This is pretty long, and not really well planned out. Just kind of started typing what comes to mind and where I'm at in my life right now.
Meet Dave:
Hello! I'm a 36 year old that has been in the IT field since I was 13; not in a sweatshop child labor way, just started charging for services on my own and made a quasi business out of it. Once I was old enough, I was fortunate enough to land a job at 18 that placed me in "Big Business" IT. I learned a tremendous amount, as I was thrown into a lot of different areas of IT. After years (and I mean YEARS), of not being happy/satisfied with day to day life, I decided to take a few years off of work, and really do some soul searching. My family thought I was making the wrong decision as I had a good/great job, single, and had the world ahead of me. However, every day I dreaded the drive, traffic, unnecessary stress etc of the rat race.
During the 2 years I took off, to say I have changed would be an understatement. I really did some soul searching/digging and realized that my job consumes so much of me, and I am only doing it for a paycheck. Don't get me wrong, paychecks are important as they provide a means of survival. However, I no longer wanted to survive by spending most of my time at a job that I only do because it provides a paycheck to pay for the necessities (and toys)
I started researching tiny houses and how people are minimizing their needs and spending more time enjoying "Freedom", as in doing what they want/love. However the tiny house is not really what Im looking for, but maybe an idea to live in for awhile while the rammed earth or earth earth berm house is being built
. Perhaps, build in sections, start off with a Tiny House, and then add on as needed/afford until the house is where we want it. I started becoming obsessed with the idea of buying some land, and completely being self sufficient. The one thing I did love about my job, was writing software to make business process efficient. So the common denominator, between my career and off grid living, is that I love everything about making things efficient. That is the one thing I did love about my job. Introducing new ways to make the "end user", our internal employees, job a bit easier by finding & implementing improvements.
As I said, I've taken a few years off of work. Mostly to clear my head, find a new path and execute. I've gone through some money the past 2 years, however I view it as an investment in myself. An investment I know will pay off! I'm back in the workforce, but working for myself. I currently own a home, and have some equity built up and when the time is right, and the land is found the current house will be sold, and I'll be on my way on my new path in life. In the meantime, I've started working and building things at my current house to test for when I'm living life on the homestead. Such as RC Arduino based lawn mower 100% battery/electric based (solar charged), and next on the list is a large enough Gasifier to power a 22 HP generator. After the gasifier is successfully built and operating, then I will go back and add software & hardware based automation. My dream is to go completely off grid, however, make it as transparent as possible.
I am super excited about finding a like minded person, to start the journey with. This could be a significant other, or even just a person that shares the ideas of what life should be about, and can contribute to help. However, I am hoping to find someone that I click with, attracted to so we can be 100% partners and build something amazing!
My Strengths:
Good problem solverSoftware programming & automation --- the idea would be to bring some automation processes with hardware & software to aid in gardening, solar monitoring, farming, gasifiers, livestock raising.Love to research & learnLove building things especially things that help with day to day task/chores
My Weaknesses:
Not much experience with homesteading/permaculture, however obsessed with watching/reading about it. This summer will be my first test on some knowledge I've soaked up.Gardening -- not bad at it, just little to no experience. This summer should change this.Canning - little to no experienceLivestock - little to no experience
About you!:
Age: Around my age or younger. The most important part is that you understand what we are trying to accomplish and understand there will be hard and trying times.
Race: Open to all races.
Honesty is extremely important to me. In fact, I may be too honest at times but I would rather say what I am thinking, or wanting rather than hide it. If two people can share needs, wants, desires without feeling judged or scrutinized that is when a real relationship is forming. I know too many people, who can't even talk to their spouse/significant other about stuff they talk to friends about... I clearly don't understand this or ever will. Your life partner should know you better than anyone else. Good or bad. That is the point of a deep relationship.
Your Strengths: (notice some are my weaknesses, however, you don't have to be experienced or great at them, just willing to learn as we go like I am.
Hopefully include some of my weaknesses.
Tell me about your strengths.
This is the first time, I'm actually seeking someone based on something I am truly passionate about. I wish there was a better dating site for this type of stuff, but hopefully someone runs into this post and responds. Even if its just to comment or encourage. Currently I'm in my own little bubble with sustainable living, and would like to grow my friends to this type of crowd as well.
Thanks!
Dave