new to mobile living

[mscott]

Hello.  I'm pretty new here, though I've been lurking about since last Wednesday, July 29.  I thought it'd be interesting to relate how I found these forums.

Sometime last Wednesday, I'd fallen into in a bit of a depressed mental state.  I'd seen a show on TV show that made it worse, but in one scene in the show a character made a reference to Walden's Pond and Thoreau.  I found myself on google and searching for "how can I survive in seclusion".  I came upon an article Homeless Survival.  The article was a bit of a "how-to guide" for urban nomads.  In the comments section of this blog was a link to here, recommending these forums as the place to look for suggestions about van living.  Awhile after I arrived at here I watched that "Without Bound - Perspectives on Mobile Living (Documentary)".  I've been devouring every related video, stream, and information resource since.  It's helped shine a light on a future I'd previous given up on.

I'm not mobile yet, not so fast.  I work full time doing Linux web server support.  Currently, I have family allowing me to stay rent free in a spare bedroom.  At least until I overstay my welcome or get tired of them.  I will finally have all my debt and student loans paid off within the next couple months.

I have this vision of saving up some money, moving into a van, and setting out on the open road.  I thought maybe I could freelance as a php and website developer.  Or maybe I'd eventually find something else.  Heck, I haven't really decided anything yet, except that I'd really like to give this lifestyle a try and there is so much information I still need to absorb.

Cheers 

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums mscott! You've come to the right place! Keep reading and asking questions. Keep paying off your debts and start saving. You're well on your way to a more fulfilling life!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[WriterMs]

Sounds like you have a practical and yet forward-thinking plan. Use your time now -- while you have a rent-free place to stay and are paying off debt and saving -- to research, research and research.

It seems there are several younger people on this forum who work remotely in digital jobs, so maybe they will give you an accurate view of doing online work remotely.

A vision of a future that excites you does wonders for feeling depressed, doesn't it?

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings & Welcome!

My best advice is to get your mobile income alive and reliable before you hit the road, because reliable income is something that is very dangerous to gamble on.

Once you have accomplished a reliable income, and an emergency fund large enough to replace everything, including your van, then and only then, are you really prepared to hit the road.

 

[RollinWOT]

Welcome Mscott. I understand the depressed mental state and how the media can make things worse. Do you have any vehicle at your disposal yet or are you still saving money for one more suitable? +1 with every one saying to save up for emergencies. I can relate to how you came upon this website. I was forever worried about losing my home and everything I own while having a family to support. I lost my job in early 2012 and had absolutely no money, still had debts to pay, and had just moved into a new apartment. I was so worried about everything and became very depressed and worried. I found a new job two days later, but to this day, i still have that nagging feeling hat I could lose everything. That's why I started looking for a mobile solution. I hope you can find everything you need here. Good luck and cheers!

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!