VERONICA KUFFEL

The Trouble of Money

“Boots Boy” – Langhorne Slim, 2009

The question I get asked most about my van journey is my least favorite–what about money? What are you doing for work? How will you support yourself?

It’s valid. But while simple in thought, it puts a lot of weight on my chest.

I’ve never liked money. It’s important for most functions in life, don’t get me wrong. I understand that without it, I wouldn’t be able to live this life. It took me two years of working to buy the van and finish my conversion.

The simple answer is yes, I am working while I travel. But I’m doing it my way.

I do come from a place of privilege when I say this. My family lived a traditional upper middle class life in the Midwest. We rarely wanted for anything, and for the most part, we’re happy. But this happiness comes with a sacrifice.

I’ve looked up to my dad all my life; his strength, drive and courage inspire me in almost everything I do. But he works a lot. Most weeks, I could see the toll it took on his body and mind. Sometimes he’d comment on it and how hard it was for him to keep doing it.

Seeing that taught me that a certain type of life, although with little worry, can come at a price.

My mother is also a natural go-getter. She’s resourceful, kind and will do anything to keep her kids safe and happy. And she knows that the best way to do this is to follow the mold. Nay, perfect it.

She does it with style and grace–she taught all of us how to do it. Even now, she suggests several ways I can make money or improve my chances of getting money. The van plan, like it would for any mother, frightens her.

She said herself that she doesn’t understand it. She helped me purchase the van and went the extra mile to make sure everything with it was in check. But, she doesn’t understand it. The mold we were all taught is the key to safety. Maybe not always happiness, but safety. And Walie is not part of that.

Here you might think I’m branching into the “but that’s not the way to true happiness” talk. Sorry to disappoint, but it is for a lot of people. The system, for the most part, works. Albeit in a gross, unethical and unsustainable manner, it works.

Although it’s the route most of us take, there are always a few stragglers. Clearly, I have joined this merry lot.

It’s my thought that people should be cautious about the impact of money on their lives. While it gives us security, I do believe it’s false and misleading.

Jean-Paul Sartre is a wealth of knowledge in this department. A revolutionary 20th century philosopher, most of his focus was on existentialism.

He saw money as one of the greatest obstacles to human freedom. It limits not only the time we have to do things, but the confidence that we can do them.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say “I wish I could do that–travel abroad, go back to school, find a new job, MOVE, or all of the above–but I don’t have the money.

Again, this is coming from a place of privilege. And I guess planning. I wanted to set out on this adventure. I put in the time, effort and money to get it done.

Still. Call me crazy, but I just can’t buy into a system where I hand in my freedom for a career job and a house full of junk. Well, at least not yet.

The whole movement of nomads, whether with digital or seasonal work, was built on this idea. Yes, money is important to fund it. But it’s all about how you earn it and how you spend it.

The current plan is to work seasonally. I may not be making a lot of money. I may not be starting my career or going back to school like my peers. But I’m happy with the life I chose.

I will leave you with one last anecdote. My most recent tattoo is of Greek philosopher Diogenes in his barrel. Did I actually get a man in a barrel tattooed on my leg? Yes, no more questions. Shh.

Diogenes of Sinope lived most of his life in a barrel with no possessions. Well, he had a bowl, until he saw a kid drink with cupped hands and realized he didn’t need it.

He’s known for many other stories, including his response to Plato’s “man is a featherless biped” (he brought a plucked chicken to his school and said, “Behold, a man.” Seriously.) But the one that always gets me is his first interaction with Alexander the Great.

Alexander was a conqueror and soon emperor of the great Greek Empire, spanning from Macedonia to the borders of India. He heard rumors about a barrel-inhabiting philosopher and got inspired, so he visited him.

This man, the most powerful ruler in the modern world, praised Diogenes for his frugalness and minimalism. Alexander told him he could have anything he wanted from the king, any gift or favor he so pleased.

And this man, with only a barrel to his name, said to Alex, “Could you actually move to the side for me? You’re in my light.”

A legend. Now tattooed on my calf, and hopefully in your mind. Whether you agree or disagree with his tactics, Barrel Man teaches us that happiness doesn’t come from owning things. My takeaway: the less you have, the happier you’ll be.”

Your mind is clearer–your weight is lighter. You need not worry as much with money, reputation or comfort. You spend less time worrying about what you can’t do and see all of what you can.

You live a more honest life. Or at least, learn how to be honest with yourself. And, ideally, that’s what I’m going for.