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Life Beyond the 9-to-5
Imagine waking up on a Monday morning, not to the blaring sound of an alarm clock, but to the soft chirping of birds outside your RV.
Instead of rushing to beat traffic, you’re leisurely sipping coffee, gazing out at a mountain range or a quiet lakeside. The only deadline you have is deciding where to drive next.
For 25 years, we’ve lived this life—traveling the country in our RV, working remotely, and proving that you don’t have to settle for the 9-to-5 grind.
The secret?
Remote income. It’s the key to unlocking a lifestyle of freedom and adventure.
If you’ve been dreaming of breaking free, here are five proven ways to create remote income. These strategies aren’t just theory; they’re battle-tested methods I’ve used (or seen other RVers use) to thrive on the road.
1. Freelancing: Turn Skills into Dollars
Freelancing is like the Swiss Army knife of remote work—it’s versatile, flexible, and fits perfectly into the RV lifestyle.
Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, programmer, virtual assistant, or even an accountant, there’s a market for your skills.
I’ll never forget my first remote gig. We were in Alaska, where I was attending a University Master’s program. I had a part time job working for the dean of our college. It was 2001, so remote work was going to be a little more challenging, but we wanted to head out for the summer with our little trailer.
I wrote a proposal to the Dean and laid out how I could produce the project we had planned while traveling around the state. Luckily, I did not need internet to complete the project. I did, however, check in periodically using Library computers.
One particular event I remember was of me sitting at a picnic table by a beautiful stream to the east of Denali National Park working on my laptop. Wayne was fishing. All of a sudden an eagle swooped down in front of us and snagged a fish.
A little distracting but WOW!
I completed my project that summer, we saw some amazing things, and everyone was happy.
Here are some tips to get started on your journey:
- Use reputable platforms: Try websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn to find opportunities.
- Leverage your network: Let friends, family, and acquaintances know you’re freelancing—they might connect you with clients.
- Start small and grow: Your first gig might not pay much, but it’s all about building momentum and a portfolio.
And don’t worry about being “professional.” I’ve taken client calls from the front seat of my RV parked at a Walmart and given online classes with laptop in an RV park laundry room in Alberta, Canada.
As long as you deliver quality work, no one cares if your “office” is mobile.
The RV lifestyle is full of stories, and you might be surprised how many people want to hear them. Blogging or vlogging is a great way to share your experiences while earning income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Blogs start out as a fun way to document your travels. There is so much to write about: the best campgrounds, the time your awning blew off in a windstorm, and favorite RV-friendly recipes.
Over time you realize people are hungry to learn how to live the RV life—and they are willing to pay for my expertise through ebooks, courses, and sponsored content. In fact, we have started a community of our own. You can check it out here.
If you’re thinking about starting a blog or vlog, here’s some wisdom:
- Be authentic: Share the good, the bad, and the hilarious. People love seeing the real side of RV life.
- Focus on a niche: Whether it’s RV maintenance, boondocking tips, or RV cooking, pick a topic you’re passionate about.
- Stay consistent: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged.
And don’t worry about perfection. There are usually background noises you cannot keep out. Yesterday, my neighbor was playing a harmonica while his dog sang along. Just be you.
3. Remote Work: The Digital Nomad Route
Not everyone wants to run their own business, and that’s okay. The rise of remote work means you can now find full-time jobs that fit perfectly with your RV lifestyle.
I know a fellow RVer, Izzy, who works remotely as a graphic designer. She once told me about attending a Zoom meeting while parked at Glacier National Park. Her background? The actual snow-capped peaks behind her. Talk about showing up to work in style.
Remote jobs are available in a variety of fields, including:
- Customer service
- IT and tech support
- Marketing and project management
- Sales and account management
I have created a full document of 30 types of remote jobs to consider based on your background. You can download it here.
To find these opportunities, check out job boards like FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, or even LinkedIn.
But here’s a piece of advice: Always check the strength of the campground Wi-Fi before that important call. And if Wi-Fi isn’t reliable, invest in a mobile hotspot or a satellite internet system. Your boss will thank you.
4. E-commerce: Sell Without a Storefront
Running an online store is a fantastic way to earn income from the road, and it’s easier than ever. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, or even partner with suppliers for dropshipping.
Take my friends, Jim and Lisa, for example. They run a successful Etsy shop selling custom RV decals. Their slogans—like “Home Is Where You Park It”—are wildly popular. They also sell state map stickers that RVers use to track their travels. Everything is designed in their RV, using a small printer and minimal storage space.
Thinking about selling online? Here are some tips:
- Choose lightweight products: RV storage is limited, so avoid bulky inventory. Digital products, like printables or ebooks, are perfect.
- Use the right platform: Etsy works well for handmade goods, while Shopify is great for branded online stores.
- Start small: Test a few products before diving in too deep.
E-commerce is scalable, too. Start as a side hustle and grow it into a full-time income stream. Just don’t forget to leave room in your RV for the important stuff—like snacks and hiking gear.
You don’t have to be the world’s leading expert to teach something—you just need to know more than the person you’re helping. Teaching and coaching are fantastic ways to earn money while living on the road.
I’ve personally taught marketing courses and coached people on planning their first cross-country RV trips.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Create online courses: My favorite platform is Membership.io because it includes a searchable component and a built in community – so I don’t need to rely on social accounts.
- Offer one-on-one coaching: Use Zoom or Skype to connect with clients.
- Host webinars: Cover niche topics like RV budgeting, boondocking, or travel photography.
Teaching isn’t just rewarding financially—it’s also a way to give back to the RV community and help others live their dreams.
The Freedom of the Open Road
At its core, creating remote income isn’t about getting rich—it’s about freedom.
Freedom to wake up in a new place every day, if you choose.
Freedom to work when you want, where you want.
Freedom to escape the soul-crushing monotony of office life.
So, what’s stopping you? Whether you’re freelancing, blogging, working remotely, selling online, or teaching, the opportunities are there. The hardest part is taking the first step.
Here’s the truth: Your RV is more than just a vehicle—it’s a ticket to a life you don’t need a vacation from. The open road is calling, and with a little creativity and determination, you can answer.
Because let’s face it: Your office chair can’t recline as far as your RV’s passenger seat anyway.
Final Thought: Life on the road isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it. And with remote income, you can write your own story—one campsite, one sunrise, and one paycheck at a time.
