Path to van dwelling?

[michele0203]

Hello!  I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right place, so please let me know! 

I'm curious to hear from others who chose the vandwelling lifestyle because they felt like the typical, American lifestyle was sucking the life force out of them? 

I have been feeling like I've been selling my soul to the devil for the past 8 years at my current job.  I keep trying to conform to my employer's expectations just to get my paycheck.  It is literally killing me. 

 I know that the vandwelling lifestyle will not problem free, but I realize now that I'm truly in search of freedom. I've felt like a prisoner, a slave to my job, and just plain miserable most of the time. Wondering what us the point of all this???

I've been trying to reason with myself that it's best for me finacially to stay on this job just 6 more months, until I nearly finish up my lease.  But it is like now that I know freedom does exists and I don't have to wait until I retire at age 67 to enjoy life, it's that much harder to force myself to go through the motions and fake it.

I would love to hear stories and/or encouragement from those of you who chose this lifestyle before retirement age!

 

[skyl4rk]

It takes money, find a better job and start saving. Ideally find a job you can take on the road.

 

[Canine]

If you don't mind staying in one spot for a few weeks,there are plenty of temp jobs to finance your tra veling life.I was 52 and Vic was 48 when we hit the road.We worked 4 or 5 months in the summer to pay our way and didn't have to use any of our savings or stocks.When I hit 62 we gave that up and used our savings to buy land and material for a home.Now we stay on the road as much as we want and go home when it becomes tiresome.Usually about 6 months each.We bought a van and camper last winter and decided to work this summer to replenish our savings.Good Luck.

 

[Yogidog]

Hi Michelle,

Yes this is a fine place to post this question, I asked the same when I started out on here

My path to vandwelling, came slowly without it being a conscious choice. I slowly moved away from mainstream life by a series of events and choices.

I loved my job as a crisis worker for twenty five years, then suddenly out of the blue felt like I could not do it one more day, sooo tired, and put in a months notice, I guess this is how burnout goes. Then moved to a very rural unpopulated part of New Mexico, like one mother said, this is like a third world country! Then to a Earthship for two years where I learned how to be without a shower everyday. Then campgrounds for about two years.

Long story short if a person had money I think a sudden decision to do this could work well, without much money, it is a big learning curve. Learning the vehicle repair and mainatance can be a full time job!

On the other hand if a person really felt they couldn't go on in the other world, there is always the saying freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose We get out there and have to learn it!

When the question of encouraging people to make the decision for or against this life style comes up, I always think of my two daughters, one would do well, the other one I hate to even think of her living this way! Nothing wrong or right with either, just our histories, personalities, styles of coping, dreams, values, ect.

Wishing you well! If u think you really want to investigate this, keep asking questions


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Almost There]

My paths to this lifestyle are probably different than most and of course have several wayward twisty turny back roads involved.

I started out with a van back in 1975 when my brother sold me his old van when he upgraded. As a single mom who liked to both camp and have a good time on Saturday night, I found that the vanning movement suited me perfectly....hence vans #'s 1 through 4. I got to travel all over North America, met great friends all over the place and the kids were always involved.

My next path, as an empty nester, involved a custom designed business venture that allowed me to combine travel, warm places to be in winter with a way to support myself on the road. I used my creative side to make handcrafted products and sold them, mostly at art/craft shows. Winters were mostly spent in Florida, spring and fall in AL, GA and southern TN, while summers were spent wherever I wanted...one on Cape Cod, a few in KY and the rest somewhere in the midwest.

The final path is one that was long planned for - retirement....   I'm living in a van - down by the river (or the lake or ocean) as much as possible...   because I like to travel. Basically, I want to see it ALL!! I've often commented that I need to live to 150 to be even able to scratch the surface. And, the other reason is that I hate northern winters with a passion!!

The van has always allowed me the means of travelling in comfort at a price I can afford....what's not to like about it.

Oh, and no matter the reason for the travelling, I've always made great friends all over the place!

 

[TrainChaser]

You need to look at yourself and your life a little more closely, with some focus.

If you hate your life now, is it the whole life, or just that awful job?  Would life be better if you could just change jobs?

If you just don't want to have to work for a living, that is another problem all by itself.  You can't run away very well without money, without a decent vehicle, or a way to make money along the road that doesn't involve begging or crime.  No one else owes you anything.

Running away is always an easy decision... even if it always comes back and bites you in the derriere.  Running away usually makes the problem worse, because you haven't made any plans to CHANGE your life.  You can't run away from yourself, no matter how hard you try or how fast you run.  

I love traveling, and started van camping as soon as I had a job and some savings.  I've been away from it for quite a while now, and miss it a lot.  I hope to go back to it next summer. *fingers crossed*

So, first, you need to decide WHY you want to hit the road, and second, is HOW.

Good luck, whatever your decision.

 

[cyndi]

I was forced to retire. The only way I could afford to live was to hit the road. It took me 4 years to pull the plan together and get the moho.

I have no doubt the dream saved my life. Being able to live the dream and live comfortably, within my means, is priceless.

I did live in a van, off and on, in my younger years. I knew it was possible.

 

[Gadget728]

I have loved camping since I was a little kid. Even though I belonged to the Scouts at the family church, a different troop at a different church had access to a lease to camp on out in the boons, I changed troops. I've owned several tents, campers and vans, and camped in all of them.
When I accidentally ran across the video Without Bound, a light bulb went off and I realized, "I could do that"! Downsizing has not been as emotional as I thought, but I still have stuff to get rid of. Some I may have to store. I traded my Astro for a Savana extended and am working on it right now. I hope to make it to the RTR in January 2017, even if it's only for a couple of weeks, just to get my feet wet, so to speak.

Several times over the past few months I've asked myself, Do you really want to do this? Are you really capable of doing this? Can you afford to do this? I've failed before, but never been beaten. If it wasn't meant to be , I moved on. I don't feel that way with this venture, I feel like I was born for this life style. I'm going to give it a try anyway.

As you get closer to making the final decision, you'll know if your ready and if it's the right lifestyle for you. We all do this for similar but different reasons, You'll figure it out. Good Luck - Gadget

 

[michele0203]

Thanks, Bob! Nope, I don't mind staying in one place for a few weeks at all, that's kinda what I figured I would do!

 

[michele0203]

Thanks yogi dog! !!! Ahhhh....crisis worker...I did that for a while. I'm a social worker and definitely know all about burnout! I'm burnt out and working on my exit plan....sadly I've been burnt out for some time, but I've kept pushing myself past the point of healthy.

Now that I've got several medical conditions I'm evaluating what's important to me. I've been a caregiver for so long, it's time to put me first. I'm good with my money and have lived without Internet and cable for the past 8 years.

I know that I will likely need to shower daily depending on how hot it is outside as a matter of personal preference, but i can adjust to a portable shower and toilet, and be just fine with my hair in a pony tail, no makeup, and a weeks worth of clothes!!!! Hell, I'll probably stop shaving too!

Thanks for sharing your experience with me!

 

[michele0203]

Oh yes, vehicle maintenance and repairs concern me financially and also safety wise, but I think I saw a video on a device that can track you when stranded even without cell phone service?

 

[michele0203]

Almost there, what a wonderful life experience!!! Yes, there is so much to see and I agree whenever I have traveled as a single person I have made friends with fellow travelers and never regretted one experience!

 

[Yogidog]

Oh yes, vehicle maintenance and repairs concern me financially and also safety wise, but I think I saw a video on a device that can track you when stranded even without cell phone service?

Yes Susanne spoke of it, in girls room thread on "why is family so negetive, or something similar should be close to the top,

 

[michele0203]

Train chaser, you bring up some interesting points. Running away certainly isn't going solve anything.

I've never been one to run away, rather, I am one who steadfastly works harder and harder to improve my life. I'm a believer in counseling and have done quite a bit self exploration. Many have told me that they don't have the courage to delve so deeply into their inner world.

However, I am quite good at ignoring my gut instinct, and while I've made leaps and bounds of progress, I still tend to wrestle with self doubt. ...I'm a work in progress!

Whenever I have been asked the question "what do you want to do with your life, my initial reaction is TRAVEL. But I've dismissed it, because I have believed it to be unrealistic. Certainly no one can live a life of travel.
That is, until I discovered van dwelling and Bob's videos and his message!!! And things are beginning to click into place!!!

Just dealing now with various fears and gaining the courage to follow my heart.

 

[michele0203]

Cyndi, I'm so glad you were able to turn a difficult situation into a positive one and into a life you enjoy!

 

[Yogidog]

Thanks yogi dog! !!!  Ahhhh....crisis worker...I did that for a while.  I'm a social worker and definitely know all about burnout!  I'm burnt out and working on my exit plan....sadly I've been burnt out for some time, but I've kept pushing myself past the point of healthy.

Now that I've got several medical conditions I'm evaluating what's important to me.  I've been a caregiver for so long, it's time to put me first.  I'm good with my money and have lived without Internet and cable for the past 8 years.  

I know that I will likely need to shower daily depending on how hot it is outside as a matter of personal preference, but i can adjust to a portable shower and toilet, and be just fine with my hair in a pony tail, no makeup, and a weeks worth of clothes!!!!  Hell, I'll probably stop shaving too!

Thanks for sharing your experience with me!

Something kept telling me to reply to you, I was trying to mediate and it kept coming back.  I am/ was a social worker too, don't always admit it scares some people! I did my own disability case for PTSD, which as time goes by I see is very real, vicarious traumazation, I took on the ones no one else wanted and wouldn't give up. 

The showers are the hardest part for me I often plan my camping where I can have one or water in lake creek whatever. But I learned I don't melt away or anything. 

Being good with money really helps

If u need anything we are here, happy adventures to u!

 

[michele0203]

[quote='When I accidentally ran across the video Without Bound, a light bulb went off and I realized, "]

If it wasn't meant to be , I moved on. I don't feel that way with this venture, I feel like I was born for this life style. I'm going to give it a try anyway.

Great insight!!!!!

As you get closer to making the final decision, you'll know if your ready and if it's the right lifestyle for you. We all do this for similar but different reasons, You'll figure it out. Good Luck - Gadget

Yes, you are right Gadget!  I feel I know the answer is to just do it...I've been downsizing getting rid of possessions for about 2 months now...it's freeing and also making this more of a reality for me!
[/quote]

 

[michele0203]

OMG yogidog!  I am so glad you did. :heart: :heart: :heart:   I totally get it about not telling people that I am a social worker.  I usually don't but lately I've had a why the heck not mindset and here I am take it or leave it.  I'm so tired of the facades.  

I work in a toxic environment and have felt like its quite similar to an abusive relationship one is afraid to leave.  I keep sticking it out thinking I can fix it...talk about codependency!  

But the pay has been good and that's largely why I've stayed, I'm afraid to say.  I have placed my financial trust in this large corporation out of fear of not being able to make it as a single female and outbox a deep seated fear of winding up homeless, penniless,  and destitute.  Van dwelling confronts my fear smack in the face...if i can live in a van i will have a new set of survival skills and don't have to play by the rules society has set out for me to continue following blindly!!!!  That freedom alone is priceless!

I have PTSD as well and the job has certainly exacerbated it.  I've used FMLA quite a bit and have wondered if I will need to apply for disability. I also have an autoimmune disorder that causes mostly arthritic symptoms but can make standing and walking for long painful.  However, I'm hopeful that a decrease in my stress and living more simply will result in improved health.

I am so glad to have found another social worker who 'gets it'!  I've looked for support groups for burnt out social workers but haven't found anything.  The field is in need of so much impovement.

 

[akrvbob]

Running away is perfectly right and healthy when you are in an abusive relationship, and this entire society is built on abusing it's citizens. But they control every aspect of our lives and so they're doing everything they can to convince you that you're not being abused. A miserable life is normal and for your own good you are required to be unhappy--otherwise you will eat dog food when you get old. They try to convince you there is something wrong with you for wanting to get out of it. You are the unhealthy and sick one--IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!! You owe it to society and family and country to stay and keep working. Nobody owes you anything--NO-You owe them!

That's what every abuser says!! Worse, that's what most abused people come to believe themselves and they will defend the abuser and try to convince you to stay and be abused. But you can't hate them, they are victims of the Stockholm Syndrome and are victims themselves, but neither can you listen to them.

IT'S ALL A LIE!! Get out, as soon as you can!

Let me tell you what your really OWE--You owe it to yourself to live a happy life!!

Vandwelling is the very best way to do that!!!! If you can reduce your expenses low enough, you don't need much money and can live as free from the abusive system as possible. It's fairly easy to earn enough when you live as cheaply as we do by living in a car, van or RV Here are 8 common jobs for nomads.:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/budget/workcamping-jobs-for-nomads/

Can you see yourself working at them? If so then here is a path of escape:
1) I know how miserable you are, but that is mainly because you are so hopeless. Once you start on this path of escape I hope you will find so much hope and joy that it will enable you to stay at that job long enough to pay off your debt and get into the vehicle you will live in. The key thing is there is a definite end to your suffering coming up very soon. You can endure anything for a short time, if you are certain it is just for a short time. Keep your eye on the prize, telling them to take that job and shove it!!!
2) You must have an emergency fund, I strongly suggest $3000-$5,000 as a minimum.
3) Start now getting rid of all your stuff and selling it for everything you can, all of that money goes in your emergency fund.
4) Start taking trips and getting used to nomadic living. If at all possible join the tribe at a gathering near you.
5) Try to move into your vehicle home and continue to work, paying your rent or mortgage payment to yourself--be the LORD of your own life instead of giving a landlord that power.
6) When you've nearly got the money you need, start looking for one of these jobs. When you've got one, quit your job at home and hit the road. Take some time to be free and travel, and then go to your nomad job. That'll build confidence in your new way of life and put even more money in your pocket.
7) If at all possible, come to the RTR at Quartzsite, you'll find a tribe and build confidence and learn so much. while you're there, you can get one of these jobs.

You can do this!
Bob

 

[michele0203]

Wow, thank you Bob. I couldn't agree more. I just woke up with a pounding headache from tossing and turning last night and your message and words of advice have been a gift. I am so grateful for your wisdom and validation and look forward to meeting you in person. I plan to respond more on your points later when I am able. God bless you!?????