people in this life style

[losthighwaydrifter]

I feel I got to say this and not judging or looking down on anyone I mean I am heading in to this life full force. but for a group of people depending on with unconventional living in a vehicles. I am amazed at the level of complete lack of knowledge most people I talk to have  with things and basically lack of life skills.
 Tired of paying rent? I get it but why were u paying rent not owning a place? in there 60s living like there 20s? no $$ savings? assets? I mean I'm venting. I mean if $ is a problem stop spending and work more.  I came from a VERY bad childhood (drug addict parents) dad (was biker and heavy in a club)was murdered when I was a teen. I had NO help support just a desire to not be broke and hungry and made a very good living. worked 2 jobs worked sick/hurt saved did what ever I could to make $$$.

I'm just amazed at peoples general lack of life skills.  I think I really need to take my grumpy a$$ to middle of nowhere! lmao

I am glad to see people like Bob informing people and trying to show another way and people need to think out side the box.

 

[lenny flank]

My life skills are just fine, thanks. I make a good living as a professional writer and editor, and could buy a house tomorrow if I really wanted to. But I don't want to. I prefer to travel and see the country, and van-dwelling is the most flexible and most interesting way to do that.

PS--it's hard for me to take "life advice" seriously when it comes from a person who writes like a half-literate third-grader. Not, ya know, judging or looking down at anybody.

You may want to question some of your own assumptions, though, since they are dead wrong.

 

[losthighwaydrifter]

I said as with anywhere in life "most" not everyone, just the people I have run into so far. ya im def not a great writer my degree is as an engineer not writing! lol but I am retiring @40 and had it not been for my divorce it would have been 32. I am very comfortable financially as I am giving a $300k plus home that I bought cash to my son and not selling anything to "cash out" and support my self just living of my investments. and "life advice" is subjective to the audience I learned a lot about living from a homeless friend living downtown Pittsburgh Pa under a bridge.. trust me I'm not making any assumptions on this life style people are people and vary person to person. im just going by the full timers I have seen talk to!

 

[John61CT]

Some opinions you should just keep to yourself, expressing contempt for those less fortunate than yourself, I do not see how this post is helpful to anyone.

There has always been a split in the community between those van dwelling out of economic necessity vs those who choose it and have more income & assets.

We all make our choices, every day of our lives, and then have to live in the bed we've been making.

 

[tav-2020]

we all have different paths that have led us to our now and everyone's own reality is just that.
smart, poor, privileged, anxious, content, you name it, we are all different.

being humble, kind and tolerant costs nothing, but is also a path one can choose or not.

 

[losthighwaydrifter]

I agree but I hear all kinds of poor me and complaining from people so far. just disproportionate to rest of society. why I posted looking for others insight in to the subject.

 

[rvwandering]

Losthighwaydrifter -
 The vast majority of vandwellers do not consider themselves to be homeless and do not fit your description. Some have had problems and need a helping hand or a little guidance. You are painting with a very broad brush without adequate knowledge. 

Homelessness is a controversial subject, especially on the forums. Most threads dealing with it have to be closed. I'm keeping this thread open for now as long as everyone is civil. No personal attacks please. Another moderator may differ in opinion and close the thread.

 

[highdesertranger]

why are you worried what other people say/do. drop it. everybody is different and are in a different spot in life. I probably should close this thread and I still might.

DON"T JUDGE OTHERS

highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

I agree but I hear all kinds of poor me and complaining from people so far. just disproportionate to rest of society. why I posted looking for others insight in to the subject.

I recommend that you only post where your content can truly help others.

"Suck it up and make more money" is rarely helpful.

Simply ignore those whose posts bother you.

 

[losthighwaydrifter]

I never said anyone in this life style was "homeless" in my opinion a card board box or under the stars can be a home! I spent time in central America with people who lived in different spots Dailey in quick made lean-to never felt "homeless"

 

[losthighwaydrifter]

and never does more $$$ solve $$$ problems spend less does one of the best things about this life. again I think your projecting the common society views into this not reading what im saying.

 

[losthighwaydrifter]

and now your deleting post that make a rational point! very open minded!

 

[highdesertranger]

check your PM's. highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

Your words

I am amazed at the level of complete lack of knowledge most people I talk to have  with things and basically lack of life skills.
 Tired of paying rent? I get it but why were u paying rent not owning a place? in there 60s living like there 20s? no $$ savings? assets? I mean I'm venting. I mean if $ is a problem stop spending and work more.
…
I'm just amazed at peoples general lack of life skills.

And the main message back is, keep those "amazed" feelings and that sort of "life advice" to yourself.

This forum website is for trying to be as compassionate and genuinely helpful as you can.

Even though that can be difficult sometimes for all of us.

 

[QinReno]

Bob Wells gets questions all the time on his live telecasts from people who are at the end of their tethers and have no options left. He says the only thing he can say ... that he can't perform MAGIC.

Personally, I prefer the route of educating people, in lieu of just throwing money at them, and that's exactly what Bob Wells is doing, helping to educate people.

 

[Blanch]

Well.....
I ended up living this way as I became ill and lost all those savings, couldn’t work. Sold my house before it went into foreclosure and bought a truck and travel trailer to live in.

Life is much better if you focus on improving yourself, not others.


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[Beeps and eats]

Its not always a lack of skills or knowledge that propels people into this lifestyle.
For some it's just a lifelong dream and others it's just the cards they are dealt.
No matter the case, We, as a community have to ensure that nobody has to struggle to be comfortable in this way of life.
Many people who are just starting out have never camped outdoors let alone spent days living out here. So it's to be expected that they would ask questions that to someone else would very simple to solve.
I for one spent decades in the infantry
So my outdoor skills are above most people who are out here. I would not hesitate to teach a person how to do something that would improve Her or His lifestyle. It's what is expected of us as humans to do. Also keep in mind that once these people have the skills to live comfortably they then can give back to the community with the skills they had before entering into it. Thus adding to the pool of knowledge.
Unless you have truly been a nomadic person it's hard to apprehend what it takes to live each day off grid and self-sufficient.
Add to that the unfortunate need to make money just to get the basic requirements and you will appreciate just how unique nomads really are. I would suggest that you hold some conversations with several people who are living nomadically.
You will gain a perspective that you thought you didn't seem possible.
Nomads are a mixture of every fasset of our society some are wealthy and some just see money as a means to and end.
But our root that is common is the need to travel unencumbered by the demands of owning a stationary home. My home is not the vehicle I sleep in its the world I live in.
Ask most people "Where do you live?" And they can give you an exact coordinate to a spot on the map. Ask a nomadic person that question and they will give you dozens if not hundreds of beautiful places to stay for a while. And in addition tell you about things to do and see while you are there.
I can only surmise it this way.
"I will eventually die, there is no question.
Do I continue on working and saving money I will never use to live in a building I truly never owned, skip a few tax payments and where's your paid off building? My point. Or do I live comfortably and see everything I wanted to see experience all the things I always dreamed about doing.
And live in the moment. Ive been to every state in the Nation also Canada, most of the EU. And all as a nomad. My mantra is.
" You only kick this rock once, give it hell"
When my time does come I will leave nothing, not one regret, not a single I should have. Nor an I wish I... Because that's the only thing we can truly take with us, Memories, And I my friend will need a truck to haul all of mine." That's Me, a microcosm in this world but I feel as though I have the universe in the palm of my hand. There's so many more stories in the community and hopefully I will be able to hear them all. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I hope you gained some insightful perspectives from my life.
It's not the path for everyone, but I have no problem traveling along it.
Enjoy the life you choose for yourself and I hope you achieve all of your goals.
Beeps.

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[Minivanmotoman]

Bravo, well said Bae.
Am going to have to plagiarize that now.
You're now unofficially nominated for last year's Pulitzer.

 

[AMGS3]

^^^^^ Losthighwaydrifter

I think the only thing I can really say to your original post is that not everyone on this forum has had your same life experience and opportunities and has had your same responsibilities and has made your same choices.

One thing I've learned from reading this forum is that I am truly amazed by the variety of nomads there are. We run fully across the spectrum of almost any way we humans are able to classify ourselves. However much you think you know about anything, you still have so much left to learn. It's true for all of us.

One of the thoughts that keeps popping into my head is that any one piece of good advice is only as good as the circumstances surrounding it. For instance, if the good advice is "own, don't rent. Because renting leaves you with no equity." Well, if everyone followed that, then what do you suppose the housing market would look like for people who make less than $1000/mo. like me? It'd look like the slums of third world countries, where people might own their house, but it's made from tarpaper and corrogated steel and scavenged scraps of lumber and it's the best they can do with the circumstances they were faced with. How much house can you afford to buy if you make $9000/yr? Would it be weatherproof? Would it be childproof? If you can't afford to buy, then what do you do? You make the best decision you can given the circumstances and your ability to change them.

The good thing is that no matter the hand we were dealt, it's not to late to make changes and start living the life we would rather be living, one day at a time, one choice at a time, one step at a time.

I hope you find this forum as educational as I have. The people sharing their questions and knowledge on here are really generous to have done so. I really appreciate their honesty and generosity.

~angie

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[Minivanmotoman]

Another beauty of compassion and thoughtfulness.
Oh Angie, lyrics come to mind.
I'd post a video but it is frowned upon unless properly identified and I am so limited in that regard.
Enjoy the lyrics and do your own YouTube search of one of the Rolling Stones greats.
Some of the lyrics even apply. Serendipity.


Angie, Angie
When will those dark clouds all disappear
Angie, Angie
Where will it lead us from here
With no lovin' in our souls
And no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
Angie, Angie
You can't say we never tried
Angie, you're beautiful
But ain't it time we say goodbye
Angie, I still love you
Remember all those nights we cried
All the dreams were held so close
Seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear
Angie, Angie