For eleven years I was a college professor. Part of my job was to advise new graduate students. I made a point to ask my students why they wanted to go to grad school. It’s a serious decision after all.

That’s why I had to ask myself, “Why do I want to live in an RV?” I keep a running list of reasons and I look at them often. Here are the big ones:

Full-time RVing excites me. I’m talking about that butterfly feeling in my stomach. I get it when I daydream about setting up my RV kitchen, pulling into a new camping spot, or sipping wine with my boyfriend in lounge chairs under the awning. As long as I keep getting that butterfly feeling, my dream will stay alive.

I love to travel. I’m a nomad at heart. I don’t want to wait until I have enough vacation time to ride my bike through Glacier National Park or experience the charm of Savannah. Authentic travel involves adventure. Even using my resourcefulness to fix a broken fridge can feel adventurous.

I want less stress. There’s no doubt that living on the road has its own challenges. But most of my stress stems from my work and keeping up a lifestyle that robs me of my joy. As with most people who reach mid-life, my goals have changed. Instead of working like a dog to gain career recognition, I want to do things that make me smile at the end of the day.

I’m an introvert. Full-time RVing suits many introverts, especially me. I need solitude to recharge. I enjoy extended periods alone, especially when I’m traveling. Other introverts like Chris and Cherie at Technomadia prove that I’m in good company.

I want more work flexibility. I want the freedom to alter my work schedule to fit whatever else I’m doing that week or month (zip-lining for the first time, touring a local brewery). RVing can allow me to work where and when I want to, given certain constraints (e.g., job requirements, finding a site with reliable WiFi).

My RV dream means the world to me. But I know it all won’t be peaches and cream. I have plenty of doubts about living on the road. But that’s for next time.