7 of the Best Jobs for Van Life (and How to Get Them)

If you enjoy traveling and are interested in flexible remote work, chances are you’ve heard about van life – and perhaps even had a look at van life jobs! But with so many options out there, it can be hard to discern which job might be the best fit for you (and how to go about getting it).

We can help! In this post, we look at seven of the best van life jobs and tell you how to get them.

What Is Van Life?

Those who embrace the van lifestyle (often known as van lifers) live either full- or part-time in a van, traveling to different locations and exploring as they go.

Some van lifers live in converted vans or campers equipped with necessities such as a bed, a sink, storage, a type of energy generator, and some form of toilet. Others live in larger recreational vehicles or motorhomes.

Van life is particularly popular among millennials and Gen Zers, but all kinds of people are attracted to the lifestyle. There are lots of reasons why van life is growing in popularity, including:

• It allows people to live and work flexibly
• It’s an affordable way to travel and explore new places
• It’s a way to reduce housing costs (e.g., rent)
• It can help people live a minimalist, environmentally conscious lifestyle
• It creates opportunities for personal growth
• It can provide a sense of community with other van lifers

What Are the Pros and Cons of Van Life?

As with any lifestyle, there are pros and cons to van life.

As we mentioned earlier, van life can be an affordable way to travel and see the world. Many people yearn for adventure but can’t necessarily afford to stay in hotels or B&Bs. Having a van that you can live in while you travel is ideal. It gives you the flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and funnel your money into activities and experiences rather than spending it on somewhere to stay.

By living in a van, you can save money on traditional housing expenses (e.g., rent, a mortgage, or utilities). This means that, if you prefer, you can work less than you would if you rented or owned a house – and devote more time to things like exploring the world and pursuing your passions!

However, van life comes with challenges that you should consider before jumping in. For most of the jobs we outline below, you will need to have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. This is challenging when you are always on the move (although technology is improving all the time, so this will eventually become less of an issue). You will also need to consider:

• The upfront costs of converting your van
• Ongoing costs (such as fuel and any maintenance your van might require)
• Adjusting to living in a small space with few amenities
• Dealing with weather-related issues (e.g., making sure you can stay warm/cool)
• Knowing how to find safe parking spots

What Are the Best Jobs for Van Life?

Naturally, some jobs are better suited to van life than others. Working a job that requires you to show up at an office every day is not going to be suitable for traveling. When looking for jobs you can do while traveling, you should check the following information:

• Whether the job is fully remote
• Whether you are expected to work set hours (e.g., 9 to 5, Monday to Friday)
• Whether you need to meet a minimum number of hours or an amount of work

Now let’s look at seven jobs that are well-suited to van life.

1. Writing

Freelance writing is one of the most flexible and rewarding careers for those living the van life. Whether you’re parked by a mountain view or beside a beach, all you need is your laptop and an internet connection to craft compelling stories, informative articles, or persuasive copy. The versatility of writing allows you to choose your niche, set your own hours, and work from any location, making it a perfect fit for a life on the road.

Popular types of freelance writing include copywriting and content writing, both of which are high-demand fields that can be done entirely remotely. And certain writing niches are particularly profitable – such as SEO content writing, technical writing, health and wellness, finance, and e-learning. 

How to Get Started

To succeed as a freelance writer, you’ll need strong grammar and writing skills, the ability to research unfamiliar topics, a good understanding of SEO to optimize content for search engines, and solid time-management skills to meet deadlines while traveling.

If you’re ready to hit the road and write for a living, here’s how to get started:

• Build a portfolio: Start a personal blog, contribute to guest blogs, or create mock projects to showcase your skills.
  
• Network with other writers: Join online communities like Reddit’s r/freelanceWriters or Facebook’s The Write Life Community.
• Find work on popular platforms: Look for projects on Upwork, Fiverr, ProBlogger Job Board, and Freelance Writing Jobs. These platforms offer opportunities ranging from blog posts to technical documentation.
• Create a professional LinkedIn profile: Highlight your writing services and publish articles to attract clients.
• Consider taking a course: Investing in a copywriting or content writing course can help you sharpen your skills, build confidence, and stand out to clients.

And if you’re living the van life, why not write about it? Many travel blogs and magazines are eager for real-life stories and practical tips from people living on the road. This could not only serve as an income stream but also as a platform to share your adventures.

2. Editing and Proofreading

Proofreading is one of the best jobs you can do while traveling – and the same can be said about editing. Both are great options for those looking to travel and earn money at the same time. Much like writing, your location doesn’t matter; all you need is your laptop and a reliable internet connection to help authors, businesses, students, and more polish their written materials to perfection.

There are various specializations within the editing and proofreading fields. The different types of editing include:

• Developmental editing, which focuses on structure and content flow
• Line editing, which deals with concision, vocabulary choice, syntax, and redundancy
• Copy editing, which addresses grammar, style, and clarity
• Proofreading, the final stage of the editing process, involves catching typos, formatting inconsistencies, and fixing minor errors before publication

As a freelance proofreader and editor, you might work across a range of niches such as academia, business, publishing, marketing, or web content creation. Within these areas, you’ll encounter everything from research papers, business reports, and white papers to blog posts, sales decks, product descriptions, and novels.

How to Get Started

You don’t need a degree to get started, but you will need exceptional attention to detail, a strong grasp of grammar and style guides, proficiency with editing tools, and the ability to give constructive feedback while preserving the author’s voice. Time management is also essential for meeting tight deadlines – especially when working across time zones or juggling multiple projects while on the move.

Want to make your office mobile and turn proofreading into a profitable, portable career? Follow these steps to get started:

• Take a professional course: While not strictly essential, completing a course is a smart way to build a solid foundation in proofreading and editing best practices. Fortunately, there are plenty of great online courses for beginners to learn all about proofreading and editing.
• Create sample edits: Develop a portfolio showing before-and-after examples of your editing work. You can use publicly available texts, personal projects, or volunteer opportunities to demonstrate your skills and editing style.
• Join professional networks: Connect with fellow editors and gain industry insights by joining professional associations like the Editorial Freelancers Association or online communities such as the Copyeditors Facebook group. These spaces are great for advice, job leads, and ongoing support.
• Start with platforms: Freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Reedsy are ideal for gaining early experience, collecting client reviews, and building your confidence. Even small gigs can help you refine your process and grow your reputation.
• Specialize early: Once you’ve got a few projects under your belt, consider focusing on a niche – such as academic editing, fiction manuscripts, or business communications. Specializing not only sharpens your expertise but also helps you attract higher-paying clients.

3. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) provides administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. While many VAs work from a home office, the role is just as compatible with a travel-based lifestyle – as long as you have a stable internet connection. Whether you’re parked at a scenic overlook or stationed at an RV park, you can seamlessly manage clients’ operations, communications, and the day-to-day tasks that keep their businesses running smoothly.

The responsibilities of a VA can be incredibly diverse, ranging from general administrative duties like email management and appointment scheduling to more specialized services such as social media management, bookkeeping, customer support, project coordination, and research. Many successful VAs carve out a niche by developing expertise in specific industries or tools, which helps them attract higher-paying clients. Popular specializations include real estate support, e-commerce management, podcast production assistance, and online course administration.

How to Get Started

The great thing about being a VA is that you don’t need any formal qualifications – and getting started is relatively easy. What matters most is your skill set. To succeed in this career, you’ll need: 

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Familiarity with common business software like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office and project management platforms like Asana or Trello
• A working knowledge of popular social media platforms
• The ability to learn new tools quickly

Reliability and professional communication are also paramount. Clients depend on you to represent their business with the same care and competence as they would, even if you’re working from thousands of miles away.

Ready to turn your wanderlust into a business plan and your van into a corner office? Here’s how to launch your VA business on the road:

• Identify your services: Create a clear list of services you’ll offer, from general admin support to specialized skills like social media management or bookkeeping.
• Set up your office: Invest in the essentials: a reliable internet solution, a quality headset for calls, and backup power sources to ensure you stay connected no matter where you’re parked.
• Create professional profiles: Establish a presence on platforms such as Belay, Time Etc, Fancy Hands, Upwork, and Virtual Assistant Jobs. Strong, well-written profiles help you stand out and attract the right clients.
• Develop a rate structure: Research typical industry rates and create packages that reflect your experience, skill level, and niche. Offering clear pricing helps build trust and streamline client onboarding.
• Build a simple website: Create a professional site that showcases your services, highlights client testimonials, and makes it easy for potential clients to get in touch.
• Network in VA communities: Join professional groups such as the Virtual Assistant Networking Association (better known as VANA) or Facebook communities like Virtual Assistant Savvies. These networks offer support, resources, and job leads – perfect for learning the ropes and growing your business.

4. Graphic Designer

Graphic design is one of the most creatively fulfilling – and financially rewarding – careers for van lifers embracing a digital nomad lifestyle. Businesses are constantly in need of eye-catching visuals for their websites, social media, marketing campaigns, and branding materials. Armed with just a powerful laptop, reliable internet, and professional design software, you can create stunning visuals from any location that inspires your creativity.

The field offers plenty of room to specialize, from logo and brand-identity design to web graphics, packaging, digital illustrations, and social media content. Many successful van-based designers find their niche in areas like restaurant branding, fitness marketing, or e-commerce product design. Thanks to the rise of subscription-based design services and project-based platforms, it’s now possible to build multiple income streams, from in-depth brand overhauls to quick-turnaround social media assets.

How to Get Started

Graphic design is a highly accessible field for beginners. To succeed, you’ll need solid proficiency in industry-standard software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), a strong grasp of design principles (including typography, color theory, and layout), awareness of current trends, and the ability to bring a client’s vision to life through compelling visuals.

If you’re ready to design your way around the world, follow these steps:

• Master design software: Invest time in learning to use Adobe Creative Suite or a similar design program (e.g., Canva Pro, Figma, or Sketch). There are plenty of online tutorials and courses that can help you. 
• Build a stunning portfolio: Assemble 10–15 diverse design pieces that showcase your versatility across styles and industries. Include logos, business cards, branding kits, web graphics, and social media templates to appeal to a broad client base.
• Choose your niche: Focusing on a certain specialty or industry – like hospitality, wellness, or online retail – can help you streamline your workflow and stand out to ideal clients looking for specialized expertise.
• Create design packages: Bundle your services into clear, client-friendly packages like a “Startup Branding Kit” or “Social Media Graphics Bundle.” These make pricing more straightforward and speed up the onboarding process.
• Join design platforms: Create polished profiles on sites such as 99designs, DesignCrowd, Dribbble, Behance, and Fiverr to share your portfolio and attract clients globally.
• Network: Engage with design communities such as The Professional Association for Design (known as AIGA) or the Graphic Design Forum to connect with other creatives, designers, and marketers. As you travel, don’t overlook in-person networking. Reach out to local business groups or co-working spaces wherever you park. Small businesses often need design help, and your mobility can be a unique selling point.

5. Online Teaching

Teaching English as an additional language (EAL) has long been a go-to career for young people who want to travel. You’ve probably seen the ads for teaching in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. While many of these roles require relocating abroad, the rise of online teaching has opened up even more flexible options. 

Online teaching has revolutionized education, offering van lifers a unique way to share their knowledge with students across the globe. While teaching English remains a popular choice, today’s opportunities extend far beyond EAL. You can now teach virtually any subject or skill – from academic tutoring and test preparation to specialized courses in photography, coding, gardening, music, or professional development.

There are a variety of ways to teach online: 

• Offer one-on-one tutoring through services such as Preply and iTalki
• Sell pre-recorded courses through online platforms, such as Udemy and Teachable 
• Host live group classes through Zoom or specialized streaming platforms
• Develop custom curriculum for businesses and educational organizations

Many successful van life teachers combine multiple approaches. For instance, offering private lessons in the morning and teaching larger workshops in the afternoon.

How to Get Started

To thrive as an online teacher, you’ll need strong communication skills, patience, adaptability for different learning styles, and a solid grasp of your subject. You’ll also need basic tech skills, a stable internet connection, and high-quality audio/video gear to ensure a smooth, professional experience for your students.

Here’s how to begin if you’re ready to swap your morning commute for a morning hike:

• Choose your teaching focus: Identify your expertise – this could be English as an additional language, school subjects, professional skills, or creative pursuits like photography or music.
• Create teaching materials: Develop digital-friendly lesson plans, worksheets, slide decks, and other resources that support engaging, interactive learning. 
• Set up your teaching space: Invest in good lighting, a quality webcam, noise-canceling headphones, and a professional backdrop for video calls.
• Join teaching platforms: Sign up for platforms such as Preply, iTalki, Cambly for language teaching, or Outschool, Wyzant, and Tutor.com for academic subjects.
• Get certified: For EAL, a TEFL or TESOL certification can boost your credibility. For other subjects, relevant credentials or teaching experience can help you stand out.
• Create course content: Develop and publish your own digital courses on one or more online platforms (e.g., Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare) to generate passive income while you travel.
• Network with other educators: Teaching is a craft that improves with collaboration. Connect with peers in communities such as Reddit’s r/Teachers or Instagram’s @online_teachers_community to share tips, tools, and support.

6. Social Media Marketer

Social media marketing has become one of the most dynamic and accessible careers for van lifers. It’s especially popular among Gen Z. With its visual nature and emphasis on storytelling, it pairs perfectly with the freedom and creativity of life on the road. Whether you’re managing social media accounts for small businesses, developing content strategies for established brands, or building your own audience as a content creator, social media marketing offers multiple income streams and the flexibility to work from anywhere with a signal.

This field encompasses a wide range of specializations, including:

• Content creation and curation
• Community management
• Paid advertising campaign management
• Influencer marketing and brand partnerships
• Brand ambassadorship
• Social media strategy development 

Many van life marketers leverage their unique lifestyle to create authentic travel and adventure content while simultaneously managing clients’ digital presence. Profitable niches include outdoor brands, travel companies, luxury jewelry, eco-friendly home builders, and artisanal food producers.

How to Get Started

To succeed in this space, you’ll need creativity, visual storytelling skills, and a strong grasp of platform-specific best practices for various channels, such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms. Basic design and video editing skills, an understanding of key engagement metrics and ROI, and familiarity with paid ad tools are also important. While much of this work can be done from a smartphone, having reliable internet and backup power sources is key to staying consistent with posting and client communication. 

HubSpot has a fantastic checklist for getting started as an influencer – and many of their tips also apply to social media marketing. 

If you’re ready to turn your van life adventures into a social media marketing career, here’s how to get started:

• Build your own presence first: Create and grow your personal social media accounts to hone your skills, experiment with trends, and build a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities.
• Learn the platforms: Master the unique features, algorithms, and best practices for each major platform through free resources and online courses.
• Develop content creation skills: Practice photography and short-form video production. Use tools such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or Canva to create polished content quickly, even from your phone.
• Get certified: Complete free certifications from Meta Blueprint, Google Ads, HubSpot Academy, and Hootsuite to boost your credibility.
• Create case studies: Document the results you’ve achieved, whether for your own accounts or client work. Highlight improvements in engagement, reach, traffic, or conversions to help sell your services.
• Network: Seek out communities like the Social Media Marketing Community on Facebook and The Social Media Marketing Group on LinkedIn. Attend conferences, participate in discussions, and connect with small business owners who may need help managing their online presence.

7. Web Designer

Just like graphic design, web design is a high-demand, high-reward career that’s perfectly suited to life on the road. It blends creativity and technical skill to build beautiful, functional websites that help businesses thrive. For van lifers with a flair for both design and tech, it’s one of the most well-compensated and flexible remote careers available. Every business needs a strong online presence, and skilled web designers can command premium rates while working from anywhere with Wi-Fi and a view.

The web design field offers a wide range of specializations, from simple landing pages and WordPress customizations to complex e-commerce site development, user experience (UX) design, and custom web application interfaces. Many web designers focus on a specific industry or business type, like hospitality, outdoor recreation, or professional services. This focus allows them to create reusable templates and streamlined workflows that boost both efficiency and profitability.

How to Get Started

If you want to become a web designer, you’ll need proficiency in web design software like Figma or Sketch, an understanding of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript, and familiarity with content management systems like WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify. You should also understand responsive design, mobile optimization, core UX principles, and conversion rate optimization. While no-code, drag-and-drop builders make it easier than ever to launch simple sites, technical knowledge significantly increases your range of services and earning potential.

Strong project management skills are also key. You’ll need to coordinate with clients, developers, and collaborators – often across time zones – so consistent internet access and good communication tools are a must.

Here’s how to start designing websites while designing your life on the road:

• Learn the fundamentals: Take beginner-friendly courses in HTML, CSS, and responsive design through platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, or Udemy. These foundational skills will give you a huge advantage, even if you use no-code tools.
• Master design tools: Get comfortable with Figma for design mockups. Learn to build sites using WordPress, Webflow, or Squarespace, depending on your target clients.
• Build a portfolio website: Create your own professional website showcasing 5–7 web design projects. Include a mix of styles and demonstrate mobile responsiveness, UI/UX principles, and clean design.
• Offer discounted services initially: Work with small businesses, nonprofits, or fellow van lifers at reduced rates to build experience, collect testimonials, and refine your workflow. 
• Join freelance platforms: Set up profiles on Upwork, 99designs, Toptal, and specialized web design job boards to find initial clients and gain exposure.
• Stay current with trends: Follow web design blogs, subscribe to industry newsletters, and participate in communities like the Web Designer Forum or Designer Hangout on Slack. Keeping your skills up to date will help you stay competitive and grow your business long-term.

Interested in Writing, Editing, or Proofreading?

If you think you’d like to earn money while enjoying the van life, we have a variety of courses that can help you on your way: Becoming A Proofreader, Becoming An Editor, Becoming A Brand Ambassador, Becoming A Freelance Writer, and Becoming A Copywriter.

Why not try some lessons for free today?

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Why Proofreading Is One of the Best Jobs You Can Do While Traveling How Flexible Work Can Help Reduce Caregiver Burnout 10 Brilliant Benefits of Freelance Life What is a Digital Nomad? (And How to Become One)