Work-camp balance: What it’s like working in the Grand California
Having the freedom and flexibility to choose where to work; this is nothing new anymore. Mobile working is ever-present. That’s because our working world is constantly evolving. And no doubt you also know people who work from home two to three days a week.
But what is your situation?
Could you combine working and van life? After all, this is probably the most exciting form of mobile working: your own office in your motorhome.
Find out here how to manage the balancing act between adventure and daily working life. What preparations do you need to make? What challenges will you have to face? And are there tips and tricks for making your Grand California your “partner in crime”. Let’s get going!
Work & camp has many advantages – here are the two most important
Working in the Grand California is a completely different lifestyle. It is dynamic, exciting and the most beautiful places are literally often just a step away. And that’s precisely why you’re here, right? Read on to find out the two most important advantages.
Advantage 1: Cost & efficiency
Mobile working from the motorhome can save you money. Why is this? If you think about it this way: you have a number of fixed costs with your current lifestyle. For example, rent, electricity and water. On top of that you have to pay monthly for an Internet connection and need a cable contract for the TV. Then there are your living expenses, food and drink – and wham! You’re already generally looking at a four-digit amount in fixed costs per month.
Now imagine you could reduce some of these costs. And eliminate others fully.
Rent? No need for rent with this type of mobile working. Depending on where you park up your motorhome, you simply pay for parking – or look for parking spaces that will cost you nothing. There are even quite a few of these in Europe, as you can read about here.
Electricity is generally available at campsites. Fresh water too. And if not, you have a built-in basic supply in the Grand California. So you can easily get by without a connection – for example at a quiet spot in Sweden.
Obviously one cost remains: your Internet connection. After all, you have to be able to get your work to your employer. We have addressed this topic in greater detail below. And, logically: you can cancel your cable contract.
Advantage 2: Quality of life
Work-life balance is a popular topic. However, there are about 220 working days and generally no more than 30 days holidays a year. Some items on your adventure bucket list would have to go. But mobile working in a camper van changes everything.
You only need to read the many reports from people enthusing over their improved quality of life. If you relocate your workplace to the Grand California, you can explore new cultures, countries and landscapes in no time – without having to wait for your annual holiday entitlement. Can you picture it: diving into the turquoise blue sea for a quick swim during your lunch break.
Cool, right?
Or, if you get fed up with Swedish wooden huts – not a problem thanks to your Grand California. Simply move on to the next dream location – no matter where it is, you can always take a work break in between.
As a realist you dream better
You travel as a digital nomad exploring the world’s history and do your day’s work at the same time – sounds like a dream. But you also need to be a realist. Yes, there are challenges that you will have to overcome sooner or later in your new living situation. The good news is; we will show you a couple of challenges here. And give you the solution at the same time.
Internet connection
Obviously, nothing works without the Internet. Especially when you need to do your work. Invest a little time looking into this before you start out. Because it’s important when you’re on the road that you have an Internet connection that meets your requirements. There are various proven solutions for this:
- Mobile router: you can establish a reliable connection on the road with an extra SIM card and a router. Many digital nomads swear by this option, especially if you need to regularly join video calls.
- Wi-Fi at campsites: somewhat less reliable and not as easy to plan as your own Internet connection. And it’s also not always free of charge. When it comes to mails and messages, there is usually no problem, but sending large files – not so easy.
- Satellite Internet: you want to play it absolutely safe? And you have the cash to spend? Excellent – then this is probably the most reliable solution for your Internet problem. Plus point: it also works in more remote areas.
Space and ergonomics
A camper van is neither an open-plan office nor an enormous four-room apartment. The challenge therefore is to fit your private and working life into a smaller space. This includes how and where you set up your office so that you are not taking calls surrounded by mountains of clothes. A couple of tips:
- Folding furniture: as the demand for mobile working in camper vans increases, the offers on the market to meet this demand are also increasing. You can now get folding and at the same time ergonomic chairs and desks. Not only are these good for you, they will also save space in the camper van.
- Work areas: the trick here is the same as for travelling – be flexible. In the office too, you have the same workplace all the time, just a lot more space. Movement and different sitting positions are easiest to integrate in your everyday working life if you regularly sit somewhere different.
Preparation and planning
Apart from the technical and spatial arrangement, you should also make some organisational preparations. Spoiler alert: even in paradise not everything always goes to plan. Your future self will thank you if you make preparations in advance.
- Emergency equipment: from laptop to power supply – any technical device can malfunction. For this reason, it’s good to have a Plan B and to make provision for a replacement. Remember: most shops are not in places where you want to go.
- Insurance: a vital element. Paperwork obviously, but you and your vehicle should be well insured.
- Apps: you can download lots of navigation systems and camping guides offline onto your smartphone. This means that you can always access your documents – even if you end up in a dead spot.
Mobile working in the Grand California
Your motorhome will be office and home at the same time – so choose wisely! Some may prefer a self-assembled camper van, because they want to decide on each and every detail themselves, and are nobody’s fool when it comes to skilled trades. Others opt for the Grand California, a virtually perfectly constructed motorhome for your mobile work. Ideal therefore if you want to set out on your adventure as soon as possible. With its generous interior, you have lots of space in the Grand California. Your back and neck are already looking forward to it. You can therefore switch very easily between different workplaces: from the dining table to lying back relaxed for short emails and messages or outside under the awning. If you are really planning to spend a lot of time on the move, then you might consider removing one of the seats. Or have we already told you about the ergonomic and folding desk chairs?
That might be an idea, right?
Make mobile working your lifestyle
Mobile working combines freedom and working. And the opportunities to significantly enhance your quality of life are pretty good – particularly if you are already a van life enthusiast anyway and are just wondering: How do I combine my thirst for adventure with my job? So start your adventure now!
