Things That Have Surprised Me

As part of my reflections on our first 9 months on the road, I thought I'd share some of the things that have surprised me.

1. This really is enough space for us. We have about 400 sq. ft. of living space, possibly less. Knowing myself, if we had more space, I'd just spread my clutter further. It's not enough space to entertain or have house guests, but we can entertain people outside, which is much more pleasant anyway. We actually wear the same few items of clothing repeatedly and don't even use all the pots and pans we have.

2. The variety of people who live in campgrounds. Some are full timers like us moving from job to job as workcampers. Some don't really travel at all, they are living in the RV and going to work every day like everyone else. Others travel some, but for work, these are people who are in the military or might do construction work and they are traveling from assignment to assignment. There are families with children and older, singles, though most are couples. Some are living in what appear to be pretty dire circumstances while others have quarter million dollar motor homes towing a high end luxury car.

3. The number and variety of jobs available for workampers is astounding. I've mentioned this before but I think it is the most surprising thing to me. There are jobs available at campgrounds around the country doing everything from answering the phones and taking reservations to making fudge and renting out paddle boats. When we had our resume viewable on the KOA site, we were getting 2-4 calls and emails per week asking if we were interested in different jobs. In addition to campground work, there are seasonal jobs like Amazon, amusement parks, the sugar beet harvest, Christmas tree lots and national parks. It appears that demand for workers is high as pay seems to be going up and many places are offering bonuses for staying for your entire commitment.

4. Sometimes getting the jobs is a big hassle. I've had jobs where I had the authority to issue arrest warrants and to send people to jail. I got those on the basis of a resume and a couple interviews. In order to get a menial job at an amusement park making slurpees, the application process takes a good 30 mins online, then a personal interview where we waited around for two hours (they don't take appointments) and if we get hired there will be drug screens and background checks and probably at least one or two more personal interviews plus orientation. More on that later, if we get hired.

5. Some people probably shouldn't be driving RV's. At the KOA in New Mexico two older gentlemen came into the store to buy supplies. I had to help them pick the change out of their hands because they had trouble discerning nickels from quarters. Later they both got into some big-ass motor homes and headed down the road. One man we know has a torn retina and no peripheral vision on his left side and he's tooling along America's highways hauling a fifth wheel. I applaud older folks who aren't sitting at home watching TV all day long, but maybe they should get someone else to do their driving.

6. How much I really enjoy living this way. I've never been into big houses or lots of stuff, so living this way suits me well. No yard work (unless that's our job), no hassles with the utility companies when we move, and if we don't like our location, we can pick up and leave. We aren't completely off the grid, but we are rather anonymous and there's something a bit freeing about that.

7. And last but not least, I am surprised (and pleased) by the number of people who seem to actually enjoy this blog and following our adventures. Thank you all.