Chinaco:
I do not think I could relate to your comments before we made the purchase. Now it is obvious to us that it is just a large expense and more effort to keep up with.
We have not lost money on the place... but it has provided us with an education about what is important.
I completely understand... You have been very honest here in placing your comments on this forum.
When Billy first had the idea of Early Retirement - and that included selling our home which I absolutely loved - I was crushed. Our house wasn't huge (just 1200+ square feet) but it was 1/4 mile to the beach, near family , in a location that had decent weather, we had privacy, sun, my garden, hot tub, 900 sq. ft. redwood deck.
God I was in love with that place.... But we couldn't do both -- keep a house in central california near the ocean and travel the world for extended periods of time...
I cried when we held the Estate sales to sell everything.. and i cried when I left family. I don't know how those things could have been avoided, since we weren't phenomenally wealthy...
But looking back,
it was the right decision for us. I wouldn't trade the years of FIRE and all the perspectives and experiences we have had just to have kept the house... And most importantly, like you said, I learned about what was important. For instance,I was able to spend months at a time doing End of Life Care for our parents (which I could never have done if I continued working.) and I became much stronger in the identity of who I am, and what I bring to the table. Money can't buy that. 8)
I still enjoy a sense of aesthetics, but I'm not manic over it to keep up with neighbors and friends...
Thanks for sharing, Chinaco.
Dreamer:
Wow, that describes how I feel perfectly! Most of the women that I know definitely do not feel this way!
Barbara Anne:
Add me to the list! I can't wait till we can sell our albatross and enjoy freedom! What were we thinking?... We want to enjoy living and exploring...not taking care of "stuff"!
Again, I understand. I have found that I am in a very small minority. As chance has it, I have a ton of Martha Stewart type girlfriends. They have the most beautiful homes! And they are always knocking out walls, expanding the driveways to accommodate their new rolling condos, they have every gourmet magazine of every subject matter from gardening, food, entertaining and home decor. And they have such a collection of jewelry! and CD's Entertainment systems, clothing, and so on... I really enjoy visiting them... I just have chosen a different type of life. I can't really point to 'things' so much... but I do have the stories! and the experiences, and the memories... Fortunately, people like it when I come to visit - because I am now 'exotic.' It's a win-win situation. I get to enjoy their oppulence and they enjoy my world view.
To be honest, I have had the experience of both of us women looking into the other's eyes with the wish that we could have the other's lifestyle - even if only temporarily. I admire their peaceful life, stability and comfort, and they admire my adventure, independence, strength and willingness to risk.
So there you have it!
Be well,
Akaisha
Author,
The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement