Back to Main Blog Page
More Ways to Work on the Road

More Ways to Work on the Road

More Ways to Work on the Road

Author: Amanda Brandon in Workamping

02-05-2020

facebook icontwitter iconpinterest iconlinkedin iconmail iconshare icon
Workamping is one of the hottest topics among travelers or full-time wannabes. But what if you don’t want to be a camp host, or do manual labor? The good news is that there are so many opportunities to work and travel if you’re willing to think outside the guard gate or camp store. Telecommute to Your Job If you’re lucky enough to already have a telework arrangement with your employer, then working on the road may be just a few steps away. Who says you have to give up the insurance, paid time off, and perks associated with your day job? A few tips: Gather some info from similar working campers. You may need some ideas before you talk to your boss about how it all works. Talk to your boss. This could get hairy if you don’t tell your boss your plans. Be prepared for the talk. Have a plan for how you will stay connected to the office. Will you need to travel to attend meetings? Will you have reliable Wi-Fi? How will you handle computer security? Have a backup plan. A change this big could mean that you need to do something different. Be willing to look for fully virtual work, stacking part-time jobs, and project work. Related Read: How Workamping Can Help You RV More Become a Freelancer This writer and her hubby are full-time freelancers. I write and edit. He does insurance adjusting. We do fairly well with our arrangement of gig work. His work requires that we camp within a couple hours of his service area which varies based on storm seasons, insurance claim volume, and special assignments. My work is completely virtual. Some ideas on freelancing: Get certified in an on-demand skill and find companies that hire on a per-project basis. A few ideas include home inspections, construction estimates, delivery services (groceries, restaurants, catering, packages), RV repairs, RV roofing, and welding. Sign up to be an independent contractor with a virtual company. We’ve met tutors who teach English to kids in China, online professors, virtual nurses, and more. This may be just one of your money-making strategies to combine with other project work. Become a virtual transcriptionist, writer, editor, or other virtual professional. I personally write and edit for completely virtual companies. My work includes everything from writing blog posts to editing content for car dealerships to writing resumes. One of my favorite parts of this work is that I can work on a project basis – meaning I can take orders when I’m available. Here are a few ideas for where to find this type of work: Look on Indeed.com for remote freelance opportunities. I have a bunch of job alerts set up so that I can see new jobs in my email each morning. Join a virtual job vendor for leads. Two great resources for virtual work are FlexJobs.com and VirtualVocations.com. These companies charge a monthly fee for vetted job postings and they also have directories of companies that hire virtual employees. Subscribe to freelance blogs for job updates. I don’t do this nearly as much as I used to, but there are a few blogs that offer job listings each day or a few days per week. A few to consider: Freelance Writing Gigs Morning Coffee Newsletter (requires your email address) Craigslist – Look in the gig section. I’ve found many, many jobs through this oldie but goodie. Just remember that Craigslist posts everything, so do your diligence in vetting postings. If you see multiple cities or paid training opportunities, be aware. Not all commission-based jobs are fakes, but sometimes schemes get through the filters. Ryan Robinson (a blogging expert) has an extensive list of places to get jobs based on your industry (tech, coding, designers, photographers, salespeople, customer service professionals, and more). Some of them are marketplaces. Some are resources for job listings. You could spend the better part of a day setting up profiles and searches with this list. It’s a great resource. I even found quite a few I didn’t recognize. Work contracts or seasonal work and camp while you do it. Do you have an in-demand skill such as travel nursing, pipeline experience, welding, water mitigation, specialized moving services (transport, move-outs after water loss, RV transport), or have you worked in a seasonal industry? Consider short-term contracts. A few ideas that aren’t workamping: Travel lodges for cruise companies. I was on a plane recently and met a lady who worked for a cruise line. They hire seasonal staff in places like Alaska to work in their destination lodges. Many even have campgrounds for staff. The perks were remarkable – discounted cruises and more. Jobs include customer service, housekeeping, maintenance, foodservice, and management. Transport services. With RV owners renting their rigs and other specialized needs for transportation, you could develop quite the business with your truck if you’re willing to work in a regional area for a time. Reach out to mini storage owners, RV rental agencies, and campgrounds to get your name out there. Travel nursing. You obviously have to be a nurse for this to work, but most nursing contracts are less than three months, and you’ll have time off. This is a great way to explore and keep a lucrative job. Have foodservice experience? Work with caterers (Craigslist is a great resource) on jobs. Become a specialized videographer/photographer. Another “work a region” idea. If you’re great with a camera, you can film commercials, weddings, and all kinds of events. This may be more of a business venture than a job, but the opportunities are out there. Become a virtual assistant. If you’re organized and good with social media, calendars, email correspondence, and other clerical work consider signing up with a virtual assistant service or start your own. Offer mobile washing services – With some equipment and a few business cards, you can be mobile in a few days. Market your services via social media and campgrounds. Use Your Skills as Salesperson to Promote the Camping Industry as a Marketing Consultant for Campground Guest Guides 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. You get the reward of providing a much needed service to the campgrounds for free, as well as helping passing RVers connect with the local businesses and services that they need in the area. This can be a very lucrative position as you return each year to the same campgrounds and the publication and your profits grow. These are just some of the ideas for working on the road without workamping. If you’re willing to be creative and spread your time out among more than one job, you can make a good living while remaining mobile.
Tags:Camp Host, Full Timing, Money, Workamping

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Related Blogs

How to Work as a Digital Nomad from an RV

How to Work as a Digital Nomad from an RV

Embracing the freedom of remote work while roaming the open road has become an alluring dream for many, giving rise to the thriving community of digital nomads. As technology continues to evolve, it is becoming more and more popular to work as a digital nomad from an RV. Whether you're an adventurous soul or an aspiring digital nomad, let's embark on this transformative expedition together. The Necessary Equipment and Tools First and foremost, securing a reliable internet connection is paramount. Invest in a high-quality mobile hotspot device or a portable router that supports multiple devices and has good coverage in the areas you plan to travel. Additionally, consider having a backup internet option, such as a data plan on your smartphone or satellite internet, to ensure connectivity in remote locations. Next, choose an RV with ample space and comfortable amenities for both living and working. Opt for a model that offers a designated workspace with a sturdy desk and ergonomic chair. Storage solutions like shelves, drawers, and organizers will help keep your workspace tidy and efficient. Don't forget to invest in surge protectors and power strips to safeguard your electronic devices from voltage fluctuations and power surges in various campgrounds. A reliable laptop with sufficient processing power, memory, and battery life is a must. A noise-canceling headset or earphone will help you concentrate during video calls and block out distractions in noisy environments. To ensure a smooth workflow, backup your data regularly using cloud storage solutions or external hard drives. A portable printer/scanner can also come in handy for paperwork and documentation tasks. Invest in a solar-powered setup or additional power banks to charge your devices when electrical hookups are limited or unavailable. Lastly, don't overlook your RV's comfort and safety. Consider installing weather-resistant window shades to regulate temperature and protect your privacy. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as a first aid kit, are essential for your safety and well-being while on the road. Time Management and Productivity Organizing your tasks and prioritizing them is vital for maximizing productivity. Use digital tools like task management apps or project management software to track your assignments and deadlines. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable sub-tasks to maintain focus and motivation. Leverage the Pomodoro Technique or other time management methods to stay productive during work sessions while giving yourself short breaks to recharge. Minimizing distractions in the confined space of an RV is crucial. Communicate your work schedule to travel companions, if any, and establish guidelines for respecting your dedicated work time. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or playing background music to drown out external disturbances and maintain concentration. Furthermore, declutter your workspace regularly and keep it organized to foster a productive environment. Embrace digital tools that enhance collaboration and communication with remote teams or clients. Utilize video conferencing software for virtual meetings and regular check-ins. Stay connected via messaging apps and emails, but also practice effective communication by setting clear expectations and responding promptly. Flexibility is one of the primary advantages of the digital nomad lifestyle. Embrace it by adapting your work hours to align with peak productivity times and accommodating spontaneous travel opportunities. Be open to adjusting your schedule as needed, but remain disciplined to meet deadlines and achieve your professional goals. Sustainable RV Digital Nomadism Embrace eco-friendly practices such as conserving water and electricity by using low-flow fixtures and LED lighting. Reduce waste by opting for reusable products and proper recycling. Support local businesses and communities whenever possible, and be mindful of your ecological footprint. Respect the environments you visit, adhering to designated trails and camping areas. Learn about the local cultures, wildlife, and ecosystems, and avoid actions that may harm them. Choose sustainable travel routes to reduce emissions and promote eco-conscious exploration. Leave no trace of your presence, ensuring you clean up after yourself and leave each location as you find it. Educate yourself and others about environmental issues, inspiring a collective effort towards responsible nomadism. Minimize plastic usage, opt for eco-friendly camping and hygiene products, and compost food waste. Practice responsible wildlife observation, maintaining a safe distance to protect their habitats. Adhere to the principles of "Leave No Trace" and "Pack It In, Pack It Out" diligently. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and embracing water-saving habits. Consider utilizing renewable energy sources to power your RV. Embrace a minimalist lifestyle, avoiding unnecessary consumption. By adopting these sustainable and responsible practices, you can make a positive impact on the environment and create lasting memories as you journey through the world as a conscious RV nomad. Health and Well-Being Maintaining good health and well-being is crucial when you work as a digital nomad from an RV to ensure a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. Prioritize physical health by incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, engaging in activities such as hiking, biking, or yoga. Take short movement breaks during work hours to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. Ensure a balanced diet by stocking up on nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals, and stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle. Pay attention to mental health by practicing mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and stay centered amidst the nomadic lifestyle. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine for better rest. Access to healthcare resources is essential, so carry a well-stocked first aid kit and be familiar with medical facilities along your route. Protect yourself from the sun and insects, and practice good hygiene in your RV living space. Stay connected with loved ones for emotional support during your travels. Embrace self-care and listen to your body's needs, knowing when to rest and recharge. Be prepared for emergencies by having a contingency plan in place. Find a balance between work and leisure time to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being. By prioritizing health and well-being, digital nomads can fully embrace the freedom and adventure of RV life while nurturing a sense of fulfillment and happiness throughout their nomadic journey. The Logistics of an RV Life The journey starts with selecting the ideal RV that offers ample living space and a dedicated workspace to ensure comfort and productivity. Mapping out a well-planned travel route becomes essential, considering RV-friendly campsites that offer essential amenities like water, electricity, and reliable internet access. Navigating the legal and financial considerations of nomadic life becomes crucial. Digital nomads must familiarize themselves with residency requirements, taxes, and insurance to maintain compliance. Managing power and water usage efficiently becomes a daily task, prompting many to invest in solar panels, water-saving solutions, and power banks for a sustainable RV experience. Safety and security are paramount while traversing the open road. Implementing measures like RV alarms, secure locks, and GPS tracking devices instills peace of mind during the nomadic journey. Organizational skills come into play to prevent clutter and ensure belongings are adequately stored within the confined space of the RV. A commitment to eco-friendly practices is essential for responsible nomadism. Digital nomads should adopt proper waste disposal methods, embrace recycling, and minimize plastic usage to preserve the natural beauty they encounter. Accessing healthcare and medical resources becomes crucial in case of emergencies, making a well-stocked first aid kit and knowledge of medical facilities along the route indispensable. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to preventing burnout. Nomads must find opportunities for social interactions and solitude, connecting with like-minded individuals while savoring moments of tranquility in nature. Adaptability and flexibility are essential traits as nomads encounter diverse climates and environments on their journey. Final Thoughts on Working as a Digital Nomad From an RV In conclusion, working as a digital nomad from an RV offers a thrilling and liberating lifestyle. Nomads can thrive on the open road by carefully managing logistics, such as selecting the right RV, finding suitable campsites, and navigating legal and environmental responsibilities. Balancing work and leisure, prioritizing health and well-being, and embracing sustainability will lead to a fulfilling nomadic adventure. Remember, responsible nomadism not only enriches your life but also contributes positively to the places you visit. With the right mindset and practical considerations, you can create unforgettable memories while working as a digital nomad from your cozy, mobile home on wheels. Author's bio: Alex Smith is a passionate home improvement enthusiast with a knack for DIY projects. She collaborates with Helix Transfer & Storage Maryland, helping homeowners seamlessly transition into their newly renovated dream homes. When she's not busy transforming spaces, she enjoys exploring the DC Metro area for unique materials and inspiration.

7 Workamping Essentials

7 Workamping Essentials

Workamping has become more than just a portmanteau; it’s become a lifestyle. Many people have taken to a life of constant travel and adventure, but they also have to find ways to support their modern nomadic lifestyle. Enter: remote work and remote income. With just a laptop, internet access, and a remote job, you can confidently hop into an RV, travel endlessly, and maintain an income stream. With the rising trend in workamping—especially in the millennial age group— stable Wi-Fi connections and 24/7 power supplies have become necessities, and those starting or buying a campground or RV Park are making sure that they can deliver these amenities. Some parks are even designed to be workamping destinations themselves, with tech equipment and work areas available. But the thing about being a digital nomad is that you can’t always expect to find yourself in these workamping RV parks. You may find yourself on a remote lakeside or in the middle of nowhere without power and internet. There’s simply no way of telling, especially not when you’ve caught the travel bug. This is why you need to have your essentials ready at all times. Portable hotspot It goes without saying that a workamper needs steady and constant internet connectivity. Public Wi-Fi, when accessible, could be a great help, but there are security risks involved—and you wouldn’t want to compromise your gadgets’ security. With your own portable hotspot like the Verizon Jetpack or the Skyroam Solis X, you can work virtually anywhere. This cuts down on the costs you’d otherwise spend on drinks and accommodation to use the internet in a cafe or hotel. Trusty, lightweight laptop The workamping lifestyle comes with the reality of constantly shifting workstations. Whether you’re working in an RV, a coffee shop, or at an outdoor park, you’ll need a computer that’s light enough to move around, powerful enough to perform the required tasks, and power-efficient enough to last you through full workdays. The MacBook Pro and Dell XPS prove to be popular choices, thanks to their powerful processors and versatility. External hard drives You will have likely accumulated tons of priceless photos during your travels, and you’ll also need to have offline copies of work files. With an external hard drive, you can back these important photos and files up, and continue to have access to them if things go south, technology-wise. Extension cords These may not be on your list of priorities, but extension cords are some of the most practical and useful things you can pack with you. The ideal extension cord should have about three to five plugs, depending on how many devices you use. Insulated tumbler You won’t always have access to cold drinking water or a comforting cup of hot coffee, so invest in a tumbler that keeps drinks cool or hot for hours on end. This is especially useful if you’re planning on pulling long work hours. Not to mention, carrying your own drinking bottle helps you reduce waste. Noise-cancelling headphones It may be difficult to focus on work after the excitement of traveling—and with noisy RV park neighbors. This is why you need noise-canceling headphones. The standard noise-canceling headphones block out about three-fourths of background noise, and a study shows that they can help you concentrate and get more work done. Electronic organizer Lugging around a laptop, chargers, cords, headphones, and other tech knickknacks can become chaotic. And as anyone who’s ever had multiple cords stored together knows, knotted wires are a pain to untangle. A handy organizer can be life-changing. Its many sections allow you to put all your items in order inside a convenient, easy-to-carry bag. A workamping lifestyle is becoming even more attractive today, as more and more businesses turn digital for their everyday marketing efforts and operations. There are endless possibilities for the workamper, so make sure that you have all your essentials at hand! Exclusively written for RVingUSA.com by River Jiselle

What Is Workamping and How to Get Started With It?

What Is Workamping and How to Get Started With It?

“A bad day camping is still better than a good day working.” Waking up in the morning, going to the workplace, doing your job, and coming back by evening (or night). And it’s the same old story the next day. You are fed up with a repetitive routine that you’ve been following day in, day out, for years. You have been restricted to the confinement of four walls of your office space for a long time, doing your job to make ends meet. You want to bring a change but can’t seem to find a way out. Frustration is building, but don’t feel bad about your situation because you’re not the only one going through it. The good news is that not you don’t have to work from a regular office space and feel jealous of people who travel places in an RV, explore exotic locations, and still make a decent living! Guess what! You can join the growing list of “workampers” easily and live life to the fullest, just the way you’ve been wanting to for all these years. Meet wonderful people, explore your beautiful country and its fascinating sites, and earn while you do all this. Sounds too good to be true, right? This stuff happens in movies, you may as well say, but the fact is that you can enjoy such a lifestyle. Workamping makes it possible for you and others who want to “drop out” and bring the change to their lives without compromising on their productivity. The best part is that you can now stay connected with work, from wherever you are, with the help of advanced technology, project management and team collaboration tools. Wondering how is that possible? Well, here’s everything you need to know to get started with it - What Is Workamping? The term workamping is a combination of words - work and camping, which simply means you can work while you camp, exactly what it sounds like. Workampers trade their labor for a campsite, generally with free-of-cost utilities and additional wages (depending on the agreement you have). Workamping is best described as an activity that involves an exchange of labor hours for valuable utilities, like RV spaces, propane, electricity, water, and sometimes laundry facilities, wifi, and cable. What Types Of Jobs Do Workampers Get? Workamping could potentially be anything! Yes, that’s right. Workamping jobs can excite nomads and adventure lovers, the kind of people who are flexible and open-minded. All you have to do is do work to get any form of compensation. Some common workamping jobs are listed below. General maintenance (usually minor repairs and projects related to campsites, office, bathhouses, and campground appearance) Landscaping (meaning grass cutting, weed-eating, etc.) Cleaning (bathhouses, bathrooms, cabins, rental units, etc.) Activities Director RV park host, maintenance man, retail clerk, or manager The salesman for an RV dealership RV show booth tender Remote work Marketing Consultant for Campground Guest Guides Just think, you’ll get to explore a whole lot of the country and meet so many new people who are travelers just like you. How Do I Get Started On Workamping? By now, many of you wanna-be workampers must have found this concept amazingly exciting and pretty darn awesome. I know what’s the question that’s flashing in your minds now - how can I become a workamper? To help you embark on an alternative lifestyle, I have put together a step-by-step guide to ensure you have all the vital information you need about the workamping lifestyle and how to get started on it easily. Step 1. To Begin With: Gauge Your Relationship with Your Partner Workamping is not for the faint-hearted. Why? Because it’s all about adapting to new situations, which many people are not very good at. You’ll have to live in confined spaces for a long period with your partner and that can be quite a challenge in itself. That partner could be your wife, a good friend, or a stranger you’ll be putting up with for the first time. The question is are you and your partner on the same page to share a motorhome, trailer, truck camper, or even tent space? If you have doubts then workamping is probably not for you. Step 2. Do You Love RVing? Have you always loved the idea of working while you travel? Are you flexible to share a confined space with your partner, and most importantly - are you willing to make a change to your customary routine? You see, you don’t have to workamp for the sake of it. You should have a deep interest in exploring beautiful locations across the country, open to meet new people and be able to live a minimalist life. Step 3. Grasp Information When you’ve made up your mind to change your sedentary lifestyle to the one that’s regularly on-the-move, you’ll have to consider many things before you hit the road. You’ll need to find out how you are going to communicate with your family and friends, what to do with your medical insurance, and who’s going to collect mail when you’re not at home? To get the most accurate and insightful answers to such questions, the best thing would be to talk to people who are workampers themselves. Browse workamping websites, such as livecampwork.com, makingmoneyandtraveling.com, and workamper.com. You can also read books related to workamping. Some interesting reads are - Live Your RV Dreams: The Beginners Guide to Workamping For the Part-Time or Full-Time RVer, Live Camp Work: How to Make Money While Living in an RV & Travel Full-time and Plus 1000+ Employers Who Hire RVers (A Beginner's Guide to Workamping Book 1). Step 4. Do Not Set “High” Financial Expectations Keep in mind that there’s little glamour in most of the workamping jobs. While they vary, you can earn between $7 to $12 per hour from typical workamping jobs. If you’re a frugal traveler, this amount can be more than enough to get by on. Even better is if you have a supplemental source of income, your life would be easier and you might not need to workamp at all. Some workamping compensation arrangements provide sites free of charge and workampers are paid for all hours worked, while in other cases workampers have to pay for their site. Before you agree to the terms and conditions of the arrangement, you need to determine the campsite’s worth, and if your hourly wages plus site is a fair exchange or not. Step 5. Decide Your Desired Location Before you go about looking for a workamping job, you need to decide what is your desired location where you’d like to camp and work. This will help you narrow down your options to specific locations. Determining the desired location also becomes important because most workamping jobs are seasonal and last from 3 to 6 months. Of course, you would be wanting to work in a location where you would enjoy your stay. A stint in a hot location in the middle of the summer may be hell for some, but heaven for others! Step 6. Apply To Workamping Positions There are different channels through which you can discover new workamping positions in your desired location. Some great resources for temporary, seasonal job opportunities are CoolWorks and FlexJobs. You can also look for classified ads in camping-related newspapers. You can visit the desired campsite and check with the front desk if they have any available positions. Create a professional resume and apply for suitable positions on workamping-focused websites. Summing It Up Workamping jobs is the best way you can realize your dream of camping at exotic locations across your country as well as making enough money to pay for the basic necessities of life. Depending on the type of workamping job, you can earn more. If you’re maintaining a remote job with a regular employer and plan to go camping, you can use a top-rated team collaboration and project management software to streamline workflow and share a common single platform with other team members, clients, and stakeholders. In fact, there are some amazing online to-do list apps, virtual collaboration platforms and project management systems that make life easy for workampers. Although becoming a workamper is not as easy as it seems, it’s still worth it if you are looking for a life full of adventure and fun. All you need to have is a rigid plan, commitment, and great chemistry with your partner. Once you do that, rewards are fulfilling and endless! Author Bio: Nandini Sharma is the Assistant Marketing Manager at ProofHub - a powerful project management software loved by more than 85000+ teams and businesses worldwide. She brings unparalleled expertise in digital marketing through her years of experience in the field; especially when in the area of brand building, targeting a large audience and building strong connections with them. When not busy in creating winning marketing strategies, she can be found involved in art and craft activities.