Almost all long-term travelers experience road exhaustion - the need to slow down, hang in only one place for longer than usual, do some maintenance, and create better than just fleeting relationships with people.
Unfortunately, vagabonding travel costs money, and it does not feel good to be using cash and not wandering new places.
Residing and getting to know one place is the best means to go deeper into the local life and to be accepted as more than someone who is just "passing through".
Hostel work offers the perfect balance between vagabonding and staying in one place for a while. The cash may be pitiful, but you get a cheap location to eat and live.
Hostel jobs in developing countries are usually very relaxed and you might be rewarded with a free place to sleep, free or cheap food, and maybe even a small income.
Types of jobs in hostels differ greatly, from outside work to making beds to teaching English.
If you have special talents such as promoting websites, bartending, playing an instrument, or painting you will probably have a better chance of turning up opportunities.
Sometimes only offering to wash dishes will get you a free meal - very helpful if you are on a tight travel budget!
There are a handful of forums and websites for finding work in hostels, but typically work is not advertised other than posting a flier in the common area of the place.
You will have a difficult time finding informal hostel work in businesses that are members of a big chain. Branded logos on signs and association memberships are rarely a good bet! Jobs in hostels are best found in small family owned guesthouses, bungalows, and budget hostels in developing countries such as China, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Most travelers do not realize how many times they could have stayed for free had they just offered up their services !
