Working from an RV

Trent will be your driver for today's post.  Susanne and I both earn a living online.  This post is about how I get my work done from an RV.

The key is an unlimited data plan ($45/month) with Verizon in a Jetpack.  The Jetpack pulls in the Verizon service and produces a WiFI signal we can use for work and play (Netflix). We use way too much data to just tether to a normal cell phone data plan. We don't park the RV anywhere without a Verizon signal.



I don't have a specific place I work in the RV.  However, I probably work from our kitchen/livingroom table the majority of the time. I tend to work here if Sam and Susanne are out on an adventure, sleeping, or in their own spaces. This location is good but I have to give it up if they are homeschooling, eating, or if Sam or Susanne are working on their businesses. I also just like to switch up my work locations to keep things interesting and to change my sitting/typing position during the day.




Sometimes I have to do audio recordings for work. For this task I to go to the mobile recording studio (i.e., the car). The acoustics of the car are surprisingly good; the windows allow me to look out while also keeping the tweets of the natives from being picked up by my microphone.




I've also recently started using the passenger's seat in the RV. This is turning out of be a fairly ideal location because it's an otherwise unused space, it's not in anyone's way, and it's comfortable. I've also started working outside a bit more at the provide tables. One major downside to both is they tend to get hot by the afternoon. Outside in Texas gets hot in August (shocker) and the front of the cab isn't tied into the RV AC system. So I have to remember to move from both spaces before I overheat. I'm looking forward to cooler weather because these two spaces will be great more of the time.








Sometime I also just need to get out, give Sam and Susanne more space, or get a little more separation from home and work when I have a big task and really need to concentrate. I thought for times like these I would end at places like Panera or Starbucks but instead I have just been going to the community buildings at campgrounds. They are surprisingly underused and often really quiet. A bonus is that sometimes the WiFi there is good enough that I can leave the Jetpack at home for Susanne and Sam to use.

I get most of this work done using my 15 inch Macbook pro, my mouse, and a good cheap pair of headphones for audio work/music. Have questions about getting work done in an RV? Leave a comment or email us at: nomadicmcdowells@gmail.com

RV-Based Business: Can I Make It Work? Post #1

Susanne is your driver for this post.

My question: I want to expand my health and wellness coaching business while on the road... Can I make that happen?

BACKGROUND: Last October, while still employed as a college professor, I signed up as a coach with Beachbody, LLC. If you've ever found yourself eating Cheetos and watching infomercials at 2 AM, you probably know that Beachbody is a company that creates and distributes health and wellness systems - comprehensive programs that promote regular exercise, healthy eating, and community support.

I signed on as a coach because I loved the products. A few months prior, I'd purchased the 21 Day Fix program and, with the help of my own coach, completely overhauled my lifestyle habits. I committed to the plan and it worked: over the course of several months, I lost 20 pounds, gained muscle, began replacing processed foods with whole foods, and started to run again. I was sold on the product, and I signed on as a coach in the hopes that perhaps I could help others and make a little profit in the process.

But let's make one thing very, very clear: I am a scientist by training, not a salesperson. My lack of business acumen dates all the way back to grade school when, every year without fail, I was the Girl Scout in my troop who sold the fewest boxes of cookies. It wasn't for lack of trying (I mustered up my courage, went door to door, and tried my best to charm the neighbors), nor was it because I didn't believe in the product (the empty wrappers in the trash can attested to my enthusiasm). I just lacked confidence: who'd want to buy cookies from me? 

Despite my reservations and lack of self confidence, there was something about the Beachbody coaching opportunity that gripped me. I liked the programs, I liked how I felt, I liked the way my own coach presented herself, I liked that the changes I made had stuck, I liked the people I was meeting through the coaching experience, and I liked seeing other people make their health a priority. After thoroughly researching the company's background and reputation, I set aside my hesitations and jumped in.

THE FIRST TEN MONTHS: I had little idea what to do once I signed on as a coach. I knew I needed to keep working out and using the programs, so I did that. In my free time, I participated in some training sessions, co-led some online accountability groups (something I love doing), and made a few bad decisions (see below). I often felt discouraged, but I stuck with it and was excited to learn. Despite my lack of experience and poor marketing judgment, I earned about $800 in the first ten months. Not too shabby, all things considered.

BEACHBODY AS AN RV-BASED BUSINESS: When we decided to become full-time RVers, my plan was to contribute to our family's total income by teaching online college classes. It seemed like the perfect gig for a digital nomad with an academic background. I signed on with a school early this year, submitted all requisite paperwork, and completed their intensive training. To date, however, I have received no course offerings, and prospects seem bleak (that the teaching plan fell through is really no surprise, as adjuncting these days is unpredictable at best, exploitative at worst). 

Although I was disappointed, I discovered that I was kind of excited. I like a challenge, and when the chips are down, I get creative. I realized that I could use the time and energy that I would have spent grading and participating in discussion forums to build my coaching business - something that energizes me every day. I also figured that "nomadic coaching" might offer me a unique opportunity to connect with other folks who live on the road yet are still trying to find ways to eat well, get in some exercise, and connect with others.

MY CURRENT STRATEGY: My two primary goals are 1) to provide individually-tailored support and encouragement to my clients as they work towards their health and wellness goals and 2) to slowly build and develop a team of dedicated, enthusiastic coaches who are committed to their clients and their businesses. My current strategy for meeting those goals includes the following:

• Sharing health and wellness tips, recipes, and photos via a Facebook business page and our Instagram account
• Advertising, participating in, and co-leading online fitness challenge groups for our Beachbody customers
• Walking the walk: exercising, eating well, trying new Beachbody programs as they come out, and being kind to myself
• Checking in with my current clients on a regular basis via email or through our accountability groups
• Obtaining a Certified Health Coach certification through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute (I'm currently in the second week of a six-week program)

CAN I TAKE THIS BUSINESS FURTHER?: That's what I want to know. I have plenty of entrepreneurial spirit and a wealth of enthusiasm for fitness and coaching, but I also have little experience in the business arena. So every four weeks for the next six months, I'll write a post that provides an update on the coaching business: strategies that worked and didn't work, successes, challenges, profits. And at the end of six months, I'll reassess: Can I make this work? And regardless of the answer - yes or no - what can other digital nomads learn from my experience?

If you have suggestions, experience, and/or advice to share, please do comment and let me know. I am a beginner in this arena, and I'm open to learning. Moreover, if you're a digital nomad who's running your own business, I'd love to hear more about your successes and challenges!

Homeschool planning (or lack thereof)

Susanne is your driver for this post.

One thing I'm (supposed to be) doing right now is making homeschool/roadschool plans for Sam's fourth grade year. I have a general idea of what I want him to do, especially with respect to math, reading, and writing; however, I know that all of this will be much more effective if we ask our very independent learner what HE wants to do, and how.

So this morning I asked Sam to compose a list of ten activities, topics, etc. he wants to do or cover in roadschool starting this fall. Here's the list:

1. Read history books more thoroughly. [He's almost done with Book 4 of Story of the World and wants to explore certain topics in greater detail.]

2. Do activities about the subjects we learn about.

3. Go on fun field trips to museums. [He loves museums.]

4. Go to places based on what we read.

5. Learn how to use Excel. 

6. Learn how to market a business.

7. Art classes - for YOU! Ha! [Thanks, Sammo!]

8. Learn how to use line graphs.

9. Learn how to divide to make a percentage.

10. Learn how to use pie graphs.

If anyone has resources/suggestions based on Sam's list, please reply and let us know!

Ten Ways to Support Your Favorite RVer

Dear Non-RVer,

We write this particular post for you, the sensible person who did not choose to sink tens of thousands of dollars into a box on wheels, who does not have close encounters with poop water on a near-daily basis, and who is probably not living within 10 feet of a cat litter box at all times (but also, your house probably doesn't expand at the touch of a button, so we win on that front).

So you're not an RVer, but you likely know someone who is. You may even know some younger folks - people in their 30s or 40s, or even 20s - who are taking to roads that just a couple of decades ago were dominated by retirees. Perhaps you're wondering, What can I do to support this favorite wanderer of mine?

A few ideas:

1. Limit the number of times you remind us how crazy and weird we are. It's fine to tell us this a few times; after all, we're a little crazy and weird. We get it. We can take the ribbing. Two or three or four times is acceptable, but ten is maybe a bit over the top.

2. Do not assume we're financially irresponsible. Unless you're our accountant and have seen strong supporting evidence, you don't know much about our money situation. Most RVers are in fact responsible, frugal, and creative with their money.

3. But also don't assume we're trust fund babies or that we won the lottery. Maybe that's the case for some people, but that's certainly not the case for us! Like most of you, we work, and like most of you, we're just trying to make enough to pay the bills, travel, and provide our child with some cool opportunities.

4. Offer your recommendations! If we're heading to a place you've visited, let us know what you think we should see and do - and what we should avoid. We had a fantastic time in Austin in large part because friends gave us the inside scoop on what's worthwhile and what's overpriced and/or overhyped.

5. This one's mostly for the relatives: if you're wondering what to get us for birthdays and holidays, gift cards are the way to go. Avoid purchasing physical objects that will take up room in our small space. This goes for kid's gifts, too. Who wouldn't love a cool Lego replica of the Millennium Falcon?... And yet, the Millennium Falcon has no place in Clark. Appropriate gift cards: any camping store, Amazon, Starbucks, KOA, Southwest, Panera... etc.

Alternatively, write us a sincere card/letter and send it to our mail service. That is a perfectly acceptable gift choice. We care about relationships. We don't really care about stuff.

6. If we happen to stop in or near your city/town, come hang out with us! We'd love that.

7. If you know of any easy-to-prepare recipes, share them with us. Cooking in an RV (especially an RV with a small kitchen) can be way different than cooking in a regular house. We're always looking for yummy food that doesn't take a lot of time, space, or ingredients to make. (I guess I can only speak for us on this one... Maybe other RVers prefer more complex recipes.)

8. If your favorite RVers run a business, support it if and when you can. Going back to #3, we do work. But many RVers work on contract or run their own small businesses. Your support means a great deal to us. (Shameless plug: I'm developing a health and wellness coaching business, and Sam has his online store.)

9. If you hear of a remote job we're qualified for, an opportunity to work camp, or a similar  nomad-friendly gig, let us know. (See #3 and #8.)

10. When things get difficult and we get frustrated, remind us of the good times and why we started doing this in the first place. As an RVer, you never know how a day will go. You never know when the A/C will break, or you'll lose your car keys or wallet, or your kid will get sick in the middle of nowhere. It's possible that this will be the day that your tire blows out on a highway with no shoulder. The unpredictability can be a blessing and a curse, and dealing with unexpected surprises is not always fun. Your encouragement when the going gets rough will mean a lot to us.

Sam's New Online Store: Nomadic Arts

Sam is your driver for this post.

I have opened a new online shop with some of my bird art on t-shirts, mugs, pillows, and much more! It is very successful; I have already made $21 in earnings! I might have a blog about it soon. (Note: My new blog series is on hold for now due to me not being able to get pictures.) Click here to go to my store.

A note from Sam's parents: Nomadic Arts was entirely thought up and developed by Sam. The bird artwork, originally in watercolor, is painted by Sam. We asked him to develop a business plan before we helped him set up his online store. Any and all profits from the store will go to him, and he can choose what to do with his earnings. (We're helping him with some of the technical stuff, but we just want to get paid in hugs.) We hope that this will allow him to pursue his interests and develop computer, marketing, writing, art, financial planning, and entrepreneurial skills.