Top Jobs Options for RVers on the Road

Not everyone who travels in or lives in an RV is retired. In recent years, an increasing number of working-aged individuals, couples, and families are taking to the open road. Fortunately, contemporary jobs are not always confined to a stationary location. In fact, with an eye on their bottom line, many companies are hiring freelance contractors and remote employees. This means fulltime RVers who still want to—or need to—earn money have plenty of options.

Begin by assessing your RV lifestyle. Although working on the road might mean frequent traveling, it could allow you to remain in one location for an entire season, half a year, or even years at a time. Consider also, where you want to visit. Some jobs require a commitment, where others are truly flexible. Choose a position that puts you in control of how much and how long you work. Here are some of the most popular options.

Related Read: Great RV Jobs Looking for People

Workamp

Depending on the campground, there may be several different jobs the owner or manager needs to fill. Many parks use a Camp Host, especially if the manager lives elsewhere. The Camp Host checks in new arrivals, explains the park rules, and often helps them find their site. Another common job is general handy-man. This person is responsible for cleaning restrooms and showers, as well as cleaning up around the park and mowing.

Many parks accept incoming mail for their guests. They often hire someone to sort and deliver the mail. Lastly, if the campground features a general store, sometimes a long-term or seasonal resident will work the counter or help stock the shelves. Workampers are usually provided with a free full hook-up site and a small salary. Check out workampingjobs.com for opportunities.

Choose a Transferable Job

There are many nationwide companies that make an effort to keep good employees in the company, even when those individuals relocate. Some professions, such as traveling consultants and traveling nurses, are designed to allow their employees to regularly move to different regions and even states, as positions become available.

Other businesses are large enough that they have franchises in cities around the country. For example, companies like Hy-Vee, Starbucks, and Target have many locations in most states. Additionally, they regularly transfer employees—on request—from one to another as they travel. Just check with the manager when you apply.

Sign-Up for Temp Work

Another option is to sign up with a staffing or temp agency. This sets you up with short-term jobs that fit your skills and qualifications. This is possibly perfect for would-be employees who want a flexible schedule with no long-term commitment.

From office-work to manual labor, there is a range of opportunities for you to choose from. Check out one of the nationwide staffing agencies for local options.

Choose a Job in Sales

Some RVers prefer to work in sales. In fact, many RV Parks allow guests to hang posters advertising their products or services on a community bulletin board. Some even host vendors on weekends or once a month, so you could set up a booth and sell directly to other campground guests.

To minimize the amount of physical inventory you keep in the limited space of your motorhome or trailer, you might consider a multi-level marketing business that operates with samples. This allows you to free up space, as someone else—or a warehouse facility—handles the storage and shipment of your products.

A few of these options include the following:

• Arbonne International

• Avon

• Herbalife

• Mary Kay

• Protandim

• Shaklee

• Young Living

Space for physical inventory is less of an issue if you plan to work in a service business, such financial advisor, hairstylist, or massage therapist. However, you would still need room for your computer, paperwork, records, and any other work equipment or supplies.

One of the best opportunities for those who enjoy advertising sales is at Southeast Publications. You can earn money and travel where you want with Southeast Publications, the Industry Leader in providing Guest Guides, Site Maps & Directories for Travel, Recreational and Hospitality Industries. Receive a (2) two-week complimentary site for the purpose of selling advertising to the local community to appear in the Guest Guides as well as a 65% commission of all monies collected above print cost. The Guest Guides are provided at no cost to the establishment and is fully paid by advertising from local businesses in the community.

Work Online

Working online can be one of the least space-consuming, on-the-road work options. Talk to your current or previous employers to see if any would be willing to let you work remotely. Check out freelance placement companies like Upwork or Rat Race Rebellion for new business opportunities.

Limit your search to jobs that are right for you. Focus on those that require skills that match yours. Make sure the rates are within a range that fits your needs, and that the job will fit into your lifestyle.

Next assess your workspace. Since space is a premium, look for ways to minimize your equipment. Switch from a desktop computer to a laptop. Save all reference materials as PDFs. Plus, if Internet is required for you to login to your work platform or to email clients and employers, have your own backup source. Invest in Wi-Fi through your cell-phone company; many campgrounds have less than reliable access. Then check your cell phone provider's coverage maps to make sure it will work where you are going. Discovering after you arrive that your provider doesn't service an area is more than a little inconvenient.

In Conclusion

The old saying "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail," is somewhat true. It's a good idea to think through all possibilities, positive and negative. For some, this means having multiple streams of income, so if one drops, they can make up the difference with another. For example, workamping often only requires a few hours out the day. This would cover your site rent and utilities, while still allowing you enough time to work on your other job. For those traveling with a partner, the options are even more expansive.

It's also a good idea to have a "Plan B" and adapt as needed. There are few guarantees, but regular or fulltime traveling being full of surprises is likely one of them. Having flexibility is one of the aspects RVers love about this lifestyle. Once you have your source of income decided upon, and a reasonable schedule to take care of your work commitments, you can relax. Plan your next adventure with the confidence that you can finance your exciting lifestyle.