Working From The Road: Making Money While RVing
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Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about the freedom of the open road, the allure of endless travel, and the magnetism of an RV lifestyle? But then, a thought pulls you back. “Will working on the road work for me?”
We wondered the same thing when we started working on the road. But we started our business before we started full time RVing to avoid the stress of starting a business and making a living while working on the road.
We wanted to experience the thrill of discovering new places, cultures, and cuisines. But we also had commitments, responsibilities, and careers we couldn’t abandon.
This blog post explores the exciting intersection of work and travel. It’s about crafting a lifestyle that satisfies your thirst for adventure while ensuring financial stability.
It’s time to break free from the traditional concept of a 9-to-5 job. Like our tag line says – Shift Control and Escape to RV Living! And with the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, earning a living no longer means being confined to an office.
We conduct business meetings while parked by a serene lake or write reports while nestled in the heart of a mountain range.
We introduce how people are already making this dream lifestyle a reality.
From freelance writing and consulting to online teaching and e-commerce, we cover a broad spectrum of job options that you can do on the road.
Let’s get started.
Is Working From The Road While Full-Time RVing Doable?
Yes, you can make money while full-time RVing.
Working remotely has become increasingly common as we shift towards a more flexible, digital age.
More people are turning their backs on traditional office environments, opting for jobs that can be done anywhere in the world, including from the comfort of their RV.
Online jobs are a fantastic fit for the full-time RV lifestyle. They offer flexibility, allowing you to set your hours and work from wherever you choose.
All you need is a reliable internet connection, and you’re good to go.
There’s a wide variety of remote jobs to suit different skills and interests. You might be a graphic designer, a writer, a consultant, or even an online teacher. You can also run your own online business selling products or offering services.
Some full-time RVers take on seasonal work, like campground hosting or working at National Parks.
Many companies now offer remote positions even large companies like Apple and Microsoft. Jobs at Google don’t all take place in office buildings, either!
Others might pick up temporary jobs in the towns they visit or make money by renting out their home while on the road. The key is to think creatively and find the work that suits you best.
It’s about crafting a lifestyle that blends your passion for travel with your career, giving you the best of both worlds.
How To Make Money Working From The Road In Your RV
Living in an RV full-time might seem like an extended vacation, but it doesn’t mean you have to leave your career behind.
In fact, with some planning and creativity, you can earn a living while exploring the country at your own pace.
Here are some ways to make money working on the road from your RV.
1. Ask Your Current Employer to Work Remotely
Before starting your new lifestyle, chat with your current employer about possibly working remotely.
Many businesses are adapting to this work style, which could allow you to keep your job while living on the road.
2. Consider Camp Hosting
Many campgrounds offer free or reduced-cost camping in exchange for a few hours of work each week.
The duties typically involve helping guests, collecting fees, and keeping the facilities clean. This could be an excellent way to reduce living expenses while meeting fellow travelers.
3. Become a Private Contractor
As a private contractor, you can offer your services freelance.
Whether it’s landscaping, construction, legal advice, or accounting, the freedom to choose your clients and projects gives you flexibility in your work schedule.
4. Try Freelance Writing
If you have a way with words, consider freelance writing. You can find writing opportunities on numerous online platforms or even start a blog to share your RV experiences.
The flexibility of freelance writing allows you to work when and where you want.
5. Offer Consultation Services
Use your professional expertise to provide consultation services. Businesses often seek expert advice in marketing, business strategy, IT, or another field.
You can set your rates and work from any location as a consultant.
6. Sell Your Artwork
If you have a creative side, consider selling your artwork. Whether it’s music, painting, jewelry making, or writing, you can sell your creations online or at local markets during your travels.
7. Start an Online Store
E-commerce is a growing field. You could start an online store selling products related to your hobbies or interests. Or, you could sell digital products, such as e-books or online courses.
8. Work as a Call Center Operator
Many businesses hire remote call center operators. This job involves answering customer inquiries, taking orders, or providing technical support. It’s a job you can do from any quiet location.
9. Website Design and Management
If you’re tech-savvy, consider offering website design and management services. Many businesses require these skills, and you can do the work remotely.
10. Influence Others with Your RV Lifestyle
Share your experiences and inspire others by becoming an influencer.
You can use social media platforms, blogs, or YouTube to share your RV lifestyle and earn income through sponsorships and advertising.
10 Ways To Make Working From Your RV Better
Working from an RV is doable and can be a fulfilling lifestyle choice. Will you have a large private office? Likely not, however, some RVs do have small desk areas and of course, you can always make workspaces.
Removing dinettes from slide-outs, converting a bunkhouse, and using toy hauler garages are all easy ways to set up your office on the road.
With the correct planning and setup, an RV can transform into an efficient workspace that lets you enjoy the freedom of the open road. Having a comfortable and functional workspace is critical so let’s dig a little deeper into this one.
We use our dinette as our office area in our Class C Rv and our Class A motorhome. The dinette allows us to spread out and be comfortable while working.
We also have a desk the pulls out from the dash board in our Class A motorhome where we work sometimes too.
1. Creating a Dedicated Work Area
A crucial factor is having a dedicated work area within your RV. This space should be comfortable and conducive to productivity.
Separating your living and working areas is vital to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
2. Ensuring Reliable Internet Connectivity
Reliable internet connectivity is another critical requirement for working from an RV.
Depending on your location, you may need different solutions, such as Wi-Fi boosters, mobile hotspots, or satellite internet.
Researching and investing in a reliable internet solution is critical to ensure seamless work operations.
We find that Starlink and T-Mobile Home offer the best internet coverage for us. We also have a Verizon chip in our Winegard, so we have three ways of getting an internet connection.
Starlink is the most reliable and the most expensive option. It costs us $150 a month but we get internet almost everywhere. And we can turn it off when T-Mobile works. So we save some money this way.
T-Mobile Home costs $50 a month, and we use it whenever possible. It works great, and we can even upload our YouTube videos while using it.
The Verizon chip starts at $20 a month, and we can increase the plan for more gigs if we are in an area where Verizon works the best.
3. Managing Power Usage
Power management is another aspect that needs careful consideration.
Your work equipment, like laptops, phones, and other devices, will require regular charging.
Supplemented by solar power, an efficient power system can help manage your energy requirements.
4. Planning Your Travel
Planning your travel itinerary can help maintain a smooth workflow.
Consider factors like time zones, availability of resources, and quiet times for work while planning your travels.
5. Maintaining Work-Life Balance
While working from your RV is exciting, it’s equally important to maintain a work-life balance.
Make sure to allocate time for relaxation and exploring your surroundings.
This lifestyle offers the unique opportunity of blending work with leisure.
6. Establishing Routine
Like in a traditional office setting, establishing a consistent routine can help keep you productive and motivated.
This can include setting regular work hours, planning meals, and scheduling breaks for relaxation or exploration.
7. Staying Organized
Keeping your workspace tidy is crucial due to the limited space when working from an RV.
Regularly organizing your work materials can prevent clutter and help maintain a conducive work environment.
8. Securing Your Data
It’s important to secure your data when working on the go.
Regular backups and using secure connections can help protect your work from unexpected losses or breaches.
9. Maintaining Regular Communication
Maintaining regular communication with your team or clients is vital when working remotely.
Regular check-ins, updates, and virtual meetings keep everyone on the same page.
10. Taking Care of Your Health
Remember to take care of your physical health while on the road.
Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep are all essential for maintaining productivity and well-being.
3 FAQs About Working From The Road
We all have those moments where we dream of packing up our bags, hitting the road, and working from wherever our hearts take us.
But is this way of life as idyllic as it sounds?
Let’s explore some frequently asked questions to give you a clearer picture.
1. Is Working From The Road Legal?
Working from the road has its perks: flexibility, new experiences, and the freedom to choose your surroundings.
Working remotely is not only legal it’s actually pretty common in today’s world. As with any job you have to ensure you’re following tax laws for remote workers and best business practices. Beyond that, there isn’t much else required.
Reliable internet connection, finding suitable workspaces, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be tricky. But with careful planning and a flexible mindset, it’s possible to make it work.
2. How Do You Pay Tax As A Freelancer?
As a freelancer, you’re responsible for managing your taxes.
Monitoring your earnings and expenditures and filing your tax returns regularly is crucial. Understanding the tax laws where you’re earning income is also vital.
It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting all legal obligations.
3. Will You Save Money Working While RVing Full-Time?
Working while full-time RVing can save money, depending on lifestyle choices and travel habits. Factors such as RV maintenance, campground fees, fuel, and living expenses can add up.
However, you may offset these costs compared to traditional living expenses like rent or a mortgage.
Careful budgeting and financial planning are essential to make this lifestyle financially beneficial.
Is Working From The Road Worth It?
Working from the road is a concept that has captured many people’s imaginations.
Swapping your office cubicle for a scenic beachside or a tranquil forest seems like an ideal scenario, doesn’t it?
However, it’s essential to understand that this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It demands discipline, adaptability, and a healthy dose of self-motivation.
You’re your own boss, and while this brings a lot of freedom, it also carries a significant amount of responsibility.
One of the major advantages of this lifestyle is the autonomy it offers. You get to design your day according to what suits you best.
Nothing stops you if you feel like taking a break for a midday hike. If you work better at night, you can set your schedule accordingly.
But remember, this freedom also means you are solely responsible for meeting your work commitments while making the most of this unique lifestyle.
Another benefit is the enormous time you save by eliminating the daily commute.
When your home doubles as your office, you gain back those hours usually spent battling traffic. This is more time you can spend with your family, exploring new places, or enjoying a relaxed breakfast.
However, the question remains: is this lifestyle worth the trade-offs?
The answer greatly depends on your personality and work habits. This lifestyle offers tremendous freedom, but it also demands discipline and commitment.
Striking a balance between work and life, responsibility and adventure, is crucial.
If you adapt well to new environments and enjoy breaking out of the conventional, working from the road could be a rewarding journey.
It’s a unique lifestyle that allows you to explore the world, spend valuable time with loved ones, and also escape the traditional 9 to 5 routine.
Final Thoughts About Working From The Road In Your RV
Choosing to work from the road in your RV is a decision requiring careful thought planning and also some sacrifices.
It’s not a lifestyle that suits everyone, but for those who thrive on adaptability and self-motivation, it can be a rewarding experience.
Working from the road allows you to design your day as you please and to say goodbye to the daily grind of commuting.
However, with this freedom also comes responsibility.
You’re your own boss, meaning you must meet work commitments while enjoying this new lifestyle.
It’s about balancing work and leisure and ensuring one doesn’t overshadow the other.
Working from the road in your RV can be a fulfilling and adventurous lifestyle choice.
It offers a unique way to combine work and pleasure, allowing you to explore the world while staying committed to your professional responsibilities.
But remember, this isn’t an endless vacation. It’s a lifestyle choice that demands discipline, careful planning, and thoughtful decision-making.
For those who can make it work, working from the road while also RVing full-time is a life of perfect balance.
Related Reading:
– 10 Best RVs With Office Space For Working Remotely
– Best Work Camping Jobs For Couples
– How To Become A Campground Host
– Full-Time RVing: Life-Changing Or Big Mistake?
Source: https://rvblogger.com/blog/working-from-the-road/
