When venturing into full-time RV life, it’s natural to worry about your RV’s gas mileage or how to execute a clean right-hand turn in your motorhome…but you shouldn’t have to worry about your finances.
Thoughts of, “Should I keep traveling or park up for a steady paycheck?” may leave you questioning whether full-time RV life is possible for you.
Don’t compromise the freedom of the open road. Many job opportunities are tailored for RVers.
Who said travel and steady income couldn’t go hand-in-hand?
Remote Work Opportunities for Full-Time RVers
As remote work booms in popularity, RVers have more avenues to earn on the go: telecommuting, freelancing, or starting an online business, to name a few!
Telecommuting Jobs
Telecommuting allows remote workers to operate anywhere with good internet, offering flexibility to those RVers who want to drive along the Gulf Coast or cruise down Route 66.
Websites like Flex Jobs list RV-friendly remote jobs tailored to your needs.
Telecommuting jobs yield unique benefits and challenges. While you may be able to find remote customer service roles without reduced pay, longer work hours might limit your exploration time.
With employers raising concerns about remote work productivity barriers— like inconsistent wifi, distractions, or lack of direct oversight — RVers must be upfront when stepping into a telecommuting position.
Discuss your past successes in similar settings and outline strategies to mitigate these challenges, ensuring continuous productivity.
For example, you might mention a past role where you successfully managed a project while traveling, highlighting how you used tools like mobile hotspots or scheduled focused work hours to ensure you stayed on task.
Freelance Gigs
Freelance gigs allow RVers to choose projects and clients that best suit their skills and expertise.
If you have specific skills, such as:
- Online Teaching
- Virtual Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Freelance Writing
- Web Development
- Social Media Manager
You can explore a wide range of freelance opportunities.
You can easily find freelance gigs through popular platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr that connect contractors with clients.
Start an Online Business
Another business model to consider is starting your own business online.
Whether it’s blogging, consultancy, or selling digital products, you have many options.
Benefits of Starting an Online Business:
- Total control: Dictate your pricing, product offerings, and work hours.
- Passive income: Earn even when off the grid or exploring new sites.
- Global audience: Access customers from anywhere, breaking geographical barriers.
Challenges of Starting an Online Business:
- Initial setup: Creating a brand and website requires time and resources.
- Regular updates: Consistent engagement is essential to retain customers and attract new ones, requiring ongoing effort and creativity.
- Staying current: Digital trends shift; adapting is key.
However, leveraging platforms like Shopify or WordPress simplifies the setup process and makes the user experience much more convenient. Allowing you to put your focus elsewhere.
Workamping: A Unique Job Option for RVers
Workamping merges work with camping, the perfect concoction for RV enthusiasts with a nomadic spirit.
Positions in RV parks, campgrounds, or seasonal businesses compensate through various models: hourly wages, benefits, or even free campsites.
Here’s what to expect:
Compensation models: This varies. Some offer hourly wages, while others focus on benefits like free campsites.
Work hours: Generally, at least 20 hours per week can secure a good position at a “workamping” site.
Here’s how you can get started:
- Research: To explore available opportunities, begin with dedicated workamping websites and forums like Workamper or Kamperjobs.
- Network: Contact current workampers or visit RV parks and campgrounds to inquire about openings.
- Skill assessment: Match your skills with the required roles. There’s something for everyone, be it maintenance, hosting, or guest services.
- Trial: Consider starting with a short-term commitment to see if it aligns with your RVing goals.
- Feedback: Regularly communicate with your employer to ensure mutual satisfaction.
Seasonal Jobs and Temporary Positions
Seasonal work and other temporary positions offer an abundance of opportunities for RVers, especially within RV parks and popular tourist destinations. Some roles include:
- Housekeeper: Ensure cleanliness and uphold hygiene standards at accommodations in tourist destinations like ski resorts, beachfront hotels, and holiday lodges.
- Security officer: Safeguard RV park visitors, ensuring their safety and preventing unauthorized or suspicious activities.
- Retail sales clerk: Manage sales and offer assistance at park gift shops or convenience stores.
- RV volunteer: Aid in various capacities, often in exchange for a campsite.
- Campground host: Oversee camping areas and provide necessary information to campers.
- Camp host: Similar to a campground host but might involve fewer responsibilities or different locations.
You can discover location-based seasonal work by checking job listings and online resources such as Craigslist.org and Snagajob.com.
However, with seasonal work, it’s crucial to strategize for the off-season. Ensure your income remains consistent and doesn’t hit a standstill.
Unique Job Options and Side Hustles for RVers
If you’re looking for something different, unique jobs like towing RVs, working as a mobile technician, or gate guarding might be the way to go.
These opportunities provide an exciting alternative to traditional workcamping and remote jobs.
Tow RVs
Towing RVs is a great opportunity that allows you to:
- Travel and explore the country as an independent contractor
- Deliver RVs and trailers to their destinations
- Earn money as you go
However, one common concern for RVers is where to park their RV when towing another.
Many opt to stay in campgrounds or RV parks, arranging short-term stays or finding locations that offer “boondocking” or free overnight parking.
Become a Mobile RV Technician
A mobile RV technician specializes in diagnosing and repairing a wide array of RV issues. This includes:
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Appliance repairs
- Plumbing problems
- Slide-out adjustments
Consider joining forums or platforms dedicated to RV maintenance, which will allow you to network and stay updated on common issues and their solutions.
Certification for RV Technicians
To professionally offer services, it’s essential to be certified.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) provides certification programs. Once certified, your credibility increases, making it easier to attract clients.
Proper credentials add to your service’s credibility and instill confidence in potential clients. Furthermore, proficiency in this role can lead to cost savings on personal RV maintenance and repairs.
Become a Gate Guard
Gateguarding is a security role that entails overseeing facility access, particularly in industries like oil and gas.
As a gate guard, your day-to-day tasks might involve:
- Logging vehicle entries and exits.
- Ensuring the security of the site by granting access only to authorized individuals.
- Carrying out simple administrative duties.
This role requires attention to detail, dependability, and a strong understanding of the safety protocols tied to the facilities you’re guarding.
Monetize Other Properties
If you have a property waiting at home, peer-to-peer storage platforms like Neighbor offer a seamless way to monetize those unused spaces
Turn that empty garage or attic space into a lucrative asset. Even if you’ve embraced the RV life full-time, your stationary property can still generate income for you.
Doing so provides a valuable storage solution for others and creates a revenue stream for yourself.
Job Search Strategies
Planning how you’ll find and excel in RV jobs is essential to fully enjoy your RV lifestyle.
This means knowing how to:
- Search for positions that align with your RV lifestyle (remote, seasonal, or location-specific positions)
- Manage a steady workload even when traveling
- Handle the nuances of a remote job (managing patchy Wi-Fi, processing feelings of disconnect, and fostering digital relationships with coworkers).
When Searching for The Perfect Full-Time RV Job
Assess Your Skills
Reflect on your current skills and expertise. Use these strengths as a starting point to determine the types of roles that would best suit you.
Use Specialized Platforms
Websites like RVer Job Exchange and Cool Works are tailored for RVers, offering niche job opportunities that fit the lifestyle.
Network
Connect with other RVers. They can offer insights, personal experiences, and potential job leads.
Research Potential Employers
Before sending out applications, familiarize yourself with potential employers. Look for those offering fully remote roles, flexible working hours, and an understanding of the RV lifestyle’s unique demands.
Stay Proactive
Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. By actively using all available resources and consistently networking, you’ll discover a broader range of job openings tailored to the RV lifestyle.
How to Balance Work and Travel
One of the challenges of full-time RVing is finding the perfect balance between work and travel.
To ensure you make the most of your adventures, travel at a leisurely pace and spend a couple of weeks or a month in each destination. This approach will give you plenty of time to explore the area, find job opportunities, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Adapting to Remote Work Challenges
Being aware and adapting to the challenges of remote work is crucial for long-term success.
To optimize productivity while working from your RV:
- Create a dedicated workspace.
- Invest in ergonomic furniture for comfort during long hours.
- Use noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions and maintain focus.
In addition, use time zones to your advantage. Match your work hours with when you’re most productive and when your team or clients need you.
Final Thoughts
Start by identifying one job that aligns with your skills and the RV lifestyle. Commit to it.
As the miles accumulate, so can your income. Full-time RVing isn’t just the road to endless travel, but the road to a career where you’re your own boss.
If you only plan to live in your RV part-time, find RV storage options through peer-to-peer marketplaces like Neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is workamping, and where can I find workamping jobs?
Workamping is a great way to combine work and camping, and you can find workamping jobs at RV parks, campgrounds, and seasonal businesses.
Are there seasonal jobs available in national parks?
Yes, there are seasonal jobs available in national parks! These can include roles such as maintenance and housekeeping.
