Have you always wanted to live life on the road but couldn’t because you still need to earn a reliable income? If you’ve been putting off becoming a full-time RVer because of your job, you don’t need to wait any longer. Thanks to modern technology and growing awareness of the remotee workforce, new options are available. RV manufacturers have been working to make working remotely from your RV easier than ever. Here’s what you need to know if you’re ready to take on this lifestyle.
Finding remote work
Last year many businesses transitioned employees to remote work due to the pandemic. Now, even though many workplaces have reopened, some companies are giving employees the option to continue working from home. If you’re lucky enough to be given the choice of where to work from, life on the road is at your fingertips.
But if you’re not one of the lucky ones, that doesn’t mean you don’t still have options. There are many ways to create a remote work scenario for yourself. For starters, you can apply for remote work positions that you find online. This can be as simple as keeping your eye on LinkedIn and popular job boards like Indeed.
You could also switch to life as a freelancer. There are many opportunities to work as a consultant or freelancer which allows you to create your own schedule and take on your own clients. You can start your own business or find clients on websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
Once you have your remote job secure, there are a few important considerations and tips to help you succeed in your position while being a full-time RVer.
Tips for Working Remotely from an RV
Do consider your workspace
Don’t let this discourage you. Remote workers and full-time RVers are both creative when it comes to space usage. Having a dedicated workspace doesn’t mean you need a “home office” complete with a desk, bookshelves, filing cabinet, and a whiteboard. Consider how you’re going to use the space and what your needs are for the type of work you do.
You may decide to find an RV that provides you with a dedicated desk and workspace. Or, you may find that you can work best when you set up for work at the dinette. You may just need a storage bin that you can pack your work supplies into at the end of the day.
Don’t underestimate the space you need
It may be easy to think that you can just setup shop anywhere when working remotely, but that’s not always the case. For example, if you have to do a work video call, what surroundings are you going to be showing the people on the other end? What if you have to take a call and your entire family is stuck inside the RV on a rainy day? Think through the different scenarios that could happen to help you find the best way to re-create the work space you need in your RV.
Do make sure you have reliable internet
If you’re working online remotely, a stable internet connection is a MUST. It’s going to be difficult to keep your boss or clients happy if your Zoom meeting constantly cuts out or you can’t meet deadlines because you have no internet access.
Some remote working RVers find it helpful to have multiple internet service providers. This helps increase the likelihood of having good coverage. It’s also helpful to have WiFi signal boosters and cell signal boosters.
It’s also important to understand your internet needs. Do you need to be online and connected on a daily basis? Or, can you do work offline and only need to connect on certain days to submit your work? Knowing your connection needs is the best way to know what you really need to look for.
Don’t rely solely on campground WiFi
Yes, most campgrounds offer free WiFi now, but you don’t want to solely rely on the WiFi in a campground if your job depends on it. What if your site doesn’t pick up good signal? What if their connection is out for the day? When you need the internet for your job, it’s your responsibility to think through how to make sure it’s reliable.
Do create a schedule for yourself
Remote work can bring new challenges to your schedule and when you’re full-time RVing it can be even more challenging. Just because you have the freedom to pick up and go when you want doesn’t mean you’ll be able to based on your work schedule. And there may be fun activities right outside your doorstep, but you have to know when to stay at the desk to get your work done.
On the other hand, some people struggle with overworking when they work remotely. When you don’t have an office to leave at the end of the day, it’s easy to sit at the computer until you head for bed each night. Setting a schedule for yourself can help you maintain that work-life balance even when you work remotely.
Don’t overload your schedule
We recommend not trying to do everything at once. If you’re going to be traveling to a new destination, do it on a day when you’re not also working. Having the freedom to create your own schedule can make it tempting to try to get too much in every day. Take it easy and protect your mental health too.
Do find the right RV for your needs
There are plenty of RVs to choose from that will help you enjoy your life and work on the road. And it’s important to find the right fit when you’re going to be spending all your time in the RV.
If you have a family that’s living on the road with you, then you might want a larger RV with a dedicated workspace. But if you’re traveling solo and want to live a simple life on the road, a class B RV for sale might be your best fit. Stop into Sky River RV and we’ll help you find the right RV for your specific needs.
