It’s not a choice I’d personally make, but it’s often associated with mental illness or a deep feeling of the need to be free (especially in young people). For the former it’s associated with PTSD and feeling like if you no longer fit into normal life. For the latter it’s kinda like backpacking across Europe, but across whatever continent you’re on, often staying at punk houses and squats along the way.
“Homeless” can mean different things. It could mean “can’t afford a home, can’t keep a job” like the typical assumption, or it could mean “between homes but capable of getting another” or it could mean “has plenty of money but no home base, just sleeps in hotels or camps and can afford food and clothes when needed”.
It’s not a lifestyle I’d want right now, but it doesn’t automatically mean one can’t thrive. Humans were nomadic for millennia before agriculture gave us a reason and the ability to just stay in one spot.
They weren’t being literal with the homelessness. And anyway, that statement is still a bit close-minded, while it obviously wouldn’t be a comfortable experience, it is possible and not everything needs to be the smartest decision ever. Sometimes challenging yourself to do something extreme with lots of risk keeps you more alive than comfort could.
Depends on your definition of homelessness. Living in a shitty, broken down van probably counts. But what about living in a $200k Mercedes Sprinter van converted to a camper, with a stable job that lets you work remote? What about a retired couple living in a 40’ RV, after spending their working lives dreaming about traveling around the country?
Choosing homelessness when you have any other option isn’t brave, it’s fucking stupid.
It’s not a choice I’d personally make, but it’s often associated with mental illness or a deep feeling of the need to be free (especially in young people). For the former it’s associated with PTSD and feeling like if you no longer fit into normal life. For the latter it’s kinda like backpacking across Europe, but across whatever continent you’re on, often staying at punk houses and squats along the way.
Exactly
“Homeless” can mean different things. It could mean “can’t afford a home, can’t keep a job” like the typical assumption, or it could mean “between homes but capable of getting another” or it could mean “has plenty of money but no home base, just sleeps in hotels or camps and can afford food and clothes when needed”.
It’s not a lifestyle I’d want right now, but it doesn’t automatically mean one can’t thrive. Humans were nomadic for millennia before agriculture gave us a reason and the ability to just stay in one spot.
They weren’t being literal with the homelessness. And anyway, that statement is still a bit close-minded, while it obviously wouldn’t be a comfortable experience, it is possible and not everything needs to be the smartest decision ever. Sometimes challenging yourself to do something extreme with lots of risk keeps you more alive than comfort could.
The line that separates courage and stupidity is always very thin, be it warfare or… Checks notes… TRAVEL
Depends on your definition of homelessness. Living in a shitty, broken down van probably counts. But what about living in a $200k Mercedes Sprinter van converted to a camper, with a stable job that lets you work remote? What about a retired couple living in a 40’ RV, after spending their working lives dreaming about traveling around the country?
You’re not homeless if you have a 200k sprinter, also it’s not in the spirit of this post which claims that travel isn’t a matter of money.
That’s fair, but where do you draw the line?
Lots of people walk or bike around the world.
What’s more valuable to you? Having an experience that sounds outlandishly amazing? Or paying rent? We might not all agree.
There are worse options.