Remember when the ultimate dream was a corner office with a view? Yeah… that’s so 1999.

These days, that same corner office has been traded in for an open road, a sprinter van, and Wi-Fi that occasionally works—if the stars (or the cell towers) align.

Welcome to the age of the “new nomads,” where living on the road has become the ultimate life flex. We’re talking about the people who said, “You know what? I’m good on that 9-to-5, mortgage-heavy life.” Instead, they’ve sold off their worldly possessions (yes, even that limited-edition KitchenAid stand mixer) to embrace something a little more… mobile.

Now, who exactly are these folks trading their suit and tie for a pair of hiking boots? It’s not just the free-spirited, kombucha-loving, off-the-grid crew types. Oh no. The new nomads come in all forms—from tech-savvy digital creators and remote workers to early retirees and young professionals who’d rather gaze out at the world through a van window than through the confines of a cubicle. Let’s be honest, a sunrise over the Grand Canyon is infinitely more appealing than your boss’s 7 a.m. Slack message about “circling back” on last week’s meeting.

We’re living in a time when the traditional markers of success (that corner office, the white-picket fence, you know the drill) are starting to lose their luster. The new markers? A converted van with a Pinterest-perfect interior, a prime parking spot with a view of the Rockies, and an Instagram feed that makes you question whether you really need that overpriced downtown apartment.

This whole “van life” movement has people rolling up their sleeves and diving headfirst into the world of DIY. We’re talking full-blown renovations that strip a van down to the studs, maximizing every square inch for life on the road. Sure, these folks are breaking a serious sweat—and making an equally serious dent in their wallets with these conversions—but the payoff? A jaw-dropping home on wheels that’s nothing short of a showstopper.

Living life on the open road is hardly a new concept. I mean, RVs have been around forever, and people have been hitting the highways in them for decades. So why the sudden surge of mostly millennial types trading in their cozy homes for a life on four wheels?

Well, for one, the pandemic was a wake-up call. It taught us just how much we can do from, well, anywhere. Suddenly, “working remotely” became a whole lot more literal. If you can answer emails from a beachside bar in Bali (cocktail in hand, obviously), why on earth would you want to go back to the land of fluorescent lighting and depressing desk salads?

Remote work has skyrocketed, and despite companies doing everything short of bribing their employees with pizza parties to lure them back to the office, many of us were so inspired by the work-from-anywhere life that we decided to ditch the 9-to-5 grind altogether. Instead of commuting, some have turned their side hustles into full-fledged businesses, all to chase those nomadic dreams.

Of course, another major reason people are pouring their savings into tricked-out vans is thanks to the current housing market. For millennials and Gen Z, buying a traditional home feels like a Herculean task—cue the student loan debt, skyrocketing home prices, lack of inventory, and rising interest rates. It’s no wonder some are opting for four wheels instead of four walls.

Here’s a cost breakdown for those who decided to invest in a cozy, fully-loaded van instead of watching their rent money swirl down the drain.

Now, before you go full Marie Kondo and start listing your furniture on Craigslist, there are a few things to consider. Sure, nomadic living promises a kind of freedom you just can’t get from a traditional lifestyle, but let’s be real—it’s not for the faint of heart. The reality is far less “endless vacation” and much more “playing DIY mechanic when your van breaks down in the middle of nowhere.”

Yes, van life is about more than gazing at picturesque views while casually answering work emails. It can be downright isolating and, at times, seriously challenging. From missing out on a sense of community to the very real nightmare of spotty internet connectivity, there are definite downsides to the open-road lifestyle.

So, is the whole #vanlife trend here to stay?

Well, beyond the Instagrammable interiors and perfectly curated shots, there’s something deeper going on. People are ditching their stuff—yes, all the stuff—in favor of experiences. The kind you can’t snag in a Zara sale or add to your Prime cart. Living small, whether in a van, converted bus, or tiny home, is all about prioritizing freedom, flexibility, and a life that doesn’t wait until retirement to be fully enjoyed.

For those ready to trade stability for spontaneity, this lifestyle can be a game-changer. It’s a rejection of the status quo in favor of something a bit more adventurous, a bit less conventional. And let’s be honest—don’t we all secretly fantasize about ditching it all for a life that lets us wake up to a new view every day?

Who knows, maybe selling everything and living on the road is the new American Dream. Just don’t forget to post about it.

Till next time, be wickedly wonderful.