Is Rural Living a Hobby?

[MAX-24-Dean]

I don't think of it so much as a hobby, but as a lifestyle choice.

Clean air, raising animals for food, having a little bit of self sufficiency.

Always having work to do, keeps one healthy and I think a little closer to the reality of if you don't work you can't eat, keep warm. The whole food, shelter and water scenario.

But the new neighbors moving in from the big cities see living on acreage as a hobby and a lot of work. So I guess it is all what your point of view is.

 

[workinonit]

What's it called if you've lived on a farm all your life and at one time even depended on it for a living? My hobby is playing golf. I'm not sure what living is called but it's not a hobby.

 

[MoKelly]

I call it rewarding, satisfying work. It can get spoiled if you have to hurry.

This is very wise. I agree 100%.

MoKelly

 

[PILOON]

I have been lucky.

Worked in big city, had chalet 1 hr away on a pristine lake for W/E's and vacations.
Later I sold city and moved full time to my lake but still enjoyed big city if and when I desired.

We have fishing, out front and hunting in back if and when we desire.
Most neighbors call this 'paradise', as do we.

Adding to the pleasure is my daughter is also within swimming/walking distance.

OK, some work involved as I sold the original chalet and built my now retirement home but then nothing comes free.

Now being retired I do what I want when and if I want.
I have accumulated a rather complete shop to practice whatever hobby I select that day, or LOL, do nothing.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

It's a lifestyle, mostly predicated on space and the absence of nosy neighbors and regulations. I've been retired for 7 years now, and don't work at it very hard. Mostly I putter. This week I installed a solar battery maintainer on the side of the barn to keep the tractor battery up. Big whoop. Installed a bagger on the riding mower. A week ago I put together a PVC pipe greenhouse over the raised bed, and am thinking of a winter garden. I have a few acres of brush clearing and mowing to do, and am thinking of hooking the disc behind the tractor and working up a couple acres that the dogs have dug holes in.

I've lived here for years, and most of the effort has been oriented toward adding buildings and upgrading buildings. Oh, and tinkering with the water system. Always the freaking water system.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

10 years ago wifey and I got the bug for a rural life; left what many would consider a vacation home, on the 12th green of a private golf course outside of Charlotte. We haven't missed that one minute, and every minute spent here on a tractor is pure enjoyment. No malls, no Starbucks, and no neighbors that can see me...

 

[Torvy]

Clearly it depends upon your viewpoint and situation. For some its a business, for others it's a lifestyle, sill others a hobby...sounds like a few see it as chore.

For us it is a lifelong aspiration. Part hobby, part lifestyle.

I habe nothing but admiration, respect and appreciation for those who do this for a living. They feed and clothe us all.

 

[Alan W.]

Its a blessing. I can do as much or as little as I want to.
Had an engineering friend of mine ask me one day where I would live if I could choose any place in the world.
Told him right where Im at. Have been here since 1985.

 

[shooterdon]

I retired to my little slice of heaven 9 years ago. No regrets.

I am too lazy and cheap to garden and/or raise livestock. Yes...it is cheaper to buy food in bulk when it is on sale.

My place provides a peaceful lifestyle in God’s country.

The hardest work I do is processing firewood and I have even mechanized that.

 

[MoKelly]

Had an engineering friend of mine ask me one day where I would live if I could choose any place in the world.

I would need many millions of dollars - since I have 3 equally great places. I would rotate between:

- Whitefish, Montana

- Palm Springs, California

- Boca Grande, Fla.

So, I’d also need a private jet while I’m planning.

For now, I live in Missouri and vacation among the three locations.

Missouri is a perfect anchor location.

MoKelly