I had an idea around the beginning of the pandemic. Instead of trying to earn more, I worked it from the other side - how to save more. It was an experiment to see how cheaply one can live well in a major US city. A relationship had ended and i was solo at the time. I gave up our place, moved my belongings into storage and became a nomad. Serendipitously, the pandemic untethered me from having to go to my office for my day job....so I packed up the car and toured parts of the US, working remotely. I funded my lodging through extra creative use of points (thanks Hyatt!) not always of course, but in large part. I had no need for groceries as the hotels provided breakfast and MSing provided many lunches or dinners....otherwise I would just get some fruit or crackers or cheese to have on hand....I visited some friends and family, but because of COVID, spent more time in nature...away from crowds and viruses....hiking, writing, listening to music.
It was an interesting life chapter. It was surreal to be in major US cities that had emptied out and to be able to live in them for little $ outlay. There were some months when I lived an urban, above average lifestyle for only a couple hundred dollars. I have a low tolerance for hustling, so this was a better fit for my zen nature.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2025 11:34AM by BarefootBliss.