Nomadic Me... Nomadic You?

[tech4patton]

Hi All,

Well, I've been lurking here for quite a while now and as I get closer to starting my own project I thought I would join so I could ask some questions from all the knowledgeable people here. I'll save those for another post.

For now I just thought I would say, Hi!

I'm also curious to know if there are others that are in my exciting situation.

I've always dreamed of travelling on a permanent basis. I had assumed that I would need to wait until retirement. How could I possibly have a nomadic lifestyle and make enough money to be stable at the same time? I don't want to be homeless after all. Over the last 10 years, there have been several events in my life that made me realize that I don't have to wait.

Here's the short story. I'm 40, divorced, my son will be 18 this year, and I can work from almost anywhere.

The last piece of the puzzle fell into place about 2 years ago. I work in internet security which had forced me to live in large cities, working for large companies. I hate the city! (no offence to those who like it) But I need to make money and do thoroughly enjoy the work I do. Then the company I had been working for laid me off with zero notice. I should have seen it coming with the buyout the previous year. I didn't and it left me in a bind. I had just bought a new car for one!

Most importantly, I just didn't want to be in that position again. I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to go it alone. It was a gamble and I didn't know if it was going to work at all.

Fortunately, I've found there is no shortage of individuals and small companies that need someone with my expertise but can't afford to hire a full time guy. I quickly had so much work that I had to start turning it down. Whoa! In addition to the abundance of work, I enjoy it much more. My clients are happier and it feels more personal to me. Plus, if one or even 5 of them goes out of business or sends my position overseas, it doesn't hurt me in the least. Lol.

I now live in a tiny shack in the middle of the woods. Literally! My clients laugh so hard when they hear about it. But they understand when they see pictures of where I live.

At this point, I've been living in my tiny shack for a year. I absolutely LOVE it and I don't have a need or a want for anything bigger. I'm a minimalist, very independent, and somewhat anti-social. It's definitely not a lifestyle for everyone.

The only downside is that I can't take it with me. Sure, I can go on "vacations" and still work. But I like the familiarity of my shack.

So, I'm going to build me a new "shack" on wheels, travel leisurely around the country and work the same as I have been over the last 1.5 years.

I'm really curious to hear about anyone else who lives like this. I think most who do, have a large trailer. I've looked at this but it's just not me. I'm an odd guy and actually prefer my small space. A lot less to maintain and very little to go wrong. Of course, taking my "shack" on the road will cause some additional problems I'll have to deal with. I think it will be worth it though.

If that is you or you know someone like this:
What kind of work do you do?
What challenges have you faced?
How long have you been doing it?
What do you like or dislike?

If that isn't you, feel free to comment anyway. Maybe you know someone else, have the same dream, or just want to tell me how crazy I am. I welcome and look forward to all!

Kind regards,
John

[Roly Nelson]

Hi John, welcome to the forum. I understand exactly how you feel and encourage you to follow your dream. I, also was in your shoes. I took off for 6 months, traveled all over the southwest and had a ball. I did it in a 5th wheel, which was too big and too heavy. However, I found that I enjoyed the freedom and the adventure, but couldn't affort it until I was old enough to retire. That is when I bit the bullet, told the boss I was through and bought a small class C motorhome and traveled the US for almost 8 years, saw 46 states and met a bunch of great folks, both on the road and old buddies of long ago. Not many will enjoy this kind of life style, but it was something that I just had to do, just like you. Good luck on your plan, my suggestion is to get a small vintage trailer. It would be easier to live in full time, instead of a teardrop trailer. Do what your heart tells you to do, and keep us in touch with the outcome. Good luck.
Roly, the lil' ol' woody teardrop builder in Sunny So Calif.

[tech4patton]

Hi Roly,

Wow, sounds you like had a great adventure!

I definitely plan on building more of a TTT type design instead of Tear.

You're right about this lifestyle not being for everyone. I think a lot of people see travel blogs and think the experience will be fun times all the way down the road. I think I have a more realistic view in that it's basically going to be like my life for the past year. Living in a small space alone, dealing with weather, hardships, and unexpected problems. There will be some really good times too. But life is hard, and being on the road constantly will make it more so.

It's funny, I've been researching designs and building techniques for a couple of months now. I've built several permanent structures of various sizes but never something that would need to be mobile. So after I joined, I was thinking about the first questions I should and ask. I realized that I was more curious to know if I was the only one crazy enough to want to live and travel solo in a tiny trailer at working age.

Looks like I'm not the only crazy one! Actually found more people than I thought doing this. Many appear to do very similar type of work as me. Found a few other options for work too. Not that I think I would need them, but it's always good to have options.

Well, many thanks for the info and encouragement. I'm sure I'll be fairly active here soon as I start buying materials and enter into the construction phase. Details will be key and you guys have a lot of knowledge that I need.