A lot of people budget and plan for every moment up to converting their van, getting inside and then driving into the sunset. They don’t always think about how to sustain van life over the long term – which (I’m sorry to say) means finding a way of working to bring in some cash money.
The good news is in this day and age you almost certainly have a skill that someone would be willing to pay for. Ideally, it’ll be a job that you can do while living in your van but in the worst-case scenario, you can still drive your van to your place of work.
There’s no doubt about it though, if you’re interested in van life then you want to find a job that still allows you the freedom to explore without being tied down to one particular location.
I’ve put together 10 of the best jobs for van life, starting with something I have a lot of experience in personally:
If you’ve got skills, why not flaunt them? Freelancing is like the Swiss Army knife of van life jobs – versatile and always handy. I’ve worked as a freelance copywriter for over a decade and, although spending a beautiful, sunny afternoon behind my laptop screen instead of trampling my way through a forest puts me in a bit of a sour mood – it helps to pay the bills and keeps me on the road.
What’s it all about? You’re offering your expertise to businesses or individuals on a project-by-project basis. Could be anything from graphic design to copywriting, or even computer programming if you’re a tech wizard.
Getting started: Build a killer portfolio that shows off your best work. Network like crazy, both online and at industry events. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be a good starting point, but beware – they’re ultra-competitive and people always want top-quality work for bargain-basement prices.
The good stuff: Maximum flexibility, choose your projects, set your rates. You’re the boss!
The not-so-good stuff: Income can be as unpredictable as British weather. You’ll need to be a pro at self-marketing, and sometimes clients can be… let’s say, challenging.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
If you’re organised and love helping people, being a VA could be right up your street. It’s a bit like being a freelancer, except you’re usually working for one person or company at a time.
What’s it all about? You’ll be doing all sorts of admin tasks remotely. Think managing emails, scheduling meetings, and maybe even running social media accounts. It’s a mixed bag, which keeps things interesting.
Getting started: There are loads of online courses, think Udemy, which help boost your skills. Project management and social media marketing are good shouts. Once you’re ready, hit up job boards or reach out to companies directly.
The good stuff: You get to do different things every day, and if you find a good client, you might have steady work for a while. It’s also a great way to dip your toes into the remote working world.
The not-so-good stuff: Sometimes it can feel like you’re just pushing papers (virtually, of course). And depending on your experience, the pay might not be amazing at first.
Content Creator (Blogger, Youtuber, etc.)
Fancy yourself as the next big thing on YouTube? We’ve all thought about it. Perhaps you’ve got an uncanny talent for the written word. For a lot of people in the community, content creation is the ticket to van life freedom.
What’s it all about? You’re basically building an audience by creating stuff people want to see or read. Could be about your travels, your hobbies, or your expertise in underwater basket weaving – whatever floats your boat!
Getting started: Pick something you’re passionate about (trust me, it helps), and start creating. Consistency is key here – you can’t just post once in a blue moon and expect to go viral.
The good stuff: You can work from literally anywhere with an internet connection. If you make it big, the money can be pretty sweet too. Plus, you’re the boss!
The not-so-good stuff: It’s a crowded field out there. Building an audience takes time and a lot of effort. And your income can be as unpredictable as British weather!
Online Teacher (English or Other Subjects)
Some people are naturally talented at helping others learn. Usually, they’re also very patient. Thanks to modern technology, you can now teach others from the comfort of your van!
What’s it all about? You’ll be teaching English (or other subjects if you’ve got the requisite know-how) to students all over the world. It’s all done online, so no need for a classroom – just a decent internet connection.
Getting started: A TEFL certification can be handy, but some platforms are pretty relaxed about qualifications. Have a look for online teaching jobs or get creative and set up your own courses.
The good stuff: You can often choose your own hours, which is great for van life. Plus, helping others learn can be really rewarding.
The not-so-good stuff: Depending on where your students are, you might need to be up at the crack of dawn or burn the midnight oil. Some platforms can be pretty strict about how you teach, too.
Social Media Manager
Let’s be honest – if you’re always on your phone anyway, why not make some money from it?
What’s it all about? You’ll be running social media accounts for businesses or individuals. That means creating posts, scheduling content, and chatting with followers.
Getting started: There are loads of courses out there on social media marketing. Build up a portfolio showing off your skills, and start networking with businesses or look for remote positions.
The good stuff: There’s a lot of demand for this kind of work, and you can earn a decent wage if you’re good. Plus, you might get to work with some cool brands.
The not-so-good stuff: It can be pretty fast-paced and demanding. You’ll need to keep up with all the latest social media trends, which can feel like a full-time job in itself.
Seasonal Work (The Van Lifer's Secret Weapon)
Ever thought about picking fruit in the summer and working at a ski resort in the winter? Seasonal work can be a van lifer’s best friend – or a lifesaver if you need to pick up a bit of extra cash.
What’s it all about? You work intensively for a few months, save up, and then hit the road again. It’s perfect for those who want to mix work and travel.
Getting started: Look for seasonal job postings online or through local job centres. National parks, holiday resorts, and farms are good places to start.
The good stuff: You get to experience different places and jobs, meet new people, and often get staff accommodation (which means you can give your van a break).
The not-so-good stuff: The work can be physically demanding, and you might need to commit to staying in one place for a few months at a time.
Remote Customer Service
If you’ve got the gift of the gab and don’t mind chatting to people all day, this could be right up your alley. Your van is now officially a call centre! Congratulations.
What’s it all about? You’ll be handling customer queries and complaints for various companies, all from the comfort of your van.
Getting started: Look for remote customer service positions on job boards. Many companies are now open to hiring remote workers.
The good stuff: Steady income, often with set hours which can help with routine. Plus, you’re helping people solve problems.
The not-so-good stuff: Dealing with angry customers isn’t always fun. You’ll need a reliable internet connection and possibly a quiet environment for calls.
Freelance Photographer
Got an eye for a good shot? Are people always fawning over your Instagram photos? Why not turn your van life adventures into a money-making opportunity!
What’s it all about? You’ll be taking photos of your travels and selling them to stock photo sites, magazines, or directly to clients.
Getting started: Build a portfolio of your best shots. Learn about licensing and how to market your photos online.
The good stuff: You’re already travelling to beautiful places, so why not make money from it? It can also help fund your travels.
The not-so-good stuff: Competition is fierce, and it can take time to build up a reputation. You might need to invest in good quality camera equipment too.
Mobile Trade Services
If you’ve successfully converted your own campervan then chances are you’ve become somewhat handy with a spanner or a paintbrush. Those skills could be your ticket to van life freedom!
What’s it all about? Offering your trade skills (like plumbing, carpentry, or painting) as you travel. You could work for local businesses or directly for homeowners.
Getting started: Make sure you’re properly qualified and insured. Set up a website or use job platforms to find work in the areas you’re travelling to.
The good stuff: There’s always demand for skilled trades. You can often charge good rates, especially in rural areas.
The not-so-good stuff: You might need to carry tools with you, which takes up valuable van space. Some jobs might require you to stay in one place for a while.
The Van Life Balancing Act: Mixing Online and Offline Work
Who says you have to stick to just one job? There are no hard and fast rules you have to follow – van life is all about freedom and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t apply to earning money, too.
The goal is to create a stable income when you’re on the road. Think of it as creating your own job cocktail – a bit of online freelancing here, a dash of seasonal work there, and voila! You’ve got yourself a recipe for financial stability. To get started, take a good look at your skills and interests. Then, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of work until you find the perfect blend for your van life style.
The beauty of this approach is that you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. If one income stream dries up (and let’s face it, that happens sometimes), you’ve got others to fall back on. It’s like having a financial safety net, which can be a real lifesaver when you’re living on the road. Plus, the variety keeps things interesting. One week you might be designing websites from a beach, the next you could be helping out at a music festival. It’s a great way to keep your van life adventure fresh and exciting.
But let’s be real for a moment – juggling different types of work can be challenging. You’ll need to be organised and flexible, two skills that don’t always go hand in hand. It can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but for many van lifers, that’s all part of the adventure. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. It’s all about finding the right balance for you, whether that means mostly online work with occasional offline gigs or a more even split. Keep experimenting, learning, and adapting until you find your own perfect van life- work balance.
Final Thoughts
Remember, van life isn’t all about chasing sunsets and beautiful views (although that’s definitely a perk). It’s a challenge that rewards you with incredible memories, but there are times when you have to dig deep and put in the work.
Whatever job you choose, make sure it fits with your van life goals. And don’t forget – a reliable internet connection is going to be your new best friend!
The key to successful van life work is finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to try different things until you find your groove. And always have a plan B (and C, and D…) because life on the road can be unpredictable!
Now, I’d love to hear what you think. Have you tried any of these jobs while living the van life? Or maybe you’ve found a different way to make money on the road? Drop a comment below and let us know!
Van Lifer Andrew
Andrew has been doing vanlife on & off for years. In fact, one of the reasons Andrew went into writing is so he can work from anywhere with an internet connection – so a prefect fit with van life and he does exactly this during his many vanlife escapades.
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