Don’t Give Up Your Dream of Full-time RVing
Why should you give up your dream of full-time RVing just because you don’t have enough money? I truly believe anything is possible if you want it bad enough but the secret is how much do you want it? It is really easy to sit back and wish for something and not have to do anything about it because you can provide the excuse “We don’t have enough money”. But there is a solution to this problem.
Working while you travel has become a way of life for many people whether it is working in a campground, in the RV industry or by searching for temporary jobs while roaming from place to place. With the internet many RVers have found it is also much easier to become self employed in many different types of businesses.
Your Budget
How much money do you really need? This question is too personal for anyone else to answer for you. Each couple or individual has different expectations or needs which will affect the budget they will follow. Our needs may be more than yours or less, it will depend on whether you are making payments on your RV, have medical expenses, or have any other important factor that will impact your budget. Are you completely dependent on what you make or are you supplementing your income or pension. That makes a difference.
Where can RVers find jobs?
The first thing you should look at is what your skills are and how you can adapt them to other types of employment. It may take a little imagination but it can be done. Is there anything you have always wanted to try but couldn’t before because of time restraints or other reasons? Think outside of the box – I have thought even of working as a dishwasher temporarily to make enough money to keep traveling. Do you golf? Maybe there can be a position for you at a small golf course. Put your thinking cap on and as I said before use your imagination.
Temporary Employment Agencies
Temporary employment agencies can usually be found in most towns or cities and although the wages may be low they are used to working with people on a short term basis and your circumstances will not be foreign to them. You can usually set your own hours or the number of days you wish to work and choose which job you are interested in.
Working in the RV industry
If you wish to work in the RV industry then you probably will search for camphost positions or any type of work in a campground or RV resort whether it is operated privately, federally, provincially or by a state. With the ease of having access to the internet it is easy to search the area you wish you be in and locate possible openings. Either make contact by telephone or email depending upon what you are instructed to do by the employer.
Use your hobbies to earn income
Take a serious look at your hobbies and see how you can adapt them to creating income. Many people who make crafts sell them at flea markets or craft shows and plan their travel around the shows. I would think hairdressers or barbers would be kept busy just by letting people in your RV Park know what you can do. I know this is definitely a fact if traveling in another country such as Mexico where it may be difficult to find someone you like.
Self employment
Self employment has become much more popular as people adapt their skills and knowledge to creating an income. Internet businesses such as internet marketing, sales, affiliate marketing, virtual assisting and more than I can list have become very popular. Writers or photographers are able to adapt their skills in many ways whether it is working online or in other capacities. When we moved into the area we are currently staying at I went to the local newspaper and introduced myself and within a day I was given assignments. I hesitated at first at going to their office but am really glad I did. Not only have I made money, I have gained more experience and confidence.
Take a chance
The above ideas and suggestions are a very small sample of how a person can create an income while traveling. It just takes initiative, desire and a bit of work – but it can be done. There can be other benefits to working on the road – you will stop longer, meet the locals and learn more about the country. It can’t be all bad if you aren’t afraid to take a chance and have a good attitude.
My husband and I are thinking about renting our house out for a couple of years doing some full time RVing. We have thought about becoming a Tail Gunner for Caravans.
We are both professional Tour Bus Drivers and I have also worked as a group leader for Road Scholar Educational Tours in Southern Utah.
We are First aid and CPR certified.
My husband is very familiar with all RV systems and is a retired mechanic.
We are just not quite sure how to start as far as looking for a Caravan company to apply for.
Good idea! You have the background experience I would think they would be happy to have. Do a search on RV caravans – you may need to take a trip with one of the groups first. Have a read on my blog post RV Caravan Tours. It may depend on where you want to travel – Mexico – Canada – the United States. Good luck!
This is really not a comment more of a question. My wife and I would love to work as we RV, but our problem is in the winter. We are from Canada and it gets cold and miserable. We would love to tour the US from October to May but we cant get a green card to be able to work there. I have 27 years experience in the Hospitality Industry and my wife is the Manager of the Chamber of Commerce where we live. Is there any way we would be able to work and Rv in the States?
Thanks for your question!
I too am Canadian and understand how frustrating it can get trying to work in the US and I wish I had the answers. Unfortunately I don’t. Legally we are unable to work there and even volunteering can be an issue. With your experience it should be a piece of cake but the US Government doesn’t agree. However, I do know many Canadians are doing it but from what I understand they wait until they are down there and then start asking around. It’s risky and I guess it comes down to how much money you need to make.
There may be ways of doing this – while travelling, ask at the campgrounds if they need any help in exchange for a free campsite? I know that’s really stretching it but just one thought. Have you considered an online business or working remotely? I have an article http://writefortravel.com/pay-for-your-travel-by-working-remotely/ that may give you a few ideas.
Are there any other Canadians who could help us with this question? How can we get around this problem if we wish to travel in the US and earn our keep?
I work online as much as possible giving me the flexibility of working from anywhere – even in the states.
I will post this question on my social networking sites and I’ll post them here when they come in. Thanks for your question – it’s an excellent one, that many Canadians have.
Thanks.
Carol Ann