Since we are closing in on the Rig purchase, while in a casual conversation with a friend last night i sheepishly mentioned our plans. "Your going to do what?, dont do that, just go for a month or two, what about your beautiful house" And on and on. Finally after explaining my reasons to him, he began to lighten up. I have a feeling this conversation will be repeated many times over the next year. Additionally, it is amazing how easily friends can make you doubt yourself, and the decisions you make. Gene

It is amazing how you second guess everything. 

Congrats on ordering your rig. 

Sherri and I were talking about this back in the 70's. By the time we pulled it off everyone was expecting it. Actually we have several converts over the years that are now fulltimers.

5 years ago when moving into another role in my company, I told my workaholic boss  that i would give her a 2 year commitment and told her about our full timing plans. She thought it was crazy but hired me for the role anyway.  A year into that our organization was acquired, financially I had to stay at the job.  My boss?  She took the buyout package and she and her husband lived on their sailboat sailing the Carribean for the last 5 years.  She said she never would have done it if I hadn't put the idea in her head.  Me?  Still working... the stock market tumble and poor housing market has put us back a few years, but are making the best of it spending as much time as we can in the rig.  We'll get there... fingers crossed and knock on wood, we may be getting an offer on the house!

My old boss?  She and her husband had to come back to work because of the bear market, but she has a whole new perspective on 'work', and said she would jump at the chance to do it again. 

I think we are 'sold' a dream of a big house, lots of cars, and lots of debt.  It keeps the banks and big corporations in business.  I bought the dream for awhile until I realized all that 'stuff' didn't make me happy.  I'm a wanderer by nature... for me the dream is being on the road.

We found that people we told fell into one of 2 major groups, those that couldn't believe we'd be happy outside of the rigid, comfortable mold we were in, and others that thought it would be an amazing adventure.

Almost 4 years later, guess which group was right?

-- Edited by Luvglass on Thursday 12th of November 2009 09:01:21 AM

-- Edited by Luvglass on Thursday 12th of November 2009 09:04:24 AM

We started talking about fulltiming about 4 years ago. In all that time, only ONE person was negative. (Maybe the rest were just being polite???). The one who was negative is my ex-husbands girlfriend of 25 years. I attribute her negativity to who she has been living with all those many years. But - back in 2004 we were camping in Va. and met a couple who fulltimed and were working at the campground. I have to admit - we were HORRIFIED! We could not believe people actually, on purpose did not own a "home",etc. Well within 4 months we decided to join on in. Now we are getting down to the wire with a Jan 8 take off date. Just this week I sold my car. One more item off the list of things to do. Phyllis

We have been taught from the time we could understand that the American dream was to own a house, big car, and look like we were on top of the heap. (heap of diet) I have been in that rat race and don't want any more of it. I would like to see this great beautiful country of ours and not just see it but take time to meet people, wake up with heard of deer in the front of my 5er or see a bear on the side of the road, spend a night or two in most if not all of our national parks. I would like for my grand kids to be able to spend time with me in those parks when they are not in school. I have some friends that think I am nuts and others say "will you adopt us and take us with you". Don't let anyone change you mind, make the dream happen. I have every intention of doing so.

It is amazing the different reactions you get when you tell people what you have planned. Like others we have those who are fully supportive and wish they could join us to those that think we are truly crazy. Some days we think we are crazy but still can't wait for the adventure. Our rig is due to come next week. I say even if all of are crazy let's all be crazy together. Life is too short and getting shorter every day so let's follow our dreams.

I too plan to fulltime, sooner than later.  Already in the process of tagging all my vehicles in SD as that is my home state.  Looking at the bills and hopefully will put my townhouse on the market in the spring.  Will continue to work fulltime as I have a good job and want to eliminate all debt.  That part can take time, but looking at options.  The more I read these blogs and hear of your adventures, the more I want to join in. 
I understand what Linda has said about the emotions, as I am feeling that now as I consider what to take, store, or just plain get rid of.  My closest friends know of my plans and are very supportive. 
My daughter saw my new rig for the first time and was very impressed.  In the past, she thought I was wasting my money, but now after seeing the rig she understands why. 
So, wish me luck and hopefully soon, I will joing the ranks as a fulltimer RV'er. 

When you tell a person your plans about full timing they don't understand but when you send Pictures in the winter time and they are freezing and your sitting out side in short legged pants in 70 degree temp in Jan. they soon understand. GBY......

It's a well known fact that the ones who most often will say that you shouldn't do something is friends and family. It is possible that they might be correct. Personally I'm not leaving this world wishing that I should have but didn't.