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Homesteading Later in Life
- WaitWaitWha 2y agoI am thinking of "retiring" away from the hustle, peeling out of the techno-rush.
- dexwiz 2y agoI had some extended family do homesteading starting in the late 80s. At the time it was called hobby farming, which I think is a much more apt name. My only comment about it, only do it if you are already financially secure. Farms like this are money sinks unless you are selling some bespoke product at a huge mark up. Despite all the romanticism about living off the land, it really sealed this family and their descendants in deep poverty. 20 chickens and a few pet cows are not going to support you. You are still going to need to buy food and supplies. So you will need a part time job. Now you are trapped in a rural area, in a menial labor job, supporting not just yourself but a bunch of animals. All while having to do multiple rounds of chores everyday.
- WaitWaitWha 2y agoAye, agree. I will only "retire" to "full" homestead as a hobby rather than for profit or sustenance. As far as living off grid, that is a whole other class of homesteading. I am grid tied, have LP tank, water well, fruit & vegetables, and still adding solar panels. The options do not have to be "I make my own cloth" or "where is my neuralink". It is a range. I pick a spot that is comfortable, and move in a direction as needed.
- dexwiz 2y agoYeah, it seems like you have thought it out more. I just see younger people romanticizing farm life in the same way van life was romanticized pre pandemic. Farming is a very difficult job, one that has to be done every day. I spent a few summers doing different things, and in no world is it easier than any tech or office job in my opinion.