How to get started - step two

Step 2 - Set goals: What do you want to get out of traveling and working on the RV road? Some people want to earn a certain amount of money, either for living expenses or a special trip or purchase. Others want to try something new, like work at Disney World. Still others want to be in a certain part of the country to be near relatives or to explore the area.

Setting goals will help you focus on what sort of job to look for and where it will be located. For example, Bob and Tricia are in their 50s and do not have a retirement. They need to look for jobs that pay for all hours worked. Tom and Laura want to keep their costs down and like to thoroughly explore an area. They may volunteer or exchange a few hours of work a week for their RV site so they have plenty of time to enjoy the area they choose. Knowing your goals helps you focus on jobs that are a match and not waste your time or the employer's applying for jobs that don't meet your criteria.

Our main goal in 1994 was to make good money, which we did by working as seasonal employees for the National Park Service. Our other goal was to explore parts of Colorado within driving distance from Rocky Mountain National Park. This photo, taken by my late husband, Bill, is of the Moffat Tunnel. We explored the area around each end of this famous railroad tunnel through the Rockies on two separate overnight trips. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com