Nearly after 6 years into full timing and now retirement again (as a host) I have sat back and reflected on my full-timing experience. I’ve asked myself, was it the right decision? I spent 33 years as a firefighter retiring as a Captain. I started right out of high school and was able to retire at the young age of 50. I spent my entire life going a 100 mph fighting fires and helping people. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We were always RV’ers and camped on days off and vacations. It was my dream to someday buy me a NEW 5th wheel and travel and full-time for as long as I wanted and enjoy myself. Then if and when we wanted to get another home and call it an anchor point and come and go as we wanted at some point we would. I see no end.
Right after we began full-timing all these feelings started to hit me all at once. I missed my firefighting family, my kids, friends, all the calls and helping people. After going 100 mph for 33 years, it was hard to adjust and slow down. I would see a fire truck go by going to a call and would get a sick feeling, one of emptiness. At times I would get teary eyed. Even though we all work for retirement someday so we can relax and enjoy ourselves, I found it hard to give up. Still I was going to follow my dream of full timing because in reality I won?’t be able to do what I was doing anymore and this was my retirement dream.
So reflecting back over the past 6 years of full-timing what do I think? My fears of losing my firefighting family, friends and family have dwindled. I still and probably always will have that ache in my heart of ending my wonderful career. You might think that’s weird because most say “thank God I don’t have to work” or “go back to that job anymore”! I have found out I have a new family and friends as well! All the wonderful people we’ve met since we began our full-timing journey some of which I met on the forum here and have became good close friends. The adventures, less stress, it’s all good. I could have NOT followed my dream, but couldn’t see myself sitting around watching TV, mowing lawns, emptying trash and doing nothing day after day. I didn’t want an over stuffed recliner with a permanent imprint of my butt in it. I chose to be a camp host. It was a transition for me. I went from 100 mph to 50mph and now finally around 25 mph. I still get to help people. One reason for establishing my website to help those in pursuit of the lifestyle. Going from 100 mph to 0 mph would have been disastrous. There of course has been much travel mingled in as well.
In reality I still see my firefighting family. Some have even came over and camp with me. They call me to check up on me and give the latest scoop on things. My other friends call or visit often as well. One son is a firefighter and with the same department so he keeps me informed. We see our friends often and now have the ability now to go see distant friends and family that we couldn’t before. Between all this and our new RV friend’s life is settling down some and my dream is finally settling in place and becoming reality. Would I do it again? Yes indeed. Am I having fun? YES! I won’t get into the cost thing as there are so many variables and every one’s situation is different, but for me it is definitely less expensive and the benefits are wonderful. I even get asked quite frequently in the campgrounds about full timing and my choice. I tell people to follow their dreams whatever they may be, we only get one shot at it. Full timing has been a wonderful transition for us. We have gained so many wonderful new friends. The choices and opportunities and adventures are virtually unlimited. I’m sure some of you have read my humorous posts in the full timing forum on my adventures as a Host. It’s been a kick to say the least. I have finally written a book on my adventures as a full-timer, host and as a retired firefighter. It is filled with outrageous humor, the serious side of full-timing and many of my adventures. It tells all sides of the lifestyle. The good, bad, and ugly. All those of course come along with conventional living too! The point was in the serious side was to show how full-timers coped with the serious health issues and things like that.
One thing I’ve learned is to follow my dreams. I will always have that empty feeling of not being an active firefighter anymore. I miss the lights coming on and the alarm going off at 2 am and charging down the road red lights and sirens going to a fire or medical aid to help someone. That ache will never go away I’m afraid. I can say though that full timing has been wonderful and second best! Besides my firefighting family the best people in the world are RV’ers! So many new friends, it’s great! Follow your dreams. In reality? I have not lost any family and friends at all, but have gained a new family and more friends! Life is good! Rv’ing and full timing is good! I just wanted to personally thank all you wonderful RV’ers I’ve met helping make my dream come true. the great folks of RV.net and my time as a moderator have made it most memorable. did I make the right decision? you betcha ya I did. This winter I’ve chosen to anchor near my old stomping grounds, spend time and the holidays with the family and even a trip to Tuscon. Life is grand. In my opinion with todays economy I am doing pretty good in this lifestyle!