Faded Jeans Living

Wait what?

For those new here, I’ve decided to retire on May 1, 2024, sell my house, and move into a camper van full-time. This series will go over all the steps I’m taking to get rid of most of my belongings, help me stay accountable moving forward, and shed a bit of light on the emotional process.

Why

I’ll probably not be able to properly explain why, and even though it’s not necessary I will make an attempt at it. I’m ready for a drastic against the grain change in my life!!! I’m 57 years old and have been sitting behind a computer screen for 30 plus years. My kids are out of the house and I finally paid off all my debt including this house a couple of years ago. Prior to that I lived in all kinds of houses while married. This house was actually one of our rentals when I was married. Once I was divorced, I got real familiar with minimalism. It was rough going for awhile, but in all actuality minimalism worked for me quite well. I never was into houses or things and downsizing into this 1000 sq ft house wasn’t so bad. Being debt free allowed me to start exploring some new options.

I’ve been a computer programmer for 25 years and it’s beyond time for me to move on. I should of done it years ago, but I never set myself up for that. I followed the American way of biggering and biggering and getting further and further into debt. If I listen to the experts I should stay working a few more years. I know I took my own freedom away. I do beat myself for this but to be honest where in the domestication process do they ever tell you about alternative living? Consumerism has always been pushed down our throats. Go to school, get a good job working for someone, get married, have kids, buy a new house, car, …blah,blah, blah.

So here I am getting ready to sell all my shit and move into a van next year. Am I scared? Hell yes! Am I excited? Yes! It’s a nervous excitement that makes me know I’m on the right path. Each day the pulls of what society says is right weighs heavy on me, but I am determined to break free and move forward.

Stay tuned for future updates,

Dwight 🦋

Retire, Rewire, ReFire Countdown: 402 Days to Burn the Boats