Rationale - Christi

Artur and I got married almost exactly 2 years ago. In the past two years, we’ve really struggled to find our niche in life – a path that would allow each of us a degree of enjoyment, as well as relative success. In our attempt to figure out our best course, we’ve moved across the country twice, changing “careers” each time, and now find ourselves living in my in-laws house. Needless to say, we haven’t gotten any closer to where we want to be. But it’s hard to get where you want to be if you can’t even figure that out….

Artur brought up the idea of “Workamping” – living in an RV and obtaining jobs at campgrounds or state parks. The jobs would be seasonal, meaning we would need to find new jobs every six months or so and would be traveling to new states for each job. When he first mentioned the idea, I thought he was crazy and I wanted no part of even discussing it. But he pointed me towards a web community and, through research, I became excited about the idea. So, we formatted a resume and I emailed it out to about 50 campgrounds offering positions that would fit our abilities. At least half of the employers contacted me to discuss the positions, and within a month, Artur and I had accepted a position. Just under 2 months from now, we will be starting our next phase in life – and hopefully a phase that will last for many years to come!

Our decision to go on the road may be rather unconventional, but here are the goals I hope for us to realize while we are on the road:
• Simplifying life. We don’t need expensive items to feel of value. Removing ourselves from a community of materialism, we won’t feel judged or feel the need to compete.
• Lower financial stress. Without the material items, or a high mortgage, we won’t feel as though our life focus is to make money.
• Lower career stress. Higher money careers are obtained with higher levels of responsibility. If our jobs do not demand 10+ hour days, we can truly have time at home with each other, and our time at home won’t be consumed with thoughts about our jobs.
• Life focus on experience. Since we will be living on the road, we won’t need to save up money and vacation time to explore the wonders of our country. In each new location, we will have new explorations to fill our life.

I would be foolish to set out without understanding possible concerns. I hope the positives will outweigh the potential negatives, but unfortunately the only way to determine that is to take the risk and see what happens. Here are a few concerns I have:
• What if our next job isn’t as easy to come by?
• What if a job is horrible – whether we hate the campground or we cannot get along with management, or the positions are not as described to us?
• Will we have difficulties meeting friends? Will I become lonely?
• Can Artur and I truly be happy in such confined spaces for an extended period of time?

I believe we have devoted sufficient time researching and discussing this option to know that this is the route we need to take. Whether we succeed or not, at least we are following out heart…..