When we told everyone that we would be moving into an RV, not a single person believed it would happen. Plenty of eye rolls and "sure sure." We were both over 30 years old, after all. And broke. People don't change after the age of 30 and they sure as hell don't get to go on adventures when they're broke.
Maybe I should go back a little farther. We were living in Winnipeg, both working part time, raising our daughter, living in a rent controlled apartment, in an area where you checked for drug needles before letting your kid play at the playground. We were careful, frugal, and had enough money (barely) to save for small (carefully planned and cheaply done) vacations a couple of times per year. The rent would be going up and we had decisions to make. We could continue living in the apartment and still manage (but then be throwing away money); we could buy a cheap duplex and participate in gentrification and earn a rental income but then risk being house poor; we could move out of town and still work and build something at a lower price and still potentially get some rental income - but of course still risk being house poor; the point is we had options. But instead of settling down we decided that we would buy a truck and travel trailer, then continue on adventures that we so desperately wanted.
When you are looking at people that live on the road full time, they tend to avoid showing you drama and problems that arise. Many of them are attractive, they talk about and show you all the places they have gone or go, and they usually have money they aren't telling you about. There is a lot of glitz and glamour to the lifestyle, and we were attracted to it. Lyndsay had also already lived in a van and trailer for two years before we'd met. A lot of mistakes were made, but it left her with valuable experience. In the end, after doing a lot of talking and considering pros and cons, we decided that we didn't want to live with regret. Worst case (other than like... REALLY worst case...), we could get back into the rent controlled apartment and rent out the RV during the summer for some extra income. At a bare minimum we would be escaping the harsh Manitoba winter in a rough area of town for an adventure, new experiences, and the chance to live in gorgeous places.
What could go wrong, right?
Great writing. Look forward to what you write next.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!!! We are in our mid-sixties and have done the raising of our two kids (and now there are 3 little grandsons!) moved for jobs, owned & sold houses. We did a number of tours of Mexico (Baja, Mainland MX) and all around the US to the Maritimes (even Newfoundland) in our VW Westie starting in 2012. We only wish we had started sooner. Loved it and a Westie isn't large for 2 fifty + year olds!! We did have a tiny basement suite at my sisters house as a home-base. We now have a 28 ft motorhome and are planning on going full time at the end of this year. Casting off most of our condo contents (we rent as well). You have provided great advice that is pragmatic, practical and thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteGO FOR IT!!!!! We'll be watching!!
We did! The blog posts are all reflecting on what happened several months later. Hope you enjoy the blog. :)
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