RECENTLY someone on a nomad forum asked in regards to a particular outdoors destination, “Is it worth it?” I replied that it depended on what they enjoy and what they expect.
I think the worth of pretty much everything is a personal judgment. There might be some general consensus about things, but I doubt everyone would place their dot in the exact same spot on the scale.
Take nomadic living, for example. Is what you’ve gained from it worth what you’ve given up for it? The answers would range from absolutely yes, though varying degrees of middle ground, to absolutely not. And an individual’s assessment might change with time. It might even change several times a day.
When in doubt, check it out
I don’t think not doing something is a good way to determine whether the thing worth it. Sure, you can ask others, you can read the reviews and look at the pictures and videos, but, like they say, you won’t really know if you don’t go. Go there yourself and find out. Do it yourself and find out. Taste it yourself and find out. Listen to it yourself and find out… And if turns out to not be worth it to you, then you come away with a better idea of what does and doesn’t have value to you. You have something to gage other choices against. “Thing B seems a lot like Thing A, therefore…”
If we only expended time, energy and resources on things that are guaranteed, we’d do almost nothing.
I’m kind of passionate about this go-and-find-out stuff because I spent way too much of my life telling myself all sorts of things wouldn’t be worth it. (I think I inherited that attitude from my father.) There I was, a middle-aged man, never having done or experienced much. And my opinions about so many things were only second- or third-hand. No wonder I was bored and depressed. I had never lived in a vehicle and didn’t know anyone who had, but when I discovered this website back in 2012 I sensed the nomadic life would be much better than the life I was living at the time. And whadda ya know, even with the bad moments it has been absolutely worth it. To me.
Al, you’ve gained a lot of self awareness and we all benefit from it. Thank you. Your latest post is timely for me, having just ended two years as a full time nomad to live with my sister who needs help.
I often miss the freedom and adventure but I regained the luxuries of indoor plumbing and a safer haven from extreme weather.
I agree, you won’t know until you try it. I always advise, and you have too, to start with shorter trips first. I did that for a year before giving up my home base.
Timely post, I’ve been on the fence about trying the nomad life. I keep making excuses and finding reasons to not head out. I think because I fear not knowing where to go and how to live “out there”.
I’m determined to go to the RTR this year. That should provide me with contacts and calling info.
that’s how i feel!
Great article Al. Our forefathers left Europe so they could become captains of their Destiny in the new world. I am waiting for the Volkswagen 100% electric minibus coming in 2024 before joining you Al 🙂