How to Work Full-Time in an RV: Remote Work Tips

TravlFi experts share their top tips for how to make a living on the road as a full-time RVer.

Working remotely comes with amazing benefits, like flexibility, freedom, and the liberation from your daily commute. Studies even show that the ability to self-select one’s work environment—a.k.a. no “return to office” mandate—can make workers happier and more productive. The draw of taking your work on the road and exploring the world is, without a doubt, incredibly exciting. But this lifestyle can also have its challenges.

Take it from Amanda Capritto, full-time vanlifer and remote worker: “I wouldn’t give up remote work for the world. It has completely changed my life and allowed me to experience things I never could if I had to work in an office,” she says. “But it’s not without its challenges. Working full-time while living in an RV or van means you’re juggling a lot of moving things, literally and metaphorically.”

This article was reviewed by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time traveler

Invest in Reliable Tech

Getting internet in your RV is the first step to working from an RV (other than getting the RV itself). Making sure your Wi-Fi works well is important for a smooth digital experience. Good internet helps you work without interruptions, making it easy to use your virtual workspace. Picking the right tools and tech for your work can make your digital journey even better.

For example, there is the TravlFi JourneyGo hotspot, made for people who like to work on the go and connect fewer than 5 devices. Then there is the TravlFi JourneyXTR, perfect for fans of van or RV living. These solutions not only give you reliable internet wherever you go but also mix technology with being on the move. This makes working from anywhere easy and freeing.

Learn more about tech for digital nomads with our guides:

Find the Right Kind of Work

There are tons of ways to make a living on the road, including plenty of options that don’t require a laptop. But if you’re wanting to work remotely and on your own schedule, you’ll want one of the best digital nomad jobs, like:

Digital marketing and SEO
Writing and editing
Language translating
Online personal training
Online virtual assistant services
Content creator
Cybersecurity specialist

Essentially, anything you can do entirely from a computer and, for the most part, on your own terms, is fair game for road-lifers. Read our full guide to the best digital nomad jobs for more ideas.

Create Routines

Building and maintaining successful routines, as tough as it can be while you're on the go, is a critical part of making RV living or vanlife work for you long-term.

Create a Morning Routine

Having a consistent wake-up time is an essential part of having a productive and balanced day. By waking up at the same time every day, you set a rhythm for your body and mind, enhancing overall well-being. Resisting the urge to hit snooze reinforces discipline and helps you start the day with purpose.

Avoiding immediate online engagement allows for a gradual and mindful awakening, reducing stress. Embracing natural light and staying hydrated kickstarts your body's natural processes and boosts alertness. This morning routine lays the foundation for a harmonious and productive day, promoting physical and mental resilience.

Know When to Log Off

Knowing when to log off—physically and mentally—is a crucial component of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the realm of remote work. Setting a definitive finishing time establishes clear boundaries, allowing individuals to disengage from work and transition to personal time.

Avoiding the temptation to work extra hours is essential to prevent burnout and ensure sustained productivity. Effective communication with the team plays a pivotal role in this process. By clearly expressing your working hours and setting expectations, you create a transparent environment where colleagues understand and respect your boundaries.

This practice not only contributes to individual well-being but also fosters a culture of respect and balance within the remote work team, ensuring that everyone can thrive both professionally and personally.

Learn more about managing work burnout while living on the road.

Maintain Regular Hours

Sticking to a regular schedule when working remotely is like laying the foundation for a well-organized and productive routine. Having set working hours gives a clear structure to your day and helps build discipline and consistency.

Breaking your day into blocks of time for specific tasks adds even more structure, making your work sessions focused and efficient. Setting small, doable goals within these time blocks keeps you motivated and gives you a sense of progress. Keeping track of this progress not only keeps you organized but also helps you make continuous improvements.

In a nutshell, sticking to regular hours is a purposeful and effective way to balance structure with flexibility, making sure each workday is purposeful and fulfilling.

Take Scheduled Breaks

Understanding the importance of taking regular breaks is a smart way to keep your mental and physical well-being in check while working remotely. These breaks are crucial for refreshing your mind, preventing burnout, and boosting overall productivity.

Planning short breaks every 25-90 minutes fits well with how our brains naturally work, giving us moments of rest that help maintain focus and creativity. Adding a brief walk to these breaks is a great idea, not only for a physical recharge but also to stimulate the mind, leading to increased productivity and creativity.

Embracing these breaks is a holistic approach to remote work, making sure that moments of rest contribute to a more balanced and energized professional experience.

End Your Day with a Routine

Acknowledging daily accomplishments is a practice that elevates the remote work experience, instilling a sense of achievement and motivation. Taking a moment to reflect on completed tasks reinforces a positive work mindset and contributes to overall job satisfaction.

Additionally, preparing a to-do list for the next day becomes a strategic tool for maintaining focus and organization. This forward-thinking approach ensures a clear roadmap for the upcoming workday, enhancing efficiency and goal-oriented productivity.

Finally, establishing a work shutdown ritual is a deliberate behavior that eases the transition from work to personal time. Whether it is reviewing current accomplishments, preparing for the next day, or simply closing the laptop, this ritual creates a mental boundary, promoting a healthy work-life balance in the realm of remote work.

Craft Your Work Oasis

Creating an inspiring workspace is an art that transforms the mundane into a realm of productivity and creativity. Whether you choose coworking spaces, ambient buzz of a coffee shop, or maybe even in your newly renovated sprinter van, finding spaces that resonate with your work style is key.

Tailoring your environment involves curating a space that speaks to your preferences, incorporating elements that elevate motivation. Personal touches, vibrant colors, and ergonomic furniture can all contribute to an environment that sparks creativity and enthusiasm.

As your surroundings become an extension of your mindset, the lines between work and inspiration blur, turning your workspace into a sanctuary that nurtures both productivity and passion.

Embrace the Perks of Remote Work

Working remotely definitely has its perks, offering a dynamic and flexible professional setup. Being able to work from different places gives a unique freedom that boosts productivity and creativity. Plus, the sense of community in remote networks is super helpful, encouraging teamwork and sharing ideas.

This professional freedom opens up lots of possibilities. People can set up their workspaces in a way that helps them work better. In the world of remote work, the mix of flexibility and job opportunities changes things up, breaking down the usual lines between work and life. It is a smart and flexible approach to modern work that helps people handle their careers with resilience and adaptability.

TravlFi Takeaways

Transitioning to remote work brings about a unique and exciting lifestyle. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can seamlessly navigate the challenges and embrace the freedom that comes with flexible work. Whether you are working from home or exploring the world, these insights will contribute to a successful remote work experience.

FAQs

Can you work a remote job while traveling?

Yes, you can work remotely while traveling if your job allows flexible hours and reliable internet access. Many digital nomads use mobile hotspots, RV Wi-Fi solutions, or coworking spaces to stay connected on the road. The key is planning ahead for connectivity, time zones, and workspace setup so you can stay productive anywhere.

How to make $80,000 a year working from home?

Earning $80,000 a year from home is possible in fields like tech, marketing, writing, design, and customer success. Look for full-time remote roles or freelance contracts that pay by project or retainer. Building specialized skills, maintaining strong communication, and using reliable internet and productivity tools can help you earn a professional salary from home.

How to find remote work while living full-time in an RV?

Start by identifying careers that support location independence—like writing, design, coding, virtual assistance, or online teaching. Search job boards such as We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, or LinkedIn using keywords like “remote” and “anywhere.” Combine that with a dependable RV internet setup, and you can maintain a stable income while exploring full-time on the road.

TravlFi Internet for Remote Workers and Travelers

TravlFi keeps you connected on the road. Not sure which device is best for you? Compare below.

Article By: Chloe Thomas

Chloe Thomas, the Marketing Specialist at TravlFi, is a mastermind at crafting innovative marketing strategies that elevate the brand's presence. By day, she dives into marketing intricacies, making sure TravlFi stands out from the crowd with her creative touch. Beyond the office, Chloe enjoys traveling, finding new hiking trails or planning her next fishing trip. Chloe's heart belongs to the mountains, making any destination with peaks her preferred getaway.

How to Work Remotely in an RV: Internet Setup, Job Ideas, and Productivity Tips