Exploring America on an extended road trip is a dream of many. Do you have to wait for retirement or can you work on the road?
Working remotely for your current job is becoming more and more common. Planning a long trip to explore the country while working remotely is possible for many people.
Be sure to clarify expectations for your remote work while on the road. Internet access will not be as consistent as they are at home, so be sure to communicate that.
Working on a road trip is possible with many jobs. Be transparent with your employer about your plans to be on the road. If you are already working from home, keep your appointments and plan work times while on the road.
Traveling by RV may make it easier to work from the road as you can have a desk area. If your job requires a desk, consider a steering wheel table to work, while parked, from the driver’s seat. These handy tables hook to the steering wheel and give you a comfortable surface for your laptop.
Planning the trip is the fun part, go ahead and grab my trip planning printable in this post. I also have an annual vacation budgeting worksheet that may be fun to read in January as you plan all your trips for a year.
What to Ask for in an Email
Asking your boss to travel while working can be pretty nerve wracking. Even if you are already working from home there may be concern that your employer does not want you having too much fun on the clock.
Sending an email like the one below is sure to clarify any questions and concerns:
If you already work from home:
Hey _____________,
Thank you for the flexibility of working from home. I am enjoying the extra time I have at home because I do not have to commute.
I am planning a road trip in July. I will have less consistent internet access than I do at home, but I will be available by email and phone during all contract hours.
I will have a backup hotspot to be sure that I am available.
I will be available to chat about any concerns that you may have today until 5.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Awesome Employee
If you are not already working from home:
The conversation will be longer and more detailed if you are not already working from home.
Good Morning,
I am wondering if we could work out a flexible schedule for me going forward. I am really enjoying my work but I am missing my family.
I am happy to complete the budget spreadsheets, contact clients and follow up with leads from home. I can keep my hours and meet virtually weekly.
A flexible schedule can also allow me to be in the office when it makes more sense for our project.
My team and I are already using Google Docs to collaborate and I am confident that this process will be seamless when I transition to a flexible schedule.
I look forward to chatting with you more about any creative solutions you may have in mind,
Brilliant Employee
This conversation will likely be long and require more than one email. I would say that you want to start this conversation casually in person.
Gauge your employer’s opinion of this plan.
I have negotiated all kinds of schedules with various employers over the years and I think too few people do this.
If you cannot work from home:
Some jobs just can’t be done remotely.
My husband is a truck driver and his schedule was killing us. He was never home, he never saw the kids and he was so tired all the time. We pitched a creative schedule to his boss and we were able to make some changes.
Hello,
This year has been a great year for this job, I feel confident and I am growing in my position.
I am missing my family and I was wondering if we could consider a creative schedule change so I can remain in this position.
I am looking at moving to another company because they offer 4 day work weeks.
To be honest, I am so exhausted, I need to get more sleep. Could we make this work?
What if I go to Wednesday to Saturday. That will fix the Saturday delivery problem and solve my sleep problem.
Thoughts?
Prompt Employee
This worked for our family when we were really about to walk from this job.
Be sure to do some research to see what other companies are offering and be prepared to walk.
How to Work on a Road Trip
Traveling is fun and stressful because you are not in your normal routines, this can make getting your work done difficult.
If possible, send the rest of your group out for meals or activities that are interesting to t
Wake Up Early
When possible be the first one up and get some work done then.
This is my favorite time to work, when my family is asleep. I get more done, and I do not feel guilty for putting the work down before breakfast.
I am productive in the early morning hours.
It can be difficult to not wake others if you are up early. I recommend having the car set up as a work space so that you always have a spot to work.
Plan Down Time
Overstuffed vacations tend to increase stress in travelers.
I did some deep digging on the research on stress and travel and found some really interesting tips to make your trip relaxing. You can find them here.
When you are working on the road you need to plan some time to get that work done. If you have plans all day you may not have time to sit and answer emails or call clients.
Protect your time for relaxing and for working.
Have a Work Space
When possible have a designated space for getting your work done. A car table allows you to set up your laptop in the car. Test it out to make sure it is a comfortable workspace for you.
This is also a great place for virtual meetings. The background will appear clean because the mess is on the ground.
I love filming in the car.
Know Where to Find Internet
Finding the internet will always be a challenge on the road.
Many businesses provide free internet, but you may want to use a VPN to protect your data because those networks are notorious for getting your information stolen.
There are several internet providers that are loved by travelers, and if you are planning a very long trip it may be worth looking into.
Be sure you know how to hot spot from your phone. You can also do video conferencing from your phone. I find this much easier and much more reliable when I am away from home.
Have Fun Too
Be sure to disconnect too.
Clock out and don’t check your work email after 5.
This trip was planned to be a fun adventure, if all you see is your laptop screen you will regret it. So make that work schedule and stick to it. Do not feel bad for having to work on the trip, the flexibility is a gift.
Resources
Check in with the full time RV community if you are looking to travel for an extended amount of time. They are the pros and they can answer many of your questions.
