Our topic is this week is Downshifting. We explain why I downshifted and how it is possible by living a simple/sustainable lifestyle.
(source: http://www.polyp.org.uk/cartoons/consumerism/polyp_cartoon_Rat_Race.jpg)
We cover the decision-making process, finances, family discussion, telecommuting, and much, much more. It was a big decision, but it was one of the best decisions that we ever made.
And the best thing was that we didn’t go in for the sea change/tree change, we downshifted right where we were with what we had. It also gave us time to start our own small business teaching others green living skills. Without the downshift, we wouldn’t have taken that most enjoyable step.
We also talk about smaller homes that allows bigger yards, and the current practice of banging out McMansions in new suburbs.
Kim also has a soft spot for Esther the wonder Pig, whose friends also had a downshift experience.
So, if you liked the show or have downshifted yourself, please leave a comment. We would love to read your story.
Also if you really enjoyed the show please take the time to leave a rating and review over on iTunes, using the iTunes button under the player. It would really be great to get some feedback about our current format, now that I have a semi-permanent co-host.
Gav I have been meaning to tell you for awhile that subscription emails from your blog come intermittently – sometimes it is weeks before I get your updates. I thought you would want to know (not sure if it is just me or all those subscribed via the email option). I’m still here, reading and engaged with your journey. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know Sarhn. I had a look at the mail software that I use, and they were definitely sent to you. Sometimes they end up in your junk mail folder, depending on how it is scanned. Just add the email address to your safe senders list, and you will get it in your inbox each week.
And thanks so much for your support! x
I have to check my spam folder daily Gav for work (all sort of mail gets wrongly diverted there). It appears that I am receiving them now again but it is bundled together (approx 3 or 4 posts together in the one email). It doesn’t matter Gav if it is just me, as I regularly keep an eye on what you are doing when I have a spare moment anyway. I just wanted to let you know in case others are affected too (and you didn’t know).
Now I understand. I had some feedback a while ago that I was sending too many emails to my email list recipients, so I changed it to once a week on Friday mornings. The weekly email is an amalgamation of that weeks posts. x
My MIL and FIL retired and I know my FIL passed away not long after retiring. What an awful intro to retired life!
It’s such a shame too that most fathers and indeed these days most mothers need to work long hours and put kids into childcare during the most influential years of their childrens lives. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be home with my 3 kids and now with our mortgage cleared we are in a situation for my husband to potentially downshift with work and spend more time with our 3 kids (6yo, 5yo and 3yo) whilst they are young enough to still want to spend time with us. 😉
Hi Gav
I’m only 29 and I have realised the importance of down sizing. I bought my first house in Bacchus 2 years ago and its a little 2 bed weatherboard than only cost me $260k. Because I don’t have any big debts I was able to drop a day at work recently and I am much happier for it! My day off work now means I can spend more time in the garden, more time cooking and just doing things I love. A friend of mine has a huge house and a huge mortgage and I feel sorry for her. Its such a trap and I can imagine that all it brings is stress.
Well done Emma! It is amazing the mental relief that low or no debt allows. We also have friends that have massive mortgages that just bring them misery. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.
As I have often said, Debt = Slavery.