Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Great RV Escape

Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
My husband wants to change his life. I think it's a mid-life crisis. He is only 49. He says he's burned out. He is talking about an RV and running away to travel for a year or so. That’s okay with me, but there is so much involved in making a decision like this. We have the money. We could actually retire early by changing our lifestyle a bit. He has worked hard his whole life. I hate to deny him this escape plan. How should we proceed? Just take the leap? I would appreciate some advice.
--The Great Escape in Inverness

Dear Escapee:
It all sounds familiar to me. I’ve done this more than once myself. Everyone has varied circumstances. You really need to make all these personal decisions on your own and carefully. That said, I would suggest you not be afraid to explore this move. If you have never experienced the RV lifestyle, I would advise baby steps. Some people are not cut out for it, although it might sound appealing. Take Sam Israel for example. He was the mini-Madoff hedge fund manager that lost 400 million bucks of other people’s money. Talk about a mid-life crisis. He faked a jump off a New York bridge, and scooted away in a new RV. He didn’t last a week before he turned himself in. My point is, don’t sell the farm without trying out this great escape first. Sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Another example would be long-distance hikers. I see a lot of people who have spent months preparing to hike a long trail, such as the Appalachian Trail. They read an account in the paper and it sounded appealing. After quitting their job, buying equipment, and planning logistics for months of hiking, I find them on the side of the trail in deep thought. They have hiked about a 100 miles with all their worldly possessions on their back. They look at me and say, “What was I thinking?” The point is, go slow. Take a couple short trips. Most people find out this is a great lifestyle. Even getting away from a high pressure job for awhile can help you think clearer. A job can kill you. I know, I had one once. Life is full of adventures and you only go around one time, so don’t be afraid to try a few things.
--Keep Smilin’, Dr. R.V. Shrink

##RVT862

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been a nearly full timer for years.I am widowed and travel 8-9 months a year.I have RV buddies in Colorado and on the Tx coast where I spend a lot of time.I have kept my home for holidays with my kids and grands.This works well for me as I have a son and great neighbors that look after my home.This works well for me but not for e

Johnna said...

I also suggest a good long look at your overall financial status. RVing is NOT cheap. If your husband quits his job do you have enough money set aside to live comfortably for the rest of your lives? You may think you have plenty, but careful thought and planning are essential.

PapPappy said...

Good advice Doc!
Of course, this woman doesn't say if she was actually going to go away with her DH...LOL!!
Maybe she was all set to let him go on his own!

Myra said...

Amen!

Jerry X Shea said...

Not to many folks can stop working at 49 and have enough saved to last them the next 30-40+ years. After 10-15 years of RVing will you still have enough to buy another RV for the next 10-15 years? How many times have we run into folks with a 20 yr old, bald tire RV and can't afford to even buy a newer used RV. Sold their home years ago and $25 a night is now to much to pay to park. They all had good intentions, but the cost of living got the best of them. 25 years ago gas was under $1a gal. and you could buy a whole chicken for .79 cents. What you figure it will cost to live full time today will be 10 fold by the time he reaches 70. Keep working - most of us had "a burn out" in life, take a few more short vacations or 4 day get-a-ways, your time for real retirement will come before you know it.

MnM said...

We have full-timed over 20 years. Yes, it is a big decision. We went out for 2 months, then 4 months and then 6 months when we decided that this was for us. Sold the house and our stuff. The things we have done and seen are wonderful memories. We wouldn't trade it for anything. We started when we were 50 years old and could do all the hiking and etc.

No regrets.

MnM

Beedogs said...

My wife and I retired early at age 53 and began full time RVing. We are still out here enjoying it 5 years now.

Ted O. said...

Have been a full time RVer for four years now, still work part time, sold my home, am living in a campground and enjoying life at 76 years old. Will never look back. It took a lot of planning and downsizing from a 2300 SF home to a 23 foot Class C mini motor home. No turning back.