Four years ago, I lived in a large luxurious two bedroom top floor corner condo located in the heart of San Francisco – walking distance to everything. I had a panoramic view of downtown out my living room windows (see the photo above), and I could watch the fog spilling over Twin Peaks from bed.
Today – I am living in a 17 foot long trailer with around 80 square feet of living space, spending a cold December in a trailer park in South East Kansas. I am walking distance to a bath house, a lake, and not much else. (Ok – technically it is a state park and not a traditional trailer park, but…)
Four years ago, my fridge had ice and water dispensers in the door. My shower had endless hot water. And I had laundry machines and dishwashers to help with the chores. I even had a cleaning service!
Today I make ice cubes in small trays, and drink water supplied via a hose from outdoor faucets. Showers are cramped and brief, or involve a walk through the cold night. Laundry is done at laundromats. And dishes are done by hand.
Four years ago I drove a new Prius, and got 50mpg.
Today I am driving a used truck, and get 15mpg.
Four and a half years ago, I was working in Silicon Valley making a hefty six figure salary and earning gobs of stock in a high profile leadership role at one of the most recognizable companies in the tech industry.
This month I have been working for one of the most recognizable companies in the tech industry – as an anonymous and generic cog on the night shift, doing menial labor in a rural Kansas warehouse for near minimum wage.
Five years ago I would spend my days plotting competitive strategy versus the likes of Microsoft and Nokia.
Last night, I was plotting how to fit a “Christmas Story Leg Lamp” into a properly sized box for shipping.
======================
From a certain perspective, it might look as if my life has taken a significant turn for the worse over the past few years.
As if!
Happiness comes in diverse packaging, and following the traditional formulas chasing after wealth and success is rarely the best way to find it. And other than wishing for better Tundra MPG, I wouldn’t change a thing.
*grin*
Well thought out and written. If you have your health, you really have everything. Merry Christmas!
Chris,
Well said. Let us know when you write a book. I would love to read some more of these perspectives and stories from the road. Let us know when you hit Maine.
Maury
Awesome post, Chris!
Happiness is an inside job, I always said. keep on trucking!
Rasheed
.-= Rasheed Hooda´s last blog ..Know Thy Self =-.
I have been following your adventures as a preview and preparation for my departure form the placid-suburban-comfortable-somatic life.
Keep on rolling’n’blogging
Cheers!
.-= _adolfo_isassi´s last blog ..New Book: "2006 Southwest Circle" =-.
I hear ya & can so relate!
We loved our life in our large home & vineyard in the Santa Cruz mountains, but selling it in 2005 to start our open ended world tour as a family was one of the best decisions we ever made!
We love the freedom, time together, simplicity & explorations…& don’t miss our “stuff” at all.
Happiness can come in many ways!
Holiday hugs from Spain to you two!!
.-= soultravelers3´s last blog ..Christmas in Europe – a Photo Fantasy! =-.
I totally get where you’re coming from!
I’ve been living out of a backpack for the best part of the last 5 years, and much as I’d love a huge house full of comfy sofas and big tv’s, I don’t think it could possibly make me any happier than I am now. The endless possibilities, the new faces, places and adventures… all conspire to make a life so exciting that I think I’d be bored still any other way! Though occasionally… just occasionally… I wish I had a washing machine! Or more accurately, my girlfriend wishes I had a washing machine…
I love reading your posts guys!
Tony
Right on! A life is worth so much more than a few dollars. Or even lots of them.