We started a blog series where we interview various full-time travelers, sharing how they make money and travel. Our goal is to help inspire and educate others on the various ways to work remotely while living a nomadic lifestyle. If you’re new to our blog, we have been full time RVing for over two years. We support ourselves by investing in real estate; specifically in mortgage notes.

Today’s interview is with Jason and Dawn from Highrise to Highway. They are a fun young couple who decide to trade in the big city life for a much smaller adventurous life. Both able to keep their old jobs, they work seasonally and traveling the remainder of the year. Take a look at how they support themselves and travel full time.

Tell us your story! What made you want to take the leap to full time rving?

We were living together in Chicago I randomly had a dream that I quit my job, worked remotely, and traveled around in a home on wheels. The dream really stuck with me and I started looking into the idea. When I realized other young couples our age were living this lifestyle, we decided to take the plunge into RV living. Timing worked out perfectly in our professional lives, along with our condo lease ending. It was our chance to catch up on bucket list places and see what this country had to offer, all while having no timeframe nor restrictions. 

did one partner take more convincing than the other – or were you both on board?

It definitely took a little convincing on one end. Dawn was 100% set on the idea of full-time RV living, because she had already quit her job months prior and was freelance working as a brand ambassador. Jason still had a full-time job that required him to be hands on — remote work was not an option. He wanted to be 100% sure he was ready for the commitment which took some convincing, but eventually the idea won him over. 

Tell us about your rv!

1. Length – We wanted our rig to be “street legal” or at least close to it. We knew going into this lifestyle knowing we didn’t want to have issues parking in “normal” parking spots (we can park in 1 spot if we back in).
2. Amenities – We wanted the length to be around 19-24 ft however, we didn’t want to give up the full size bed, shower, toilet and realized we would have to sacrifice if we went any smaller than our 24ft. 
3. Handling – We also knew we would be visiting big cities therefore, handling in traffic was a priority. 
4. Price – The MSRP on this particular one had been marked down because the 2018s had just arrived. We bought the last 2017 Thor Four Winds on the lot.

We completely renovated our RV. It was a fun process, but challenging. It was well worth the time and effort! It feels so refreshing, clean and spacious. Take a look at our RV Reno here: www.highrisetohighway.com/videos. We also have a Yamaha Zuma scooter that we hang off the back of our RV. We love being able to get around national parks, cities, and in general have a second mode of transportation.

How are you able make money and travel?

I (Dawn) quit my job in property management about 9 months before we moved into the RV and started working as a brand ambassador for various brands. So I technically say that I am I a freelance brand ambassador because the jobs I would get were not a contract position. I had to apply to each individual event I would work. I would work small private events to large trade shows representing the brand (I’ve represented Google, Toyota, Xbox, Johnnie Walker & many more). Being a brand ambassador ultimately helped me land the position I have now as a Product Specialist.

Jason is a Product Specialist for Subaru. I am a product specialist for Buick. The companies we work for do pay us to travel to auto shows around the country to represent their brand. Therefore, we can be anywhere in the US and our companies will fly us out from the RV to the show and back to the RV. While we are away from the RV, we leave it with family, friends or in a storage unit. Our companies will put us up in a hotel room for the duration of the show. 

The auto shows are open for attendance to the public. We basically talk to attendees all day long about the features each model has to offer. These attendees include people who are interested in purchasing a vehicle as well as those who are just having a fun day out with the family. 

Auto show season runs from about ~October – April. Within that time frame, we only work about 50-60 days. Shows range from 3 days long to 2 weeks long. This is not a salaried position – we get paid a daily rate.

Neither of us had these jobs when we initially hit the road. We took a giant leap of faith that we would find something after we started RVing and it honestly couldn’t have worked out better.

If one of our readers wants to become a brand ambassador or product sponsor, what should they do to get started?

It’s definitely a unique niche, but there is a lot of opportunity. Getting your foot in the door as a product speciliast is easiest with experience. I’d start searching for groups on FaceBook such as “Brand Ambassadors of Chicago” or something similar in your nearby city. Dawn had nearly 2 years of expereince before landing her current job and was how Jason was able to land a job in the same field. A flexible schedule is the number one requirement. Being open-minded, having a positive attitude, being able to stand on your feet all day, and being social are all wonderful traits/skills to have in this line of work.

What has been your favorite part of RV travel so far?

Being able to call so many wonderful places “home”. We are able to enjoy each day by creating our own schedule with no commitments. One day we can be hiking in the mountains and next day we’re scootering along a beach. We’ve been fortunate enough to see more of this country in one year than most people do in a lifetime. You have to be adaptable! Be open-minded and OK with change. Also, it’s okay not to have the structured lifestyle you are used to living at home.

How do you save money on the road?

how can our readers get in touch with you?

You can follow us on instagram, which is where we post the most or reach out to us on our website.