Our seventh Journey: How to make a living an an ecovillage

Many people who visit and volunteer in ecovillages eventually start wondering: Could I actually make a living here? Questions like these often arise:

• Can I keep my old job while living in an ecovillage?
• What skills or professions are useful in an ecovillage?
• How can I find work outside the city?
• Is it possible to earn a living entirely within the ecovillage?

After researching and observing different communities, it becomes clear that there is no single answer—every ecovillage has its own economic model. Some share income collectively, while others require individuals to be financially self-sufficient. Similarly, some communities provide on-site job opportunities, whereas in others, most residents work externally.

This article doesn’t aim to provide an exhaustive list of every possibility, but rather to highlight various examples and perspectives to inspire you to find creative solutions that align with your skills, passions, and goals.

Start by Exploring Your Own Skills and Passions

Before diving into job options, it helps to reflect on what you already bring to the table. Ask yourself: What skills do I have? What work excites me? Is there a way to integrate my profession into ecovillage life?

For instance, speaking from my own experience, I have a background as a primary school teacher. After my ESC, I’d love to explore communities where children are educated on-site. My brother, on the other hand, is passionate about technical innovation and has a background in systems engineering—he might be drawn to a “Solar Punk” community focused on sustainability and technology.

Whatever your background, there may be a place for your skills in an ecovillage setting!

Hands-On and Manual Work Opportunities

If you have skills in carpentry, plumbing, natural building, or electrical work, your expertise is often highly valued in ecovillages. Many communities need people who can help construct and maintain infrastructure, making these professions a great way to secure on-site employment or work-trade agreements.

Similarly, if you enjoy gardening and food production, there may be opportunities to work in agriculture. However, in many ecovillages, gardening is done on a voluntary basis rather than as a paid position.

Ecovillages as a Haven for Digital Nomads and Freelancers

The rise of remote work has made it easier than ever for people to live in rural areas while maintaining an online career. Imagine working in a co-working space surrounded by nature, alongside like-minded individuals, while enjoying fresh, organic meals!

Several initiatives aim to connect digital nomads with ecovillage living. One such initiative was started by a former GEN ESC volunteer, Giuseppe, who organizes retreats to introduce freelancers to regenerative lifestyles.

Part-Time Work and Better Work-Life Balance

Life in an ecovillage is often less expensive than in cities, which may open up the possibility of working part-time. Many residents find a balance between external jobs and community-based activities such as gardening, cooking, or hosting workshops. The slower pace of life and strong social networks can make this approach particularly fulfilling.

Education and Seminar-Based Income Models

Many ecovillages generate income through educational programs, workshops, and retreats. They host visitors for courses in permaculture, natural building, sustainability, and personal development. If you have expertise as a facilitator, trainer, or coach, this could be a viable way to earn a living.

Some ecovillages that emphasize education include:

• Schweibenalp (Switzerland)
• Findhorn (Scotland)
• Sieben Linden (Germany)

External Jobs: The Reality for Some Ecovillagers

Not all ecovillages offer sufficient job opportunities on-site. Some communities, like Arterra Bizimodu in Spain, consist mostly of members who work outside the ecovillage. However, this requires balancing external work with internal community responsibilities.

Ecovillage-Owned Businesses

Some ecovillages run businesses that generate income for the community, such as:

• Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, where local residents pay a fixed amount for regular fresh produce deliveries. Examples include Gastwerke (Germany) and Arterra Bizimodu (Spain).
• Shops and artisan products, such as the Cloughjordan community farm shop in Ireland.
• Food production businesses, like Lakabe (Spain), where the community has sustained itself for 40+ years by selling homemade bread in shops in the nearby city.

Shared vs. Private Income Models

Ecovillages vary in how they manage income:

• Some, like Lakabe (Spain) and Gastwerke (Germany), share all income in a collective pot, allowing members to take what they need.
• Others, such as Viladia (Romania), and Sieben Linden (Germany), operate with individual income, where each person is financially independent.
• There is also the approach of a mixed-economy: Partly is community-owned & finacially managed, partly indiviually

Each system has its pros and cons. A shared economy fosters equality and communal support, while private income allows individuals more financial autonomy. It’s worth considering which model aligns with your values and practical needs.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Own Path

There is no single way to make a living in an ecovillage. Your options depend on your skills, the specific community, and how you wish to structure your life. Whether you bring an existing profession into the ecovillage, develop new skills, or balance external work with community engagement, there are many creative ways to make it work.

What path excites you the most? Let us know in the comments!