Remote Jobs: Working from Anywhere
Thanks to the rise of remote work, more companies than ever are embracing a workforce that isn’t bound by geography. Remote jobs provide a stable income, which is especially beneficial when you’re traveling long-term. If you’re already employed, transitioning your current role into a remote position might be possible.
Common Remote Job Roles
Customer Service Representative
Many companies hire remote customer service agents to handle calls, emails, or live chats. These positions often require only a reliable internet connection and a calm demeanour.
Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant (VA), you can manage administrative tasks for businesses or entrepreneurs. Tasks may include answering emails, scheduling appointments, managing social media, or even bookkeeping.
Tech Support Specialist
If you have technical skills, consider offering support to customers or employees for tech-related issues. Many companies allow tech support roles to be fully remote.
Sales and Marketing
Some sales roles, especially in digital marketing, allow you to work from anywhere as long as you’re hitting targets and staying connected to your team.
Remote Teaching or Tutoring ESL tutoring or online
teaching platforms such as VIPKid or Outschool allow you to teach from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
One important factor in working remotely while living vanlife is ensuring a reliable and stable internet connection. Investing in mobile hotspots, Wi-Fi boosters, or using co-working spaces will be essential to avoid any disruptions in your workflow.
Freelancing: The Gig Economy’s Best Friend
Freelancing is one of the most flexible ways to earn while living the vanlife. You can set your own hours, take on as much or as little work as you want, and work from almost anywhere. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, web developer, photographer, or marketing professional, the gig economy provides endless opportunities.
Popular Freelance Platforms
Upwork A vast marketplace where clients post freelance jobs. It covers almost every professional field, from tech to writing, design, and beyond.
Fiverr
A platform that allows you to offer “gigs” in your area of expertise, from creative services to digital marketing and tech support.
Freelancer
Another great platform to find gigs, Freelancer caters to those with skills ranging from software development to creative design.
Toptal
Known for hosting high-end freelancers, Toptal is ideal for highly experienced developers, designers, and finance experts.
Freelancing can bring in a variable income, but it’s a fantastic option for vanlifers who thrive on flexibility and autonomy. The ability to pick projects that fit your schedule makes it a popular choice for travelers who may not have the same consistent routines as full-time workers.
Blogging, Vlogging, and Content Creation: Monetizing Your Adventures
Many vanlifers choose to document their journey through blogs, YouTube channels, or social media, sharing their experiences with an audience that aspires to live vicariously through them. Over time, this content can become a reliable source of income.
Ways to Monetize Content
YouTube Ad Revenue
If you create compelling video content and grow a substantial following, YouTube’s Partner Program allows you to earn money through ad revenue.
Affiliate Marketing
By recommending products you use in your vanlife (e.g., solar panels, van gear, or travel gadgets), you can earn commissions through affiliate programs when your audience makes a purchase using your links.
Sponsored Content
As your audience grows, brands may approach you to promote their products or services, paying you to create content around their offerings.
Patreon
Many creators use Patreon to allow their fans to support them directly. By offering exclusive content or behind-the-scenes footage, creators can earn a monthly income from their most loyal supporters.
Blog Advertising
Through ads on your blog (using platforms like Google AdSense), you can generate revenue based on how much traffic your site attracts.
Building an online following takes time and effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to monetize your vanlife experience, allowing you to combine creativity, storytelling, and income generation.
Seasonal and Local Jobs: Working While You Travel
While remote work and freelancing can be done from your van, some vanlifers prefer to engage in local or seasonal jobs as they move from place to place. These short-term gigs allow you to earn money while temporarily settling in a particular location. Some common options include:
Workamping
A popular choice among RVers and vanlifers, workamping involves working at campgrounds in exchange for a free campsite and often a paycheck. Tasks can include managing the campground office, doing maintenance work, or handling reservations.
Farm Work or Harvest Jobs
Many farms offer seasonal positions, especially during harvest seasons. These jobs typically provide pay and sometimes free accommodation.
Tour Guide or Seasonal Resort Work
If you have a knack for hospitality or enjoy working with people, many resorts, adventure companies, or tour businesses hire seasonally. Ski resorts, national parks, and beachside hotels frequently seek temporary workers during their busy seasons.
Bartending or Serving
Restaurants and bars in tourist-heavy areas often need extra staff during high seasons. These jobs offer a flexible way to earn cash tips while meeting new people.
Seasonal jobs provide the opportunity to integrate more deeply into the places you visit, allowing you to meet locals, experience different work environments, and possibly even learn new skills.
Selling Handmade Goods
If you have a talent for creating art, jewellery, crafts, or other handmade goods, vanlife offers an opportunity to sell your creations both online and in-person. Many vanlifers set up online shops through platforms like Etsy or sell their goods at local markets as they travel.
Tips for Selling Handmade Goods
Etsy Store
An online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, Etsy allows you to showcase your creations to a global audience.
Local Craft Fairs or Farmers Markets
As you travel, look for local events where you can sell your goods. This also provides an opportunity to connect with local communities.
Instagram and Social Media
Social media platforms can serve as your personal shop window. By showcasing your work on Instagram or Facebook, you can attract buyers from all over the world.
Selling handmade items is an excellent way to earn while indulging in your creative passions. Plus, it’s a flexible option that fits well into the vanlife lifestyle since you can work on projects during downtime or while parked in beautiful locations.
Earning while living the vanlife is not only possible
But can also be deeply fulfilling. Whether you prefer the structure of remote work, the flexibility of freelancing, the creativity of content creation, or the hands-on nature of local jobs, there are numerous ways to sustain yourself financially while embracing the freedom of life on the road.
The key to success is finding what works best for your lifestyle and skills, while maintaining the freedom that attracted you to vanlife in the first place. With a bit of creativity, planning, and flexibility, you can enjoy a financially sustainable, adventure-filled life on the road.
