You are AMAZING! I’ve been following your adventures for a while and appreciate the “a bit older hiker” view. I truly appreciate you sharing your personal journey. I too was raised by frugal educators, though I have my own “divorced and then single mother background” which compounds the penny pinching. Though I’ve done many, many few days trips, this past summer I completed the JMT and it was yes hard, but it was liberating. I’m behind you in getting to my goals, but a camper van is going to be my future home. Though I don’t live with much, it’s more than a van could handle. After the JMT I am spending the winter getting rid of stuff.
"Happiness and wellbeing is priceless" Yes, I absolutely agree. Because of mental health reasons I can't work and I only get minimum income, barely enough to scrape by. But because of that mental health I need to leave society behind too, to recharge and heal. To do that I try to live even below minimum income just to afford to build up a gear kit, and I try to sell things I make, like earrings, knitted lamp shades, baby room decorations, anything I can think of and create. I used to think everything in life was hopeless because of my financial situation, but I am trying now and even if it's not much I am slowly getting there. I think really needing to get out there and not just wanting it helps.
Great advice and spot on about the job. Having a boss to allow you to take unpaid leave is key. After that you can save for a few years to make the dream come true. I waited and saved for a two month trip this summer, after that it will be another few years before I can do the CT. If you really want it you will make it happen.
Congratulations on rising above many challenges. Focus like a laser to reduce your debt, while you take a variety of longer hikes. Once you're debt free, you will be set to do whatever you most enjoy. Great job putting together various jobs and techniques to give more plenty of time! Keep earning when you can and use that money to chip away at debt. Brava!
Good tips. Thank you!
You are AMAZING! I’ve been following your adventures for a while and appreciate the “a bit older hiker” view. I truly appreciate you sharing your personal journey. I too was raised by frugal educators, though I have my own “divorced and then single mother background” which compounds the penny pinching. Though I’ve done many, many few days trips, this past summer I completed the JMT and it was yes hard, but it was liberating. I’m behind you in getting to my goals, but a camper van is going to be my future home. Though I don’t live with much, it’s more than a van could handle. After the JMT I am spending the winter getting rid of stuff.
Thank you, Joey! 💐
Thank you for sharing your personal journey Joey! Life throws us curve balls, but we get back up and keep going! Well done!🌻💛
"Happiness and wellbeing is priceless"
Yes, I absolutely agree. Because of mental health reasons I can't work and I only get minimum income, barely enough to scrape by.
But because of that mental health I need to leave society behind too, to recharge and heal.
To do that I try to live even below minimum income just to afford to build up a gear kit, and I try to sell things I make, like earrings, knitted lamp shades, baby room decorations, anything I can think of and create.
I used to think everything in life was hopeless because of my financial situation, but I am trying now and even if it's not much I am slowly getting there.
I think really needing to get out there and not just wanting it helps.
Great advice and spot on about the job. Having a boss to allow you to take unpaid leave is key. After that you can save for a few years to make the dream come true. I waited and saved for a two month trip this summer, after that it will be another few years before I can do the CT.
If you really want it you will make it happen.
Congratulations on rising above many challenges. Focus like a laser to reduce your debt, while you take a variety of longer hikes. Once you're debt free, you will be set to do whatever you most enjoy. Great job putting together various jobs and techniques to give more plenty of time! Keep earning when you can and use that money to chip away at debt. Brava!