Even when you’ve downsized your life, you may find you can downsize even more. Duncan and Jessica, of Traveling on the Outskirts, found this out when they decided to get rid of the trappings of modernity: the house, car, big TV and full-time jobs.
They initially bought a fifth wheel trailer and a large truck to tow their new home, which they planned to see the country with and do some work along the way. After a few months, they decided to simplify even further by purchasing a 1999 Starcraft pop-up trailer and a smaller Suburban.
Their blog (and nicely done videos) chronicles the lives of two professionals who had enough of the rat race, and decided to hit the road. They work in campgrounds as workampers, usually getting a free camp spot, amenities and a few dollars in their wallets. These jobs are normally seasonal, allowing Duncan and Jessica to stay mobile and work where the good weather is. What I really appreciate about their blog is that they take the time and effort to show important details in the lives of nomads and workampers, including how to find jobs, save money and live in close quarters with your partner.
They are still experimenting with their trailer and see it as a stepping stone to another choice down the road. They’ve done their research and have a list on their blog of the pros and cons of various types of RVs and trailers. The pop-up suits their needs for now and allows them to spend more time outside and by the campfire. There’s even enough room for their dog, Patience.
“We were a young, newly-married couple who was living the life the way that we were told to. We had the house, the car, the big screen TV… everything that society told us to aquire. We had the regular 9 to 5 jobs at an advertising agency. The alarm goes off, we get up, go to work, go home, eat a little something, reset the alarm clock, and go to sleep. Repeat forever. Next thing you know it’s fifty years later and we wonder where it all went.
Sound familiar?
That’s when we decided to break away and leave it all behind. We’ve sold it all, the house, the car, the TV and we’ve bought an RV, hitting the road, making everyday different. New experiences, new people, new life. Turn off the TV and enjoy everything that this world has to offer. Follow our adventures while we are traveling on the outskirts.”
By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)