Starting a homestead while working full-time can be overwhelming. Don’t let that prevent you from creating the life you want. Have a family discussion about what your homesteading goals are and start slow. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
Pay off debt and build an emergency fund. Look over your expenses and decide what can be reduced or eliminated. Sell items you don’t need on Facebook Marketplace. Cut back on shopping and dining out. Entertain at home or look for free family events.
Spend time out doors in all different types of weather. A lot of homesteading is done outdoors. Build up your tolerance for being outside in the heat with mosquitoes and the freezing temperatures. Many people don’t spend as much time outside as they think they do.
Start Learning Necessary Skills To Homestead
Start making food from scratch, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick one thing to make from scratch. Bake a double batch of healthy muffins or waffles on the weekend and cook extra bacon or sausage. Don’t stress over making sourdough or anything complicated. Pick a meal the family loves and get them involved in meal prep.
Look for people who are homesteading and offer to come help them for a day. Come prepared to work. Most people want to help but don’t have the time. You will learn a lot by volunteering your time to help another homesteader. That farmer will become a mentor to you when you start your own farm.
Grow your own food. Grow a few tomato plants in pots or build a small raised bed. Keep it small, close to the house and near a water hose. Make it is as convenient as possible.
Transition Slowly To Homesteading While Working a Full-Time Job
Having any kind of animals with require you to be home to care for them. Even chickens need to be checked on twice a day. Their coop will need to be cleaned or moved on a regular basis. If your work schedule fluctuates, this can be difficult.
Rushing too quickly into homesteading will burn you out. Going at a slow pace will allow you to see what parts of homesteading you enjoy most and focus on that. Working will give you the funds to start your own homestead. You will be surprised with how expensive a good garden hose or a heavy bottomed stainless steel pot can be.
Don’t quit your job before you can honestly afford it. Budget for retirement, health insurance and savings each month. Look to ways to make money from homesteading. Sell eggs, garden surplus or make soap. You will have financial set backs no matter how careful you are. Having safeguards in place will determine whether you can bounce back from them.
