This past week seemed full of challenges as a full-time traveler working remotely, so I thought I would share the ups and downs of life on the road. It’s a balancing act of responsibilities and adventure sprinkled with the mundane, after-work brain fatigue that only a simple dinner followed by binge-watching a series will fix. (Currently, we are on Season 9 of The Blacklist, and I’m not sure I’ve recovered from the Season 8 ending!)
It's not always palm trees and perfect Wi-Fi, but it is pretty amazing most days! In this issue, I will share our top highlights and headaches. But first, here is one of my favorite images.
Wood stork chick begging for food...or attention?!?
Photo of the Week
One of the unexpected joys of working from the road is having a flexible schedule (and a husband with available PTO time) that allows me to spend an afternoon immersed in nature.
Our travel life allows me to plan to be in the right location at the right time without the need to take a vacation. But it does make choosing the POTW challenging if we've been to an area that inspired thousands of photos. Wakodahatchee Wetlands was one of those places! It was amazing to see all the baby wood stork chicks as they approached fledgling status and prepared to leave the nest. With all the squawking and begging for food, I can see why the parents kick them out of the nest.
Balancing Act of Work and Life...Highlights & Headaches
Being a full-time RVer and remote worker definitely comes with its fair share of highlights and headaches. Toss in my love for nature photography and travel blogging, and let’s just say, flexibility and self-discipline aren’t optional; they’re survival tools! If you've ever wondered what it’s really like to blend work with life on the road, here’s a peek behind the curtain.
The Highlights: Why I Love This Life
New Views. One of the best parts of this lifestyle is choosing your own backyard. Whether perched on top of a mountain, tucked in the forest, or parked in a campground near a historical landmark, the scenery constantly inspires me.
Culture & Curiosity. Traveling up the East Coast this year has given us access to some incredible historic locations. There’s something magical about standing on the same ground where history unfolded, and I love being able to share those experiences with you.
Creative Fuel. Constant movement keeps me creatively charged. My current remote job allows me to use years of experience in new ways, while travel photography and blogging satisfy my urge to explore and create.
There's nothing like a desert rainbow!
Hubby practicing his RV-yoga poses
The Headaches: The Not-So-Instagrammable Side
Connectivity Woes. Working remotely generally means you can work from anywhere as long as you can get a decent signal. Trees are beautiful, but they are a definite headache for Starlink. We've had to leave beautiful campgrounds and cozy sites to get a clear sky for dishy.
Rolling Maintenance. RV life means your home is always in motion, which can come with surprise issues. For example, when the park you are in hasn't wired its pedestals correctly, it overloads the amps to your trailer and causes a total power outage. Scheduled maintenance is a must and reduces those surprises, but it eats up time...and the travel budget.
Inconsiderate Campers. Most of the RV community is fantastic, but now and then we run into folks who ignore quiet hours, leave trash behind, or let pets roam freely (and deposit little surprises in your campsite). It's frustrating when someone else's behavior disrupts your happy place.
Remote work perk: choosing your own office scenery every week!
Tips for Thriving as a Remote-Working Traveler
Have a backup plan (or two). We have large data plans on our phones as a backup and (as a last resort) can work from a local library or fast-food spot.
Block adventure time. We plan big adventures for the weekend. I have most Fridays off, so I go to gardens and other spots hubby isn't as fond of.
Protect your workspace. In a small RV, a quiet space can be a challenge for both people working in the same room. Noise-cancelling headphones and awareness of when the other person is on a call or meeting can help.
Life on the road isn't always perfect, but for us, the rewards outweigh the challenges. I'd love to know, if you could work from anywhere for a week, where would you set up your office? Hit reply and tell me your dream location, and I might share a few in the next issue!
Until next week!
PS: If you are looking for some travel inspiration, check out this post on Theodore Roosevelt NP in North Dakota! It was the perfect "wildlife" destination park!
