I've been full-time RVing for nearly 8 years and self-employed for 18. Folks are always asking me how I make that work, but it's not hard at all! Turns out, entrepreneurship really suits this traveling lifestyle.
I happen to have chosen careers that lend themselves well to a “virtual” environment. I organize/coach clients both locally and long distance, write, speak (live and via webinars/teleseminars), make art, and do travel photography. Teleconferencing, online training, and remote desktop sharing are core technologies for my businesses, and the fact that I can provide services to any client in any location without having to meet in-person offers a big advantage. But working on the road does not always have to be via the Internet. Full-timers engage in a variety of paid activities as they wander — consulting, freelancing, selling their arts and crafts, seasonal part-time work, temping, and even camp hosting. The freedom in RVing comes from being able to work however and wherever you choose. Even for those of us who do most of our work virtually, it’s nice when you have the opportunity to interact with clients face-to-face, in different locations around the country or the world. For example, I usually see a couple of organizing clients while I’m in each town- a garage here, a filing system there, some time management tips. Then, once I hit the road again, I can continue my work with them virtually, via phone coaching or Skype. It is the best of both worlds!
The only reason I’m able to live this life is because of technology. I could not have become a working full-time RVer even 5 years earlier than I did, because the support system just wasn’t there. The 2 biggest requirements for your portable business are a cell phone and a reliable Internet connection, and I've learned a few lessons about both as I’ve worked my way across the country, especially concerning web access!
The option with the most coverage is either a wireless broadband card or a tethering app attached to your phone- just be prepared for the fact that your usage will either be capped or "throttled back" to a slower speed after so many GB. This is a relatively new development (when I hit the road, the service was “unlimited”), an attempt by the wireless companies to keep bandwidth costs artificially inflated, and one that continually throws a monkey wrench into my plans. If I land at an RV park that offers free or inexpensive secure wireless (like Tengo), I’ll take advantage. These plans generally come with no limits, and I can upload, download and stream to my heart’s content. If that isn’t an option, I’ll save the heavy-use web activities for free Wi-Fi locations like the ones at Panera and Dunkin Donuts. Plus, it’s an excuse to get a good cup of coffee I didn't have to make!
Some folks will tell you that an array involving satellite internet and signal boosters is the way to go, but I don’t agree. Good equipment is really expensive, and we would only have a connection when we were within sight of the dish. Part of the “mobility” of working on the road comes from not being tied to your trailer. I didn’t trade in the house for an Airstream just so I could spend all day trapped at the RV park working! I need to be able to get online from anywhere -- at home, in the car, while out on a day-trip, even when I travel overseas.
Do you work from the road in your Airstream? We would love to learn more about your life and work! Be sure to share with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
