Nowadays, more people are choosing remote work over going to the office for their regular 9-to-5. A lot of professions, many have found, can be done everywhere, especially at home. Younger generations of workers, specifically, prefer to work remotely rather than spend so much of their time in commute and in a space that doesn’t inspire creativity.
Working remotely also allows the freedom for young professionals to go wherever they want. It permits them to work from a beachside cottage or in a cabin in the middle of the woods. It’s the perfect arrangement for millennials and gen zers who like to travel and have an adventure.
But could transforming a recreational vehicle into a mobile office that you can drive across the country work?
Cost of an RV
It’s no longer uncommon for people to move into a camper van or motorhome and have a never-ending tour of the country. It’s not just older adults who are retired who are investing their money into an RV. Youngsters, too, are completely fine living in these smaller spaces, as long as they can have their adventure.
RVs can range in price from $45,000 to $1 million depending on how luxurious you want it to be. It’s important to note that this is an investment if you plan to sell your RV one day-the resale value won’t compare to what you initially paid up front. But owning an RV affords flexibility when it comes to where you choose to work because not only are you working remotely, but you are on the road and could be seeing the country at the same time.
Making your RV mobile office
If you have the funds to purchase an RV, you have to be ready for the expenses that come with refurbishing what would become your living space/mobile office. Most motorhomes can be customized to add features that you, as the owner, will need while on the road. Some common additions include solar panels, TVs, additional storage space, and USB outlets.
The goal is to turn your RV into a self-sustaining mobile office that will not only yield the comforts of home but also the convenience of being able to work from anywhere. You likely will need an internet connection to contact your boss or clients wherever you go. You also will need electric outlets and uninterrupted power for your devices.
In addition, there are other equipment that will be necessary to make your mobile office comfortable and suited for productivity. A comfortable chair, a desk, and heating and cooling will help you get your work done on time.
Before hitting the road, be sure to contact your internet service provider about getting an appropriate connection tracked for wherever GPS takes you. Then, get ready to take that adventure and turn it into a productive trip as you work from your RV.
Deciding where you’ll be going
Your first step should be deciding the places that you’d like to visit depending on what type of work you do. Do you need an endless supply of Wi-Fi? Or would you be fine with being completely off the grid for weeks at a time? Sometimes, having an internet connection isn’t necessary for certain jobs.
Do you plan to see all the National Parks in America, stopping along the way at national monuments? Do you want to go across states where you can stop at any restaurant or store without much hassle? Are there small towns nearby that make unique places to visit? The list goes on depending on what type of trip you’d like to take. It’s important not only to determine what kind of RV you want but also where you plan to go so you can be ready for the unexpected.
Having a destination helps keep freelancers focused on getting work done during their travels rather than feeling disconnected, isolated, or lonely. A good mix of both work and play is important to have a successful work trip.
Not everyone is cut out for working from the road because there are some issues that come with it such as motivation and loneliness. It might not also be suitable if you are the type of person who is more productive in a space where there’s very little distraction. This set-up isn’t typical anywhere. While you’re technically on a trip, you have to give yourself time to do your work and focus on your task. You might not have enough time to go around the destination, eat at local restaurants, and sleep late to party because you still have a day job the morning after.
But it can be a fun adventure that won’t force you to miss work.