Working While Living In A Van

It amazes me the amount of people who seem to think it’s impossible to work a real job while living in a van. Maybe it’s just me, but that has never been a concern of mine; making money or finding a job. I guess the idea of travelling and not knowing how you’ll make an income to support your lifestyle is freaky to most, but it’s truly not that hard.

The way I see it is this:
It doesn’t matter where you are, there’s someone hiring. So don’t ever let finding a job in an unfamiliar town stop you from travelling or moving. Find a unique coffee shop or a cool pub, a place where the vibes are happy and you’re surrounded by good people. Because even though it’s not a long term commitment, I still believe it’s important to enjoy the environment that you’re putting your energy into.

Now if having a standard job (working for someone else, in one place, with their hours) isn’t part of your plan, and travelling full-time in your van is, then I suggest a job that you can do from your computer. There are thousands of online jobs at your finger tips. It’s no different then an “at home job” just that our homes are rolling. I would love to give you more tips on this particular topic, but that is something I have yet to master and figure out myself. But when I do, I’ll be sure to share the wisdom!

Here’s what I do know.
After travelling across my own country and a huge part of America in Nancy Jean, I realized quickly that I wasn’t going back to my small home town in Ontario. Nor was I going to buy a house or rent an apartment. Which meant I needed to make money, and fast because my savings were running out. I decided to settle down in Victoria, British Columbia. I spent some time peeking around at all the shops down town, made a resume and handed it in to my favourite one. Yes, I only handed one out because I was that determined to work there(the vibes were the best & the people were lovely) Lucky for me, that confidence paid off and I got the job!
I now work 5 days a week. This was hard to adapt to at first. For four months I was running on my own schedule, doing whatever I felt and going wherever I desired. And naps! Oh how I miss my early afternoon and mid evening naps. But the truth is, a little bit of stability was needed in my life. I was starting to feel lost before landing this job. I didn’t have many friends in this new city, and I knew this job would change that. Although I still hated the idea of working a 9-5, I knew this wasn’t going to be forever.

Working has changed my daily routine but the truth is, it’s not that different from yours.
I wake up, eat breakfast, get ready for work, find parking, work, come home, re park, make dinner, clean up, maybe go for a walk or star gaze, get ready for bed, then go to sleep. The only difference is that I am not going back to the same place every night. That’s probably not as exciting as you hoped, was it ? But here’s the catch; I am saving money from not paying rent or having bills, which also leaves me stress free and I am able to put that energy into the things that make me happy. For me it’s hitting the road on the weekends or on my days off to explore new places, go camping, surfing, hiking or any other activity that feeds my soul.

This life is all about finding a balance. For me, it’s currently working a full time job while loving life, living in my van on Vancouver island. This balance will shift and change over time but for right now it’s perfect.

Basically what I’m saying is, living a normal life while simultaneously being unconventional is 100% manageable. If down sizing your life into a van, while still living and working in a city is of interest of you I strongly encourage you to do so. Join the movement. It’ll be the best decision of your life.

herwildheartwanders