It’s undeniable that adaptability and resourcefulness have long been important skills for the workplace. And that’s even more true for remote work, where autonomy is the name of the game.
So how do companies target candidates with those qualities?
One way is to hire RVers.
Being an RVer – especially a full-time, working RVer – adds more complexity to everyday life than what a typical in-office or even work-from-home employee has to deal with from work.
Which means RVers have had to become more adaptable and resourceful to handle and overcome those obstacles.
- Some examples of this include:
Using numerous apps to plan travels (and work) - Always being prepared to change locations
- Carrying multiple redundancies for power and internet
- Dealing with continuous unexpected RV maintenance issues
Let’s break down each of these to see how they relate to success in the workplace.
Using numerous apps to plan travels (and work)
As working RVers, there are a lot of considerations to make for every new location we visit.
- Cell and Internet service availability
- Power (often solar) availability
- Good weather (enough sunshine for solar without extreme temps)
- Researching parks, campgrounds, and off-grid spots that accommodate all of the above
- Researching fuel and food stops that accommodate larger vehicles
All these things (and more!) are considerations RVers make to live and work nomadically. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps to help us find the information we need.
How it translates to value in the workplace:
First, it shows tremendous resourcefulness.
It’s a lot of work having to look at 10+ different apps for every trip you take, especially when you’re moving every couple of weeks.
But because work is a top priority for working RVers, we make sure to get it done.
Another high-value transferable skill this brings to the workplace is the ability to aggregate data from a variety of sources and use it to make important decisions – which can provide value across a number of roles at any company.
We also consistently create backup plans for places to stay, because we have to be able to work and we want to be prepared in case Plan A (or B or C) doesn’t work out.
This is another strong transferable skill and mindset that working RVers bring into the workplace.
Always prepared to change locations
Speaking of creating backup plans…working RVers are always prepared to hitch up and hit the road if we need to. While this doesn’t happen often, we always know it’s a possibility.
Whether because of disruptive neighbors, the weather, internet signal going out, or some other unexpected issue, we may wind up having to move to a new location.
How it translates to value in the workplace:
This requires a huge level of adaptability and openness to change that we bring in our everyday lives – which are two more high-value transferable skills we can also bring into the workplace.
The strongest and smartest companies know you have to adapt to survive, and having adaptable employees is the best way to give yourself a competitive advantage.
And while it may be hard to pinpoint where adaptable candidates come from, one sure way to find them is to target working RVers.
Multiple redundancies for power and internet
Location flexibility isn’t the only way RVers show our adaptability and resourcefulness.
We also demonstrate it by carrying multiple redundancies for power and internet.
Since cell signal and internet are so important to us getting work done, working RVers often have hotspot devices from the top 2 (or even 3) service providers. That way if one provider isn’t strong in that area, we have other options.
Read more about internet and other redundancies working RVers use here: Why Working RVers are the Best Hire for Remote Jobs: Part 1
How it translates to value in the workplace:
Having this mindset of creating backups and redundancies carries into the workplace and helps us to be better prepared for unexpected situations that may arise.
This helps reduce potential delays and additional expenditures that occur when roadblocks come up, and overall keeps businesses running smoothly and moving forward.
Continuous problem solving
RVs break a lot.
Like, A LOT.
As working RVers, many of us have had to become “YouTube experts” in RV maintenance and repair to avoid the time, trouble, and expense of constantly going into a repair shop.
From repairing water heaters (in extremely tight, jigsaw puzzle-like spaces), to troubleshooting wiring issues, to replacing the kitchen sink and so much more – working RVers do what it takes to stay on the road.
How it translates to value in the workplace:
This takes a lot of resourcefulness, determination, strong work ethic, creative problem solving, and willingness to learn, which are all valuable transferable skills for any workplace.
Whatever issues may arise or challenges we may face, we’ll meet them head-on with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset.
It also shows we’re open to continuous learning and development to keep up with the work we do. In today’s rapidly evolving world, this skill shouldn’t be overlooked.
Part 2: Why Working RVers are the Best Hire for Remote Jobs – Adaptability & Resourcefulness was originally published on the RVer Job Exchange, authored by Lezlie Garr.