Returning to Switzerland from France, I rent an apartment in a small house on a farm. It`s a quiet location, with plenty of space around the house. I got a Carport for my car, a garden to plant my own veggies, I have an outside-sitting area and the Forrest is a few steps away. I am not bothered by anyone, basically I can do whatever I want (almost). Within a short time I have the apartment completely furnished with everything I need and don’t need.I like it here and I feel comfortable. Life is routine. Work, Home, Hobby’s, Friends, All is well and good, with the usual obligations and liberties. Six years I live this life and then I move out.

But if this place is so wonderful why did I move away in the first place? Well the main reason is financial dependence and thus also the loss of a large part of my freedom. The constant pressure to work for things I do not really need, to pay for things of which I have nothing or benefit only indirectly

I don’t want to waste my time to support a boss, a homeowner, insurance companies, banks, and a government which spends money mainly on wrong things

One of the biggest financial expense is the apartment rent. In my case, I work 2.5 months per year just for rent. And about 2 more months for insurance, fees, duties, taxes and other forced levies. Each year I waste 4.5 months of my time on things I believe I need and others imposed on me

All these financial dependencies limit my independence way too much The desire to be free grows. The urge for something new prevails. It’s time for life-changing measures

Giving up a familiar life is not an easy step but definitely worthwhile. To dissolve a whole household, cancel the apartment, ending up with only a handful of personal belongings is a great liberation and the prospect of a fresh start without the whole load is unparalleled.

There are many alternative lifestyles to the one I just left behind. To choose the suitable, one needs to devote oneself extensively with the subject. But first of all and most importantly what one needs is a strong desire and will for change, and also the ability to let things go

Me, I got rid of 90% of my belongings, I bought myself a caravan and have now been living in it ever since. I massively reduced my fixed expenses, I work less and when I`m away for a few months I have almost no fixed costs at home