it goes directly to your Paypal Account! You must qualify for each test but businesses are looking for all sorts of demographics.
Method #5: Fiverr – $0
(but spent $5 for help with my WordPress site!)
Fiverr is an awesome site when it comes to buying and selling services! I personally haven’t sold anything because I am just getting started with this nomad lifestyle but I have purchased various services to help get my blog up and running. For anyone looking to get started by building up your portfolio, this might be a great site for you to take a peak. (Some people have even made over 6 figures last year selling their services)
So my friends, if you are looking to earn some extra cash, the Internet has paved the way to more options than most people realize. Just by answering survey questions, listening to music, or doing your regular online shopping, you can earn real cash rewards!
[The Blizzard of Oz aims to inform and inspire you with recommendations of tools, products, and services to help you build a digital nomad life you can be proud of. From time to time I will promote certain products and services via affiliate links, which means I earn a commission for any customers we refer and in turn, you help to support The Blizzard of Oz with no added cost to you. Having said that, I take your trust very seriously so I’ll only promote products or services that I have researched/tried and truly feel deliver value to you.]
Linking at The Weekly Postcard, Weekend Wanderlust, Travel Photo Thursday, and more!
by blizzardofozblog.wordpress.com | Jun 27, 2017 | Travel
This is my interview from Expat Focus
Tuesday June 27, 2017
Who are you?
Hello! My name is Katee Blizzard and I am an American who is in the process of moving abroad to Australia.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
I came to Australia back in August 2016 to work as an Au Pair in Burleigh Heads, QLD Australia for what was supposed to be just 4 months.
During that time I accidentally fell in love with not only the country but an Aussie. Since then, I have moved down to the Tweed Coast to live with my boyfriend where we are in the process of applying for the Partner Visa.
What challenges did you face during the move?
Since moving to Australia I have found it hard to make friends that weren’t transient. The people I met at first were from all over the world and only here on Work/Holiday Visas which meant many goodbyes unfortunately. (Luckily I have places to stay all over Europe now)
Are there many other expats in your area?
I have only met a handful of expats so far but I am hoping that I can meet some more using the Expat Focus Forums.
What do you like about life where you are?
I love the attitude of everyone in Australia. No one takes things too seriously which makes life here a lot more easy going compared to back in the US.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
I definitely miss my friends and family from back “home”. Although, I don’t miss being there, I just wish they were here with me.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
I love that the people here are paid a living wage and tipping isn’t needed because of this. I feel like everyone has a good work ethic and enjoy what they do for the most part making all of the people I have encountered extremely happy and easy going.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country? What are your particular likes or dislikes?
I still can’t quite get into having beets on burgers or vegemite but I have started to love Chicken Salt and Pavlova! I’ve noticed most places in Australia are way healthier and smaller portioned than the US which has definitely made me have a healthier lifestyle.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Follow your heart. For me, it was pretty spur of the moment and my life changed in what seems like the blink of an eye. I truly have never been so happy in my life which makes the hard times easier knowing that once all of the paperwork and waiting is done, I can relax and enjoy this gorgeous country.
What are your plans for the future?
I am headed back to the US in August for a bit for my best friend’s wedding and to see my family again but when I return, I will be submitting the paperwork for my partnership visa meaning I will be waiting at least 12 months before returning. My plan is to continue working as a Virtual Assistant so that I can travel to see my family as often as possible since they miss me so much. I am also hoping to grow my blog to help Travelers and Au Pairs make the most of their time in Australia by providing them with the best deals for each destination!
Would you like to share your experience of life abroad with other readers?
Answer the questions here to be featured in an interview!
by blizzardofozblog.wordpress.com | Jun 14, 2017 | Au Pair Resources, Travel, Travel Tips
Get the Australia Visa that is Right for You!
So, you are looking to come visit Australia! Let me help you decide what Visa looks right for you. As an American coming to work as an Au Pair I utilized the Work and Holiday Visa ( Subclass 462). I am now in the process of submitting a Partnership Visa request and will post about that process shortly. Feel free to send me any questions you may have. Most of these applications are pretty straightforward but please be prepared to wait a bit for a response. (Don’t apply the night before a flight!)
eVisitor Visa – This visa lets you visit Australia:
- to visit or for business visitor purposes
- for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period.
- This is a free visa.
Requirements
You might be able to get an eVisitor if you are:
- outside Australia
- a passport holder of a certain country (Sadly not America)
Visitor Visa – This visa lets you visit Australia:
- to visit or for business visitor purposes
- for up to three, six or 12 months.
The base application charge for this visa ranges from AUD135 to AUD1000.
Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are traveling to Australia:
- as a visitor
- for business visitor activities
- to visit family
- on a tour with a registered travel agent from the People’s Republic of China.
This visa is for young people who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year.
You might be able to get this visa if you:
- are at least 18 but not yet 31 years of age
- do not have a dependent child accompanying you at any time during your stay in Australia
- have a passport from an eligible country.
Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you:
- are at least 18 but not yet 31 years of age
- don’t have a dependent child with you at any time during your stay in Australia
- have a passport from:
- Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, People’s Republic of, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Uruguay, Vietnam
This visa is for young people who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year.
Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you:
- are at least 18 but not yet 31 years of age
- do not have a dependent child accompanying you at any time during your stay in Australia
- have a passport from an eligible country. (listed here)
I hope this list of resources has helped you decide which is right for your trip to Oz.
Keep in mind that for each of these visas, it is crucial to have Travel Insurance for unexpected cancellations and incidents. Thank goodness for Allianz because I fell down the steps while I was working as an Au Pair and landed in the hospital with a sprained ankle. All fees were completely covered!
by blizzardofozblog | May 22, 2017 | Au Pair, Lessons, Travel
When I signed up to be an Au Pair I kept hearing the same thing said over and over again. “Do not fall in love over there…”
Well, I can assure you that it was in no way, shape, or form the plan to fall in love abroad. However, “when it happens, it just happens” so they say right? It was a movie moment for sure. I was out dancing around in Coolangatta with my girl Rachel before she moved away. We were dancing our hearts out to “Closer” by the Chainsmokers
*FULL ON JAM SESSION *
“I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke down car
And four years, no calls
Now you’re looking pretty in a hotel bar”
And just like that, I looked over and locked eyes with a cutie. I quickly looked at Rachel and mentioned how cute he was. Next thing I know, I look over and he came right up to me! I was like, ummmm really? This only happens in movies right? I am guessing the liquid courage had a little something to do with it but I can’t complain. We danced and danced until he had to leave, but he was sure to get my name and number before he left. Not even 5 minutes later he texted me about going to grab ice cream the next night and we have been together ever since.
I know, I know. Everyone told me “don’t fall in love over there” but I can’t help it! He was there for me when a ton of stuff happened while I was Au Pairing. And then I left. After helping me move out of host families TWICE, I vanished just like that. Headed back to the US for the holidays with no return ticket. What was supposed to be a month gone turned to two, and he honestly lost faith at one point if I’d ever make it back. I knew that I had to go back. (Not just for him, but for me) There is just something about Australia and Billy that makes me happier than I have ever been.
Even though we don’t have much money to travel with right now since we now have rent to worry about, we are enjoying what is around us. The sun, the beach, long car rides to nowhere etc. I am having an amazing time living in a beautiful place with amazing people.
The hardest part for me is being away from my family but I know that I will return soon. Right now, I am happy to be in love in a beautiful part of the world working online as a freelancer and babysitting on the side. The plan? Well, I am just going to keep going with the flow and exploring all that Australia has to offer. (Even if it’s just the Gold Coast/Northern NSW region for now.)
Catch ya later!
Katee
P.S I’d love to hear anyone else’s Found Love While Traveling Stories
by blizzardofozblog | Apr 26, 2017 | Favorite Resources, Travel, Travel Tips
Cheap flights are available and I know where to find them.
You know the rumor that getting to Australia is too expensive? Clearly, people didn’t do their research because, with a little help from Google, I found some incredibly cheap flights that have helped make it possible to live my dream of coming to Oz.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a bit of compensation to help keep my site running!
Below is a list of sites I have used to get cheap flights to Australia.
1. StudentUniverse.com – This site literally got me to Australia! Nowhere else have I found a cheaper way to travel from Newark, NJ to Brisbane for under $900 thanks to a great promo code that was offered at the time. StudentUniverse also offers Youth fares in addition to student fares. To qualify for Youth fares, you do not need to be in school. You just need to be between the ages of 16 to 25. Since they have more fares available for students, if you are both a youth and a student, register yourself as a student to get the best fares. In addition to flights, they also offer deals on hotels, tours, and travel insurance!
2. SkyScanner.com– Skyscanner is great because it offers you an opportunity to see all of the cheapest flights for each day of the month that you are looking to travel. This was perfect for me because I didn’t have a date that I needed to be here by so I was looking for the cheapest deal. It is definitely a top stop to make when searching for your best flight. I just found a round trip flight for $900!
This App Saves my Wallet! Get updates sent to your phone with the Skyscanner App.
3. Jetradar.com– Jetradar is one of the largest online search engines for flights all over the world and it truly faster than any other that I have seen before. Within seconds you will see hundreds of the cheapest flights all over the internet. One of my favorite features is at the bottom of the home page where it shows you the top locations from your location including the prices!
4. Google.com/flights– I have only recently found out about this site thanks to the Girls Love Travel Facebook group but it is pretty amazing! On this site, you can search for flights all over the world while using a map to show all possible flight routes. If you are looking to fly but have no clue of where you’d like to go, this would be a great spot to check out.
5. Skiplagged.com– To me, this is the best site to use if you are not a student and you do not mind traveling light. The developer of this site truly found a way to cheat the system by providing consumers with “hidden city” flights. Just take a look for yourself and you will see how unbelievable the savings can be. Just be sure to read the fine print on everything because some flights do have certain baggage rules.
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Planning trips can take a lot of time and effort if you are looking for the right price. Hopefully, my tips will he
lp you get up in the air sooner so you can visit your next travel destination!
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Cheers, Katee
P.S. Never forget to purchase Travel Insurance for those unexpected cancellations and incidents. Thank goodness for Allianz because I fell down the steps while I was working as an Au Pair and landed in the hospital with a sprained ankle. All fees were completely covered!
Linking at The Weekly Postcard, Weekend Wanderlust, Travel Photo Thursday, and more!
