Im a semi-retired academic and am currently writing an essay on how we live in retirement.
Im particularly interested in those who choose to live permanently on the road what motivated you to do this, do you get lonely, do you find your own social groups or choose a more solitary life?
Are you traveling alone, with a partner, family or other group?
How do you relate to being lumped in with those who return to their bricks and mortar home every few months/year? Is there a difference?
What did you think about the 2016 Census was there enough for you to differentiate yourself from other travellers?
Sorry I have too many questions, but in effect, Id love to hear whatever youd like to say about your chosen lives.
You can either PM me or post publicly - up to you!
I am living the life I was destined for - "on the road" - have wanted to do it all my life, took till my 60's for it to happen though.
I have no trouble talking to and meeting people, have friends all over the country, meet up when nearby. Sometimes don't see each other for a couple of years, but keep in touch via forum, fb or phone.
As for the "weekend warriors" - since we have started travelling and using free camps mostly, we have noticed over the last couple of years, more and more of them are using free camps - there is one spot in QLD where some come up from the south for winter, and stay at a free camp in a small town, for up to three months one lady told us. Backpackers are another group who frequent free camps, have noticed that one particular nationality are the grubby ones, leaving their "s..t" behind on the ground. Nothing against these travellers, but often they are the reason free camps are closed down.
The 2016 census really had no way to differentiate full time nomads from part timers.
If you would like to hear more about our life - pm me.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
what motivated you to do this, do you get lonely, do you find your own social groups or choose a more solitary life? Terminal illness diagnosis (his); we meet plenty of people and have made some good friends; that being said, we prefer isolation.
Are you traveling alone, with a partner, family or other group? Husband, 2 (soon to be 3) dogs & a lorikeet.
How do you relate to being lumped in with those who return to their bricks and mortar home every few months/year? Some days I envy them, others I shudder at the responsibility of property.
Is there a difference? Yes. We don't have the responsibility they do, or the security of a 'base' if it all goes sideways.
What did you think about the 2016 Census was there enough for you to differentiate yourself from other travellers? No. I really struggled with the Census this time around.
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The Mobile Madhouse: me (Rosie), him (Troy), a kelpie, a kelpie-dingo, a husky & a rainbow lorikeet.
We were wiped out in the GFC listened to bad financial advice. Our fault!
We decided me at 69 & the boss at 66 that we had worked long enough and rather than go into the rental market and stare death in the face, EXISTING we would by a second hand caravan & older tug and head out to some parts of Australia that I had visited in my working life but had never seen.
So the boss, me & two Beshon Friese dogs hit the road. We do a bit of house/farm sitting and some volunteer work. Managing a small Country/Golf Club in FNQ now.
The last Census was an absolute disastrous NON EVENT. It was very badly managed and the information sought was biased.
Did it address the estimated 500,000 travelers? NO it didn't
I you want to send me a PM with a list of the questions you want answered I will gladly answer them or email to pmillar6@bigpond.com
Living on the road is living the dream for my wife and I, we share our lifestyle with our two pups and a Krat (much loved) to me being able to move to a new location see the wonders of Australia is what it all about.
We have out Motorhome for the big trips and a camper to get where the motorhome can't go, so it is a pretty good balance.
our motivation to live on the road is simple - we like it. not having the hassles of a house, and if we don't like the neighbours we can move. We do the things we love when we want to do them.
The census was a farce but an expected farce never the less, the whole concept of putting people in boxes fails in a population of uniqueness, and the grey nomad lifestyle no less so unique
The concept of a census is about planning for the future, and as such necessarily requires concentrating on the majority groups, and that will contribute to the economy. those that help build that economy not important anymore, just considered a burden. it is only a financial exercise, and although we spend as we can, our pockets are not going to provide the tax dollars they are looking to increase.
