Lessons Learned from Our Vagabond Life

Ken:  In 2016 I began working short term job assignments, which has given us the opportunity to live in 5 different states within a very short time.  If someone had told us 5 or 10 years ago that we’d be away from our home 95% of the year we wouldn’t have believed it.  Since our kids are all grown and gone, we decided to give it a try – for at least a few months – and here we are 3 years later, still loving it.

Photo by Dids at Pexels

Most people probably won’t have the opportunity to pick up and live this way, but we hope you might benefit from some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Janine:  Stuff is Just Stuff

Although I was apprehensive about leaving our comfortable home and moving into a ‘furnished apartment,’ we’ve learned how freeing it is to NOT have the constant care and projects that go with being in our own home.  Life is better when it’s simpler.  We don’t  even miss all that ‘stuff’ sitting back in our house.  We have each other, shelter over our heads and food to eat, and we’re happy.  Just the two of us.  

Ken:  We’re Better when it’s “Just Us”

As we move from place to place, we depend on each other and do more things together – like exploring the city, the neighborhood or nearby attractions.  A little adventure brings out a new side of us.  It seems like we’re younger and more in love as we look to each day as something new.

Janine:  Meeting New People is a Gift

Strangers are only strangers until you get up the courage to talk to them.  We’ve met lots of new friends and neighbors and have had them over for dinner.  We’ve had a wonderful time getting to know them.  

Photo by: Rawpixel.com

Ken:  Our Relationship is #1

After a while this lifestyle caused us to think about what it is that anchors us (our house, our jobs?).  We know now that it’s each other.  A by-product of putting us first and creating more quality time is that our friendship is even stronger.

Whatever your life looks like, pause to think about what’s really important.  Sometimes we just have to step out of our routine to see it.  Consider taking some time together to re-focus your perspective.  Meet the neighbors. Give away some “stuff.” Plan quality time for just the two of you.  You may find the same thing we’ve learned to be true – You’re a team.  Best friends.  You against the world.  And you have a grand adventure ahead of you – a story yet to be written.