In 2003 I started a new career as a truck driver, prior to then I had done many many different things. I was a geek, worked in restaurants and fast food, did construction and a whole lot of other things....some of which I am not proud of.
Over the 14 years I have been driving a truck I have been screwed over by company after company in various ways. The trucking industry is a brutal and unforgiving place to make a living.
Over the last 4 years I have worked for 6 different companies and lost damn near everything I own in the process. I have almost nothing left of any value and really really am tired of getting dry humped every time I turn around.
The Present
Until today I have spent the last 2 months working for a car hauling outfit in Mansfield, TX. I knew shortly after starting here the company was in financial trouble. I stayed with them cause I had no money, no where to live and no backup plan. I had hoped to that I could sock away some money before things took a turn for the worst. Sadly, that was not to be. I recently learned that the company was in such dire financial straights that they had started screwing drivers. Mainly on their pay, myself included. So today I quit that job, cleaned out my truck and am now homeless with very little money and a determination to get out of the trucking industry for good.
The Future
My van is a 2003 Ford E150 Coachmen Conversion van (wanna be RV). The brakes are shot, the tires are shot, the front end is shot (can't hold it in a straight line on the highway) and the Air Conditioning is broken. It does have a queen size bed in it so I can sleep in it at night. Once I get somewhere and put some stuff in storage....Van is slam full right now.
I am thinking I am going to head to Colorado later today (once the heat dies down somewhat). I have always loved Colorado, the West Slopes are amazing, nature is amazing, weed is legal and the weather is much nicer if you are homeless (sleeping in your car).
I can work online during the day at various coffee shops and such that have WiFi. I can write more posts and devote more time to them. I can do Video's of the places I go, wildlife, etc. I can camp out in nature in my van at night. Of course I will have to:
Make it to Colorado (West Slopes)
Have my van still running and drive-able
Get a couple batteries or good Solar Panel to charge batteries that run an inverter (I have inverter already) so I can power my fridge, laptop, etc.
Put a bunch of stuff in my van into storage once I get there.
Start making enough money to live on within two weeks from today (actually collecting the money); as that is about all I have for money right now, assuming my van doesn't break down on the way to Colorado and eat it all up.
Conclusion
I am currently in Mansfield, TX, I will be leaving here today and driving up US 287 to just north of Amarillo, TX where I will cut off on US87 into New Mexico to I25 up into Denver where I will hit I70 over the mountain to the Western Slopes. If you live anywhere near this route and can offer any assistance (Couch Surfing or a better ride) please let me know ASAP. If you are live in Colorado and wanna meet up when I get up there let me know. If you are desiring something from Colorado and do not live nearby or can't afford to go there to see it/get it please let me know. If you just like my crazy ass and wanna offer moral or financial support please let me know. You can reach me on Facebook (while I am traveling), just send me a friend request or message me through FB Messenger; that is the quickest and easiest way to get a hold of me while I am driving!
I am a proud supporter of minnowsupportproject (aka minnowsupport), if you haven't already joined check them out over on their Discord Channel by clicking below:
Update #1
My old 2003 Ford Van has crappy dry rotted tires and no Air Conditioning. I had to stop in Decatur, TX and get a room for the night. I am going to leave out early in the morning and drive north before it gets too hot. Will probably stop somewhere mid day tomorrow and get a room then drive on to the Western Slopes on Sunday morning.
To ensure I have some funds to live on while I transition and figure out what to do next I decided to power down. I am not cancelling the delegations I have going. I am not leaving steemit. In fact I will be posting more and more once I get situated in Colorado. I am only powering down a percentage of my Total SP which will yield me 248 Steem a week for the next 13 weeks. That is enough for food, smokes (and weed) and gas for my van and will allow me to be mobile and explore places so I can vlog it on steemit.
Update #4
A poor man's dinner....whole chicken from Walmart ($4.88 + tax) and a Powerade Melon.
Update #5
My old van (ie home) for now! It is loaded to the gills right now!
Update #6
Nerves are kicking my arse so I can't sleep. Got up and @zenchess messaged me and offered a donation. That KAF dude sent me $20 via Paypal. Now when I get to CO I have $30 to get some good weed with thanks to him and the 5 SBD I received earlier. Gonna be posting a video in a few days of me sitting out in the wilderness at my campsite smoking a big bowl of Blue Dream and getting baked like I am a piece of meat in the Sahara Dessert!
Update #7
Update #8
My phone took a crap this morning, I had to stop in Harrold, TX to get on WiFi so I could do a reset and restore my phone....will be back on the road shortly!
Update #9
I made it to Amarillo, TX stopping for fuel and food then heading north.
Update #10
Heat got me again at 1 PM CST I shut down in Dalhart, TX. I am about 150 miles from the Colorado/New Mexico line. I will spend the night here (and hopefully get some sleep) then leave out Early AM and hit Colorado around sunrise. Should be able to make it to Glenwood Springs, CO tomorrow.
Update #11
Special thanks goes out to @robertdurst10 for the generous donation of $20 SBD.
Update #12
Special thanks goes out to @lifewithcrypto for the generous donation of $5 SBD.
Update #13
Made it into Colorado this morning, will post pics in new post later today.
Update #14
Special thanks goes out to @luvabi for the generous donation of $5 SBD.
I haven't been homeless, but surely broke and in debt, and recently (still paying it off). I also had about the same amount of SP as you do now and had to take it all out when it was only ranging 10 to 18 cents per Steem. Really sucked. Lol.
Resteeming this to 11,000+ followers and wishing you the best, Richard! :)
You dont stop believing on yourself and you never give up on life. For every problem there is a solution. Be brave, always believe that He is great and someday... He will bless you. 😊
This post has been upvoted by @teamphilippines . Thank you for supporting our TeamPhilippines Movement by upvoting, resteeming, delegating, or donating to this account to allow us to support our growing team more and more each day!
Make it out to the Philippines and we'll do everything we can to help you on your way! Philippines > Colorado. :)
Good attitude! I have been homeless by choice on many occasions. It get's easier when you know you can survive with a rather low upkeep. Niwadays steemit etc. help too :). Me and my family will be homeless next month and we are taking an old land cruiser turned to rv to europe for a while. Cheap living and seeing the world. Follow for updates if you will.
Since you will be on the west slopes anyways, swing over to Utah some time for a meetup, or to give the place a look-see. (Be wary of the I-70 to US-6 route during the day in summer.)
I used to live in Salt Lake City, I love it there and if weed was legal there it would have been my first choice. Besides my van is a POS so I don't wanna chance going any further than I have to. But once I get to the West Slopes you are more than welcome to come visit and smoke one with me!
Yo I am so sorry to hear this , but I hope it's all for the best . Your life will turn around and you will do something more satisfying and with less stress . Maybe you will make it big on Steemit, who knows.
I have faith in you big guy
I thought about that, but I do not want to screw anyone because of my choices or problems. I do wish someone could help me power down the Un-delegated SP so I have some money to live on. I have only about $800 USD and assuming my van doesn't break down I will use half that getting to the Western Slopes and finding a place to camp out.
Sorry to hear that, I hopes will be more better soon. And I guess you are now on the right track. Tha ksk for sharing yah story and I admit that I can relate to myself cause my father was also a driver for about 30+years in any diferrent country.
For now I have a cellphone with T-Mobile and unlimited data. I just paid the bill last week so I should be good until sometime in August with connectivity!
Well you got a follower in me - and though I have very little sp i can shoot some randowhales and minnowboosts your way. And you've got a nice sp nest egg going so you should be able to get consistent growth if you continue to have internet access. Wish i was out on your side of the country so I could offer something more concrete.
I just got laid off today after working at a place for 5 months. I feel your pain, and wish you the best luck I possibly can. It's cruel how so many people are treated as interchangeable parts and not as human beings.
Dude...yer get'n too old for this shit. Find yerself a good woman and give her all your love...and money. Obviously you've got trouble hang'n on to it. ;-)
Harsh words I know...but hey...I've been where you're at a dozen times in my life. At least you have a van...I mean easy bake oven...for crash 'n carry. ;-p
Wishing you all the best...you may not have much...but from where I'm sitting you're rich where it matters most. You have friends who love you!
Wishing you all the best, man. Hope you have a better life in Colorado, and that things work out for you. With that positive attitude and your resilience, you will definitely attain the happiness you deserve.
I haven't been homeless, but surely broke and in debt, and recently (still paying it off). I also had about the same amount of SP as you do now and had to take it all out when it was only ranging 10 to 18 cents per Steem. Really sucked. Lol.
Resteeming this to 11,000+ followers and wishing you the best, Richard! :)
I wished my VP wasn't in the crapper and I could vote on this comment like 10 times. But I can't so a "Thank You!" will have to do!
I read something about you here on steemit tonight. Apparently you are 'Legend'. Good on you for helping Richard out!
Life can be tough. Glad you pulled threw!
Good Lucky mate...I was going to say I think I no the reason why you are going to Colorado :)
It sounds like a good plan! Wish you the best <3
Inspiring
good luck! sounds very tough but you can do it!
You already free bro!!! Nothing to hold you!!!
100% upvote, Resteemed, I sent a small donation, And I will be pimping this post.
Much love mr colbert. :P
Thanks for the $BD when I make it to Colorado the first gram is on you....I will think of you with every puff I promise!
Goodluck to you Robert. Here's hoping things get better soon!
Robert or Richard?
It ain't Robert....LOL
Richard,sorry lol
Wow you say you wuvs me and still called me by the wrong name.....but you are cute so I will let it slide!
Im sorry Dick. I wuvs you Dick xD
Delicious chicken.
You dont stop believing on yourself and you never give up on life. For every problem there is a solution. Be brave, always believe that He is great and someday... He will bless you. 😊
@deveerei got you a $0.01 @minnowbooster upgoat, nice! (Image: pixabay.com)
Want a boost? Click here to read more!
I was homeless and living out of my car for about 3 weeks, back in 1993.
You're doing it in spacious style! I had all of my belongings crammed into a 1970 VW Bug. Thank God those days are behind me.
Upvoted & Followed. Good luck to you!
This post has been upvoted by @teamphilippines . Thank you for supporting our TeamPhilippines Movement by upvoting, resteeming, delegating, or donating to this account to allow us to support our growing team more and more each day!
Make it out to the Philippines and we'll do everything we can to help you on your way! Philippines > Colorado. :)
help me @teamphilippines,I'm a myanmar.welcome myanmar
I know you'll bounce back. Never give up in life. I wish you well.
It will surely get better.
good lucky my man!
Good attitude! I have been homeless by choice on many occasions. It get's easier when you know you can survive with a rather low upkeep. Niwadays steemit etc. help too :). Me and my family will be homeless next month and we are taking an old land cruiser turned to rv to europe for a while. Cheap living and seeing the world. Follow for updates if you will.
Take care!
Good Luck you will be in my prayers to reach your destination.
This post received a 3.6% upvote from @randowhale thanks to @sulev! For more information, click here!
@sulev thank you for sending @randowhale my way, with friends like you I know I will be okay!
Upvoted my brother, come on over to the Philippines if you can find a way, @teamphilippines has your back!
No passport, no money for plane ticket and it is too damn far to swim. Wonder if I can hitch a ride with a Dolphin!
Good luck in your travels!
I wish all the best on your travels. It will all get better. Stay strong and keep your positive mindset.
Since you will be on the west slopes anyways, swing over to Utah some time for a meetup, or to give the place a look-see. (Be wary of the I-70 to US-6 route during the day in summer.)
I used to live in Salt Lake City, I love it there and if weed was legal there it would have been my first choice. Besides my van is a POS so I don't wanna chance going any further than I have to. But once I get to the West Slopes you are more than welcome to come visit and smoke one with me!
D: I wish you all the best in your travels brave soul.
Hope for the best. Steem On!
Yo I am so sorry to hear this , but I hope it's all for the best . Your life will turn around and you will do something more satisfying and with less stress . Maybe you will make it big on Steemit, who knows.
I have faith in you big guy
good luck...stay safe...and enjoy the ride good sir
Everything is going to be right, don't worry - bob marley - upvoted and followed. feel free to follow me back and check out my contents
I got your back buddo. <3
That's what that tickling sensation in my kiester has been all day......thanks!
Buried in deep like a tick.
Legit struggle for working folks these days..dont be afraid to de-delegate and power down..MSP has your back, good buddy
I thought about that, but I do not want to screw anyone because of my choices or problems. I do wish someone could help me power down the Un-delegated SP so I have some money to live on. I have only about $800 USD and assuming my van doesn't break down I will use half that getting to the Western Slopes and finding a place to camp out.
Sometimes you gotta just take some profit short term..you will get it back..very nice of you to be helping minnows though :)
Keep safe always buddy! You are really a brave man! I really salute you. May the force of STEEM be with you.
Have a safe trip 🤗🤗
Good luck to us @venuspcs you're not alone!
Sorry to hear that, I hopes will be more better soon. And I guess you are now on the right track. Tha ksk for sharing yah story and I admit that I can relate to myself cause my father was also a driver for about 30+years in any diferrent country.
Wishing you a safe trip and a better life in Colorado!
Hey man, i hope things get better. Do try to keep your spirits up. Any and all positivity is good.
How are you managing to keep connected to the internet through all this?
For now I have a cellphone with T-Mobile and unlimited data. I just paid the bill last week so I should be good until sometime in August with connectivity!
Well you got a follower in me - and though I have very little sp i can shoot some randowhales and minnowboosts your way. And you've got a nice sp nest egg going so you should be able to get consistent growth if you continue to have internet access. Wish i was out on your side of the country so I could offer something more concrete.
Want a boost? Click here to read more!
@dber thank you for the Upgoat, you roq!
I have nothing to say!!godbless sir @venuspcs
I just got laid off today after working at a place for 5 months. I feel your pain, and wish you the best luck I possibly can. It's cruel how so many people are treated as interchangeable parts and not as human beings.
Good luck buddy!
Wow, touching story... all the best thoughts anf positive energy - I'm sending to you!
Dude...yer get'n too old for this shit. Find yerself a good woman and give her all your love...and money. Obviously you've got trouble hang'n on to it. ;-)
Harsh words I know...but hey...I've been where you're at a dozen times in my life. At least you have a van...I mean easy bake oven...for crash 'n carry. ;-p
Wishing you all the best...you may not have much...but from where I'm sitting you're rich where it matters most. You have friends who love you!
~smiles fer miles~
And you just explained "Why I am not worried!" perfectly!
oh! stay safe and steem on.:)
Good luck bro
Wishing you all the best, man. Hope you have a better life in Colorado, and that things work out for you. With that positive attitude and your resilience, you will definitely attain the happiness you deserve.
I whish you good luck with that plan. And with steemit too of course^^
Best of luck
upvoted! aww i hope everything will be fine soon. Dont stop hoping. Anything we can do for you. We are just beside you! i wuvs u. Keep positive
Drive safe. Post pictures. Stay sane.
Good luck buddy.... followed n upvoted
I wish the best for you in Colorado and I hope your ride will get fixed too.
Man that is a interesting story... I'm going to wait until tomorrow so I can give you 100% upvote. I resteemed and im following.