So, what about discovering what one really needs to live and finding an alternative way to get it?
I have a tractor. My neighbor needs to use it. I buy parts to repair it. He does the wrenching and gets to use the tractor for a few days.
I need to replace some corroded cedar planks that make up my raised-bed garden. I'll trade some of the stuff from the garden for a few planks with another neighbor.
We have lots of neighbors who have chickens. Free range chickens make better eggs. $3 for 18 eggs is lots cheaper than the supermarket organic ones.
We are keeping a lot of things local and finding ways to barter.
The traditional job at one company for 25 years and the gold watch is over.
The colleges are looking for students who can find ways to manufacture stuff out here in a cheaper way using better materials.
There are many jobs for materials engineers - not so much for electrical anymore.
We all adjust as needed.
Maybe it's time to visit China or India. Low pay but low cost of living too.
You've explained the rational for your not changing anything above. I think you aren't interested in change because it has been comfortable enough with the status quo. If you included the possibility of moving to a place where they do have jobs, you might find some other options. I remember you considering a job in Toronto once. It is tough to get out of your comfort zone. But, you do have to take a few chances to find something better.
I think the place where one wants to live is more complicated than that. It's easy to live where there are no drive-by shootings, or hard to find parking places, or lines at the checkout. It does bother me that I can't just walk down the street and get the Starbuck's. But, I manage somehow. What I like is that I don't owe any money on my land - I got it cheap. The house is still in fairly good shape. I know most of my neighbors and we do barter quite a bit. I can walk for nearly an hour without leaving my land. I chainsaw lots of wood and keep warm without ever turning on the propane for heat. I got a wood splitter from my neighbor for $200. I had to do some tweaking but it splits whatever I can lift onto it. It's all pretty easy and it doesn't cost anything. We shop once a month at Costco and go to the health food store in town when we run out of bananas.
I used to live in the city most of my life. I finally figured out that I didn't like being cramped for space and overcrowded. I've moved out to the boondocks 13 years ago. My kids will be living in the Bay area for a while. I'm pretty sure that they will return after all the partying and carousing gets old. This place will also fill up. Eventually people will come out here because housing is still considerably cheaper than in any city - by a lot. Location does have it's appeal. But so does freedom, space and quiet. No 1% out here.
Comments
I have a tractor. My neighbor needs to use it. I buy parts to repair it. He does the wrenching and gets to use the tractor for a few days.
I need to replace some corroded cedar planks that make up my raised-bed garden. I'll trade some of the stuff from the garden for a few planks with another neighbor.
We have lots of neighbors who have chickens. Free range chickens make better eggs. $3 for 18 eggs is lots cheaper than the supermarket organic ones.
We are keeping a lot of things local and finding ways to barter.
The traditional job at one company for 25 years and the gold watch is over.
The colleges are looking for students who can find ways to manufacture stuff out here in a cheaper way using better materials.
There are many jobs for materials engineers - not so much for electrical anymore.
We all adjust as needed.
Maybe it's time to visit China or India. Low pay but low cost of living too.
I used to live in the city most of my life. I finally figured out that I didn't like being cramped for space and overcrowded. I've moved out to the boondocks 13 years ago. My kids will be living in the Bay area for a while. I'm pretty sure that they will return after all the partying and carousing gets old. This place will also fill up. Eventually people will come out here because housing is still considerably cheaper than in any city - by a lot. Location does have it's appeal. But so does freedom, space and quiet. No 1% out here.