Pros and Cons of Fulltiming

[Channa]

Thank you for that,
My philosophy is
'If you're going to do something, Then give it 100%'
You then Fail or Succeed in relation to your efforts.
It's if you DON'T fully commit that the problems arise.
As far as Financing my Lifestyle choice is concerned, I had 10k of Savings when I Turned the Engine Key for the first time, My spend is coming out at an Average of £600 PCM over the last 18months or sbviously it varies month to month when MOT, Ins, Tax & suchlike is due, But Understand this is ABSOLUTELY TOTAL AVERAGE EXPENDITURE !.
I am lucky enough to have topped up the coffers at
Farms, Marinas & Properties Even some Painting & Decorating which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE while on my Travels on occasions during this time that has helped
tremendously. As have My Self Reliant Background & Skills.
My current status is -
The Nest is Taxed, MOTd, Insured, In good order & Maintained, With a Full Tank of Diesel + 5ltr Reserve, Full Tank of Water + 10ltr Reserve, Half Tank of Gas + Full Reserve Bottle. Genny has Full
Tank + 5ltr Reserve, My Food n Donut Cupboards are Full to Bursting (Just done a BIG Supermarket shop), My Washing is up to date & I've got the Map book on my lap to plan today's route, A Mug of Fresh Coffee on the side, Still got Money in the Bank & a Smile on my Face.
To be Absolutely honest there's only Two things that are missing in my life that would Complete me as a Man again. A Partner & a Dog, Thats honestly the only Emptyness or Negative in my life at the moment.

I wouldn't disagree with any of that, success and failure are the same thing an outcome. How we judge that outcome determines the label success or failure.

If you full time it is a steep learning curve, but that challenge if approached correctly will reward.

Of course there are challenging bits and what is straightforward in bricks not necessarily the case on the road. The hierarchy of what is important seems to change. But I think if people approach with an open mind then anything is possible.

One thing is for sure, having a cup of tea with basques fiercely proud of their identity , and telling the tale you cant book in a travel agents

Channa

 

[Asterix]

anybody who'd like to fulltime but can't afford it should look at casual employment. like house sitting ,dog sitting/walking. fruit and veg picking, holiday let maintenance [those lovely white villas don't stay white on their own ! ]
a lot of jobs like this have other perks, like being able to park in the grounds and have use of the pool, washing machine etc.

While on that subject,ive been looking at volunteer work while I'm here in Spain,theres loads of opportunities over here to work on smallholdings,hostels,animal rescue etc in exchange for food and lodging (parking in my case). I've just joined a site called Helpx and will be looking at some after Xmas,seems like a great way to keep costs down as well as contributing to a project for a few hours a day as well as learning some new skills.

 

[Stanski]

Wc support network - suggestion

This thread has made good reading and provided an authentic insight into "Life on the Road". The future for us is not "Fulltiming" but certainly 2 to 3 months travel at a time is what we have become familiar with.

What I Feelfrom reading some of these messages that a "Fulltimer" or "Long-term Traveller" at times need support, especially in the wetter and colder months, or when in difficulty with vehicle problems. As we, and the MH, age this sort of need will be more sought I guess.

What is nice are the wide range of locations members are in around the country giving positive support and advice (usually).

WC MEMBER NATIONAL SUPPORT
As a community that offers much to help others is there an opportunity to set up a national network of support offering basic facilities such as washing, drying, fresh water or EHU? At times a chat and a pot of tea may be all thats needed.

I for one would be comfortable offering such services for any member with a need such as this even when not at home.

Arranging access at times would need to be managed and co-ordinated but I believe relatively easy to control once a structured system is in place.

Others may disagree with the idea so please respond and be part of the discussion.


Admin - Perhaps another area within the forum that only members can access if the suggested idea is acceptable

 

[Auld Pharrrt]

This thread has made good reading and provided an authentic insight into "Life on the Road". The future for us is not "Fulltiming" but certainly 2 to 3 months travel at a time is what we have become familiar with.

What I Feelfrom reading some of these messages that a "Fulltimer" or "Long-term Traveller" at times need support, especially in the wetter and colder months, or when in difficulty with vehicle problems. As we, and the MH, age this sort of need will be more sought I guess.

What is nice are the wide range of locations members are in around the country giving positive support and advice (usually).

WC MEMBER NATIONAL SUPPORT
As a community that offers much to help others is there an opportunity to set up a national network of support offering basic facilities such as washing, drying, fresh water or EHU? At times a chat and a pot of tea may be all thats needed.

I for one would be comfortable offering such services for any member with a need such as this even when not at home.

Arranging access at times would need to be managed and co-ordinated but I believe relatively easy to control once a structured system is in place.

Others may disagree with the idea so please respond and be part of the discussion.


Admin - Perhaps another area within the forum that only members can access if the suggested idea is acceptable

They say that great minds think alike and fools seldom differ, I'm not too sure which of these categories I fall into, but when reading through this thread the other evening, I had almost exactly the same thoughts. I even got to thinking about the easiest way to arrange something like this when I'm camped out for maybe a month or more during summer etc.

In the end I kind of decided that what I'd probably do would be to utilise another of my hobbies (geocaching) and, using one of those wee magnetic key safes I could leave a key hidden at some location before departure (probably some distance from my flat) and if, using the fictitional user Zesting Nombie (any similarity to any actual user is purely co-incidental) as an example. If he found himself in need of a respite (mot, mechanical repair being undertaken etc.)

If he happened to be in my area and I come across his situation by checking in online or (similar to something I suggested that a bunch of us had going on a Land Rover forum,) if a couple of guys (let's say Mobrac or Le Thaird) organised a database (or a list) of who is offering help, in which location and contact details of the offeree, then in an emergency Zesting Nombie could contact Mobrac or Le Thaird to get my contact details then, when he contacted me directly, I could give him the co-ordinates and instructions on where to find the key safe etc.

The only problem is, there could be a great many pitfalls if you throw your home open to a complete and total stranger, you could come home to find your home has been raided because of dodgy internet usage, or worse, you come home to find you don't have one anymore because everything has disappeared. Highly unlikely that anything like that would happen, but it would have to be thought through.

In my particular case, it's unlikely that I'd come home to an empty flat, because I'm in the penthouse and a member of my family lives two floors below me. Besides, it would take an energetic person to empty my flat, there's no lift!

A special section in the forum wouldn't be needed, as it could all be organised in one (preferably sticky) thread, but in the members only section of course.

 

[Nesting Zombie]

Hey Guy's,
A Cpl of really GREAT ideas,,Brilliant infact. But I think some SERIOUS thought would have to go into the set up & Management of such an idea, To Both Protect Yourself, Property & Generosity, & Stop people taking the pxss !.

 

[Auld Pharrrt]

Hey Guy's,
A Cpl of really GREAT ideas,,Brilliant infact. But I think some SERIOUS thought would have to go into the set up & Management of such an idea, To Both Protect Yourself, Property & Generosity, & Stop people taking the pxss !.

I couldn't agree more, fair enough if the homeowner is present, but as we are all basically nomads in the summer months it really would require a lot of trust. But the thought of someone stuck out there in a layby, struggling to get over an illness or injury and at the mercy of a Scottish winter at it's worst when I'm sitting at home less than a couple of miles away, well frankly, that thought horrifies me ...

Holy £$%^! It might even be me that's out there!

 

[Asterix]

This thread has made good reading and provided an authentic insight into "Life on the Road". The future for us is not "Fulltiming" but certainly 2 to 3 months travel at a time is what we have become familiar with.

What I Feelfrom reading some of these messages that a "Fulltimer" or "Long-term Traveller" at times need support, especially in the wetter and colder months, or when in difficulty with vehicle problems. As we, and the MH, age this sort of need will be more sought I guess.

What is nice are the wide range of locations members are in around the country giving positive support and advice (usually).

WC MEMBER NATIONAL SUPPORT
As a community that offers much to help others is there an opportunity to set up a national network of support offering basic facilities such as washing, drying, fresh water or EHU? At times a chat and a pot of tea may be all thats needed.

I for one would be comfortable offering such services for any member with a need such as this even when not at home.

Arranging access at times would need to be managed and co-ordinated but I believe relatively easy to control once a structured system is in place.

Others may disagree with the idea so please respond and be part of the discussion.


Admin - Perhaps another area within the forum that only members can access if the suggested idea is acceptable

Great idea but I really think it's mostly being fulfilled at the moment by this forum,sometimes with advice and sometimes with hands on help. I believe most people are willing to help someone in a difficult situation,as long as that person speaks up and asks for help in the first place....and that's probably quite difficult for most.

 

[Steve000]

Very, very helpful thread.

Can I just say how helpful and informative this thread is.
I am retired and possibly considering full timing.

Having lived for a number of years in Spain, albeit bricks and mortar whilst just having a static caravan (no post permitted) in the UK, I am aware of some of the problems. Having a postal address for Doctors or Dentist on NHS in the UK being one.

I have only had a motorhome for a few months and gather a lot of help is available via these forums just for the asking.

Thanks again for all on this subject. I may or may not ever take up full timing but it sounds worth a try from what some of you are saying, if my situation changes and I need an escape!!

 

[Stanski]

SUPPORTERS of WCers - A new beginning?

Hey Guy's,
A Cpl of really GREAT ideas,,Brilliant infact. But I think some SERIOUS thought would have to go into the set up & Management of such an idea, To Both Protect Yourself, Property & Generosity, & Stop people taking the pxss !.

Most people would shun away from this suggestion, but for me I believe in human nature and most would only take advantage of the support when in dire need, or wish to have a change of outlook.

Personally in my scenario I do have some protection in that I have a son at home to do some management. I have an end of terrace that with good fortune has rear and front road parking allowing a motorhome to have access to it fairly comfortably.

I couldn't agree more, fair enough if the homeowner is present, but as we are all basically nomads in the summer months it really would require a lot of trust. But the thought of someone stuck out there in a layby, struggling to get over an illness or injury and at the mercy of a Scottish winter at it's worst when I'm sitting at home less than a couple of miles away, well frankly, that thought horrifies me ...

Holy £$%^! It might even be me that's out there!

Exactly my thought - when an unexpected happening occurs then any support could make the difference. Yes - trust is needed in some circumstances and it could be that a suitable strategy is adopted to manage it.
Perhaps some who offer the support only do it when at home, others may when relatives are available, or offer limited services whatever they maybe.

Great idea but I really think it's mostly being fulfilled at the moment by this forum,sometimes with advice and sometimes with hands on help. I believe most people are willing to help someone in a difficult situation,as long as that person speaks up and asks for help in the first place....and that's probably quite difficult for most.

I totally agree with the forum being a support. It has been wonderful in giving advice and support with generosity often along with friendships and communication thorough the PM system.

My thought is for the few members who unexpectedly or on occassion need that extra bit of help, they could then be a little more comfortable with approaching the "Support Network" as they have confidence that the "Supporter" is there for that reason.

I have met some of our members both in UK and Overseas and would feel comfortable they would help as best they could should the need arise, but if I new of someone who had offered "Support" then it would ease my burden.

They say that great minds think alike and fools seldom differ, I'm not too sure which of these categories I fall into, but when reading through this thread the other evening, I had almost exactly the same thoughts. I even got to thinking about the easiest way to arrange something like this when I'm camped out for maybe a month or more during summer etc.

In the end I kind of decided that what I'd probably do would be to utilise another of my hobbies (geocaching) and, using one of those wee magnetic key safes I could leave a key hidden at some location before departure (probably some distance from my flat) and if, using the fictitional user Zesting Nombie (any similarity to any actual user is purely co-incidental) as an example. If he found himself in need of a respite (mot, mechanical repair being undertaken etc.)

If he happened to be in my area and I come across his situation by checking in online or (similar to something I suggested that a bunch of us had going on a Land Rover forum,) if a couple of guys (let's say Mobrac or Le Thaird) organised a database (or a list) of who is offering help, in which location and contact details of the offeree, then in an emergency Zesting Nombie could contact Mobrac or Le Thaird to get my contact details then, when he contacted me directly, I could give him the co-ordinates and instructions on where to find the key safe etc.

The only problem is, there could be a great many pitfalls if you throw your home open to a complete and total stranger, you could come home to find your home has been raided because of dodgy internet usage, or worse, you come home to find you don't have one anymore because everything has disappeared. Highly unlikely that anything like that would happen, but it would have to be thought through.

In my particular case, it's unlikely that I'd come home to an empty flat, because I'm in the penthouse and a member of my family lives two floors below me. Besides, it would take an energetic person to empty my flat, there's no lift!

A special section in the forum wouldn't be needed, as it could all be organised in one (preferably sticky) thread, but in the members only section of course.

Not certain if the Geoaching method would be easy to do for many - but I do like the thinking.


Of course their are many considerations on this subject but for me in future years the idea of having the chance to meet a "Supporter" for a genial cuppa, or to offer laundry services to likeminded WCers is something that may make a difference to someone in a positive way. Possibly me!

In 10 years the increase in over 65's in UK will be increased by 25% so the statisticians suggest - how many will be buying MH's?

 

[Auld Pharrrt]

Most people would shun away from this suggestion, but for me I believe in human nature and most would only take advantage of the support when in dire need, or wish to have a change of outlook.

Personally in my scenario I do have some protection in that I have a son at home to do some management. I have an end of terrace that with good fortune has rear and front road parking allowing a motorhome to have access to it fairly comfortably.



Exactly my thought - when an unexpected happening occurs then any support could make the difference. Yes - trust is needed in some circumstances and it could be that a suitable strategy is adopted to manage it.
Perhaps some who offer the support only do it when at home, others may when relatives are available, or offer limited services whatever they maybe.




I totally agree with the forum being a support. It has been wonderful in giving advice and support with generosity often along with friendships and communication thorough the PM system.

My thought is for the few members who unexpectedly or on occassion need that extra bit of help, they could then be a little more comfortable with approaching the "Support Network" as they have confidence that the "Supporter" is there for that reason.

I have met some of our members both in UK and Overseas and would feel comfortable they would help as best they could should the need arise, but if I new of someone who had offered "Support" then it would ease my burden.



Not certain if the Geoaching method would be easy to do for many - but I do like the thinking.


Of course their are many considerations on this subject but for me in future years the idea of having the chance to meet a "Supporter" for a genial cuppa, or to offer laundry services to likeminded WCers is something that may make a difference to someone in a positive way. Possibly me!

In 10 years the increase in over 65's in UK will be increased by 25% so the statisticians suggest - how many will be buying MH's?

The geocaching aspect was purely because it was what gave me the idea of using a key safe or a hidey hole. Obviously it could be any container hidden anywhere and directions to it could be texted for instance ...
Leave Blairgowrie on A93 heading toward Braemar. 1 mile past 30MPH limit stop in layby. The key is tied to a piece of string dangling inside the P sign. Lift plastic cap to get it out.

This is just a random example key could be anywhere.

 

[Nesting Zombie]

Can I just say how helpful and informative this thread is.
I am retired and possibly considering full timing.

Having lived for a number of years in Spain, albeit bricks and mortar whilst just having a static caravan (no post permitted) in the UK, I am aware of some of the problems. Having a postal address for Doctors or Dentist on NHS in the UK being one.

I have only had a motorhome for a few months and gather a lot of help is available via these forums just for the asking.

Thanks again for all on this subject. I may or may not ever take up full timing but it sounds worth a try from what some of you are saying, if my situation changes and I need an escape!!

I suppose I can say I'm one of the lucky ones with regard to any health issues, im CERTANLY NOT healthy, I'm Obese, Old, Have broken A Lot of bones over the years & Not Fit at all, but I don't suffer from any Ailments that need treatment. I Have NEVER seen a Civilian Doctor !, & the last Medical exam was back in 2001 I think. But MOST Big towns and Cities have got Walk in Centers that would deal with most things, & in an emergency Then its Find a Site, Farm, Marina, OR a phone call to the police to tell them where your parked so they are aware & strait Hospital !.

 

[Grum]

For all the full timers out there,what do you think is the best and worst of our chosen lifestyle?
For me the best is freedom....
The worst is endless rainy days,and all the difficulties that raises,especially with a dog.

Shirley says that she will have the dog ☺

 

[Nesting Zombie]

yes, as far as Drying the washing goes for me, its easy I fill one of these with up to 9 - 10 hr burn Tea Lights.

Dropbox - IMAG1769.jpg

Then place it in front of my Washing machine in the Shower cubicle on the Metal floor.

Dropbox - IMAG1779.jpg


Pull down the Folding Clothes Dryer that is Fixed to the Side wall of the Shower Cubicle, & pop my clothes on it to dry, It EASILY dries them Taking the warmer Moist air out the ceiling vent. I HAVE left it to do its thing over night, But Prefer to Light the candles as soon as I park up then blow out when going to bed, Re Lighting in the Morning after turning the clothes if necessary to Finnish them off for a Cpl oh hrs while I Have Breakfast & Square away before moving off.

Dropbox - IMAG1805_1.jpg

 

[RoadTrek Boy]

I suppose I can say I'm one of the lucky ones with regard to any health issues, im CERTANLY NOT healthy, I'm Obese, Old, Have broken A Lot of bones over the years & Not Fit at all, but I don't suffer from any Ailments that need treatment. I Have NEVER seen a Civilian Doctor !, & the last Medical exam was back in 2001 I think. But MOST Big towns and Cities have got Walk in Centers that would deal with most things, & in an emergency Then its Find a Site, Farm, Marina, OR a phone call to the police to tell them where your parked so they are aware & strait Hospital !.

How very dare you, we don't do old, it's MATURE.. I am Mature not old and you are a mere youngster.
:mad1::mad1: :cheers::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061:

 

[Nesting Zombie]

How very dare you, we don't do old, it's MATURE.. I am Mature not old and you are a mere youngster.
:mad1::mad1: :cheers::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061::lol-061:

I often wondered why People I meet often call me 'Stilton', I naturally thought it was because as a Decaying Zombie I Stink,, But its actually a complement because im 'Mature' !..

 

[trixie88]

WELL, what very interesting reading i must say.....always felt a tinge of envy of fulltimers. No worries of house maintenance. etc. can be in a different place every day, meeting new people, seeing new places, stop for as long or as little as you want.

However, i now realize the pitfalls of fulltiming as well as the joys and jubilations. as i sit here cozy and warm. looking out of the window..at the HORRID GREY DAMP CHEERLESS DAY, I think thats what i would find the worst, having to *sit it out* as someone said.

so to all you fulltimers, i admire your spirit and guts to stick it out over the winter......however, i think, takinf off for the whole of spring, summer and autumn would be wonderfull.

thanks for this thread, its brought me down to earth, as my dad would say, i wear my rose coloured specs too much.

good luck to you all and to all who are thinking of fulltiming.



y

 

[RoadTrek Boy]

trixie88, I see no difference of looking out of a cosy lounge window on a grey wet miserable day, or sitting in a nice warm cosy van and looking out the window, except with the van, if you don't like the view you can just get up and move to a better view.. :camper:

 

[Nesting Zombie]

I TRULY think Life is what you make of it Trixie88, People should actually try
'Living Life for a Living'. But be warned,,, You might enjoy the Freedom.

 

[trixie88]

trixie88, I see no difference of looking out of a cosy lounge window on a grey wet miserable day, or sitting in a nice warm cosy van and looking out the window, except with the van, if you don't like the view you can just get up and move to a better view.. :camper:

ohh roadtrek boy you are probably so right, just when i thought i had obliterated that tinge of envy which i had, it is now rearing its head again.......and my rose coloured specs are back on now. lol.... i mean, not all winter days are like today eh. yesterday was beautiful......Hmmmm thank you

 

[trixie88]

I TRULY think Life is what you make of it Trixie88, People should actually try
'Living Life for a Living'. But be warned,,, You might enjoy the Freedom.

HAhah no question of MIGHT zombie, the word is WOULD........lol