Jobs on the road…

Honestly, the title should be “The truth about being remote”. There are some pretty serious misconceptions about being remote, and none of them are realistic. It’s the most sought after word in vanlife- remote. Unfortunately, just because you applied doesn’t mean you have what is necessary and just because someone else has one, doesn’t mean you qualify either. Depending on your current career, you might have some opportunities to find a job that offers remote options but without a specialty, you are not likely to qualify. Chances are, if the job title says “work from home”- it’s a scam. Most of the jobs you see posted are likely to be scams. 

A sure shot way to secure a job that is remote is to become certified in an industry. Some remote jobs consist of IT Support, Google, AWS, Social Media and Database Management. The key factor in all these jobs is that you need schooling to gain a certification. 

This does not apply to the savant entrepreneurs or busy bees that have created dropship stores or small businesses. If you’re good at your craft and you know how to sell it, you could make a pretty significant killing being remote.

Utilize dayshift apps to communicate with businesses who need extra help on days that you schedule. Apps like  Bluecrew ( apple app),  Shifts ( apple app),  Instawork ( apple app) and  Gigsmart Get Gigs ( apple app) are all great options.

You can also use  Wonolo ( apple app) for warehouse labor jobs like  1800-JUNK and  Extended Stay America. The creators of DNH have both used this app for extra income.   Adia ( apple app), another workshift app, is great for restaurant positions like serving, bartending, food-running and hosting. 

All of these require a background check and for you to create an account. This can all be done within a matter of a couple days. Once everything goes through, you’re able to select available shifts in your area based on your previous experience and availability. 

If you’re thinking about using Wonolo, use Dave’s referral code to get a $25 bonus after working your first shift: DAVIDRJZO15
or use the link below:
https://app.wonolo.com/wonoloers/get_started?r=DAVIDRJZO15

Upshift is another available option. It’s available in most major cities. You get to “pick your own shifts” much like DoorDash or Instacart.

You sign up to apply and go to a group orientation. Here, you will fill out all of your paperwork & tax forms (W-4s, I-9s) instead of being an independent contractor. They run a background check on you then you watch a video on the basics of the app and how to use it. Once approved, you can build your profile. You need to upload a professional photo of yourself from the shoulders up and write a bio for yourself about your work history & credentials. This is important since some employers will not post available shifts and instead may reach out to you personally about an open position. Shifts that are posted have a description of the work you will be doing plus required dress code. You click apply and then wait to be approved.

The downsides are depending on the position, if you don’t already own the required work attire, you may be having to buy different outfits for different shifts/positions. There aren’t many shifts always posted and once there are it is an absolute race to apply to them. If others beat you to it, you will be waitlisted. Also, some positions require a background check. Even though they ran one on you at orientation, you still have to pay $15 dollars to have it available on your bio.

Doordash ( apple app),  Grubhub ( apple store) and  Uber Eats ( apple app) can be a viable option if you are in a highly populated area and select only the high paying, short distance runs. You can do this whenever and wherever you want as food delivery is popular in most areas. You are paid a basic delivery fee as well as tips. 

Lyft ( apple app) is another option, just not as viable. The company offers ride sharing, bikes and scooters rental, access to autonomous vehicles and provision of transportation options through platform and mobile-based applications. Lyft operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace between drivers and riders. 
Lyft has a rental program that gives you the ability to rent cars and drop them off in another city. The program itself is on the pricey side and comes with a lot of rules for participation.
The upside is that you can get paid after every ride. 

All of these are relatively simple to sign up on and take less than a day to get accepted. 

The Arise Platform provides a technology that connects well-known brands that need customer service support with thousands of home-based businesses run by entrepreneurs just like you, and the agents who provide customer service work from home. Its basically a customer service platform that gives you the ability to work from your computer. It does, however, require internet connection and a good computer set-up. 

You enroll as an independent contractor and get trained to be a remote customer service tech for a major national brand. It usually takes about a month and a half to get fully trained and to start earning income. While you do not need to have set hours, you are still required to schedule in advance and it’s only available in select states. 

Job boards are a great way to apply for jobs you’re qualified for and to get your resume out there in the world. Options like LinkedIn, Jobs, Hired and Ziprecruiter all have great opportunities.  Indeed is another basic job board. Upload your resume & build your profile & apply!

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can filter your job searches to temporary/seasonal/part-time/full-time/permanent/etc. This route is more routine when it comes to applying for jobs. While some do zoom/phone interviews, we recommend being in the locations in which you are applying for so you can be available for in person interviews.

Work campers are people who live in their RV and work for a campsite and/or wages, or volunteering typically at a campground or RV resort.
Not only do work campers have the advantage of taking their home with them, but they can choose any area of the country and see local attractions while they are there or are between jobs. Sometimes these places even offer housing options if you aren’t equipped with for long term. Some really good options include CoolWorks and Workamper.

CoolWorks is an absolute gold mine if you’re looking for seasonal work with housing options. You sign up for an account and upload your resume and fill out some questions the site asks. Then you can go through all available positions & locations to see what you would like to apply for. Most of these are phone interviews. If you are accepted for any position, the majority sends you your on boarding paperwork/tasks via email. That way, when you show up at the work locations to check in you basically just move into your housing and then start work!

With Workkamper, you sign up for a paid membership that will get you emails for open positions. To apply, the majority ask to email your resume to them. If you land an interview, it is mostly phone/video. On this one, it is important to make sure you read over the terms & what they offer. Most provide RV/camp sites or housing at a discounted cost or hours worked. Once you’re in the interview, you must ask them what the specifics are as some will list you get monetary compensation for your work but your work is only for the campsite.
Others will do half & half and unfortunately some offer the complete opposite of what they listed in their ad. Nothing that can’t be cleared up by asking all the right questions when interviewing. Also, if you’re traveling alone, make sure you let them know as most only hire traveling couples.

While this is more on the unusual side, another really good option is to find gatherings to work at including bridal events, car or boat shows, camper and RV shows or even carnivals. Sometimes a phone call goes a long way!