Have you ever thought about becoming voluntarily homeless?

[ChiTown33]

I watched a video today about a young woman who has decided to live out of a van (not sure if it was down by the river or not). To be fair she was a little hippie-ish. She was trying sell viewers on the carefree life. And one thing I noted was she said she saves so much in rent. And that when not working, since her home is mobile she can travel easily. Now I'm sure you've already surmised all the pitfalls with this. Society has certain standards. It's not acceptable to decide to be homeless. But while I own my own home as I've gotten older I've grown less and less caring about societies little rules and expectations. Honestly if I was her age again, I probably would do this. But I've grown too accustomed to the creature comforts of living in a house. Even if it's outrageously expensive.
How do you feel about this?

[HighlyVolatile]

The idea is really interesting to me although pretty much impossible with my job. I think it'd be fun in another life!

I have a friend who is somewhat like this. He's not homeless but he lives in a shack on the beach that doesn't even have running water or electricity. Then he just likes to surf all day long while doing odds and ends jobs like construction and freelance design and as a tattoo artist.

[ChiTown33]

Yeah it sounded great till you said no running water.
You make a good point with the job comment. I retired last year so this wouldn't be an issue for me anymore like in the past. So I don't need to keep up appearances for anyone anymore.
It does make me wonder what you friend does about Healthcare and whatnot. I assume he's close to your age.

[HighlyVolatile]

He's actually ten years older but a lifelong bachelor (my marriage would also make this difficult). I suspect if he gets seriously injured or ill that he'd still go to a doctor; in Japan, we have national health insurance for everyone. Also, he gets huge buckets of water to use to wash and drink.

[ChiTown33]

Oh, sorry I just assumed you were American.

[HighlyVolatile]

From here in Japan originally although I went to the US for a number of years and also work for an American company remotely. I like the idea of living on the bare minimum a lot!

[Tyrael]

I don't believe any of these videos I see. They're always using the best camera and sound equipment, yet living off nothing apparently. If you want to go off grid there's better ways to do it. Living in a van just isn't practical in the long term.

[Tyrael]

Also I was homeless at 16, I didn't have a van and it was not that great.

[ChiTown33]

I can understand why you say that then
No, I'm not an off grid enthusiast. I'm just cheap. I wouldn't call myself a minimalist. Because as I said I do like my creature comforts. By I reject the world of "keeping up the joneses". I hate people who've got to have a bigger house, a newer car, simply because of the status they feel it gives them. I'm all about function. If I don't really need it, and I can't use it an anyway I don't want it.

[Tyrael]

Well then you're better off where you are and just having what you need. I'm the same as you in that regard. I don't buy anything unless I absolutely need to, other than for my PC because that's my baby.

[ChiTown33]

I understand man. Ya gotta have your little splurges here and there. Otherwise what's the point of it all.

[lightbulb27]

That's not homeless to me... her home is a car. Home as well is a concept of having family and community support.. some roots. Those are as important or morso than having a building to go to.

probably a good idea for some people, I believe many in CA have had to go this route. if don't have support and funds, it may be the only way to live or a good choice to save money and live freely. I would do that depending on the scenario. It should be a model in some areas with new facilities available, such as places to get ready for the day, parking "car" lots, etc..

there are obvious flaws, but if it works then ok. houses are ludicrous expensive for many careers.

and I support her right to a firearm and knife and mace to defend herself against nut job males that roam about.

[Staximus]

I used to encounter a lot of people living in their cars when I worked at a gas station at night. There's more than most people think. It's no life for a woman by herself, not safe with all the homeless dope fiends on the street. There was a couple women who I let park and sleep in the parking lot at night. I hope they are alright and found somewhere to go.

[exitseven]

No, it is probably not as much fun as you think it would be , especially in the winter.

[ChiTown33]

Yeah I actually thought about that. It wouldn't be so bad if you drove it to and extreme southern state.

[KostasKouvalis]

Honestly yes, just to see if I could make it. But now, not so much anymore. It's too dangerous. Though I technically already was homeless once as a child, living at a campground with my mom, but I barely remember anything

[douride2]

I might downsize one day Not much chance I would go homeless voluntarily though.

[Kingofkings1992]

No. It does seem easier from one perspective because you have less responsibilities, but it’s also way more difficult in a lot of ways too.

[Anonymous]

All the time. I probably won't do it until I actually become homeless despite my best efforts, but I'm ready to do so should it happen.