Living life on the road, my family and I have embraced the full-time RV lifestyle for over a year, with plans to extend our adventures. From the scenic landscapes of Florida to the breathtaking sights of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, our journey took us through the heart of the country, reaching as far as Vancouver. Yet, the reality behind this nomadic lifestyle isn't a stress-free fantasy; working remotely while navigating the intricacies of remote locations presents its own set of challenges.

Staying Connected

In the world of remote work, connectivity is paramount. Balancing a 9-5 job while exploring remote, wooded, or mountainous locations demands a reliable internet connection. Whether planning our next destination, staying in touch with family, or finding entertainment, being online is non-negotiable.

Hotspotting

While using a phone hotspot is a quick fix, it's limited. Dedicated hotspot devices offer a step up, but data caps and varying cell tower availability pose challenges. Ideal as a backup or for keeping the kids connected on the road.

LTE Home Internet

T-Mobile and Verizon provide LTE Home Internet, a cost-effective alternative to traditional home services. Though lacking data caps, dependency on cell towers remains a drawback. An excellent choice for those on a budget, yet mindful of location-based connectivity challenges.

Satellite Internet

Enter Starlink, SpaceX's game-changer in satellite internet. With the ability to connect even in the remotest locations, Starlink overcomes LTE's limitations. However, heavy tree coverage or thick overcasts can still disrupt the signal. Despite its cost, the versatility of satellite internet proved indispensable, allowing seamless connectivity even across borders.

Balancing the Equation

Deploying a combination of LTE and satellite-based internet services proved to be the key to success in our nomadic endeavors. While investing in three services comes at a price, it's a small compromise compared to the alternatives of constantly hunting for Wi-Fi, relying on campground networks, or sacrificing the thrill of continuous exploration. The road less traveled demands a robust connection, and we've found a way to make it work.

Crafting My Mobile Office

Workspace Setup:

Configuring a home office is challenging in the best of circumstances, but within the confines of an RV, it takes on a whole new level of complexity. Depending on your travel companions, this could range from a minor inconvenience to a scenario reminiscent of Ultra-Nightmare mode in Doom Eternal. My experience leans toward the latter, given our RV lacks dedicated areas for a permanent workspace. Fortunately, our seasonal migration from North to South affords me the luxury of working outdoors on many days.

Underneath one of the rear bedroom slides or within the shelter of a clamshell tent, my makeshift outdoor office became a dynamic necessity dictated by the level of remoteness or population density at each location. While working outdoors has its charm, it's not always a viable option. Inclement weather, the duration of our stay, or the comfort level with leaving equipment outside could force me indoors, settling for the dinette. This compromise, however, introduces its own set of challenges, impacting homeschooling, meetings, meal preparation, daytime relaxation, and essentially every other aspect of daily life.

Flexibility is the Key:

The crucial aspect here is the array of options available and the flexibility they afford. Working remotely demands adaptability and creativity, especially when your office might be under a slide one day and in a tent the next. If you aspire to embrace the remote work lifestyle, acknowledging and embracing this flexibility becomes paramount. Your ability to adapt and think creatively about your workspace will ultimately define your success in navigating the intricacies of life on the road.

The Wrap Up

Remote work on wheels isn't everyone's chosen route, and that's perfectly fine. The blend of unpredictable workspaces and the intricate dance between Wi-Fi signals and RV acrobatics may not suit every traveler. Yet, for those who embrace the challenge, finding joy in the midst of uncertainty and the beauty in unconventional workspaces, the remote RV life becomes a unique symphony. It's a journey I wouldn't trade, where the highs of exploration and the lows of connectivity hiccups converge to redefine the traditional boundaries of work and travel.