One of the most frustrating experiences for Workampers is realizing the job you agreed to isn’t the job you end up doing. Maybe you were promised light maintenance but end up doing heavy labor. Or perhaps you expected 20 hours per week, only to be asked to work 35. Sometimes the perks that sold you on the position – like free laundry, a full-hookup site, or propane reimbursement – don’t actually materialize.
This is what we call the “bait and switch.” And while most employers don’t set out to mislead, it happens often enough that Workampers need to be on guard.
Common Signs of a “Switch”
- Job duties are much broader (or heavier) than what was advertised.
- Hours creep up beyond what was originally agreed to.
- Promised perks or benefits aren’t available when you arrive.
- You’re asked to take on a role entirely different from what you signed up for.
Sometimes this happens because of miscommunication; other times it’s due to staff shortages or unclear expectations. Regardless of the reason, the result is the same – you feel stuck in a position you didn’t agree to.
How to Protect Yourself
Workamping should be rewarding, not frustrating. By asking the right questions up front and securing a written agreement, you’ll dramatically reduce the chances of a bait and switch.
First, you should research the company. Review their website and social media pages as well as actual customer reviews. Be sure to also check the Employer Profiles on Workamper.com to find real Workamper reviews.
This can give you points to clarify in your interview as well as weed out any Employers who have consistently changed their agreements.
Second, during the interview, get answers to all your questions about the job, the compensation, and your RV site. Often job descriptions include the phrase “and other duties as required.” Clarify what other duties may be required.
If you have a task or an aspect of the job that you will not do or must have, the interview is the time to discuss it.
If you will not go up on roofs, cannot lift over a certain weight or need to sit down periodically, make sure the boss knows. If you want to be certain you have the same days off together, let the manager know this is non-negotiable.
Make sure you understand fully what is said. For example, one Workamper thought they would be working 40 hours/week. In reality, they would have 40 hours if available, but several things could affect how much work there was. Ask for clarification on what could affect your hours.
The third and best way to avoid a bait and switch is to get everything in writing. A clear work agreement ensures both you and the employer are on the same page before you roll in with your RV.
- Ask for a written agreement that spells out duties, hours, compensation, perks, and season length.
- Clarify anything that feels vague before you sign on.
- Keep a copy of your agreement so you can refer back if things change mid-season.
Preventing Problems Before They Start
Even with a written agreement, things can change between the time you accept a job and the day you arrive. Managers leave, roles shift, and misunderstandings can happen if you’re hired by one person but end up reporting to someone else. That’s why it’s smart to check in with your employer before you roll out.
One Workamper accepted a position months in advance and periodically stayed in touch with the hiring manager. Just before driving 1,200 miles to the job, they called again and discovered the manager was leaving the company. The agreement they had discussed would no longer be honored, so the Workamper wisely chose to back out before making the long trip.
In another case, a Workamper volunteered at a wildlife refuge in Arizona. The coordinator who interviewed him said the role involved operating heavy equipment and grading roads. But when the Workamper arrived and spoke with the maintenance lead – the person he’d actually be working with – he was told the job would mainly involve cleaning the garage all winter. Since that wasn’t what he had agreed to, he declined the position.
The takeaway: if you’ll be reporting to someone other than the hiring official, ask to speak directly with your future supervisor. Confirm that your duties, hours, and perks will remain as promised.
Often, these situations aren’t deliberate bait-and-switches – they’re the result of last-minute staffing changes or unclear planning on the employer’s part. By checking in before you drive across the country, you can catch problems early and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Dealing With Changes
If you arrive and discover that the job isn’t what you expected, address it right away. Don’t let weeks go by, because silence can be taken as agreement. Request a meeting, explain your understanding, and see if there’s a compromise that works for both sides. Keep in mind that employers have a business to run, and sometimes changes are unavoidable.
But if something central to your agreement has shifted and it can’t be resolved fairly, you’ll need to decide whether to stay or move on. Your time, energy, and enjoyment of the RV lifestyle are too valuable to spend in a role that doesn’t fit.
Just like the saying “buyer beware” applies to shopping, in Workamping it’s up to you to ask the right questions, verify details, and protect yourself. Do that, and you’ll minimize surprises – and maximize the rewards of the lifestyle.
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