When I first decided to fore-go the standard lifestyle, and move into a bus, I did so for many reasons. The economy was tanking, my industry in particular was in deep trouble, and I saw that there was simply no way that I could continue a 'standard' lifestyle. I did not want to become a burden to my family and friends, I did not want to add to the Governments growing pile of dependents, and I wanted to in some respects, be in charge of my own destiny. I knew there would be downsides, but I sure did not see all of them.The Government: One would think that by being responsible, and by NOT going on welfare, I would be treated with respect. Not so. Governmental agencies simply will not accept a PO BOX as an address. They want my "physical" address. Asking them "what time?" does not help, not much of a sense of humor here. I even had a local police officer classify me as a vagrant. Maintaining an excellent credit score, never being late on my billls, and not becoming a statistic has little influence on anyone. The system simply believes you must have a real house to be a real citizen.
Other companies: Insurance companies, bank (if you owe them money) Credit unions, credit card companies, all of these people get quite uptight when they find out you do not have a 'real' house. Even the local library will not allow me to check out books, as if somehow tires on my house make me a higher risk for a three dollar paperback.
People in general: "You live in a bus?" "Oh, I am so sorry, times are hard." rarely do I hear anything positive about this.
And lastly, women. As a single guy I have an interest in the fairer sex. I'm smart, articulate and handsome (oh, and humble) I might add, but women treat me like the plague when they find out about my living arrangement. Somehow, moving out of the house into a bus has made me less. Some do not even realize that this bus might be a million dollar coach, which of course it is not, but its just the attitude, that a responsible (don't forget handsome) guy like me can't be much of a catch. Maybe it has to do with that security thing, who knows. Or, possibly, I have just yet to find that green eyed, 5'3'' brunette (nature lover please, grin) that can think out of the box, or in it so to speak.
I love my bus. I love what it allows me to do, I love that I am not late on bills and can still have a great car, a nice bike, and a almost done kayak without all of the stress that would have came with the house. A Tiny house is the way to go...
I am not changing a thing :-)
