No Housing? No Problem.

I am an independent contractor. Sometimes this means I can stay in one place and commute to work (when it comes to in-town, theatre-related gigs, or my survival job which is TaskRabbit) and sometimes this means I travel domestically (which can be frequently) to be a resident within a company for shorter or longer periods of time - where, usually, I am provided staff/cast housing.

Well, places like Chicago and New York City? They don't foot the housing for ya. It's harder to land gigs there because if the whiny out-of-towner can't do a job because they aren't provided housing, the Gig Gods will hire someone else - living there - who CAN do the job.

Enter: Couchsurfing.

I first heard about Couchsurfing in 2011 while volunteering with AmeriCorps in Montana. I worked with people from all over the country when I served with Montana Conservation Corps, some of whom were also world travellers. My coworkers, Ryan, Rebecca, and some others utilized couchsurfing while they traveled across the U.S. - But it's not only accessible in the U.S. - it is worldwide! You meet new people, stay in their home, exchange kind words or a skill, and it does not involve money.

How is this possible?

Couchsurfing itself is defined as: a stay temporarily in a series of other people's homes, typically making use of improvised sleeping arrangements.

The Couchsurfing.org website describes itself as: "a hospitality service and social networking website. The website provides a platform for members to stay as a guest at someone's home, host travelers, meet other members, or join an event."

While most use this platform as a means to explore a city on vacation, or a place to rest their heads on a cross-country excursion, I asked myself if it was morally okay to use it to find housing for a short, contracted city gig. Then I decided: Why not? I hadn't really explored Chicago that much, and I certainly didn't have the means to drive hours outside of the city for a place to sleep every night. Don't get me wrong, if I had the money, I would have gladly put myself up in a hotel as to not be in anyone's hair! However, part of the magic of Couchsurfing is mingling and meeting new people; enjoying The Human Experience, something so many of us have lost touch with in the age of technology.

So, when I stumbled across Brad & Karen, who are youthfully middle-aged, well-to-do, WELL-versed world travellers, they were kind enough to offer me one of their bedrooms in their homeland of Chicago, Illinois. Upon arriving, they gave me full freedom to come and go as I please, full use of the kitchen, laundry facilities, free street parking, my own bathroom, and my own bedroom, among all the other fun amenities they have in their beautiful townhouse (a hot tub on their deck, views of the city, ping-pong table, pool table, etc). Their home is full of photographs and charms from all over the world. Karen is inherently German, but born and raised in America, while Brad (also American) is a translator. They are the kindest, friendliest, most interesting, and most trustworthy hosts I have come across. All because of a beautiful platform like Couchsurfing, perfect strangers can invite you to stay in their home, free of charge, in exchange for good company and good intentions. I have stayed with other hosts before, while traversing the country and just resting my head for a night... But I am so humbled by this kind, charming, world-travelling pair, who have allowed me to stay here for a week while I am in town for work.

Humanity can be crippling, and this career can certainly be a struggle, but experiences like these are so humbling. I am incredibly grateful to have a safe, cosy, wonderful home to reside in for this work week in the Windy City. (And the gig isn't too bad, either - working for Northwestern University has been a privilege and a blast!)

So the next time you find yourself wondering if you can take a gig without housing accommodations - fear not.

And, gig or no gig: If you're travelling and you're down on your luck with finances, or you want to meet new people in a city (let's be real - traveling for work can be lonely if housing is not provided), or even if you have an abundant home of your own and you aren't looking for a way to make money off of folks (try AirBNB for that), seriously look into Couchsurfing.org and the wonderful souls that utilize this platform. (But only if you're willing to enjoy The Human Experience and not just take advantage of a free couch or bedroom.)

Disclaimer: Obviously do as much research as you need to to feel comfortable and safe, in any situation. For any concerns or questions about what it's like, how it works, or what the "rules" may be, check out the website!

www.couchsurfing.org