Author Topic: Any FIRE focused traveling nurses/social workers/etc?  (Read 1426 times)

FireAnt

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Any FIRE focused traveling nurses/social workers/etc?
« on: February 17, 2020, 07:43:47 PM »
I've been looking into travel social work and finally in a position to start moving forward with this a little further. Just curious about how to stay aligned with FIRE principles/goals while pursuing this? I don't want to extend our FIRE date too much.

For example, I know I would only have access to healthcare when I have an assignment and am at risk to be without in between jobs. Would I have access to a 401k/403b? If I take an assignment in California, am I considered a resident and have to pay their taxes (much higher than Michigan).

Some things we've discussed is airbnb-ing our current home to cover our mortgage. I would be reimbursed/compensated for housing wherever I'm assigned so the hope is we would have no out of pocket housing expenses. I would need to find someone to help clean and be a contact for guests. They cover airfare, any basically any other expenses I would have which has the potential to help us save substantially more than we already are.

I would love to hear from those who've done it or are doing it and how they make it work.

MoseyingAlong

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Re: Any FIRE focused traveling nurses/social workers/etc?
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2020, 11:31:42 PM »
....
For example, I know I would only have access to healthcare when I have an assignment and am at risk to be without in between jobs.
--- Depends how long you coast between assignments. You'll be eligible for COBRA so could maintain coverage that way.

Would I have access to a 401k/403b?
--- This is a great question to ask your recruiter. Generally I've been told I'd be eligible after working 1,000 hours for that agency. But when I look at their 401k options, they are kinda sucky, expensive and not great choices.
On the other hand, taxable income is pretty low as a single earner so it's not as critical to max tax-deferred accounts. Plus you could contribute, then rollover after your 13/26 week assignment to get to better options.

If I take an assignment in California, am I considered a resident and have to pay their taxes (much higher than Michigan).
--- Not unless you intend to or stay longer than a year. However, California does tax non-residents on income earned there so you will still need to file and pay California taxes.
(As an aside, some travelers stay at the same facility in California for years, taking every 13th month off. Their agencies claim this is enough to avoid being deemed permanent staff. I think this is a risky move. If the FTB or IRS picked you for an audit, it seems to me it'd be hard to make a case that it was a temporary assignment. Then all that non-taxable income becomes taxable. Ouch.)

Some things we've discussed is airbnb-ing our current home to cover our mortgage. I would be reimbursed/compensated for housing wherever I'm assigned so the hope is we would have no out of pocket housing expenses. I would need to find someone to help clean and be a contact for guests.
--- I planned to be travel for a while so did a long term rental. Worked out well. No experience with short-term options but think the key would be finding a good local manager.
A nurse I know bought a very nice trailer and has been using that. While she is younger, she often stays at 55+ RV parks. Says they are happy to have her, figuring she'll be quiet and their rent will get paid. A CRNA and her hubby were doing something similar in a nice Class A RV. Maybe an option to consider after you try a few assignments and see whether you like it. Also depends on where you want to take assignments.


FireAnt

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Re: Any FIRE focused traveling nurses/social workers/etc?
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2020, 10:10:24 AM »
....
For example, I know I would only have access to healthcare when I have an assignment and am at risk to be without in between jobs.
--- Depends how long you coast between assignments. You'll be eligible for COBRA so could maintain coverage that way.

Would I have access to a 401k/403b?
--- This is a great question to ask your recruiter. Generally I've been told I'd be eligible after working 1,000 hours for that agency. But when I look at their 401k options, they are kinda sucky, expensive and not great choices.
On the other hand, taxable income is pretty low as a single earner so it's not as critical to max tax-deferred accounts. Plus you could contribute, then rollover after your 13/26 week assignment to get to better options.

If I take an assignment in California, am I considered a resident and have to pay their taxes (much higher than Michigan).
--- Not unless you intend to or stay longer than a year. However, California does tax non-residents on income earned there so you will still need to file and pay California taxes.
(As an aside, some travelers stay at the same facility in California for years, taking every 13th month off. Their agencies claim this is enough to avoid being deemed permanent staff. I think this is a risky move. If the FTB or IRS picked you for an audit, it seems to me it'd be hard to make a case that it was a temporary assignment. Then all that non-taxable income becomes taxable. Ouch.)

Some things we've discussed is airbnb-ing our current home to cover our mortgage. I would be reimbursed/compensated for housing wherever I'm assigned so the hope is we would have no out of pocket housing expenses. I would need to find someone to help clean and be a contact for guests.
--- I planned to be travel for a while so did a long term rental. Worked out well. No experience with short-term options but think the key would be finding a good local manager.
A nurse I know bought a very nice trailer and has been using that. While she is younger, she often stays at 55+ RV parks. Says they are happy to have her, figuring she'll be quiet and their rent will get paid. A CRNA and her hubby were doing something similar in a nice Class A RV. Maybe an option to consider after you try a few assignments and see whether you like it. Also depends on where you want to take assignments.


Thanks for your input! I did ask the recruiter and he is going to send me information on benefits. It's through Maxim healthcare.

I am married so it will be interesting how that will fit in. He would like a remote position regardless of whether I pursued this or not. Obviously would benefit us if he his current job would allow him to work remotely, or finding another remote position.

How long is a "long term rental"? 6 months? 1 year? Just curious because I would assume that is easier than airbnb; having multiple people in and out. The trailer idea is awesome! Definitely a consideration for the future.

How long have you been traveling? What do you like and dislike about it?

WalkaboutStache

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Re: Any FIRE focused traveling nurses/social workers/etc?
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2020, 12:01:36 PM »
For rentals, FurnishedFinder seems to be geared towards travelling nurses.  I rent my place on AirBnB and am adding FurnishedFinder.  When I was looking for a place to buy, I stayed in a house that rented rooms on AirBnB and one of my housemates was a travelling nurse.

FireAnt

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Re: Any FIRE focused traveling nurses/social workers/etc?
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2020, 03:05:45 PM »
For rentals, FurnishedFinder seems to be geared towards travelling nurses.  I rent my place on AirBnB and am adding FurnishedFinder.  When I was looking for a place to buy, I stayed in a house that rented rooms on AirBnB and one of my housemates was a travelling nurse.

Thanks for the tip! Hey, maybe I'll end up renting from you one day? Only if you're somewhere warm though haha.