Long-Time Workampers Share Tips for Earning Income from Anywhere
When Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano hit the road in their RV in 2007, they thought they were taking a one-year sabbatical to regroup after their dog, Jerry, was diagnosed with cancer. Nearly two decades later, they’re still traveling full-time and teaching others how to fund a life on the move through their website, podcast, and book: Income Anywhere.
Originally motivated by a search for clarity, their journey quickly shifted when finances became tight.
“We were burning through our savings,” Jim recalled. “Then we met a couple Workamping in the Routt National Forest, and they introduced us to the term ‘Workamper.’ It was a lightbulb moment.”
Using Workamping to Explore Career Paths
They soon discovered that exchanging labor for a free RV site and sometimes wages, aka Workamping, offered more than just financial relief. It became a low-risk way to test out different business and lifestyle ideas.
“We thought maybe we’d start a nonprofit animal rescue,” Jim said. “So, we took a Workamping job at one. We found out pretty quickly that it takes a special kind of person to do that full-time, but we weren’t it.”
They experimented with jobs at a hot springs resort, a dude ranch, and an organic farm. None were long-term fits, but all provided valuable insights.
At the same time, they were building Tripawds, a niche website and support community for pet owners dealing with animal amputations.
“It’s our number one labor of love,” Rene explained. “But we always knew it wouldn’t support us on its own. That’s why we developed multiple revenue streams – blending Workamping with freelance writing, marketing, and design work.”
Designing a Life Around Remote Work
With a background in marketing communications, Jim and Rene leaned into their existing skill sets. Jim focused on web development while Rene pursued writing and editing.
Today, Rene works with RV Life managing content, while Jim provides e-commerce and web services to a select group of clients.
“There are different kinds of Workampers,” Jim explained. “Some want or need every hour paid, and that’s understandable. But we’ve always looked for minimal-hour jobs that still cover our rent. That allows us to focus more on our remote work.”
They also emphasize that not all Workamping opportunities are created equal. “Some of the best jobs we’ve had weren’t even traditional campground gigs,” Rene said. “We once worked as property caretakers by just house-sitting and watering trees. That gave us tons of flexibility.”
Staying Debt-Free
One of their biggest lessons? Avoid debt on the road.
“When we started, we had a loan on our RV, and it made it hard to sleep at night,” Rene said. “Then we met a full-timer with five kids who introduced us to debt-free guru Dave Ramsey. We got debt-free and stayed that way for a long time. I just sleep better without debt.”
Jim stressed the importance of having an emergency fund of at least three to six months of expenses, especially when income is inconsistent.
“If something happens and you lose your job or get sick, you’ll need a cushion,” he said.
Don’t Overlook Internet Costs
A hidden cost of RV life? Internet.
“We don’t use Starlink,” Rene said. “But we have phones and hotspots from multiple carriers. That redundancy is what keeps us connected.”
“If you’re running a real business from your RV, you can’t depend on campground Wi-Fi or Starbucks,” Jim added. “Between devices and data plans, internet cost is one of our biggest expenses after rent and fuel.”
When running a business from your RV, it is important to be upfront with employers.
“Don’t hide the fact that you run a business or work remotely,” Rene said. “Just explain your schedule and boundaries clearly.”
Jim emphasized that communication is the most important skill Workampers can cultivate.
“If you can communicate clearly, such as what you can do, when you’re available and what your needs are, then you’ll avoid a lot of problems and find better matches,” he explained.
Many Forms of Workamping
Workamping doesn’t just mean campgrounds. Options include:
- Organic farms via WWOOF
- Seasonal gigs like selling fireworks, pumpkins, or Christmas trees
- Ranch work and caretaking
- Hotel housekeeping or maintenance
- Tourism roles like shuttle bus drivers, river guides, or interpretive guides
- Hospitality roles at resorts and national parks
“There are even mobile business opportunities like RV roof coatings or tank cleaning,” Jim said. “You can start small and grow with a system.”
Their book Income Anywhere breaks down income categories from Workamping and remote jobs to self-employment and side hustles.
Building a Business on the Road
Rene prefers contract work over traditional employment:
“I’ve had chances to take full-time jobs, but self-employment gives me the flexibility I want.”
They’ve seen others succeed in mobile careers like RV tech, dog grooming, massage therapy, and even medical transcription. And while AI is shifting some work, it also brings new opportunities like training AI models.
For creatives, content creation and product sales are viable routes. You don’t need a massive following:
“I’d rather have 1,000 raving fans than 10,000 casual followers,” Jim said.
Watch Out for Scams
Digital nomads face pitfalls, especially with MLMs or “get rich quick” schemes.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Rene warned. “Some MLMs are legit, but avoid ones focused more on recruiting than products. And never give your credit card info for a prize you didn’t sign up for.”
Their book includes a red flag checklist to help readers avoid scams.
Resources for Getting Started
Jim and Rene recommend these trusted resources:
- Workamper News: Their top source for job listings
- LiveWorkDream.com: Their personal website
- We Love Workamping Facebook Group
- Income Anywhere: Their book, available on their website, Amazon, and bookstores
- RV Entrepreneur Podcast: Co-hosted by Jim
From ranch hands to remote contractors, Jim and Rene have done it all. And their story is proof that with the right mindset, a bit of hustle, and a willingness to learn, you really can earn income anywhere.
“People forget there’s real work in Workamping,” Jim noted. “But if you’re diligent and strategic, the Workamping lifestyle can absolutely work for you.”
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