With the changing society, and more work being done remotely, this is a conversation worth having. What type of work is out there? Where do I get access to the internet? How can I make it work?
Depending on the type of work you do—and there are limitless opportunities—you don’t need much. It might be as simple as a laptop and a cup of coffee. Let’s break this down into a few different questions to help bring about a little more clarity to working from the road.
Where can I find work on the road?
This is a common question for people who would love to become a van, rv, or bus dweller. Depending on the type of work you’re willing to do, there are many different options to choose from. Below are some great places to look for jobs—whether you have a specific degree or not.
1) CoolWorks
This is a great place to find work all over North America. CoolWorks is a place for people who want a change in their life. They have a vast array of job openings. If you are looking to get into—or have experience in—the hospitality sector, you’ll find a lot of those types of jobs here.
They do require you to make a commitment to a specific area for a certain period of time. But these places typically have a lot of boondocking locations nearby. And you’ll get a little more coin in your pocket for your next season of adventure.
2) Parks
Finding seasonal work at parks including local, state, national, and even RV parks is a great way to stay mobile throughout the year.
3) Remote Job Online
By far the most popular way to be on the go is to find a remote job online. There is a clear growth in this department throughout the United States, and it appears as if it won’t go away. Finding a remote job typically requires a specific skill set or a commitment to starting over in a new field. Either way, it is possible to find these jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, or other job boards.
4) Start a Freelance Career
Working for yourself has a lot of pros and cons, but if you are the type who loves the feeling of only depending on yourself, this could be perfect for you! There are a lot of skills that would enable you to do this. From life coaching to a mobile mechanic, you can take what you already know how to do, and get started on the road.
How to Get Internet Access While Boondocking
This is a common problem for most remote workers. Figuring out how to consistently stay connected while working from the road isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. So we’ve listed a few great options, and who they might work best for below.
1) Coffee Shops
If you are someone who works when it is time to work, finding a local coffee shop might be your best bet. It prevents you from needing to wake up and grab that first cup of coffee inside your van, and allows you to have some human interaction. With coffee shops being in even the smallest of towns these days, it seems like a great solution for a lot of people.
2) Cell Tower Internet
It might seem odd to categorize it this way. But in the world of remote internet, a lot of traveling remote workers depend on cell phone towers to make it happen. Below are a few ways that you can use this method too.
Upgrade Your Current Cell Phone Plan
Most major carriers have “unlimited” plans, and this could be a great option for you. It doesn’t give you an extra bill to worry about, and allows you to maintain fewer devices. If you don’t need anything besides email, watching some videos, and staying connected with friends and family, this is an ideal solution.
If you choose this option, you may consider using a signal booster. These won’t give you cell service in areas that you don’t have it, but they will increase your weaker signal by at least two bars.
Add a Hotspot
Hotspots are amazing for most RVers. They create a WiFi signal locally, and allow you to connect devices to them. A lot of carriers have varying plans, but T-Mobile seems to have a lot of great deals here.
3) Starlink
If you are in need of some serious speed and you don’t want to come back down out of your remote hiding place, nothing currently beats Starlink. As long as you have a clear view of the sky, this option is going to work for you. If you are someone who needs high speed internet and doesn’t mind spending some serious cash to get started, why not go with Starlink RV?
Starlink RV now has two different hardware packages. You can choose to set it up each time you stop—about $600—or you can purchase the mobile hardware—about $2,500—that allows you to use it on the go. That is some serious cash for you to consider. But depending on who you are, and what remote work needs you have, this could be the perfect option for you.
Comfort While Working Remotely
At the end of the day, working from the road is a blast. You are always able to set up right next to your playground. As soon as your work hours are up, you can head out for your next adventure. Don’t think it isn’t possible to reinvent a career or take some time in between jobs to help you gain clarity about what life ought to look like in—or for—the next five years.