Planning Ahead

Mom2PB · Dec 29, 2020

I am brand new here. I have been watching You Tube videos and reading the forums for about 2 years now. I have downsized from a 1500 sq ft home to a 190 sq ft studio since my youngest boy started college. I have rid myself of all the extra "stuff" in my life and am embracing the simpler life. I want to travel and live in an RV with my dog and cat but unfortunately have 15.5 more years before I can officially retire so I have to work to earn an income. My job is completely dependent on reliable fast internet connections (telemedicine with video visits). This is the ONE thing that is keeping me from hitting the road. I only work 3 days a week and I COULD (if I had to) go into a town and get a motel room for the 3 days I work, but that completely defeats the purpose of moving into an RV!

I wonder if there are other folks out there who still have to work and have consistent reliable internet service while on the road. Any encouragement would be great. On the other hand, if you think I should stay at home until I can officially retire, I will appreciate your advice too!

landyachtman · Dec 29, 2020

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

rvwandering · Dec 29, 2020

Welcome Mom2PB! Many people work from the road so I think it would be feasible for you too. We almost always have internet that is fast enough for Zoom meetings, watching videos, and streaming movies. Verizon and ATT are still the strongest and most reliable carriers. Perhaps you can try out a hot spot at home and see if it's fast enough for your work.

I recommend keeping your home for now but trying out the RVing lifestyle by renting or buying a used RV. You'll find out fairly quickly if it's a good fit for you.

talcon · Dec 29, 2020

Verizon coverage is usually pretty good. You do run into slow downs during congestion. The SpaceX starlink service should roll out in 2021. Speeds are around 150Mbps , $500 for equipment and then $99/month. Amazon and Virgin will also be releasing satellite Internet service soon. Hopefully that will drive the prices down.

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Mom2PB · Dec 29, 2020

I failed to mention that I have lived in an RV for 6 months a few years ago. At that time it was due to a flood and I lived with another adult, 2 pre-teens, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, and 2 hamsters! While I loved the lifestyle, it was crowded! This time it will just be me, my dog, and my cat.

I'm looking into other options for remote healthcare jobs as well.

eDJ_ · Dec 30, 2020

Welcome to the CRVL Forums

While a lot of people get a Cell plan that allows them to connect to the internet there are also
MIFI units that are dedicated "hot spots". You may want to look into those.

I don't know if you qualify as a contractor so that you would be a "small business" type and have
a the Tax advantages to write some of this stuff off.

We have a thread going in the "Off topic and chit chat" regarding, "Education & Skills needed to work from your rig". You are welcome to participate in it and ask questions. It would certainly address your interest and you may have some thoughts to share.

In the meanwhile, there are a couple of links below that you may wish to explore too. (they are designed to make your travels safer, more comfortable, and convenient)