Exploring the Diverse Professions of Vandwellers: How Nomads Make a Living
Living in a van or truck, often referred to as vanwelling, offers a unique blend of freedom and challenges. While finding consistent work as a nomad can be tricky, the mobile lifestyle provides numerous advantages. You can go where the work is, live on less income, and even work in exchange for lodging or essentials. This page outlines various options available for vandwellers to make a living.
Working Night Shifts
One of the most practical strategies for vandwellers is working night shifts. By choosing jobs that can be performed during the evening hours, you can park your vehicle during the day, blending in more easily. This method helps avoid suspicion and makes it easier to find alternative ways to sleep when needed.
However, this comes with its own set of challenges. Staying cool in the daytime can be difficult, especially in warmer climates. For instance, if you are providing home health care, you might be able to use the amenities of the house you're working in, such as the kitchen, laundry machines, and even prep and store meals in a cooler. Yet, the trade-off may be a struggle to maintain a comfortable sleep environment.
Employment Benefits
Other jobs offer additional benefits that can support your nomadic lifestyle. For example, positions that provide shower amenities can be particularly beneficial. Gyms, campgrounds, truck stops, and certain hotels with indoor pools offer showers to their clients. If you don’t have a dedicated shower in your van, you can utilize these benefits to maintain hygiene.
Remote and Mobile Work Opportunities
The modern world offers various options for remote work and content creation. Vandwellers can capitalize on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, as well as online marketplaces and remote work opportunities. Here, we explore some of the most common professions and trends among vanlifers.
Instagrammers and Youtubers
The world of vanlife is filled with influencers, and these often fall into two categories: Instagrammers and Youtubers. Instagrammers tend to be younger and aim to create a vibrant online presence, often leading to short-lived success. In contrast, Youtubers are more serious about their content and planning, focusing on quality and sustainability.
Instagrammers might post pictures of themselves on the beach or perform activities that are visually appealing. However, the market for such content is saturated, and without a unique angle, success is fleeting. On the other hand, Youtubers provide insightful, detailed content, often showcasing their adventures in a manner that highlights the beauty of remote living.
Remote Work and Freelancing
.Remote workers can take advantage of the flexible nature of their work. They may spend a couple of years living the vanlife but eventually opt for a more permanent home due to the constant search for a signal. However, this lifestyle isn't for everyone. For those who need broadband access to function, the search for WiFi or data signals can become tedious.
Retirees and those struggling with retirement budgets often find themselves living in vans due to financial constraints. Many of these individuals worked hard their whole lives, but failed to save adequately for retirement. With limited government assistance, they are forced to adapt to a nomadic lifestyle to make ends meet.
Challenges and Solutions
Budgeting and financial management are critical for vandwellers. Some individuals manage to survive on as little as $500 per month. However, such a lifestyle brings its own set of challenges, such as frequent trips to find campsites, the need to use baby wipes for washing, and the constant search for potable water. Hot showers are a rare luxury, often found at specific campsites or parking lots. When campsites are unavailable, parking at places like Walmart or Cracker Barrel can be an option, but what happens when your vehicle breaks down?
In summary, while there are unique advantages to vanlife, making a living as a vandweller requires careful planning and adaptability. Whether through night shifts, remote work, or taking on unconventional jobs, the possibilities are endless, but the challenges should not be underestimated.