Can I Do This? Challenges of Full-Timing

[JudyJB]

As some of you know, I made a fairly fast trip from Michigan to California and spent 5 weeks there with my son, actually in his driveway and camping with his family and grandkids. I left there on August 24, so the last two weeks have really been my first weeks slowing down and living the real full-time life.

I have been worried about finances because I spent a LOT of money driving out there, stopping to visit my nephew in MN and having warranty issues. (I took money from the proceeds from my condo sale, but have not touched my 401K.) I also have been bored at times without TV, even though I am teaching online part-time. It has been really hard to slow myself down. I spent a week at Grand Canyon and am here in Lake Powell for 5 days. Next will be three more national parks--one week in each. Slowing down is hard because I worked two jobs for 22 years and am a pretty much type-A person.

I have been feeling a bit isolated from people, and missing things like going out to dinner with friends and just the chatting that occur on the job I retired from at the end of May. I am discovering that I have to have a new attitude of LIVING where I am at, instead of just traveling there. I have been worried about things like what will I do for 8 days at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon next week with no hookups?? Will I be horribly bored? Will I have internet access there? A big problem for me has been missing TV, and last night, even though there was not supposed to be any, I found four precious air channels, including two PBS channels. Yea!

Having TV has made a big difference in my attitude, just in the last two days, and I think I may have to eventually invest in a satellite, even if it will be expensive and not in my budget right now. Even though I have internet with my Verizon Jetpack, that TV really makes me feel more connected. This forum helps also.

I'm telling all of you who are working towards full-timing this because there have been doubts and periods of loneliness I didn't expect. I will say that it is REALLY NICE to be able to be at a national park or tourist area and not have to spend two days and then rush off to the next place. I am also finding out that because of my age, physically doing one thing per day is plenty. For example, today I took a 2.5 hour boat cruise, sitting in the sun on the top deck in the heat, and came back to relax for the rest of the day and do a few things for my class. Tomorrow, I am going to take the shuttle to town and see a museum and check for my general delivery package at the post office. I've decided that Thursday, I will wash my bedding and coverlet, plus vacuum and do some serious cleaning, since I won't have power for the next week.

I am still very glad to have the opportunity to do this, and I do feel comfortable in this motorhome, but there is an adjustment. Maybe part of my problem is that I did everything at once: retired, sold my home and car, and started this journey. No time to adjust to just retirement, for example. Good news is that I have lost 17 pounds since I quit work May 30!! Eating OK, just smaller portions. Have lost total of 32 pounds over past 20 months. Cooking in tiny kitchen IS a challenge also!!

[Liz]

If you like to hike, there are at least 8 hikes at the North Rim. Start with the Rim trail...goes from cg to Visitor's center, along the rim.

[JudyJB]

I will do some walking, but I wouldn't call it hiking. My right knee is still sore from overbending it when I fell going down a ladder on the icebreaker Mackinaw Museum back in June. I have two knee replacements and was wearing a boot from my toe surgery. I caught my heel and literally was hanging with all my weight with my heel up against my rear, bending my knee way more than it had bent in many years! Also, yesterday, I walked 3/4 of a mile in shoes I haven't worn in a while and got a blister on the tender skin of the big toe where i had surgery in June. In other words, I am a mess! (Tossed uncomfortable shoes out today!)

But I can do some bike riding. It is a lot easier on the knees and back than walking. I am 69 and really out of shape, so altitude makes me do less. Got to work at getting more stamina, while taking better care of my poor toe. (All calluses peeled off after surgery and skin is very pink and tender. Still have some swelling, also. About the only pair of shoes I can wear is an old pair of sandals that are stretched out.)

[Liz]

Well then, you can sit on the deck at the visitor's center and take in the gorgeous view from there! And the Ranger program at the campground was great. Watch for the rare Kaibab squirrel from your campsite. And there's a side road where you can drive to some awesome overlooks. (Can't think of its name)

[Sandersmr]

And I bet there is a book or three that can be found about the area - find a great scenic spot, a cold beverage of choice and a book. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah... a camera!!!!! (hint hint) I may get my first trip to the Grand Canyon at Christmas but the North Rim will be closed by then.

[snowball]

Judy
right now I can't say that I'm truly a full timer but have been we just didn't travel like we both thought that we would
we workamped and perhaps that is something to look into it would put you in the midst of things so as to speak
You didn't know Trudy but she quit full timing because of the same issues you mentioned she just wanted to be with people
and wanted the people to be her family so she went home sold the rig and rented an apartment and is happy...full timing isn't for everyone
and unless you will loose a bunch of money you don't have to stay on the North rim for 8 days see what you want rest read look at stuff and go...it's called
jello plans...I have missed my tv haven't gotten it to come in at dd's place so I'm paying for something not using right now..but it really feels the empty what about dvd's ?
Enjoy UT in UT at the moment but leaving for my home on Thurs up at dd's place
sheila

[Cougarfan]

Judy,
I know you just left California, but you could mosey up towards Oregon for the gtg and then mosey to Texas a few weeks later for that one. We are located all over the country and would love to meet forum members even if its just a short visit like the one I had with Ellen last weekend. There are still spots available in our area of the loop and I'm sure there are spots available in Texas as well.

I think I would get bored as well and would not like being totally isolated from people. I'm also not a hiker but can still visit places and have a good time and see the things I want to see. The greatest thing I have done is just put out my chair near the end of my rv spot and then you get to visit with people as they are walking by. I also have a dog and have met people just out walking the dog. Now if you don't currently have a dog, I'm not suggesting that you get one unless you want one, its just one way to meet people in your travels.

Its interesting to read your thoughts because I know I am dreaming of the day I can retire (15 more years...sigh) and travel and it never occurred to me that I might get bored or lonely doing that. Maybe its just an adjustment period after you worked so hard for so long and things will figure themselves out after awhile.

Laura

[JudyJB]

Oregon is too far out of my way, but I am definitely going to the Texas GTG, ditto for the one in Florida. I am really looking forward to meeting so many of you.

I think it is just an adjustment, but I am really adjusting to a lot of things all at once.

I will find things to do at the North Rim. The chair idea is a good one. Right now I am afraid to put a chair out because of the ants, although they seem to be gone.

[linann]

Well, I wrote this really good, long reply and it just went into the ozone. Probably wasn't so good, but I did work hard on it. Oh, well. Can you stay longer than a week in a location and really slow your travel down? The long drives would be the end of me. I would rather spend a couple of months in one location and really get to know the area . . . a summer outside of San Francisco, Chicago or DC, taking the train into the city for sightseeing and hanging out at museums. Or, two weeks at a time at a national or state park, checking out all the ranger programs and the nearby towns before moving on to the next location.

Since you have internet access, you should be able to watch some free shows on HULU. Can't wait to meet you at the FL GTG and hearing about your adventures first hand!

[Bethers]

Sometimes I like to travel and see things along the way - moving, moving. But I've also learned that I like spending a season somewhere - making friends at the campground I stay at, doing things with them. But I always know if things aren't to my liking, my home has wheels and off I can go. Workamping works well for keeping me in touch with people more. But I also now like my solitude and down time. I'll have precious little of it this year - since I need the money the jobs bring - and will miss all the boondocking and time for me.

But YES, it was a challenge to go from Type A - working full-time and doing chairperson stuff for 2 major charities - between all of it putting in 80-100 hours every week - to well, sometimes doing absolutely nothing. It was a big learning curve for me. However, except when I'm working or meeting for a gtg, I rarely plan how many nights I'll spend somewhere, beyond 2 or maybe 3. I'm full-time -I can add on if I want to stay longer. But it can cost to subtract ... so don't like doing that. And there's lots to see by changing cg's - even sometimes only going a very short distance. A new view out the window for one reason.

I love the North Rim of the GC. Only a very few areas up there has even wifi - so you may not have any except up at the Visitor's Center while there. They pick it up from the South Rim - at least that's the way it was a couple years ago. Last time I was there, I went into a small bar next to the Visitor's Center - got a glass of water, and met a couple ladies at the next table. Ended up there for hours with them playing some games they brought in. You don't have to be alone - lots of others are looking to make new friends, also - even if just for an evening.

I may call what I do hiking, but it started out as walking and then walking further, etc etc. That to me is all most hiking is. Do what you can comfortably. And the Kaibab Squirrel is a delight to see if you are so lucky.

[Redwahine]

Hi Judy, I think some of your feelings are what many experience while going through the transition to retirement (or for any other major life event). Whether you're living in a house, boat, RV or tree house. Pretty much the same. Figuring out what to do with yourself. Just like anything else, it takes time to adjust. You will get a routine, or not.

When I lived on a boat and was in the Pacific, we only had TV occasionally, and then it was in French. Friends from the States would send VHS tapes of our favorite shows. I read a lot. Swam a lot and walked around a lot. I got to a point that I didn't miss TV and when I got back to the US I didn't watch for years, didn't buy a TV. Then when you work 2 or 3 jobs, and raise a bunch of kids, who has time for TV? But now? With my move from Hawaii to TX. TV? I have it on all my waking hours. Sometimes I watch, but most of the time it is background noise and the feeling like someone is here!! I think it gives you a sense of connection - however false that is.

The social changes after Leaving work is a whole nother ball of wax. I miss having someone to go to the movie or lunch with. But my daughter told me about "meet up" groups. They are on the Internet and exist just about everywhere. I looked at Houston and found a group of retired professional women that do different, fun things once or twice a month. When you are in the city check out the "meet up" groups. 50% of the people at each event are just visiting the city and want companionship to go on an excursion, to the opera, baseball game, whatever. It's fun!

I'm rattling on. My point? Retirement is an adjustment! Moving is an adjustment! Your new life style is a huge adjustment! But once you have adjusted, and found the things that work for you, you are going to wonder how managed your previous life

[retiredhappy]

Learning how to slow down is probably the hardest thing I had to learn how to do when I retired. As Beth said, check out workkamping. Great opportunity to get to know people. You can workamp for as little as a month as most state parks or up to four months. If you're a member of KOA, they have a section on their website for workamping. You get a free site and electric and usually free wifi and cable. I, too, like my TV so when I was fulltiming I invested in a satellite system (DISH). they have inexpensive portable satellite dishes which you have to set up whenever you move your rig. I started with one of those and got pretty frustrated with it so upgraded to a rooftop automatic dish. Expensive but sooooooo convenient - just turn on and push a button and it finds the satellite all by itself. Don't know how you feel about pets but they are sure a lot of company. I traveled with my two big dogs and then three when I found the little one. If a dog is too much trouble for you, think about a cat. If you get a young one you can train it to a halter and leash. I've seen a lot of people walking their cats.

[Readytogo]

There are so many types of traveling, moving every few days, staying a season etc. Many times I feel not a part of this group and wonder what I am missing, because only one person (Trudy) whom I never knew spoke up and said this style of life is not for everyone. I enjoy the traveling and am intending to do more than I have, and have been to 4 of the gtg's and have two more and maybe a mini-one this week to go to. I think you would really enjoy that when you gwet a chance. Also I am not a good solitary person at all. And when I worked thought I couldnt wait to get away from people. Also it is constantly on my mind, still after 6 years, how much me and my husband would have enjoyed this. This is for some people and not, just try different things, you can always go back if you want. No advice here, just saying what I feel. Wendy

[Dawn309]

Judy, having just started this full time lifestyle too, I wonder about the same things. I do have Mom with me and Paul just a rig away. I think that is going to help me transition into this a little easier. If it weren't for Mom, I would probably not be planning on staying put as long in each campground as we go. I am going to be forced into learning to slow down. Like you, I have made an awful lot of changes to my life a lot more quickly than I was ready for on all fronts.

I have been thinking that Workamping is something I am going to be interested in doing in the future. Especially to stretch my finances. I am really looking forward to the TX and FL GTG's to meet up with everyone there. I think for both of us, we still have to learn to relax and just enjoy.

[Readytogo]

Quick, before somebody points it out. More than one person has said she wouldnt like fulltiming. Mitch said she woudnt like it either, I know it wasnt because her trailer is so small tho!