spicyayam
First I would look at what skills/experience you could possibly transfer either to Bali, or by working remotely via the internet.
Also, think of something that you can get involved with your girlfriend.
Avoid any bar/restaurants. Anything that directly relies on the tourism industry is going to be tough.
"co-working" spaces seem very popular now. Education/activities for kids I think have a lot of potential.
The nice thing is that it doesn't cost a lot to live in Bali, but if you have zero income coming in, your time will be short.
Another option would be FIFO type of work and try to save some money.
PERtoDPS
Ever since I got divorced and starting spending more time in Bali up to months at a time, I have wanted to live there, at least a large percentage of the time/my life. I have a Balinese girlfriend (not wife) and things seem to be going well coming up on a year now.
Now here is where I differ to most of you I imagine, I am in my early forties. My partner often points out "that bule started successful business in here" etc, I still feel I need the flow of western money trickling in to maintain the lifestyle we enjoy over there. So it's really up to you guys if you want to flame or make jokes or have serious suggestions, but I'm really not happy back in Australia in freezing cold winter working for a relatively low salary and only able to spend 1 week in 3 months over there. So I guess I'm making this thread in the hope there is something I've overlooked how I can spend more time there, and potentially earning money, or even just her earning money.
Looking forward to some ideas/tips/thoughts on the topic...
spicyayam
Take a look at this guy. He creates woodworking videos on Youtube and includes how much money each video has made: <URL url="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVbRweyeFzc6j7_VYQjwxYQ/"><s>[url]</s>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVbRweyeFzc6j7_VYQjwxYQ/<e>[/url]</e></URL>
$157,000 for this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQylP1_KMtQ:1001
PERtoDPS
I've given the FIFO idea some serious thought, 2 weeks doing some type of mining support 2 weeks in Bali is better than 1 week in 3 months over there that's for sure. I have a friend who has just starting working for a labour hire company that provides the mines in North Western Australia with support staff, but the problem he is having is he is on call to go 2 hours before a stint and sometimes that call just doesn't come = sitting in Perth waiting without income.
I have worked in retail most of my life, although some in Store Manager roles.
Certainly keep the ideas flowing, I will find a way.
PERtoDPS
My partner also has a small car, which was originally purchased for her to become a driver in go jek but with the huge influx of drivers and the insanely high target to get commission (19 fares in a day get 400,000 bonus), I scraped that idea I don't feel it's worth the risk to her health, associated risks. If anyone needs airport pick ups etc with a local who speaks decent English let me know, happy to hook something up and the prices she asks are very realistic.
SamD
If I had a great idea for making money in Bali , would it make any sense to broadcast it on a public forum? You have to work it out for yourself. Only you know what you are capable of. If you are unhappy in Australia chances are you will be unhappier in bali with even less money.It will be great at the beginning but very soon the novelty will wear off and reality will kick in I think you need to keep your job in australia and work out your bali plan long term. If you are early forties then ten years from now you are still relatively young and will have ten more years of superannuation contributions to back yourself up with. Don't tbrow it all away because of the dream of an idyllic lifestyle in an exotic location. Money can't buy happiness but at least it allows you to choose the type of misery you prefer. I nearly did what you are planning twenty years ago but I am glad I didn't. Now I can plan retirement there without the worry of generating an income. I haven't just invested to make retirement money, I also invested in my health and fitness. So when I eventually settle there full time, I should be able to enjoy it to the full..
