Corporate job while on the road - RV-Dreams Community Forum

BoAndRach · RV-Dreams Family Member

Corporate job while on the road

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Rachel,

I'm one of those who took the traditional corporate job on the road, my hubby is an artist and we travel between his art shows.

Our 5th wheel is our 4th RV, each one has gotten a little bigger with a few more ammenities. We deliberately chose the floor plan we have due to the built in desk for me to use as my work space. We removed the couch and the recliners that came with our 5th wheel, replaced the recliners with a smaller, reclining love seat, replaced the couch with a workbench and left room for a kitty perch.

One thing we learned with our last rig (a 30 ft TT) before we went full time is that we each needed dedicated work space. Having to move things before dinner each night was not ideal. At that time we were going on the road for 2-4 weeks at a time and really felt we needed more work space and more counter space. There are times when my hubby can cover just about every surface (dining table, kitchen counters, coffee table, plus of course his work bench) with his tools / materials. Most of that gets put away each evening, but his work bench and often our dining room table remain cluttered, it's just how he works. My laptop and second monitor stay out on my desk most of the time and the benefit of having a dedicated desk is that I can neatly stack my notebook and folders at the end of each day. We're finding that we usually eat dinner either outside or at the coffee table so the dining table has become part of his work space as well as his workbench.

Some recommendations:

First, if you haven't found Technomadia's Website, I would suggest you take some time to review their site, they have listed a ton of resources, published many articles regarding Internet connectivity, balancing life/travel/work, RV work spaces, etc. They have links to other blogs that are published by people who work full time on the road as well.

I also strongly recommend their Mobile Internet Handbook and if you have a lot of questions regarding technology, joining their forum (MIA) allows you to ask questions and get feedback quickly, plus a wealth of other information that they have researched. It's not a huge dollar investment and can save you $$'s by making sure you don't buy the wrong gear. Here's their website with links to a couple of specific posts that I think you'll find useful:

www.technomadia.com/
www.technomadia.com/2015/02/tips-for-balancing-work-and-a-rv-traveling-lifestyle/
www.technomadia.com/full-time-rving-workspaces/

Their MIA site: www.rvmobileinternet.com/
You can order the Mobile Internet handbook from either site.

Another member of the forum who has recently gone full time while working that corporate job and travels frequently is Trace, she's posted a couple of discussions on some of the topics you list above in your questions, plus her blog has some other insights you will find useful.
rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t59794171/working-and-traveling-logistics/
rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t59600982/what-do-you-do-when-one-person-needs-to-fly-for-work/

And then finally, a few discussions I've started that you might find useful or amusing:
rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t58977854/working-from-home-while-the-rig-is-in-the-repair-shop/
rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t58570785/hint-telecommuter-learn-to-hit-the-mute-button-fast/
rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t56380116/corporate-job-on-the-road-a-new-benefit-of-fting-for-us/

Hope this helps!

Ruth

BoAndRach · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth, so nice to meet you! Thank you so much for all the info! This is so incredibly helpful. Traveling for art shows must be exciting. I look forward to seeing your husband’s art. Hopefully our paths will cross someday.

We are also selecting our RV based on criteria for my workspace. We’ll be giving up a bit of main living space, but a 5^th with a bunkroom is probably the way to go for us which puts us right at about 41’ for all the models in the running. Like you, I can’t imagine moving/cleaning up everything at the end of the day. Having said that, it’s been a challenge to re-think the way we’ll work and live. (I’m not ashamed to admit that I was practically giddy to find a floorplan with the option of a second (1/2) bath OR an office! But, in my current life, if anyone ever suggested that I work in a bathroom-sized space, let alone RV-sized 1/2 bathrooms, they might have been a candidate for a throat punch ;). Funny how perspective changes!

I did find Technomadia’s info on RV workspaces, which was very helpful, but I haven’t really explored their site yet. I’ll be sure to do that soon. It looks like a great resource. I hadn’t heard of MIA. I will definitely look them up.

I’m sure that yours and Trace’s posts are the ones that I found originally that gave me reassurance that I am not the only person in the world taking a regular full-time job on the road. So much info and so, so funny! I will definitely check out the ones you’ve shared in case I missed them.

Just curious, how often do you and your husband move? I am thinking we’ll probably stay in one place for two to four weeks at a time, at least during this first year. Feels like that will give me time to see (and bike) the places we’re visiting (living?), but also allow me to adjust to working on the road. (Honestly, once I’m settled, I still don’t see us moving more than this, but maybe I’m wrong.)

Finally, cool to see that you’re traveling with a cat. We’ll be hitting the road with a cranky, 10-year old Red Bone Coon Hound. Should be an adventure and I’m sure our new neighbors will love us. But, hey, he should spend his golden years in retirement comfort, too. LOL

All the best!

Rach

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Rach,

It took us a while to find our best travel schedule. We prefer 2-4 weeks and only move faster than that when we have to due to art shows.

In the post I listed above from Trace, there was a good logistics discussion that you might want to read through. Just our experience, everyone will figure out what works for them and we are by no means the experts.

We try not to travel on weekdays unless it's a late Friday afternoon travel, otherwise it just makes my life / travel balance much more stressful. Moving around too often adds a lot of cost and stress and leaves less time to explore local places. Our first year on the road, we accumulated almost 20K miles, this year we'll barely be over 12K. Our shortest stay in our second year (other than art shows or a few enroute one night stops) has been 2-3 days, but that was a week when we were on vacation and visiting family and friends. We've stayed as long as 8 weeks at one location and by then we were ready to move on, we've had just a couple of one week stays that were not related to art shows and those have been motivated by either wanting to visit friends but not wanting to linger for too long as we were ready to continue to another part of the country.

Good luck!

Ruth

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Although we aren't fulltiming we do part time 3-4 months in one spot during summer months and 3-4 day trips other months. I often work from the road when we are travelling.

Most of the time the WiFi at RV Resorts is sufficient for my work. Once in a while I will have to drive to find better WiFi to use so I end up working from my truck.

In the 5th wheel we added a desk in the dining area or there is a shelf in our bedroom I can use for my laptop or I setup shop under the patio awning outside.

Some of the projects require I be on the job site for several days or couple of weeks. We have parked the RV onsite or nearby instead of using a hotel. I go to work and my DW gets to go shopping.

At first we were using an aircard from Verizon for internet access but now that WiFi is so prevalent we cancelled the service.

I can't think of anything I would do differently... at one time I thought of getting satellite internet service but after following Howard's journal entries on access, I chose to just use WiFi. I am considering getting a cell based setup for primary use and the WiFi would be the backup option.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi, and welcome!

DH and I also need to work while on the road. I am a Virtual Assistant and have always had my own office. While looking for a rig, I really wanted a bunkhouse model for a separate office, or at minimum, a model with a desk. Well, we found a deal on a fifth wheel + truck combo that was too good to pass up, but of course, some sacrifices had to be made, such as no separate office or even desk. My new office is my dining table and my desk is the chair next to me (which has storage under it). Very surprisingly, this arrangement works out very well. When I am finished working, I just put the laptop on the chair so I can have full use of the table and it doesn't look like clutter. Some days, weather permitting, I'll even take the laptop outside and work with a really scenic view.

As for DH, he has been an IT field technician and serviced all kinds of stores and offices around the country. Unfortunately, there haven't been too many gigs for him lately, however, he just started a new career: inspecting gas pipelines (which he actually learned about here on the RV Dreams forum).

There are definitely days when I either need to focus or be on a conference call, in which case I make him go into the bedroom or outside (or I'll take the call outside if it's nice out and there's pretty scenery!)

As for technology, I strongly recommend going to Technomadia.com and looking for the Mobile Internet Handbook. We have a wireless booster, a grandfathered unlimited data plan with AT&T, and a Verizon 20GB jetpack. So far it's been working pretty well for us.

So far, I've found the greatest challenge to be learning to balance my time. I tend to work as long as there's work in front of me, rather than pacing myself throughout the day. Which means I'm usually tied to my computer from about 8 am until 7pm, which is really crazy! It defeats the purpose of this lifestyle if I'm not going to get out and explore and have fun, even if just once a week. But we're only f/t less than a year and I'm sure we'll eventually find our rhythm.

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

BoAndRach wrote

Do you work at the kitchen table, couch, bedroom, outside, etc.? Or do you have a bunkroom that serves as an office? (We're considering a fifth wheel with a bunkroom because I am ALWAYS on the phone. LOL). How's your current work space situation working out for you?
With all the advances in satellite, internet, phone service, etc. do you find that you have regular access while out and about? All the tech looks really complex to me, but access is the one thing that makes me most nervous about doing this.
Is there anything that you wish you knew about working from the road (especially around access and rig/workspace set-up) before you hit the road?

Rachael

Hi Rachel,

So glad another corporate worker might be joining us :) I work as a project manager from the rig and have the same basic requirements you do...internet, phone, and access to an airport.

I live in a front living room model and we took out one of the couches and turned it into a large desk area. When my husband wants the computer I also work at the kitchen table on occasion. (We bought a larger and more stable table and got rid of the one that came with the coach.) The desk is less of an issue than the relative height of your chair. I find myself hunching over quite a bit so recommend you really think this one through and imagine not only the desk but the chair which will go with it. I am always on the phone as well, but Lee and I have worked this out. I have calls I just listen to, calls I participate, and those I run. He knows the calls I am running he needs to stay quiet...the others sometimes I take outside or he can putter and it doesn't bother me because I am mostly on mute. We talk about my conference call schedule every day and sometimes he plans outside activities or takes off for several hours to give me space on a particularly heavy conference call day. Other times I'll walk outside to allow him to do his thing. HIGHLY recommend having headphones for your TV so he can watch a movie or something while you work and a headset for you.
I've been mainly on the east coast and with ATT (have to have this for work) it's largely been a non-issue. On occasion weather can play havoc but that happens in a sticks and bricks as well. Not so sure what will happen as we move out west this Summer but I pay attention to what Ruth says in that area because she's been making it work out there for awhile. I did buy the Technomadia cellular coverage app and use that pretty consistently prior to booking. I also call the campground in advance and ask someone in those cases where we are more rural or look on blogs or RV Park Reviews for comments from others. The main thing is your always traveling with the understanding that if you don't have service you have to leave. Period. So far this has not happened but I fully expect to run into it sooner or later. BTW, I am using a ATT Mifi ...nothing fancy...no antenna or other booster yet!! We are going to invest though I just wanted some time on the road first to see how it was without those things. Again I recommend Technomadia for the specifics as they have been working IT jobs on the road for a long time, but you don't necessarily have to invest right away.
Working from the road takes internal discipline especially when you are camping with friends. Most of them will be retired and it's hard to watch folks go to the beach or on hikes while your working. What makes it really hard is you know you can "play hooky" and go but for me that was a slippery slope. I choose to maintain a regular schedule. I take a shower in the morning, get dressed (no pajama work for me), and take a break around lunchtime when I can to walk outside. You also need to get used to down times in your day. You are much more productive without the constant in person interruptions but you may find you don't have enough work every day for a full 8 hours. I had to make my peace with that and think in terms of what I accomplished whether than the hours I worked. That helped quite a bit.

It is totally doable and compared to working in an office great, but I know I have put myself into a riskier position by making such an unconventional choice. Have a backup plan for how you will make money if you get a new boss who is not so ok with this or find yourself downsized because your politcial position in the corporation has suffered due to less face time. I decided a long time ago I wanted to consult eventually so when the job goes away I have a plan for the next step.

Good luck to you and feel free to reach out anytime.

Trace

-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Friday 5th of June 2015 06:16:51 AM

-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Friday 5th of June 2015 06:17:24 AM

-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Friday 5th of June 2015 06:19:43 AM

-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Friday 5th of June 2015 06:20:10 AM

-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Friday 5th of June 2015 06:21:35 AM

The Restless Youngs · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm also working part time from the road....but have only been add it a little less than two months, so still figuring it all out. At first I was really struggling not having a dedicated work space, but I am getting more comfortable with working from my kitchen table when I'm in the rig and sometime working outside, etc. I've done my calls from inside the coach, to outside on a picnic table, in route to our next location, in a kayak, etc. Obviously the type of call dictates some of the locations where I've done the calls!!

As far as technology, I have a AT&T work phone (with hot spot), a Verizon jet pack (with unlimited data) and hubby has a Verizon phone. We also have a Wilson cell phone booster. I've had a couple of occasions where I've had to grab the verizon phone for a call because of week signal, but hasn't been a big issue. There are coverage apps out there which will show you at&T and verizon coverage. Not in love with the Wilson booster as you have to be within a foot or so, so have pre-ordered the MaxSignal booster as it's supposed to provide whole coach coverage. Time will tell but hopeful.

I do roll out of bed on occasions and hop on a call, or check emails, etc. in my PJ's. So, not as structured as some. As others have mentioned, finding the right balance has been probably my biggest struggle. I do also have to travel on occasion, and being close to an airport is important and planning those trips has been a little challenging....but again, will figure it out.

The good news is that it has been totally doable; I'm more productive when I'm working because I'm not having to deal with all the office stuff. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!!

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Restless Youngs wrote:
. I've done my calls from inside the coach, to outside on a picnic table, in route to our next location, in a kayak, etc.

I was with her when she did the conference call from her kayak...it was badass!!!

BoAndRach · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am not sure how I missed all these great responses. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me how you’re all working it out. It’s inspiring that so many people are having great success working truly mobile! I’ve been working from home for quite some time now, so the transition to fully mobile seems natural, but I definitely wasn’t sure how to make it all work. It’s feeling much more comfortable now.

Since my original post, we’ve changed plans on RV type and are closing in on a toy hauler. I might have mentioned previously that we’re avid mountain bikers and the more we thought about how we’d have to travel with the bikes and gear, a toy hauler really makes sense for us. Anyhow, the “garage” will mostly serve as my office. I’ll let you all know in a year or so how it’s really worked out!

I’ve definitely been reading up on technology. It’s sounding like the Verizon/ATT redundancy along with a booster will probably be the way we start out. We plan to spend a lot of time out west, at least for the first couple years.

Cheryl, I used to be the same way. I was so concerned about the perception of working from home that I’d work for 12 hours a day, every day, whether I needed to or not. I work in consulting, so there are definitely some times of the year where really long days are required, but I’ve gotten away from working those really long hours when it’s not necessary. My schedule now is that I work from about 8:30 to 4. Then I check out for a couple hours to go ride and eat dinner. After that, I usually check in one last time to make sure nothing has exploded!

Incidentally, I am working in my PJs as we speak. Very glad my company hasn’t embraced video conferencing or I’d be in trouble.

Cori, with that kayak conference call, you may be the queen of the road. I agree with Trace, that IS badass!

And, by the way, Trace, I read your blog fairly religiously. I love your new-to-the-road perspective!

Thank you again, everyone!
Rach

The Restless Youngs · RV-Dreams Family Member

So I just finished up a full week of "work" travel versus "fun" travel and I have to say I forgot how exhausting the work kind of travel really is! I had done a few one/two day trips and it wasn't that big of deal. I miss my bed and my little house on wheels!!

I think the toy hauler is a great solution and will make a great office! Congrats!!

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

We seriously looked into a toy hauler office ... I would have gone that way, but Lee didn't feel he had enough construction experience to pull it off. I think it's a great idea...think about all that open space when your working...like a big screened in porch. And thanks so much for the kind words about the blog. Much appreciated :)

Rob_Fla · RV-Dreams Family Member

We were spending a lot of time living in Hotels traveling when we decided to go Fulltime and work on the road

My work entails customer quality assurance, field training and product R&D

We have now been fulltiming and working for 3 1/2 years now and love it.

We typically move about every two to three weeks.

My company provides my Cell Phone, Air Card and covers all our fuel costs and campground fees.

Most of the time, the campground WiFi works good enough for us, if the WiFi is poor I will either use the Air Card or phone Hot Spot for internet connection.

I do not really have a separate work space in the RV, most of my time working at RV is spent on the laptop or cellphone.

A lot of my time is spent doing customer site quality inspections, repeat customer problem resolution and new field personnel training.

Our lifestyle is not for everybody, but it works for us. :)

fun2travel · RV-Dreams Family Member

DH still works fulltime with the use of the internet. Uses our dining room table also.
It works out well. I've mentioned several times he can take it out to put in a regular desk, but he's happy with the arrangement. Good luck!

pamelaannberry · RV-Dreams Community Member

I'll be joining the corporate working. I work full time for a tech company out of the Bay area. They pay for my phone and internet so I'm now researching the internet etc... and researching all my options.