Leaving the cubicle behind, more people are finding ways to work remotely while traveling on the road. In the Digital Age, traditional office jobs, and the trappings of the 9 to 5 rat race are no longer the only options available.
Working remotely from an RV is absolutely possible. Full time nomads can take advantage of the 21st century’s “digital revolution” and work from anywhere on the road. There are millions of jobs available online, perfect for: Writers, illustrators, computer programmers, photographers, transcriptionists, web designers, and so many more! Travelers just need a laptop, reliable internet connection, and an entrepreneurial spirit!
If you’re looking to break away from the rat race and become a digital nomad, here’s some questions you’ll need to ask: What jobs and careers are available online? How much money can I earn remotely? What are the limitations of remote work?
The following is a guide to help equip you with all the basics to get you kick-started into the life of a digital nomad.
What Jobs Can I Do On the Road?
Surprising to many people is the amount of remote work now available to those wanting to earn money while traveling. Here are a few options to get you started:
Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists listen to audio files (ie videos or podcasts) and type out the full dialogue. Transcriptionists may also be used for businesses that record meetings or calls. Great places to start are Rev.com or TranscribeMe where you can apply for transcriptionist and captioning work. Expect to earn roughly $0.03 to $1 per minute.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants help others juggle different tasks, help organize, plan projects, and schedule meetings. Typically, this entails arranging travel for clients, managing their appointments, setting up their calendars, taking care of their correspondence (ie emails, answering calls, etc.). If you have excellent organizational skills, being a virtual assistant on the road might be a great choice for you! Expect to earn $25 per hour.
Accounting
According to LinkedIn, Accounting is one of the top remote jobs. The demand for this skill is high, thus, you can easily find clients if you have this skill set. Expect to earn $32 per hour.
Freelance Writer
Freelance writers create content for clients based on the client’s needs and the writer’s area of expertise. Clients are from all over the world and request a wide range of topics, including marketing, technical skills, creative writing, and even blog posts. Often, freelance writers post their services on sites like Fivrr.com. Writers typically pay per word, or per set of words. For example, as a writer, you may set your price at $0.08 per word, or $25 per 550 words.
Website Creator
Coding was once a requirement for building websites, but that’s no longer the case. If you have basic knowledge of computers, WordPress, and how to utilize Themes, you can earn money setting up websites for people, saving them time and frustration. Website creators typically set their prices per website, and will require higher payments with any extra additions to the site. If you’re new, need to improve your skills, and build up a clientele, expect to set your price around $25-$30 per site. Once you’ve honed enough skills and can exceed clients’ expectations, you can set your prices $150+ for each website!
There are thousands of other online jobs available; this list is intended to help you get started thinking about what’s possible while on the road. Think about your own personal skill set, areas of expertise, as well as skills you’re willing to learn.
As the saying goes: “Jack of all trades and master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” If you’re hoping to work remotely from the road, the more skills you have, the better.
What To Expect While Working Remotely
Working remotely sounds like a dream for beginner digital nomads: Setting your own schedule, no time card to stamp, no boss over your shoulder to worry about, taking breaks when you want…
And while much of this is true, there still remains the reality: Every job will require something of you.
Clients will still set deadlines, emails must be answered, skills must get honed.
As a digital nomad, there are the realities that must be addressed, in order to be successful working from the road. These include:
- Having dependable internet (I suggest getting the WeBoost for off-grid living)
- Knowing your cost of living (check out my guide on cheap RV living here)
- Assessing your marketable skills, building a clientele online
- Having an emergency fund (in case work is slow, or repairs are needed)
Millions of people work online, so it is possible. Just know there are realities that must be ironed out before hitting the road full-time.
How to Find Remote Work
First, if you have a job that is primarily computer-based, there is a possibility you can convince your boss to allow you to work remotely. However, if you do not get that approval, or simply want to find other means of work, there are a few online resources to help transition to remote jobs.
One of the world’s largest databases of recruiters, job-seekers, and information, LinkedIn is a website that allows you to scope out available employment (full-time, part-time, and freelance), as well as contact potential employers and clients, and upload resumes.
Remote.Co
A great online resource that provides remote work job-seekers with valuable information on how to go remote: Useful articles on careers, gaining skills, types of education required for particular career paths, etc. Remote.co also lists job openings- If you’re looking for work, Remote.co is a good place to start your search.
Fiverr
One of the world’s most popular sites for freelancers, Fiverr connects clients with website designers, freelance writers, illustrators, photographers, videographers, and more. Competition is high on the site, but if you have the skill set and the patience, you can work to gain new clients, retain returning clientele, and build up your “trustworthiness” via good reviews.
Pros and Cons of Remote Work
Working for yourself, out of an office and on the road, is a big change. Swapping the traditional, tried-and-true way of earning money for the less conventional is appealing to many. But, is it for you? Let’s compare the Pros and Cons of working remotely:
Pros
- Freedom to work anywhere
- You’re your own boss
- Can focus on your priorities: Family, friends, adventure, nature
- Allows for travel while still in your home (on wheels!)
- Work schedule flexibility
Cons
- Requires self-motivation
- Frequent travel gets expensive (gas, RV parking, etc.)
- Small living quarters
- RV repairs and maintenance is costly
- Consistent work is often uncertain
Final Thoughts
Working remotely from the road is certainly possible, and requires attaining marketable, in-demand skills.
The number of jobs available online is staggering; So long as you’re self-motivated, willing to learn, and put in the work to develop new and existing skills, you can position yourself well in online spaces.
So, if you’re dreaming of working remotely while traveling in an RV, know that there are plenty of opportunities available to you! Assess your skill set, establish your goals, then you can start transitioning to remote work!
Happy travels!
