Living Half the Year in an RV at 81

At 81 years old, I spend half of the year living in an RV, maintaining my livelihood through work camping and delivering for DoorDash. This lifestyle stems from the reality that my retirement savings fell short.

Throughout our travels, my wife and I have embraced the work camping philosophy across America, from serene New Hampshire to wild Alaska. Here, locals exchange work for perks such as affordable campsite fees and utilities, alongside potential monetary wages.

Nine years ago, we secured a home in Florida, where we reside during the colder months. The remainder of the year, our expansive 42-foot Monaco motorhome serves as our abode, neatly parked as we conduct our work camping duties. Since 2019, New Hampshire has been our seasonal workplace. Additionally, I fulfill food delivery orders for DoorDash both in New Hampshire and Florida.

A Diverse Career in the Film Industry

My career began in January 1963 at Eastman Kodak in Rochester. This journey spanned over three decades. Marrying early and starting a family added responsibility, driving me to work full-time at Kodak, part-time evenings at car parts stores, and attend night classes. Reflecting, I wish I had adopted disciplined savings habits during those years.

In the 1990s, I moved to Los Angeles to join a Hollywood motion picture lab as a technical director. It was an unexpected detour from my RV travel dreams. This lasted until 2004, after which I performed a pivotal role at a California university, managing their film lab in restoration and preservation until an opportune retirement offer in 2009 persuaded me to retire prematurely.

With this package, I ventured into investments that, regrettably, did not suffice due to poor choices.

Financial Shortcomings Post-Retirement

My self-managed IRA suffered due to unwise investments. Delays in retirement planning only compounded the issue. Many underestimate their retirement needs, often outliving their funds.

Discovering Workamper News in 2009 was pivotal, as it provided resources for job hunting nationwide. This sparked an eight-year journey of work camping, allowing us to reunite with family in Alaska while exploring the country.

Balancing Work Camping with DoorDash Deliveries

In New Hampshire, my current role involves night shifts as a ranger. This position, restricted by my age limitations, involves golf cart patrols and security duties, paying $15 an hour. Meanwhile, my wife manages housekeeping duties at the campground.

While DoorDashing on alternate days, my aim is to earn at least $100 nightly. Although successful, costs like car maintenance and gas need consideration, affecting overall income.

Monitoring Health as Time Progresses

Driving, a skill I fortunately retain, nonetheless requires caution due to aging. My health is commendable, although there's no certainty it'll withstand the test of time as I've noticed weight gain concerns.

Florida's picturesque beaches present a serene escape for fishing, a pastime contingent on favorable weather. Our avoidance of the humid Florida summers continues.

The Last Resort: Selling the House

Encumbered by debts exceeding $250,000, incorporating home and credit dues, financial challenges loom large. Monthly Social Security sustainment and a meager IRA of under $20,000 render savings elusive.

Repair expenses and health issues, exemplified by recent carpal tunnel surgery, impede debt reduction efforts, compelling reliance on credit. Annually, the Florida-New Hampshire trip incurs around $1,000 in fuel costs, further complicating finances.

Our home's equity presents a fallback option—selling and reverting to full-time RV life should financial strains persist. Job prospects circulate occasionally through my brother, a backup plan in case health necessitates permanent residency in Florida.

Given the improbability of a lottery windfall, this pragmatic approach remains, as job searches form a requisite safety net against life's uncertainties.