Big Life Changes and it's impact on family

[TxZen]

As you know, I have resigned. I am starting to go down a very different path than what I have lived in the past 2 decades of adult life. I grew up in a very simple lifestyle- farm family with gardens, animals, clothes on the line and a pretty slow happy life. While we have no desire to be farmers, we do desire to be more simplistic and back to our roots. Small garden, downsizing our home/stuff, more time outdoors, obviously the big things like loss of 1 paycheck, etc.

I am just wondering what will be the true impact on my family? How have others adjusted to big changes? What do you wish you knew or did before hand to prepare or should we just let it ride? Did you jump right in or take it methodically slow?

Thanks.

[awakenedsoul]

I live on my own, but I also retired early. The one thing that has helped me most has been to track my expenses. It's helped me to see where I can cut things that I don't really need. I no longer pay for cable t.v. or land line phones. (I have a Jitterbug cell instead.) I watch shows or listen to podcasts on Youtube, and read library books. I also switched to driving one day per week. I use the bus and bike the rest of the time and bought a bus pass. I spend a lot of time on meal preparation, exercise, housekeeping, and hobbies. (reading, yoga, gardening, and knitting.)

I would say I jumped right in. I still go to auditions for Broadway shows. That takes about an hour and a half a day of rehearsal. What's nice is that I don't have to take a job that I don't want.

[Tussiemussies]

Hi awakened soul. Your life sounds so heavenly to me! Glad that you c as n live it!

[awakenedsoul]

Hi awakened soul. Your life sounds so heavenly to me! Glad that you c as n live it!

Thanks Tussiemussies. I always have this niggling feeling like maybe I should take a side job, just in case. But, so far, so good.

I think another thing that's really helped is to stay fit and schedule in time for exercise. I had an injury that set me back, and that was kind of a rude awakening. But, all of the swimming and aqua exercises are really helping. Medical expenses can be shockingly high, so I do as much self care as possible.

[Gardenarian]

I know the sensible thing to say would be to make a budget, but as I have never done that, I'm saying just see how it goes!
I'm sorry, can't remember if you have kids at home?
I think at it's most basic, simple living is just about avoiding waste - wasted money, time, energy. About deciding what is essential and giving those things your attention, and letting the non-essential things drop. It's very personal; don't let anyone else tell you what is essential. A car is essential to me, as is having my own private space. We're all different.

[Aroha]

I think at it's most basic, simple living is just about avoiding waste - wasted money, time, energy. About deciding what is essential and giving those things your attention, and letting the non-essential things drop. It's very personal;
Thankyou Gardenarian for this excellent summary. Good approach to adopt, whatever one's current situation.