For most of his life, Richard Smith worked hard. Decades in the film industry, multiple side jobs, and even a role in academia he did it all to support his family. But at 81 years old, instead of enjoying a traditional retirement, Richard lives half the year in a 42-foot motor coach and works seven days a week to make ends meet.
His story is becoming increasingly common. Many older Americans are finding that their retirement savings just aren’t enough, and are turning to creative and mobile solutions to stay financially afloat.
A Life on the Move: Work Camping Across America
Richard and his wife split their time between their house in Florida and a campground in New Hampshire. For six months out of the year, their motorhome becomes their primary residence, and their income depends on two things: work camping and gig driving.
“Work camping is a lifestyle that combines working and camping,” Richard explains. In return for labor, work campers often receive a heavily discounted campsite, free utilities, and sometimes wages. In Richard's case, his campsite in New Hampshire costs just $200 a month a fraction of what rent would be.
He works as a ranger, patrolling the campground Thursday through Sunday from around 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. His wife pitches in too, handling housekeeping duties like cleaning restrooms and cabins. For the remaining three days of the week, Richard drives for DoorDash, aiming to make $100 a night.
“I started DoorDash last winter after another work camper suggested it. I couldn’t find a steady six-month job, so I gave it a try,” he says. Between both roles, he’s working all seven days of the week even in his 80s.
A Career in Film and a Retirement Plan Gone Wrong
Richard began his career in 1963 with Eastman Kodak and remained with the company for more than 30 years. He also took evening classes and worked part-time at auto stores to support his growing family.
In the 1990s, he transitioned into Hollywood, taking a technical director role at a major motion picture lab. Then, in the 2000s, he worked as a lab manager at a university in California, handling film restoration and archival work.
But when the 2008 financial crisis hit, Richard accepted an early retirement package. He rolled the payout into a self-directed IRA a move he now regrets. “My self-directed IRA went to hell due to some stupid decisions. I made risky investments,” he admits.
His story is a cautionary tale. Like many Americans, Richard underestimated how much money he’d actually need for retirement and overestimated how long his investments would last.
The DoorDash Hustle and Health Realities
Despite being 81, Richard is in relatively good health. “My primary care physician says I’m lucky,” he says. But he knows time is not on his side. “I don’t know if that’s going to last,” he adds, noting he’s overweight and has already undergone carpal tunnel surgery on one hand, with plans for another.
For now, DoorDash provides flexibility and decent cash flow. After expenses like gas and maintenance, he nets around $500 a week while working in Florida. It helps cover groceries and other bills. But the wear and tear on his vehicle and the physical demands of the job are real concerns.
“Driving is one of the things I can still do fairly well at my age,” he says. “I don’t go fast, but I get the job done.”
The High Cost of Retirement and a Backup Plan
Richard’s monthly Social Security check is close to $3,000, and his IRA now holds less than $20,000. Meanwhile, he estimates his total debt between mortgage and credit at around $350,000. Car repairs, surgeries, and basic expenses have made it nearly impossible to dig out.
“The fuel cost for traveling between Florida and New Hampshire and back runs close to $1,000,” he says. “That’s hard to pay down when you’re trying to cover monthly bills.”
In the worst-case scenario, the couple could sell their Florida home, which has built up equity, and return to full-time RV life. But that would mean giving up the comfort and stability of their beachside home and the fishing trips Richard cherishes with his brother.
“There may come a time when we need to stay in Florida year-round because of health,” he admits. “And if that happens, I’ll need to find a permanent job there.”
A New Reality for Retirees
Richard’s story isn’t one of failure it’s one of resilience. He’s doing what’s necessary to survive, and in many ways, thriving through resourcefulness and grit. But it also highlights a growing issue: the financial tightrope many older Americans are walking.
Traditional retirement planning doesn’t account for market crashes, bad investment choices, health surprises, or sheer longevity. As lifespans stretch into the 80s and beyond, more seniors are turning to gig work and mobile living not out of luxury, but necessity.
“I’m just trying to pay down my debt as best I can,” Richard says. “And I keep working because the Powerball hasn’t worked out yet.”
