I've grown disenchanted with the constant pressure and zeal of the way things are run by..."others". Government enforcers, interlopers, etc. I'd like to withdraw myself as much as possible from the current state of society. At least in the way that I won't be colluded with or against. To live as indepently as one can in the current state. I've been speaking with a few friends and my brother about this for quite some time, but never actually gotten around to taking action. A recent occurence has proverbially pushed me over the limit, I suppose.
What steps of action should be taken to start the process?
I want to live semi-comfortably, but am aware that many jobs require you to be "in". Even after passing background checks, drug tests, etc. it doesn't seem (I don't know firsthand, hence my inquiries) to be easy to do such things. For example, even getting paid on payday usually requires some form of deposit, your name, SS#, address, personal information that one may not wish giving out. The idea of going around picking up aluminum doesn't seem that appealing, but I also am aware that is probably the extreme, and that many other ways exist. I don't really know any marketable trades as of yet, but would be happy to learn. I am thinking of making things and selling them. Perhaps learning to knit or crochet would be a valuable skill, so that I could make (hopefully elaborate and good looking) blankets, quilts, and sell them. What other viable options exist? Learning to fix things or weld or plumb? Perhaps gardening and growing things. I suppose it's pretty subjective as to what works and what does not, and things such as chance, luck, location all play a part. Not to use luck as a cop out. I'm well aware that many things are dependent upon skill and amount of effort put in, i.e. the harder you try, the more likely you are to succeed. You reap what you sow. What ventures have you found success, as well as failure, in? Do you think a job such as McDonald's or the like would be a hindrance to off-grid living? Maybe I'll try getting a job at a Mom & Pop type place, serving food or washing dishes or something. Something that's low-key.
What about footprints? Cyber and otherwise. How would I limit my imprint? I think that deleting as much of my online things (email, social networking, instant messaging) would be an obvious start, or at least creating dummy accounts to be used when needed. As for in person, I think it would be beneficial to close banking accounts, refuse to sign and date things (or use fake names when no legal reprecussions exist), paying for things only in cash. Do you believe that actively removing these footprints (cyber and otherwise) is a necessity, or should enough time pass will they fade and become mostly indistinuishable? I have heard in some instances, even after deleting accounts, removing names, etc. that the information remains in archives and databases, which in that case, I would just save myself some time, and give out no further information, and hope the previous information becomes irrelevant over time.
What about providing yourself with your own energy? What is the most sensible and logical way of doing so? Solar panels? That's really all I can come up with, but I know very, very little (obviously, heh) about any means of providing own energy. Would there be an idiot's guide or DIY book of some sort about doing this? Suggested comprehensive readings, videos, tips, forums, etc?
What about things such as dealing with anxiety and depression? I really struggle with social anxiety (even online, posting this for example is semi-difficult, as I fear I will be mocked, judged, belittled) and it makes talking and asking and just "being" very harrowing. I take prescription medication for it, but would ideally like to stop, and use herbal remedies and such. How would one go about dealing with this? Withdrawals, dependence, all those great things scare me, but also am aware they are a necessary part in removing the drug from my system and clearing my clouded mind. I'm very forgetful and actually have developed retrograde amnesia from one of my prescription drugs. I would hope that removing the drug would clear up my mind, and coupled with work, exercise, and general progress would better allow me to deal and cope healthfully with the issues I struggle with. I would like to note, that often times I withdraw from social circles due to my anxiety and depression, thus alienating me, making it very hard to ever return. They would believe me to be uncaring and write me off, despite me continually thinking of returning, despite how badly I wish to return, how often the people, events, etc do cross and are on my mind. An example would be me stopping posting here. This would not be me showing disinterest in off-grid living, the forums, the people, etc. but me feeling that I cannot bring myself to post, or do not deserve to post, derive fun and enjoyment from the community, etc.
If I were to ever need an internet connection, I would likely go to a local library, or go to a McDonald's and use the wifi. However, would I (again, I don't know how most of these things work) be continually leaving my information around? Would I be tracked via IP address or such things?
I know I am likely forgetting many things, but hopefully will remember in time, and post them.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Removing oneself (as much as possible) from society..?
Re: Removing oneself (as much as possible) from society..?
Re: Removing oneself (as much as possible) from society..?
Re: Removing oneself (as much as possible) from society..?
Re: Removing oneself (as much as possible) from society..?
Re: Removing oneself (as much as possible) from society..?
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