Today
I Don't Want to Live Anywhere; I Want to Live Everywhere
by Lisa Haneberg
Posted July 11, 2006 4:41 PM
Posted July 11, 2006 4:41 PM
Posted in
I was commenting to my husband over the weekend that being in my 40s feels weird. I have lots of big ideas like I have all my life, but now they seem to be weighted down with a greater sense of urgency. An example of this is where and how we live.
I want to take a year and tour the Americas while working from an Airstream (with today's cell and satellite, it is easy to stay connected). We would also like to have a condo down in New Mexico and spend 3-4 months there. We'd like to live in Italy for a year. The notion of one of those cruise ship condos is interesting.
And I'm thinking....we better get started on all this!
We have to wait a few years until nature takes its course with the dogs (we have 4 older dogs) as doing any of this with a doggie 4-pack would be insane. Nature will take it course and we need to begin planning.
Which to do first? How much do we need to earn to afford these arrangements? Are there ways to get paid to live elsewhere? Where do I go to learn the ins and outs, pros and cons? I feel impatient. I know we either can't do it all or it will take a long time.
I wonder if there is a website or magazine or book that collects the best practices of mobile living? Well, we won't be completely mobile, I am guessing we will alsways have at least a condo in Seattle as my husband does alot of work in Washington. Me too, although we are both lucky that a lot of our work can be done from anywhere in the world. Have computers and connectivity, will get paid.
It occurs to me that I should just slow down and rejoice for a bit. It was our goal that we both have our own business and work from home. We have achieved that and we aren't starving. I don't think I have properly enjoyed reaching this state. I am so goal oriented that I have already gone on to the next thing.
Perhaps before going mobile, I should slow down and smile about where we are today.
That said, if you know of any resources that might assist me in my research about mobile living (I define that as living in one place for a while, then going to another place, or living while on the road/water), please drop a comment. Thanks!
Comments (11)
Have something to say? Share your thoughts.
Posted July 13, 2006 10:46 AM
I felt some of this same "when and where" urgency in 2004, suddenly and by choice removed from what I had once thought of as a life's work. Unlike some here, I didn't think then of traveling, but instead spent a year where I lived, and learned it was the very place I belonged. It was then that I began writing (in a blog) which lead to a book, and NOW I am traveling, meeting people, discovering new things about myself. So, discovery of one's place for the later decades can start on the road, or it can start at home.
Posted July 12, 2006 6:02 PM
Tony,
I'm going to visit my family and friends in Ukraine next month,and stay there for 2-4 month, so You can join me now! A lot of fun, new impression and interesting shopping (our native and European crafts and clothes, not "Made in China") are guaranteed!
Posted July 14, 2006 3:54 PM
Fred: That's a great point. Exploration can be great from right where you live. Congrats on reinventing yourself!
Posted July 16, 2006 2:44 AM
Hi! I don't know if you'll find this helpful or not ~ but your blog reminded me of something I came across in the past year.
I'm sorry I don't have exact information but maybe someone who reads this will know what I'm talking about. I read about an organization that matches people up who want to vacation in other areas. To join the group you have to have a home you're willing to offer for visitors. And you get to visit in someone's home in an area you'd like to visit. I didn't keep the URL because I think it's only for couples and I rent a small apartment. It's promoted as a way to cut vacation expenses. Hope this helps. If you're interested and I find the specifics I'll post again.
Good Luck!
Posted July 13, 2006 4:19 AM
i am in my forties looking to get started in a new career retirment gets boring been there and it brought me and my husband a divorce and florida is a nice place to visit but to live its not cheap i lived there for a year and house prices are just as much as new england now and no money to be made unless you have a profession like medical or bartending cuz all the people need care cuz they are so old and unhealthy or they just drink their boredom away one year was enough to know there is no place like home couldnt wait to go but couldn't wait to come back even more so we still own the home cuz we didn't want to wait for it to sell i would stay mobile if going there and beware hobbies get boring to that's why so many people go back to school or change careers either way good luck to all
Posted July 11, 2006 9:10 PM
Me and my husband also have idea about living in Europe. After his retirement we are going to move to my country (Ukraine), I already have my own apartment in Kiev, so we can have live nice on his retirement and enjoy life. And take trips to Bolgaria, Hungaria, Poland... The 6-day bus trip Kiev-Budapest costs only 150$(includes bus, 3*hotel, all-you-can-eat-breakfast, insurance, visa). You have pay for entrance tickets to museums and for entertainment on free from sightseing time. Trips to Europe much cheaper from Ukraine then from USA. I'm looking forward, because I want go back to my country and get back to my business (veterinarian- private practice!) And my husband who 24 years elder than me, will help me and take care of "house duties"
Posted July 11, 2006 7:57 PM
My husband & myself have been waiting for this for the last 20 years. He retires in April '08. He at 50, myself at 46. I have been doing much research as of late. FL is one of the cheapest places to by a used almost new motor home(Save ya about $50,000). Many elderly people there. The RV show on in the morning on the Travel Channel is excellent. As I understand it, some states will not allow motor homes over 38ft. (ie., CA), don't quote me on that. Take an RV driving class, usually offered at RV sales places. Join the RV clubs (ie.,Sams) & campgrounds (ie.,KOA), as you will receive many discounts. Good Luck...May we meet on the road!
Posted July 11, 2006 6:57 PM
Rhea - Aahh, yes, and then the debate is whether to go vintage or new. My husband is the one stuck in nostalgia. I rather like the idea of having the latest comforts. Two kayaks on top, two bikes on the back, and we're good to go. Airstreams are pricey!
Posted July 12, 2006 2:04 AM
Great thoughts and tips - thanks. You'd think that there might be a macro timeshare system out there. For XX funds, you can buy into the world commune and you can move (every year or 6 months) from one place to the next, alywhere in the world, and including in RVs and cruise ships. Sounds like something that some rich real estate tycoon might come up with.
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