2nd year anniversary full timing

[caseyc]

I can't believe I'm now in my 2nd year in my van full time. Paying no rent living in an expensive city overrun by young techies making obscene sums. I'm still surviving. I'm now currently doing office type work through a temp agency making relatively low pay with no benefits as a contract worker. Gotta love this new economy! Also still doing my driving job but only part time during weekends. I'm hoping the temp work will eventually lead to something permanent and with benefits, we'll see. Living in my van has gotten easier over time. I used to maybe feel a little sorry for myself, but no longer. Seems all pretty normal to me now. As I recently turned 50, I'm wondering if my better days are behind me, as my future seems a bit uncertain. Am I just going through another mid life crisis? Anyway, just wanted to give you all an update on my life. Cheers! Casey

 

[flying kurbmaster]

congratulations Casey nice to hear from you, just another mid life crisis I reckon all the best.

 

[ahh_me2]

Hey good for you Casey!

2 years is a good milestone. Mind you , the way you put it, it sounds like you are just entering your second year.
Nothing wrong with that , I'm in the same boat.

In 5 weeks I'll have hit the one year mark, and thus will be entering my second year as well, and I'm only a couple years older than you.

I've had the same thoughts as you, and while I still haven't resolved them all in my head/heart, I do feel I'm on the right track for me.

Cheers to better days ahead with a greater sense of purpose!

 

[Spirituallifetime]

Glad to hear you're doing good! Low pay and no benefits is the game in this economy.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hey there old friend
If there was ever a guy I thought would not make it city dwelling in a van...well I'd be dead wrong
These last 2 years have been good to you. I was impressed how well you were doing when we got together last summer.
Congrats buddy!!!

 

[caseyc]

Thank you all for your kind words. Actually, I have now completed 2 years worth of being in my van full time and now entering my third. When I first had the idea of doing this, I wasn't sure I'd go through with it. But now having gone in deep with both feet, there's no turning back cuz now I simply can't afford the absurd city rent prices due to the current tech boom. Only a few close friends know of my current lifestyle, which makes it easier for me. Not even my parents or relatives know how I'm living. They don't need to know. Again, just makes things easier on me. I find the winter months to be a little hard sometimes cuz the rain and wind keeps me up at night and I feel terrible going to work next day with a bad night sleep. I'm liking that spring time is around the corner. As I'm writing this, I'm currently at the food court at my favorite mall. My gym is also next door. This is part of my daily evening ritual after work. Hang out at the mall, check out the cute college girls and eat whatever I'm in the mood for. Then take a shower at the gym next door and call it the night in my van. Living in a van would certainly be easier if I were retired with income and didn't have to work. Oh well, that time will come. For now, I will continue doing what I'm doing since I don't really have any viable alternatives short of winning the lottery.

 

[caseyc]

Hey there old friend
If there was ever a guy I thought would not make it city dwelling in a van...well I'd be dead wrong
These last 2 years have been good to you. I was impressed how well you were doing when we got together last summer.
Congrats buddy!!!

Hi Jay!

Thanks buddy! Nice to hear from you. You and the other RV folks inspire me. I've had to learn to improvise a lot. But it's getting easier every day. I keep reminding myself I've had miserable times living in a comfy apartment in the past. So it's no different in a van, haha.

Casey

 

[Mobilesport]

Caseyc  what do you use for a heater?




.

 

[akblack10]

Caseyc, Congrats on reaching the 2 year mark, I'm sure you have learned a lot! Remember, you are really never alone, no matter your situation there are many people in the same boat! I wish you continued success!
-AK

 

[TequilaSunSet]

Grats on 2 years and counting. I am approaching and 58 and no job for 2 years. It's tough, do what you have to do and simply except things youcannot change... but it seems you have a strong grip on life and that's good!

 

[caseyc]

Thanks guys, much appreciation. Yes, sometimes I wonder why me? Should I have done things differently? I could beat myself up sometimes, but then I realize it's too late for regrets.

As to the question of heater, that's not really a problem for me as it never goes to freezing near the coastline. It's usually around 50F where I am. If I'm cold I will turn on the engine heat to warm the interior before going to bed. I also use lots of warm fleece blankets. I have a Mr Buddy heater which I don't use anymore.

 

[rvpopeye]

I'm working on my 18th 2nd year anniversary.(35years on wheels)
Haven't lived in a house in a long time except for a visit , it sucked!
But it was worth it,,,,nudge nudge , wink wink.

 

[MK7]

I find the winter months to be a little hard sometimes cuz the rain and wind keeps me up at night and I feel terrible going to work next day with a bad night sleep.

Have you tried using earplugs? If that doesn't work, then earplugs and high quality ear muffs on top...the kind for shooting range. The good ones should be more comfy for sleeping. I used both at the range and it drowns out a lot of noise.

 

[caseyc]

Hmm. Interesting, but I sleep on my side a lot so I think those ear muffs may not work. The rain drops smack the top of the roof and side windows loudly. Plus strong ocean winds shake the van and feels like a small earthquake. I can't wait til winter is over.

 

[Ballenxj]

CONGRATS on your first full year of van life. Just remember, all those people making obscene money are also paying obscene bills.  ;-)

 

[Mobilesport]

I like the sound of rain to the point I could fall asleep very easily because it would 
have me so relaxed , I hear ya though about the wind , the only thing worst then the wind would be a guy outside your van with a jackhammer.

 

[speedhighway46]

I have been actively on the road for almost five years, but not totally full time.

High wind can be distracting, and when in the extreme, even emotionally concerning. My vehicle, although large and heavy, has huge flat sides which results in some "rockin' and rollin' " when the wind exceeds 25 mph.

When boondocking/parking space permits, before you shut down for the day (2-2-2) point the front of your vehicle directly into the wind. Just like a boat in rough seas, this will greatly moderate the effects of the blowing and gusting moving your vehicle about.

In cases of severe wind, say above 60 mph, I have occasionally had to relocate hastily to the protected "lee" side of a large building or structure.

Listen to the weather radio and check the Weather Channel on your phone so you are always aware of what kind of weather is coming in during the next 12-24 hours.

 

[justbreathe]

Casey, hi! I'm jean. Nice to meet you. Congrats on the two years. Keep on keeping on man. You've got this. You're doing it and surviving well. Keep your head up. Sending prayers

 

[wagoneer]

Hello Casey a flash from the past, hope you survived that last gully washer It caught me on the upper span of the Bay Bridge good thing the van I was in is so ROBUST. we are getting some more of that needed rainfall.

 

[MK7]

Hmm. Interesting, but I sleep on my side a lot so I think those ear muffs may not work. The rain drops smack the top of the roof and side windows loudly. Plus strong ocean winds shake the van and feels like a small earthquake. I can't wait til winter is over.

If you're not using earplugs at all yet, then they will definitely help. The difference is enormous. Even better with the plugs + muff, but since you can't use those... disposable earplugs are pretty cheap at walmart.