I did #1, I saved and saved and bought a house and 2.5 acres of land here in Finland in September, I'm moving in with my dog as we speak. I still have to sell my current apartment, after that I will be debt free! I've had this in mind for the last 15 years, but I've always had a job or a girlfriend to prevent me from doing this, now I was free to finally do it (financially and otherwise), and when I started noticing small aches and pains (I'm in my early 40's) waking up in the morning, I thought it's now or never and finally decided to do it. When I told a friend about the whole thing and my plans, he said "oh like that mossy bottom dude?", I didn't know what he was talking about, but I found your channel, binge watched all your videos and was a bit surprised how we share such similar thoughts and ideas! Thanks for the videos, I've learned a lot by watching them!
We did the exact same thing this time last year, but in Estonia. Just over the water from you! Totally raw land, 5 acres of forest and pasture, in the middle of now where. It’s been a serious learning curve and we’ve grown so much… but it’s so worth it! “They” say that the first 5 years are the hardest, I can confirm it’s been a rough one, but it’s so rewarding. Every time we make something better or build something new, we call it levelling up :) Drop me a message if you’d like to link up and chat… ☺️
how cool! ive lived in finland for a bit and actually want to do the same. seeing the space there and how cheap the land can be opent my eyes and made me feel like it is more possible then you sometimes feel like. where did you buy land? and why finland?
You forgot to add emotional maturity, resilience, curiosity, willingness to learn, positive outlook and goals....all of which you have in abundance. Thanks for another thoughtful video.
I have a love hate relationship with your videos. I love seeing your way of life and hate how it makes me reflect on my own. 😂 Oh the painnn. Sending all the well wishes.
Hello Daniel,you made a great point when saying that some folks who inherited some small holding might want to get away from that which they had lived on from birth. I am one such person and I will explain why. It is in a remote place in Roscommon and I loved it when my lovely parents were still there but when they passed I couldn't think of staying there due to the isolation I might have to deal with in later life. I sold all and bought a farmhouse nearby and restored it with a beautiful view of lakes and hills and people all around and I'm so happy. Love your Chanel 😍🍀🍀🍀.
My way out: at 40 my husband and I bought an old house in the country on a 1/4 acre plot BUT in the French speaking part of the country. So I went back to school ( still in the French part of the country) and got a teacher degree. It only took two years to become a teacher and since then I've got a full time job in a school next to a forest. As I came from Antwerp, I couldnt' dream of anything better than that. Meanwhile we have an organic (of course) vegetable plot of about 300m2 as well as a 'bee park'( native plants that attrack all sorts of polinating insects) of 100m2, some fruit trees, a chestnut tree and a walnut tree. We haven't got any animals except a dog therefore I love even more watching your youtube video's. Thank you very much!
Great video. Thanks. Unfortunately none of those options would have been possible for my hubby and self. So we found a 7th option. Turn what we gave into what we wish we could have making compromises to make it happen, instead of bemoaning dreams we could never achieve. 😊 we are turning our suburban home and garden into a micro-homestead. Decided to make it happen right here and now. Thanks for the inspiration.
I´m option 4, but doing it by myself. 😅 After the hefty commute - its so peaceful to come home to my little woodland smallholding. No animals but my dogs and cat yet, and my pallet garden has stopped producing for the fall. I love making plans for next spring, and in the future I want chickens, and dreaming of working part time. 💕
Are you the one singing? Sounds good. I have a similar small place in Finland, very modest but there’s no loan. God gave Adam and Eve a job to take care of the garden, and job description has not changed. I think that”s why people have this urge inside to do this. Just a thought! I enjoy your videos very much, thank you for them!
How do you manage the rather chilly winters there? I was half way through emigrating to Finland when the Brexit vote hit and bowled my plans over but I have not entirely given up … … …
I’ve gone for half and half. I’ve done off grid on a boat for four years and frankly I’m too old and no longer interested in going the whole hog. As my husband likes his job owning a recording studio (worst paid job ever) he needs to commute to the city so we compromised, sold our over priced city house (tiny) and bought a small 200 year old cottage in a semi rural location and paid off the mortgage. The cottage came with a field on a hillside, where I keep chickens and grow food and flowers. It could be off grid, it’s doable. I already collect my drinking water from a local spring. If I was thirty years younger I’d definitely go for a small holding but in my mid sixties I’m not so keen, I have herbs drying all over the place for teas and bottled food and pickled eggs. Two freezers full to bursting. What’s not to like?
Yes me too (66) but in reality not interested at all in hauling laundry to town because well /and or pump can't run a washing machine. I think Daniel expressed that he really was worn-out hauling water by bucket and how great a time saver his pump and hose solution turned out to be. But really I am thinking -wow let me fill my days with as much joy and fulfillment as I can vs back breaking labor ;)
As a more ‘mature ‘ homesteader/smallholder’ living in Wales ( and having moved here only two years ago ) we practiced and developed self-sufficiency skills before we moved and are learning new skills all the time. Being ‘retired ‘ is completely the wrong word in our situation. It’s more a new career! We’re lucky enough to be in good health and hope to keep going for many years yet.
I grew up on a farm in Victoria, Australia. I was evacuated in the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, and my home burnt down. I will be moving back next year, and putting a modular home on it, going off grid. I'm in my 40s and hope to spend the rest of my life there this time. I'll be putting a sprinkler system on the roof, just in case I have to evacuate again if I fire sweeps through. With a modular home, it will take less time to re-build if it does burn down. Looking forward to going back to the bush and growing all my own fruit and vegetables like my family did when I was growing up. :)
I survived the 2009 bush fires living in thebush out of Melbourne. Scary. Loved the environmental living zone (where we worked to maintain the native bush ad flora and fauna. Attempts to grow fruit and veg largely failed due to loss of topsoil and the hilly terrain). AAt74 I looked to another life as the bush living just too hard. I now am on edge of a creek in a retirement community full of very interesting people. Live your dream.
Plant, if you're allowed to, Cypress trees around your home. They do not have resin in their sap, but water, so in times of fire, they act as fire breaks. They discovered this in Portugal some years ago when does swept through that country. The properties that were surrounded by cypress did not get burned.
IT is nice to see you you tub films. I live in norway, over 60, groving lot of food. I always wanted a smaal holding, but when you find love in a policman, and get 4 children you have to live whit that😊. Now we have got more time, derfor I kan grow in an alopment pluss my garden. There we grow appels, ploms, and all cains of berys. And we have the natur nearby whit the montens and a cottages. So we have to be happy were we are now. 💚Sorry for my bad english.
Thank you Daniel for inspiring stories and great videos! I took a leap of faith and jumped last summer - in my late 50s, empty nested and since 2019 single after 30 years of marriage, I told to myself its now or never. Exchanged all my 30+ year long high-flying career in corporate world, all my degrees (MSc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering) and life on the 18th floor of skyscraper in the capital city for a 1,2 acre homestead in small remote village with only 8 scattered houses, some 2 hr drive from the capital . I bought the property completely ready to move in, with a 80 sqm house mostly finished (ground floor livable, upper under-roof area in high roh-bau stage), with chicken coops and pig dens move-in ready, a workshop and a garage, and a 5 year old orchard with 500 hazelnut trees and 120 various fruit trees. All utilities except electricity are off grid (a water well, sewage and heating). And all that for only 35.000 euros. An 80 sqm apartment in the town would cost me over 200.000. My family think I need to see a mental health doctor for leaving a "secure job" (in their view) for "no income living in the middle of nowhere" with almost 60. I, on the other hand, see it completely different and couldn't be happier for how it turned out so far. I can still take some occasional engineering or consultancy gig if need be, its perfectly doable online, but this property offers plenty of other opportunities and I'm pretty confident that I can survive without my corporate job and be self-sufficient. Thanks to my mother and grandmother I am skilled in traditional cooking, baking and canning, fermenting, dehydrating. I never gardened or kept animals myself except for helping my grandmother occasionally, but hey, if was capable of managing 10+ million euros projects and 50 male workers on construction site - I can learn how to garden and keep chickens :-)) While I'm still in the adjusting phase, I can already see a big change both physically and mentally. I hardly remember when I felt so calm and so full of positive energy.
My husband and I are in the privileged position of living in our little dream cottage. He is retired and I am now working part time. Covid has given me the luxury of working from home the last almost two years, giving me opportunity to spend copious amounts of time developing the property. Health issues (I have chronic Lyme disease) kept us from this life for a number of years, and it took over three years find an affordable and appropriate property. The only thing I would change is doing it sooner if it was possible.
@@joshblackburn thanks for your concern. I have a wonderful naturopathic doctor who has helped me gain and maintain a great level of health-I’m at 90-95%. I’ll look it up though.
@@joshblackburn I’m happy to see there’s something available for those across the drink-I’m in Atlantic Canada. Looks like many of the same treatments I have taken over the years. Good on them! 💚
Some years ago I wrote these words: A poet picks up his pen A photographer her camera A carpenter his chisel An embroiderer her needle to capture the whispers of the wind which can't be seen but are felt while their heartsong is created. Thank you for another lovely and interesting song, Daniel and congratulations on another milestone!
We are off grid in Australia and debt free (house paid off though the land needs work and we have limited time) but still in the rat race work-wise with office jobs. We are relatively frugal and also not party animals lol. Haven’t quite figured out the quitting plan yet but this is very helpful ❤️. Love your videos.
This is such a strong video for any person who has chosen to follow their heart instead of pursuing the ideas the dominant culture pressures us to buy into. Your analysis of the various options for escaping the rat race is spot on. As a self employed artist/crafts person, I've had to navigate through the financial obstacles that are at the root of the challenges you've faced in making your independent lifestyle work. I do believe your career counselor was correct in certain ways - you are gifted in English and you ARE a wonderful teacher who uses his carpentry skills to build the necessary structures for your holding. Your storytelling, weather it be tales from Mossy Bottom or other stories is superb. You teach in the best way possible - by example. Thanks so much for posting.
The outtakes at the end are SO adorable and funny. Very informative and reality based video. Too many people see the romanticism in your lifestyle without thinking of the reality part.
Moss reminds me so much of our dog, Bonnie (in my thumbnail), who had her times when she just could NOT get close enough! Ay, she was bonnie, and lived to over 16 years. We still miss her so much and her sister, who was much more a recluse. The outtake reminded me too how both were hair factories--shedding year round yet always with thick coats. You make great points about the community approach. Not only is creativity limited but you might well find most value expediency over doing things well the first time. Not to mention the abundance of egos to work around. Not every community has the inherent humility of the Amish. :-)
Growing up with most of my time spent at my Grandparents small farm, I knew that this is what I wanted at a very early age. What I learned from them was indeed priceless, now a Grandfather myself I have little to none as regrets go. I was blessed to find a wonderful lady and we married. 35yrs have passed since that wedding, We made it work by doing alot of what you mentioned. We raise pigs, beef cattle and chickens for market. Also many many gardens. We really enjoy your channel, Thank you for the videos. Stay safe and warm.
I laughed, I now know why you call your channel Mosey bottom, he had his butt pushing against you. We are sort of #4, we both work fulltime, and long commutes. We bought our land in our early 30s, built our house without a mortgage, while 5 of us live in a 24x24 ft house, that we had to make livable (it's now falling down), then 3 yrs ago, we went to work building out buildings and fencing for a couple goats, chickens and rabbits (which was my plan). My husband asked why are you doing this now when we could travel, I said you aren't seeing the bigger picture, (and I don't want to travel), then covid hit, and I said here is the bigger picture. This summer I butchered 9 chickens, 4 turkeys, and about 30 rabbits, as well as canned 40 qts of green beans (awful yr for gardening). I would go into work and then go home and can the chicken, turkey, and stock. It was exhausting, but it's done for the yr...I am 58 yrs old, and yes somethings take longer, and muscles hurt longer, but I'm happy to say I just finished hand digging and hauling the last of 20 tons of dirt to my raised beds and back filling buildings (it took 3 yrs). Maybe I could do a video for you to feature, definitely ups and downs.
Hello! You were part of my inspiration for The Cobden Cottage. After 40 years of renting and pursuing the rate race, when COVID hit I could work remotely so I bought a small parcel in the Midwestern US. I grow food here and live off the eggs and bison from neighbors in the small town that I live in. While I still work (I love my work) I am much happier than I was when I was throwing my money away as a renter. I am surrounded by woods and i can see the milky way at night. Life is good.
I'm likely going for option 4, and hopefully work remotely so I don't have the commute, and maybe slow transition to part time as mortgage gets paid off. I thrive in solitude, and getting ever more fed up with city life.
great advice. Now at 66 I am retired and find myself much less able to do work. But I am determined to continue on the path of growing food, not to the extend you do. But, I have such satisfaction in the little that I am able to do. Keep taking leaps, you inspire many people.
Hi - we've just completed on our house in France [yesterday] and we are mid travel down there to retire and become self sufficient. We have retired early, paid off our mortgage and saved like crazy so we could buy it cash. Can't wait to buy and sow the first seeds next week when we land. It has been pretty hard for me over the last few months not being able to sow and grow any autumn and winter crops [we can't take seeds or plants across the border], and I just want to get my hands in the soil again. Plus our new house has lizards on the wall in the summer and who doesn't love lizards??? My main key advice is to pay into a pension as soon as you can, and as much as you can, so that when you are exhausted of working for the man, you can draw down your pension early and invest it into schemes that give you a monthly income whilst you wait for the state pension. And be frugal as early as you can with regards to everything that you buy and use. I remember getting excited in the 80s that the town I'd moved to, had really good second hand clothes shops and everyone looking at me as if I'd lost it. But I still buy second hand whenever I can. We can't work for 5 years here so we will be using the time to build up a good seed bank so that when we can work, we have enough to start making another income from selling heritage organic seeds.
Hey Daniel, you are actually partly responsible for me and my family now living in west Clare on our 8 acre small holding. We sold everything and moved into our van a year and a half ago in search of a simple sustainable life. We have a never ending list of work to do that’s only getting bigger and I couldn’t be happier. So for the part you played thank you and if you are ever this way then feel free to drop in for a cuppa.
Quitting is a no-brainer and beautifully expressed, but ensuring there's enough money in the future is worrying for me. Pensions, sick pay etc., i would always have to work in some sort of conventional sense. In my area, most people living off grid are also signing on. Option 4 is a great way in, and also very typical here... working but living sustainably.
100k subs 👏 you now have the attention of a full Wembley stadium. Goes to show how many people are looking to pursue this way of life. Congrats on being brave enough to make this move.
I'm Irish, but living in Australia, working on getting home and building a similar life for myself. A few years ago, I bought the cottage with the land. It's beautiful, I can't wait to get home. On your point about the reluctance of people in Ireland to take on inherited property; we're a funny bunch when it comes to our history. I think there is a huge feeling of responsibility to take care of the place, maybe even improve it but also to honour our ancestors that went before us in the place and the hardships they had to endure, to give us what we now have. Sometimes that stress and feeling of obligation is huge. I'm so thankful that I managed to secure my own cottage, if I mess it all up, it's on me. I would have felt so much pressure if I had been expected to take on family property.
We did the same as you, realised in mid 30s that we didn't to continue with the previous lifestyle,my husband still works to support the development and I am full time farmer( I run a small scale market garden/plant nursery) it can be done if the person is fully committed and very motivated.
Sadly a big reason to keep your job in the US is lack of health care. Our health care here is tied to our jobs unless we private pay. Luckily you don't have to worry about that in UK but at 40 years old my health insurance alone is >$500/month. That's a lot of jam to sell at the farmer's market haha.
Another beautiful, gentle video. We don't fit into any of those categories. We both work full time and live out the homesteading dream in our ordinary garden with chickens, quail, guinapigs, a border collie and soon, angora rabbits! Everything we're learning about permaculture practices, seed saving and the wheel of the year is preparing us should we ever be in a position to take this lifestyle further.
I live in the US and have always watched videos on homesteads, gardening, carpentry, for years and had only come across your channel when I decided to do some reasearch on moving to Ireland. I've been stuck in the Rat race living in an apartment with my wife of 4 years and we both have built up the courage and drive to really start changing our lives and looking to greener pastures (quite literally in this sense). I appreciate all of your videos, thanks for giving me a little more hope as well.
Brilliant sweater! One question though: is he reading his monologues from prep cards or is he really that well spoken? I do not know ANYONE on UA-cam who delivers his or her speeches as effortlessly as he does. Whoever can answer this question will be forever in my prayers.
He speaks slowly and that also gives him time to elaborate his conversation. Plus he Is passionate on what he's talking about and knows his subject matter.
I love to see all your patreons at the end, it is wonderful to see how much support you have. I hope I can achieve a lifestyle like this in my lifetime.
Looking forward so much to your next utube entry Daniel, I so love them, and love Mossy the most! You are a true inspiration to living off grid. At 64 I am looking forward to doing the same! xxx
I think the path you took is an excellent one. I might just have to go off into the wild! …Btw, I recommend Avon ‘skin so soft’ spray for the midges. Apparently the marines use it - though that could just be a rumour. It worked well for me in western Scotland this summer though. But seriously, why are there still midges in October? 🤷♀️ Madness! …Lovely shots of the animals in this video 👍
This sort of thing is definitely at least partially my plans for when I've moved to Ireland again and when there's the opportunity... I know I'm going to need that nature contact.
Absolutely love your videos. I'm hoping to do the same next year but I'm aiming for Spain. Another way you perhaps haven't thought of if you're a property owner in the UK is to withdraw equity from a property in the UK. Then rent out the property when you move
I totally agree with the community part! I would love to live a selv sufficient life, but I don't want to live like a hermit. I would love to have my own land, but with neighbors who live similar lifestyles (just like you described). To be able to help each other, learn from each other and to fulfill social needs.
I'm part of a group looking to found this kind of community in South Wales. We're currently looking for new members if you're interested. ua-cam.com/video/0hCpbVVNTeA/v-deo.html
Start the smallholding where you are, learning about the reality of your dreams is better at least partly done before jumping. Even though you'll have to relearn parts on your future smallholding because of different (micro)climate and so on, the experience will help a lot. And maybe even if moving isn't in the cards, you'll be able to live your dream where you are after all.
We've been honing our skills gradually over the last few years just from a back garden in preparation for doing something similar - I think that is an important lesson for many not to make the adjustment too drastic and teach yourselves valuable skills before making the jump. Great video Daniel.
To have the courage to go for our dreams is so valuable. It all starts with the small steps I think. Our family of 6 did similar nearly 3 years ago, it’s been so hard in many ways but gosh it’s beautiful and rewarding. It took us 12 years of saving and hard work to get here and there is a life time of work to do starting it from scratch. Love your encouragement for others to step off the well worn path to ‘success’ to discover their own gentler path.
Love these type of videos of yours where you share advice and your experiences.it is not for everyone but we can all learn from your attitude to life and take something from it.
I wish I did live in Ireland as there is no cold winters like here in BC Canada. And being able to buy an acre for approx $60 k is tough. This video was just what I needed as at 57 years old and needing away from the fat race and to be in nature, and at the moment grieving the loss of my son 6 weeks ago…and painfully needing a place to heal and ground myself…..but not having all the knowledge regarding options….your video was very much needed. Thank you so much 🥰
A great summation of the options. I fall into the 50 something category looking to have a foot in both camps. Next year is the year we will make the move - I hope, So exciting but terrifying at the thought of moving my existing chickens, quail, geese and cats as well as our belongings. All the best. Mags
Thanks for another interesting and helpful video (watched at 2x speed lol). So true about waiting to pursue your dreams, I can understand why people do it, but it doesn't make sense for me personally. I'm mid 30s now and I feel some of my best years in terms of fitness are creeping behind me already! That kitten is a keeper, coming for a snuggle like that! And I loved the wardrobe coordination between you and Moss today!
Thank you for presenting such a great subject and conversation ! I have experienced several types of primitive off-grid /living off the land ( or sea!) but listening to you just now -wow I really understand how lucky I've been. I live in southern California and there has been a urban permaculture movement here for a while; for instance I belong to a community garden with 2 acres of land and about 65 members. We are stewards of the canyon that weaves deep between homes and apartments above. As much as I really desire 'creative control' to do my own thing, for me at this time of my life ( 66 years old) the community garden is perfect for the ebb and flow of my energy and interest. It would be be very cool however to do a meet-up with other community gardeners - and even a camping trip. We speak a particular language full of excitement over things the rest of the world never sees. Your garden looks beautiful in late autumn : )
hello, Daniel! me and my boyfriend are planning to do what you did, but it includes moving to a different continent (his native one), to a country with a closed financial system. very, very complicated and stressful to even think of. despite the geographical difference, your advice remains valid. I am very thankful to you for tackling the practical 'hows' - as I struggle to find this type of information elsewhere. as we struggle with all of this, it's very reassuring to be listening to you - we don't feel so alone anymore. I really wish we could be neighbours in that imaginary perfect homesteading community! I'd translate your subtitles or knit you and Moss matching sweaters in exchange for some woodwork :D
I always enjoy listening to your philosophy on how to make this lifestyle work -- or any lifestyle that includes frugality, simplicity and having more ownership over one's time. Your story is quite inspiring, and helps feed my intention to move in this direction for myself. Thanks so much. And blessings to you, and all your critters, as you journey forward. 🙏☮
This is lovely. I am in my mid-thirties, and I think options 4 and 6 apply to me. I plan to work for 10-15 years, make films about sustainable agriculture and find land for a homestead while I work. I dream of building a house almost like a medium bungalow or whatever best suits the environment that I will build upon. I visualize having solar panels and a small garden and food forest with diligence and patience. I don't know where it will be. I do know that I want it to be closer to nature, and as far as the sacrifices go... well, I reckon I will cross that bridge when I get there. One thing I will say about option 6 is that I am taking wilderness survival courses to see if I want to get my Wilderness First Responder certification, hence the interest. Thanks again, brother Daniel!
Thanks so much for this! The topic has been burning on my heart lately and your advice is very timely! So glad to see your success and constant growth.
A combo of most of these.... with the light growing extremely bright at the end of the tunnel. The new year beckons and you are one of my great inspirations!
Oh my goodness, Moss is so adorable and he was trying so hard to get and to keep your attention!!! Made me smile. You’ve definitely hit on a number of main points that made me seek a slower life and embrace the fact that climbing a career ladder no longer felt fulfilling or worthy. Thanks for such a thoughtful and beautiful video. ❤️🙏🏻
This was great. We moved to a small after our oldest was born because I was told I wouldn’t have more kids. This way she would have friends around her. So two more kids later a 5 acre farm was up for rent so we grabbed it. Raised them all on that farm while renting out our house in town. Two of our kids have their own farms now. One on 4 acres and the other on 8. We are back at our which we have paid off now. We have raised beds in our backyard and we do buy more at farmers markets. Going into our 70’s my husband is only working part time because we only have a small retirement. But am happy that I got to homeschool and raise our kids out in the country.
A very well espoused analysis,I think you will help a lot of people to make an informed decision ,your series certainly helped me. It took four years and an enormous stroke of luck to get here but now with my wife and daughter we’re of to a great start on our 3800 m3 plot with house and no mortgage.Good luck to you ,I’ll keep viewing.
Totally agree with your disadvantages for option 3!! We not at retirement age nor are we mortgage free - we are somewhere between option 1 and option 3? At age 46 we have finally saved enough to move onto 10 acres, but we have spent the last 24+ years working long hours siting on our butts in an office job - believe me health and fitness is a BIG DEAL !! :)
Me and my partner have been dreaming about a move to Ireland on a small-holding for years now, and your videos have really helped add definition and weight to that dream. I was wondering, over the course of your journey, if you've met any physically disabled folks who managed to be successful living this kind of life? My partner is disabled, and we fully intend on pursuing this lifestyle regardless. Thank you!
hello - yes I have known a farm manager here in San Diego CA who was paraplegic and used a cool farm vehicle to get around. I think if you can customize the environment for ease and safety - why not? there is a organization in UK - Disability Horizons- might ask them. Best to you
I always love hearing your story; it's so inspirational and beautiful. One day I want to wake up to the sounds of birds and not cars honking and congrats on 100 thousand subs Daniel!
Nice visit and fun to see the animals too. You might want to try ordering a Bug Baffler net jacket from Cabela catalog. They are light and you forget you are wearing one. It can be made to cover your arms, neck, face, even hands, depending upon how you zip it. I used one for years when I walked my 6 dogs in the woods and to the river. It made all the difference between hurrying along miserably and enjoying it at my leisure. I like the music too. thanks
Your place is so beautiful with all the flowers growing around you and seems so picturesque with Moss at your knee, your rabbits and chickens and cats moving around as you talk. Thank you for sharing this with us along with all your tips for those who want to live your way of life. I just like to watch your videos and enjoy all the beauty and peace without enduring the midges!!
I’m trying to get out of the system! I recently purchased 13 acres of which 5.5 acres are woodland. I’m in my late 30’s and still work a full time job, I have 3 children so need the income. I’m hopeful that in 2-3 years I’ll have enough financial security and the land will be producing enough so that I can quit the job and start living a better life
Laughed out loud at Moss trying to get your attention 😍 thank you for this, I am trying to do the #1 - still in the first 10 years of working, living frugally, saving, investing. Perhaps not to be completely off grid, but to grow all my food, spend more time outdoors in nature and live simply. I can't wait ❤️
In the uk land and “cottages” are a lot more expensive than Ireland. I really hope to save enough to live off grid by the time I’m 40. Why 40? Well I’m hopefully going into the navy soon and if successful I will stay in for as long as I can then retire on a smallholding. I also want to be a firefighter so I wouldn’t be fully self-sufficient I’d still want some kind of income and a job, then I’d have a pension for when I’m old and can’t work the land as much. Brilliant video, lots of good tips and point🙏🏻
100,000 followers is just a blink away. Congratulations, well deserved. This video is one of the best you’ve produced, IMO. You have a gift. Thank you for sharing with us.
Back in the 70's, my parents who had been raised during the great depression did this- found a property that had a derelict house that sat in the middle of 80 acres. The biggest thing they had going for them was my father still had all his equipment and tools from when he was in business as an excavating contractor. But at the time they had almost no money. They lived in the run down house for several years and my mom grew huge gardens (all organic) and canned what they couldn't eat. When they had saved enough money to buy the material to build a new house, my father insulated the 2 car garage, and they moved into that and lived there for a year and a half while they worked on building the new house completely by themselves. I have a couple of suggestions for you; you say you have a problem with slugs in your garden? Get a shallow pan (like a pie plate) and fill it with beer. Slugs love the stuff, and they climb into the pan and can't get out. Put several of them in your garden, spaced about 5-6 feet apart. You need the ground nice and fluffy to plant your carrots? During the winter, get some burlap or other fabric and slather honey or molasses on one side, and place it on the ground with the sticky side down. It will attract all the earthworms in the area which in turn aerate the soil. You mentioned that your grandfather had flowers planted in his garden. That wasn't just for looks, some flowers repel certain insects and help keep your garden pest free. Lastly, in the country people who want to be self sufficient rely on a magazine called Mother Earth News-
Your videos are not only greatly inspirational but also very educational. I guess that your counselor was right in this regard (when he was suggesting a career as a teacher. Mine would have a bit of a problem since I'm only good at singing and arts so nothing really practical :D ). You made some really good points and I think that this might help many people in their decesion making (me included). I suppose I could easily fit in the option 2, however I would love to leave my country one day so I'm not really sure if I want to bind myself to the property (and a land) here even more. I would actually prefer to buy a piece of land somewhere abroad and to live in a vardo or a caravan, (or to build a tiny house eventually) and to try to live off grid as much as it would be possible. What I want most of all is freedom and I certainly don't wan't any mortgage. For income I would try to sell produce, grow herbs (make herbal teas, tinctures, remedies) or try my luck in jewelry making. I have to admit that I was also thinking about communal living as you've mentioned but as a quite shy and introverted person who actually enjoys my own company and solitude, it would be quite a challenge. I also don't really like being told what to do by others and I feel that this would be a bit of a problem as well. So far I have a plan, am saving what I can and the only thing that I'm really lacking is courage, but being in my late twenties I'm still quite optimistic to find it soon enough. Thank you again for the video and for being an incredible source of inspiration. Love the outtakes at the end :)
I did #1, I saved and saved and bought a house and 2.5 acres of land here in Finland in September, I'm moving in with my dog as we speak. I still have to sell my current apartment, after that I will be debt free! I've had this in mind for the last 15 years, but I've always had a job or a girlfriend to prevent me from doing this, now I was free to finally do it (financially and otherwise), and when I started noticing small aches and pains (I'm in my early 40's) waking up in the morning, I thought it's now or never and finally decided to do it. When I told a friend about the whole thing and my plans, he said "oh like that mossy bottom dude?", I didn't know what he was talking about, but I found your channel, binge watched all your videos and was a bit surprised how we share such similar thoughts and ideas! Thanks for the videos, I've learned a lot by watching them!
Suomi on kaunis maa! Tahdon asua siellä
We did the exact same thing this time last year, but in Estonia. Just over the water from you!
Totally raw land, 5 acres of forest and pasture, in the middle of now where.
It’s been a serious learning curve and we’ve grown so much… but it’s so worth it!
“They” say that the first 5 years are the hardest, I can confirm it’s been a rough one, but it’s so rewarding.
Every time we make something better or build something new, we call it levelling up :)
Drop me a message if you’d like to link up and chat… ☺️
Wishing you everything good and happy! Good luck 👍.
how cool! ive lived in finland for a bit and actually want to do the same. seeing the space there and how cheap the land can be opent my eyes and made me feel like it is more possible then you sometimes feel like. where did you buy land? and why finland?
Find a girlfriend that is willing to do it with u!
You forgot to add emotional maturity, resilience, curiosity, willingness to learn, positive outlook and goals....all of which you have in abundance. Thanks for another thoughtful video.
And you are a bit of a carpenter and a teacher to us all. The counselor was not completely wrong.
Sounds like another Dude who was a bit of a carpenter and a teacher to us all :.)
❤️
@@Sammyli99 ❤️
I like how Daniel & Moss are wearing matching outfits! :) You two are just great.
I noticed that too😊
I had a giggle when I noticed that too... So cute!
Yupp! Thought that too lol
Proof that you get like those you live with! 🤣
“Escaping to the Country” is very un-relatable 😆 which is why we need channels like this!
I have a love hate relationship with your videos. I love seeing your way of life and hate how it makes me reflect on my own. 😂 Oh the painnn. Sending all the well wishes.
I get that 😅
aloot of us like that out there make no mistake!!
Hello Daniel,you made a great point when saying that some folks who inherited some small holding might want to get away from that which they had lived on from birth.
I am one such person and I will explain why.
It is in a remote place in Roscommon and I loved it when my lovely parents were still there but when they passed I couldn't think of staying there due to the isolation I might have to deal with in later life.
I sold all and bought a farmhouse nearby and restored it with a beautiful view of lakes and hills and people all around and I'm so happy.
Love your Chanel 😍🍀🍀🍀.
I'm living in Roscommon myself. Hello neighbour! 👋
My way out: at 40 my husband and I bought an old house in the country on a 1/4 acre plot BUT in the French speaking part of the country. So I went back to school ( still in the French part of the country) and got a teacher degree. It only took two years to become a teacher and since then I've got a full time job in a school next to a forest. As I came from Antwerp, I couldnt' dream of anything better than that. Meanwhile we have an organic (of course) vegetable plot of about 300m2 as well as a 'bee park'( native plants that attrack all sorts of polinating insects) of 100m2, some fruit trees, a chestnut tree and a walnut tree. We haven't got any animals except a dog therefore I love even more watching your youtube video's. Thank you very much!
Great video. Thanks.
Unfortunately none of those options would have been possible for my hubby and self. So we found a 7th option. Turn what we gave into what we wish we could have making compromises to make it happen, instead of bemoaning dreams we could never achieve. 😊 we are turning our suburban home and garden into a micro-homestead. Decided to make it happen right here and now. Thanks for the inspiration.
I´m option 4, but doing it by myself. 😅 After the hefty commute - its so peaceful to come home to my little woodland smallholding. No animals but my dogs and cat yet, and my pallet garden has stopped producing for the fall. I love making plans for next spring, and in the future I want chickens, and dreaming of working part time. 💕
So proud of all you do . I'm 60 and live on a narrowboat , but if I could turn the clock back , I'd do exactly as you're doing, well done Daniel xx
60 and narrowboat? How cool is that? As Daniel would say , you're 'all in' with both feet- congrats!
Are you the one singing? Sounds good. I have a similar small place in Finland, very modest but there’s no loan. God gave Adam and Eve a job to take care of the garden, and job description has not changed. I think that”s why people have this urge inside to do this. Just a thought! I enjoy your videos very much, thank you for them!
How do you manage the rather chilly winters there? I was half way through emigrating to Finland when the Brexit vote hit and bowled my plans over but I have not entirely given up … … …
I’ve gone for half and half. I’ve done off grid on a boat for four years and frankly I’m too old and no longer interested in going the whole hog. As my husband likes his job owning a recording studio (worst paid job ever) he needs to commute to the city so we compromised, sold our over priced city house (tiny) and bought a small 200 year old cottage in a semi rural location and paid off the mortgage. The cottage came with a field on a hillside, where I keep chickens and grow food and flowers. It could be off grid, it’s doable. I already collect my drinking water from a local spring. If I was thirty years younger I’d definitely go for a small holding but in my mid sixties I’m not so keen, I have herbs drying all over the place for teas and bottled food and pickled eggs. Two freezers full to bursting. What’s not to like?
Sounds ideal, I’m with you on that.
Yes me too (66) but in reality not interested at all in hauling laundry to town because well /and or pump can't run a washing machine. I think Daniel expressed that he really was worn-out hauling water by bucket and how great a time saver his pump and hose solution turned out to be. But really I am thinking -wow let me fill my days with as much joy and fulfillment as I can vs back breaking labor ;)
As a more ‘mature ‘ homesteader/smallholder’ living in Wales ( and having moved here only two years ago ) we practiced and developed self-sufficiency skills before we moved and are learning new skills all the time. Being ‘retired ‘ is completely the wrong word in our situation. It’s more a new career! We’re lucky enough to be in good health and hope to keep going for many years yet.
Wow - so close to 100K subscribers - well done (in advance). Definitely not failing. x
I grew up on a farm in Victoria, Australia. I was evacuated in the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, and my home burnt down. I will be moving back next year, and putting a modular home on it, going off grid. I'm in my 40s and hope to spend the rest of my life there this time. I'll be putting a sprinkler system on the roof, just in case I have to evacuate again if I fire sweeps through. With a modular home, it will take less time to re-build if it does burn down. Looking forward to going back to the bush and growing all my own fruit and vegetables like my family did when I was growing up. :)
I survived the 2009 bush fires living in thebush out of Melbourne. Scary. Loved the environmental living zone (where we worked to maintain the native bush ad flora and fauna. Attempts to grow fruit and veg largely failed due to loss of topsoil and the hilly terrain). AAt74 I looked to another life as the bush living just too hard. I now am on edge of a creek in a retirement community full of very interesting people. Live your dream.
Plant, if you're allowed to, Cypress trees around your home. They do not have resin in their sap, but water, so in times of fire, they act as fire breaks. They discovered this in Portugal some years ago when does swept through that country. The properties that were surrounded by cypress did not get burned.
IT is nice to see you you tub films. I live in norway, over 60, groving lot of food. I always wanted a smaal holding, but when you find love in a policman, and get 4 children you have to live whit that😊. Now we have got more time, derfor I kan grow in an alopment pluss my garden. There we grow appels, ploms, and all cains of berys. And we have the natur nearby whit the montens and a cottages. So we have to be happy were we are now. 💚Sorry for my bad english.
I am lacking good health and youth( 76) but I still mentally yearn for the 'good life".
You have achieved much.
Thank you Daniel for inspiring stories and great videos! I took a leap of faith and jumped last summer - in my late 50s, empty nested and since 2019 single after 30 years of marriage, I told to myself its now or never. Exchanged all my 30+ year long high-flying career in corporate world, all my degrees (MSc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering) and life on the 18th floor of skyscraper in the capital city for a 1,2 acre homestead in small remote village with only 8 scattered houses, some 2 hr drive from the capital . I bought the property completely ready to move in, with a 80 sqm house mostly finished (ground floor livable, upper under-roof area in high roh-bau stage), with chicken coops and pig dens move-in ready, a workshop and a garage, and a 5 year old orchard with 500 hazelnut trees and 120 various fruit trees. All utilities except electricity are off grid (a water well, sewage and heating). And all that for only 35.000 euros. An 80 sqm apartment in the town would cost me over 200.000. My family think I need to see a mental health doctor for leaving a "secure job" (in their view) for "no income living in the middle of nowhere" with almost 60. I, on the other hand, see it completely different and couldn't be happier for how it turned out so far. I can still take some occasional engineering or consultancy gig if need be, its perfectly doable online, but this property offers plenty of other opportunities and I'm pretty confident that I can survive without my corporate job and be self-sufficient. Thanks to my mother and grandmother I am skilled in traditional cooking, baking and canning, fermenting, dehydrating. I never gardened or kept animals myself except for helping my grandmother occasionally, but hey, if was capable of managing 10+ million euros projects and 50 male workers on construction site - I can learn how to garden and keep chickens :-)) While I'm still in the adjusting phase, I can already see a big change both physically and mentally. I hardly remember when I felt so calm and so full of positive energy.
My husband and I are in the privileged position of living in our little dream cottage. He is retired and I am now working part time. Covid has given me the luxury of working from home the last almost two years, giving me opportunity to spend copious amounts of time developing the property. Health issues (I have chronic Lyme disease) kept us from this life for a number of years, and it took over three years find an affordable and appropriate property. The only thing I would change is doing it sooner if it was possible.
Look in to a place called Health Bunker in the UK. Dom and his team will be able to help.
I wish you well.
@@joshblackburn thanks for your concern. I have a wonderful naturopathic doctor who has helped me gain and maintain a great level of health-I’m at 90-95%. I’ll look it up though.
@@joshblackburn I’m happy to see there’s something available for those across the drink-I’m in Atlantic Canada. Looks like many of the same treatments I have taken over the years. Good on them! 💚
@Rose Doucet Their information on parasites and how they cleanse them is particularly interesting.
Some years ago I wrote these words:
A poet picks up his pen
A photographer her camera
A carpenter his chisel
An embroiderer her needle
to capture the whispers of the wind
which can't be seen but are felt
while their heartsong is created.
Thank you for another lovely and interesting song, Daniel and congratulations on another milestone!
We are off grid in Australia and debt free (house paid off though the land needs work and we have limited time) but still in the rat race work-wise with office jobs. We are relatively frugal and also not party animals lol. Haven’t quite figured out the quitting plan yet but this is very helpful ❤️. Love your videos.
This is such a strong video for any person who has chosen to follow their heart instead of pursuing the ideas the dominant culture pressures us to buy into. Your analysis of the various options for escaping the rat race is spot on. As a self employed artist/crafts person, I've had to navigate through the financial obstacles that are at the root of the challenges you've faced in making your independent lifestyle work. I do believe your career counselor was correct in certain ways - you are gifted in English and you ARE a wonderful teacher who uses his carpentry skills to build the necessary structures for your holding. Your storytelling, weather it be tales from Mossy Bottom or other stories is superb. You teach in the best way possible - by example. Thanks so much for posting.
😊 good evening from Bournemouth, thanks for some of the most relaxing videos on UA-cam!
The outtakes at the end are SO adorable and funny. Very informative and reality based video. Too many people see the romanticism in your lifestyle without thinking of the reality part.
Bickering like a married couple. Haha.
I always make sure to stay for the fun outtakes. Daniel, you and Moss are natural comedians!
Moss reminds me so much of our dog, Bonnie (in my thumbnail), who had her times when she just could NOT get close enough! Ay, she was bonnie, and lived to over 16 years. We still miss her so much and her sister, who was much more a recluse. The outtake reminded me too how both were hair factories--shedding year round yet always with thick coats.
You make great points about the community approach. Not only is creativity limited but you might well find most value expediency over doing things well the first time. Not to mention the abundance of egos to work around. Not every community has the inherent humility of the Amish. :-)
Growing up with most of my time spent at my Grandparents small farm, I knew that this is what I wanted at a very early age. What I learned from them was indeed priceless, now a Grandfather myself I have little to none as regrets go. I was blessed to find a wonderful lady and we married. 35yrs have passed since that wedding, We made it work by doing alot of what you mentioned. We raise pigs, beef cattle and chickens for market. Also many many gardens. We really enjoy your channel, Thank you for the videos. Stay safe and warm.
I laughed, I now know why you call your channel Mosey bottom, he had his butt pushing against you. We are sort of #4, we both work fulltime, and long commutes. We bought our land in our early 30s, built our house without a mortgage, while 5 of us live in a 24x24 ft house, that we had to make livable (it's now falling down), then 3 yrs ago, we went to work building out buildings and fencing for a couple goats, chickens and rabbits (which was my plan). My husband asked why are you doing this now when we could travel, I said you aren't seeing the bigger picture, (and I don't want to travel), then covid hit, and I said here is the bigger picture. This summer I butchered 9 chickens, 4 turkeys, and about 30 rabbits, as well as canned 40 qts of green beans (awful yr for gardening). I would go into work and then go home and can the chicken, turkey, and stock. It was exhausting, but it's done for the yr...I am 58 yrs old, and yes somethings take longer, and muscles hurt longer, but I'm happy to say I just finished hand digging and hauling the last of 20 tons of dirt to my raised beds and back filling buildings (it took 3 yrs). Maybe I could do a video for you to feature, definitely ups and downs.
Hello! You were part of my inspiration for The Cobden Cottage. After 40 years of renting and pursuing the rate race, when COVID hit I could work remotely so I bought a small parcel in the Midwestern US. I grow food here and live off the eggs and bison from neighbors in the small town that I live in. While I still work (I love my work) I am much happier than I was when I was throwing my money away as a renter. I am surrounded by woods and i can see the milky way at night. Life is good.
Well done for you! Best regards
I'm likely going for option 4, and hopefully work remotely so I don't have the commute, and maybe slow transition to part time as mortgage gets paid off. I thrive in solitude, and getting ever more fed up with city life.
great advice. Now at 66 I am retired and find myself much less able to do work. But I am determined to continue on the path of growing food, not to the extend you do. But, I have such satisfaction in the little that I am able to do. Keep taking leaps, you inspire many people.
Hi - we've just completed on our house in France [yesterday] and we are mid travel down there to retire and become self sufficient. We have retired early, paid off our mortgage and saved like crazy so we could buy it cash. Can't wait to buy and sow the first seeds next week when we land. It has been pretty hard for me over the last few months not being able to sow and grow any autumn and winter crops [we can't take seeds or plants across the border], and I just want to get my hands in the soil again. Plus our new house has lizards on the wall in the summer and who doesn't love lizards???
My main key advice is to pay into a pension as soon as you can, and as much as you can, so that when you are exhausted of working for the man, you can draw down your pension early and invest it into schemes that give you a monthly income whilst you wait for the state pension. And be frugal as early as you can with regards to everything that you buy and use. I remember getting excited in the 80s that the town I'd moved to, had really good second hand clothes shops and everyone looking at me as if I'd lost it. But I still buy second hand whenever I can.
We can't work for 5 years here so we will be using the time to build up a good seed bank so that when we can work, we have enough to start making another income from selling heritage organic seeds.
Carpenter and teacher you are as well as motivator, inspirer, problem solver, and agent of change.
Hey Daniel, you are actually partly responsible for me and my family now living in west Clare on our 8 acre small holding. We sold everything and moved into our van a year and a half ago in search of a simple sustainable life. We have a never ending list of work to do that’s only getting bigger and I couldn’t be happier. So for the part you played thank you and if you are ever this way then feel free to drop in for a cuppa.
Hey, Daniel, I just love your family of animals. They appear to be just as relaxed and contented as yourself. Keep up the good work !!
Quitting is a no-brainer and beautifully expressed, but ensuring there's enough money in the future is worrying for me. Pensions, sick pay etc., i would always have to work in some sort of conventional sense. In my area, most people living off grid are also signing on. Option 4 is a great way in, and also very typical here... working but living sustainably.
Working from home for example
I really enjoy your outlook on life ❤️
100k subs 👏 you now have the attention of a full Wembley stadium. Goes to show how many people are looking to pursue this way of life. Congrats on being brave enough to make this move.
Love your kindness and simplicity.
Dog, cats, and all lovely.
I'm Irish, but living in Australia, working on getting home and building a similar life for myself. A few years ago, I bought the cottage with the land. It's beautiful, I can't wait to get home.
On your point about the reluctance of people in Ireland to take on inherited property; we're a funny bunch when it comes to our history. I think there is a huge feeling of responsibility to take care of the place, maybe even improve it but also to honour our ancestors that went before us in the place and the hardships they had to endure, to give us what we now have. Sometimes that stress and feeling of obligation is huge. I'm so thankful that I managed to secure my own cottage, if I mess it all up, it's on me. I would have felt so much pressure if I had been expected to take on family property.
We did the same as you, realised in mid 30s that we didn't to continue with the previous lifestyle,my husband still works to support the development and I am full time farmer( I run a small scale market garden/plant nursery) it can be done if the person is fully committed and very motivated.
I was option 3, got a retirement package at 55,, downsized to a small bungalow in rural Suffolk, mortgage free.
So proud of you never change
Sadly a big reason to keep your job in the US is lack of health care. Our health care here is tied to our jobs unless we private pay. Luckily you don't have to worry about that in UK but at 40 years old my health insurance alone is >$500/month. That's a lot of jam to sell at the farmer's market haha.
He lives in Ireland joe.i lived for a few yrs in Florida and I do remember the torture of finding good health insurance so I do feel your pain.
The way things are heading in the UK (and the west in general) there'll be no NHS .,.
If you're interested, the Dutch American Friendship Treaty is worth a look. There are ways out of America.
It was $1200/mos for health insurance in my early 60s
Another beautiful, gentle video. We don't fit into any of those categories. We both work full time and live out the homesteading dream in our ordinary garden with chickens, quail, guinapigs, a border collie and soon, angora rabbits! Everything we're learning about permaculture practices, seed saving and the wheel of the year is preparing us should we ever be in a position to take this lifestyle further.
I live in the US and have always watched videos on homesteads, gardening, carpentry, for years and had only come across your channel when I decided to do some reasearch on moving to Ireland. I've been stuck in the Rat race living in an apartment with my wife of 4 years and we both have built up the courage and drive to really start changing our lives and looking to greener pastures (quite literally in this sense). I appreciate all of your videos, thanks for giving me a little more hope as well.
Brilliant sweater! One question though: is he reading his monologues from prep cards or is he really that well spoken? I do not know ANYONE on UA-cam who delivers his or her speeches as effortlessly as he does. Whoever can answer this question will be forever in my prayers.
No prep cards. He’s a natural speaker. God bless you 🙏
He’s a well spoken Englishman, nothing unusual in that, but always pleasant to listen to.🇬🇧
He speaks slowly and that also gives him time to elaborate his conversation. Plus he Is passionate on what he's talking about and knows his subject matter.
I love to see all your patreons at the end, it is wonderful to see how much support you have. I hope I can achieve a lifestyle like this in my lifetime.
Looking forward so much to your next utube entry Daniel, I so love them, and love Mossy the most! You are a true inspiration to living off grid. At 64 I am looking forward to doing the same! xxx
I'm stunned that we have the same assessment result. I am now a teacher and because of you I'm starting to be self-sufficient.
I think learning to be frugal is how to start and learning to live of as little as possible
I think the path you took is an excellent one. I might just have to go off into the wild! …Btw, I recommend Avon ‘skin so soft’ spray for the midges. Apparently the marines use it - though that could just be a rumour. It worked well for me in western Scotland this summer though. But seriously, why are there still midges in October? 🤷♀️ Madness! …Lovely shots of the animals in this video 👍
I take vitamin B1 tablets daily in order to combat midges.
A strong dose of peppermint oil also seems to help with midges, but you have to be committed to the very strong smell.
This sort of thing is definitely at least partially my plans for when I've moved to Ireland again and when there's the opportunity... I know I'm going to need that nature contact.
My Latin teacher in the 70s would quip that we should take Spanish and woodwork and be a joiner in Madrid… seemed funny at the time.
Absolutely love your videos. I'm hoping to do the same next year but I'm aiming for Spain. Another way you perhaps haven't thought of if you're a property owner in the UK is to withdraw equity from a property in the UK. Then rent out the property when you move
I totally agree with the community part! I would love to live a selv sufficient life, but I don't want to live like a hermit. I would love to have my own land, but with neighbors who live similar lifestyles (just like you described). To be able to help each other, learn from each other and to fulfill social needs.
I'm part of a group looking to found this kind of community in South Wales. We're currently looking for new members if you're interested. ua-cam.com/video/0hCpbVVNTeA/v-deo.html
Empty store shelves, climbing prices, mandates, lockdowns, corruption, etc. underscores your wisdom.
It makes so much sense to escape normal society right now and get back to the roots of our human existence.
Start the smallholding where you are, learning about the reality of your dreams is better at least partly done before jumping. Even though you'll have to relearn parts on your future smallholding because of different (micro)climate and so on, the experience will help a lot. And maybe even if moving isn't in the cards, you'll be able to live your dream where you are after all.
We've been honing our skills gradually over the last few years just from a back garden in preparation for doing something similar - I think that is an important lesson for many not to make the adjustment too drastic and teach yourselves valuable skills before making the jump. Great video Daniel.
P.S we've added you to our list of favourite youtubers on our channel ;)
I will never have even a safe home so watching you do this channel brings me so much inner calm/escapism.
To have the courage to go for our dreams is so valuable. It all starts with the small steps I think.
Our family of 6 did similar nearly 3 years ago, it’s been so hard in many ways but gosh it’s beautiful and rewarding. It took us 12 years of saving and hard work to get here and there is a life time of work to do starting it from scratch.
Love your encouragement for others to step off the well worn path to ‘success’ to discover their own gentler path.
That career counselor was accurate!
You are both a carpenter and a teacher!
Love these type of videos of yours where you share advice and your experiences.it is not for everyone but we can all learn from your attitude to life and take something from it.
I wish I did live in Ireland as there is no cold winters like here in BC Canada. And being able to buy an acre for approx $60 k is tough. This video was just what I needed as at 57 years old and needing away from the fat race and to be in nature, and at the moment grieving the loss of my son 6 weeks ago…and painfully needing a place to heal and ground myself…..but not having all the knowledge regarding options….your video was very much needed.
Thank you so much 🥰
#Sherri, sorry for your loss of your son 🕊
@@m-o-l thank you so much for taking the time to reply some kind words. 🥰🇨🇦
I hope that some peace and serenity comes along in the wake of your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sherri.
A great summation of the options. I fall into the 50 something category looking to have a foot in both camps. Next year is the year we will make the move - I hope, So exciting but terrifying at the thought of moving my existing chickens, quail, geese and cats as well as our belongings. All the best. Mags
Thanks for another interesting and helpful video (watched at 2x speed lol). So true about waiting to pursue your dreams, I can understand why people do it, but it doesn't make sense for me personally. I'm mid 30s now and I feel some of my best years in terms of fitness are creeping behind me already!
That kitten is a keeper, coming for a snuggle like that! And I loved the wardrobe coordination between you and Moss today!
🥂🍾🥳🎉🎈🎊 Massive Congratulations 👏 on reaching 100K subscribers
Inherited with a mortgage, but keeping my job, renovating for the sale. $$ to go toward a retirement cottage homestead. I love the option 5.
I’m not planning on moving to a small holding, but I find your videos relaxing!
Thank you for presenting such a great subject and conversation ! I have experienced several types of primitive off-grid /living off the land ( or sea!) but listening to you just now -wow I really understand how lucky I've been. I live in southern California and there has been a urban permaculture movement here for a while; for instance I belong to a community garden with 2 acres of land and about 65 members. We are stewards of the canyon that weaves deep between homes and apartments above. As much as I really desire 'creative control' to do my own thing, for me at this time of my life ( 66 years old) the community garden is perfect for the ebb and flow of my energy and interest. It would be be very cool however to do a meet-up with other community gardeners - and even a camping trip. We speak a particular language full of excitement over things the rest of the world never sees. Your garden looks beautiful in late autumn : )
hello, Daniel! me and my boyfriend are planning to do what you did, but it includes moving to a different continent (his native one), to a country with a closed financial system. very, very complicated and stressful to even think of. despite the geographical difference, your advice remains valid. I am very thankful to you for tackling the practical 'hows' - as I struggle to find this type of information elsewhere.
as we struggle with all of this, it's very reassuring to be listening to you - we don't feel so alone anymore. I really wish we could be neighbours in that imaginary perfect homesteading community! I'd translate your subtitles or knit you and Moss matching sweaters in exchange for some woodwork :D
Love this channel Daniel. Ireland is my most favourite place in the world. I would love to live there as you. Thank you
I always enjoy listening to your philosophy on how to make this lifestyle work -- or any lifestyle that includes frugality, simplicity and having more ownership over one's time. Your story is quite inspiring, and helps feed my intention to move in this direction for myself. Thanks so much. And blessings to you, and all your critters, as you journey forward. 🙏☮
This is lovely. I am in my mid-thirties, and I think options 4 and 6 apply to me. I plan to work for 10-15 years, make films about sustainable agriculture and find land for a homestead while I work. I dream of building a house almost like a medium bungalow or whatever best suits the environment that I will build upon. I visualize having solar panels and a small garden and food forest with diligence and patience. I don't know where it will be. I do know that I want it to be closer to nature, and as far as the sacrifices go... well, I reckon I will cross that bridge when I get there. One thing I will say about option 6 is that I am taking wilderness survival courses to see if I want to get my Wilderness First Responder certification, hence the interest. Thanks again, brother Daniel!
Thanks so much for this! The topic has been burning on my heart lately and your advice is very timely! So glad to see your success and constant growth.
He seems like a genuinely nice guy. Maybe it's the British accent, but it's so easy to listen to! Love the dog!!
Thank you 🙂
A combo of most of these.... with the light growing extremely bright at the end of the tunnel. The new year beckons and you are one of my great inspirations!
Oh my goodness, Moss is so adorable and he was trying so hard to get and to keep your attention!!! Made me smile. You’ve definitely hit on a number of main points that made me seek a slower life and embrace the fact that climbing a career ladder no longer felt fulfilling or worthy. Thanks for such a thoughtful and beautiful video. ❤️🙏🏻
This was great. We moved to a small after our oldest was born because I was told I wouldn’t have more kids. This way she would have friends around her. So two more kids later a 5 acre farm was up for rent so we grabbed it. Raised them all on that farm while renting out our house in town. Two of our kids have their own farms now. One on 4 acres and the other on 8. We are back at our which we have paid off now. We have raised beds in our backyard and we do buy more at farmers markets. Going into our 70’s my husband is only working part time because we only have a small retirement. But am happy that I got to homeschool and raise our kids out in the country.
A very well espoused analysis,I think you will help a lot of people to make an informed decision ,your series certainly helped me.
It took four years and an enormous stroke of luck to get here but now with my wife and daughter we’re of to a great start on our 3800 m3 plot with house and no mortgage.Good luck to you ,I’ll keep viewing.
Totally agree with your disadvantages for option 3!! We not at retirement age nor are we mortgage free - we are somewhere between option 1 and option 3? At age 46 we have finally saved enough to move onto 10 acres, but we have spent the last 24+ years working long hours siting on our butts in an office job - believe me health and fitness is a BIG DEAL !! :)
You can do all of this in your suburban backyard and remote work.
Me and my partner have been dreaming about a move to Ireland on a small-holding for years now, and your videos have really helped add definition and weight to that dream. I was wondering, over the course of your journey, if you've met any physically disabled folks who managed to be successful living this kind of life? My partner is disabled, and we fully intend on pursuing this lifestyle regardless. Thank you!
hello - yes I have known a farm manager here in San Diego CA who was paraplegic and used a cool farm vehicle to get around. I think if you can customize the environment for ease and safety - why not? there is a organization in UK - Disability Horizons- might ask them. Best to you
I always love hearing your story; it's so inspirational and beautiful.
One day I want to wake up to the sounds of birds and not cars honking
and congrats on 100 thousand subs Daniel!
Nice visit and fun to see the animals too. You might want to try ordering a Bug Baffler net jacket from Cabela catalog. They are light and you forget you are wearing one. It can be made to cover your arms, neck, face, even hands, depending upon how you zip it. I used one for years when I walked my 6 dogs in the woods and to the river. It made all the difference between hurrying along miserably and enjoying it at my leisure. I like the music too. thanks
Just seeing you with all your animals brings a huge smile to my face 💜😁
Your place is so beautiful with all the flowers growing around you and seems so picturesque with Moss at your knee, your rabbits and chickens and cats moving around as you talk. Thank you for sharing this with us along with all your tips for those who want to live your way of life. I just like to watch your videos and enjoy all the beauty and peace without enduring the midges!!
So very refreshing.. finding your channel seems to have been yet another sign the universe is giving me!
Great info, delighted you're showing people the way!
I’m trying to get out of the system! I recently purchased 13 acres of which 5.5 acres are woodland. I’m in my late 30’s and still work a full time job, I have 3 children so need the income. I’m hopeful that in 2-3 years I’ll have enough financial security and the land will be producing enough so that I can quit the job and start living a better life
Laughed out loud at Moss trying to get your attention 😍 thank you for this, I am trying to do the #1 - still in the first 10 years of working, living frugally, saving, investing. Perhaps not to be completely off grid, but to grow all my food, spend more time outdoors in nature and live simply. I can't wait ❤️
Great thoughtful run down and food for thought for those contemplating this.
Almost 100k subscribers! Fighting!
In the uk land and “cottages” are a lot more expensive than Ireland.
I really hope to save enough to live off grid by the time I’m 40.
Why 40? Well I’m hopefully going into the navy soon and if successful I will stay in for as long as I can then retire on a smallholding.
I also want to be a firefighter so I wouldn’t be fully self-sufficient I’d still want some kind of income and a job, then I’d have a pension for when I’m old and can’t work the land as much.
Brilliant video, lots of good tips and point🙏🏻
That's unfortunately because the British aristocracy owns more than half the land in your country. You could try Wales or Scotland ...
100,000 followers is just a blink away. Congratulations, well deserved. This video is one of the best you’ve produced, IMO. You have a gift. Thank you for sharing with us.
All good advice, Daniel! Thank you😊
Back in the 70's, my parents who had been raised during the great depression did this- found a property that had a derelict house that sat in the middle of 80 acres. The biggest thing they had going for them was my father still had all his equipment and tools from when he was in business as an excavating contractor. But at the time they had almost no money. They lived in the run down house for several years and my mom grew huge gardens (all organic) and canned what they couldn't eat. When they had saved enough money to buy the material to build a new house, my father insulated the 2 car garage, and they moved into that and lived there for a year and a half while they worked on building the new house completely by themselves. I have a couple of suggestions for you; you say you have a problem with slugs in your garden? Get a shallow pan (like a pie plate) and fill it with beer. Slugs love the stuff, and they climb into the pan and can't get out. Put several of them in your garden, spaced about 5-6 feet apart. You need the ground nice and fluffy to plant your carrots? During the winter, get some burlap or other fabric and slather honey or molasses on one side, and place it on the ground with the sticky side down. It will attract all the earthworms in the area which in turn aerate the soil. You mentioned that your grandfather had flowers planted in his garden. That wasn't just for looks, some flowers repel certain insects and help keep your garden pest free. Lastly, in the country people who want to be self sufficient rely on a magazine called Mother Earth News-
This is the biggest gift a child could recieve, especially now. 🥰
Your videos are not only greatly inspirational but also very educational. I guess that your counselor was right in this regard (when he was suggesting a career as a teacher. Mine would have a bit of a problem since I'm only good at singing and arts so nothing really practical :D ). You made some really good points and I think that this might help many people in their decesion making (me included). I suppose I could easily fit in the option 2, however I would love to leave my country one day so I'm not really sure if I want to bind myself to the property (and a land) here even more. I would actually prefer to buy a piece of land somewhere abroad and to live in a vardo or a caravan, (or to build a tiny house eventually) and to try to live off grid as much as it would be possible. What I want most of all is freedom and I certainly don't wan't any mortgage. For income I would try to sell produce, grow herbs (make herbal teas, tinctures, remedies) or try my luck in jewelry making. I have to admit that I was also thinking about communal living as you've mentioned but as a quite shy and introverted person who actually enjoys my own company and solitude, it would be quite a challenge. I also don't really like being told what to do by others and I feel that this would be a bit of a problem as well. So far I have a plan, am saving what I can and the only thing that I'm really lacking is courage, but being in my late twenties I'm still quite optimistic to find it soon enough. Thank you again for the video and for being an incredible source of inspiration. Love the outtakes at the end :)