Tips for Working While on the Road

Traditionally, the RV lifestyle has been reserved for people who are retired and have finished their careers. This stage in their life allows them the free time and flexibility they need to focus on sightseeing and traveling the country in their rig. However, in recent years, the popularity of the RV lifestyle has grown to include a younger crowd of working professionals who simply aren’t content in a sedentary position behind a desk or in an office. More than ever, young couples and singles with wanderlust are finding they can earn a living while on the road. If you’re not ready to retire but love RVing, camping, traveling, excitement, and constant movement, the working RV lifestyle – also called workamping – may just be right for you. Read on for some helpful tips on maintaining an income while enjoying the many possibilities of the open road.

1. Determine your financial needs – One thing about the RV lifestyle that many people love is that it can be a more frugal way to live your life. However, RVing does come with its own set of expenses, from the cost of the vehicle to fuel to maintenance. Coming up with a realistic amount of money that you would need to earn on an annual basis to maintain the lifestyle you want is an important first step in determining if you may be able to work from the road. Start by making a list of the expenses you would be saving while on the road and then make a list of the expenses you would be taking on. After balancing the two lists, you can better determine if you can take a pay cut when you transition to remote work or if you would need to maintain your current income level.

2. Decide what kind of work you want to do – Many careers naturally lend themselves to being able to work remotely. From freelance writers to computer programmers, the Internet has made it possible for many people to pursue careers outside of a traditional office environment. You may also find that you enjoy pursuing seasonal work while you’re on the road such as craft fairs, farmer’s markets, or retail stores that need holiday help. Some campgrounds also provide part-time work, such as gate security or office work, in exchange for camping or resort fees. A lucky few are even able to turn their passion for RVing into their income stream – consider RV blogging, travel photography, or travel writing.

3. Plan a work schedule – If you are working remotely from a laptop or other device, it will be important to plan time amidst your travels and explorations to focus on work. While your schedule will likely be unpredictable, determining how many hours per day or week you will need to work can help you structure your time. Perhaps you’re planning on setting up a temporary workspace with a laptop at campgrounds, coffee shops, or other spots along your route. If you plan on working in your rig, consider setting aside a small space that you can designate as a work area – this could be something as simple as a slide-out table for a desk.

4. Vary your income stream – If you plan on doing freelance work as your primary source of income while on the road, try to spread your work out across various jobs. Since remote work may not be as stable as a traditional job, it’s important not to put all your eggs in one basket by relying on a single source of money. Also, keep yourself open to opportunities as you travel and meet new people. New sources of income may pop up in surprising places and this can offer you a great opportunity to become part of the communities you visit.

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