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Living off the land, spending your days tending to crops, feeding animals, and processing the fruits of your labor – sounds idyllic, right? But as any homesteader will tell you, there are also downsides to this way of life, and it certainly isn’t all sunshine and flowers. We’ve all had moments when we wonder why we chose this life and consider whether a ‘normal’ 9-5 office job might come with less heartache and stress.
If you’re considering embracing homesteading into your life, knowing about these hard truths in advance helps you prepare for what lies in store and be more resilient through the tough times. And, in case you’re wondering, the moments of hardship are far outweighed by the wonderful benefits of this wholesome lifestyle!
Poor Harvests
No two years are ever the same in the homestead vegetable patch, and some crop failures are inevitable. For example, we had a terrible crop of bell peppers this year because the spring was far cooler than normal, and the plants struggled to thrive.
Changing weather patterns, pests, and diseases can all affect our carefully tended crops, but by diversifying what we grow and planting resilient varieties, our losses are kept to a minimum.
Heavy Time Commitment
Don’t expect to get much downtime if you’re homesteading – this lifestyle demands early mornings, late finishes, and long hours. Tough physical labor and minimal free time will quickly become a reality in your day-to-day life. However, you really do get as much out of it as you put into it, so the rewards for this commitment will soon start rolling in!
Unpredictable Weather
The weather doesn’t always cooperate with our homesteading tasks, yet many jobs still need doing regardless of what the forecast brings—even in the intense heat of summer. Homesteaders quickly learn to keep a close eye on the weather and adjust their plans to make the most of every day, rain or shine!
Minimal Vacations
Along with all that hard work, you may also find getting away for a vacation difficult. There never seems to be quite the right time to go away, and finding a housesitter skilled in caring for livestock and crops can be tricky. It is a good idea to collaborate with friends and neighbors who share a similar lifestyle and tend to each other’s homesteads during vacation time.
Hidden Costs
The homesteading lifestyle is normally very frugal, but hidden costs can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. Repairs to machinery and the cost of seeds and animal feed can add up quickly.
Livestock Deaths
As the saying goes, ‘where there’s livestock, there’s deadstock’ – at some point, you are going to have to deal with the death of an animal. From an emotional perspective, this can be very tough, and there is the financial impact on your homesteading plans to also consider. We once had our entire flock of laying hens killed by a fox, which, as well as being heartbreaking, cost us a huge sum of money to replace.
Injuries
Homesteading requires constant physical work that can strain the body, and injuries through everyday activities are unfortunately common. It is a good idea to keep yourself fit and strong to avoid muscle strains and always wear the appropriate protection to reduce the risk of injury. Also, plan ahead for what happens when you are older, as some physical tasks may become impossible.
Limited Finances
Unless you’ve got another source of income, money can be tight on the homestead. Many sources of income are seasonal, so it is a good idea to diversify your income streams to maintain financial stability all year round.
Isolation and loneliness
Whether you’ve got family alongside you or are undertaking a solo homesteading project, this lifestyle can leave you feeling isolated from the world. Daily connections with other people can be limited, and it is a good idea to set time aside for social events or join local groups to stave off loneliness.
The strain on personal relationships
Homesteading alongside your partner or family can be an intense experience, and it is all too easy for friction to develop. Make sure to work on your communication skills and plan regular downtime away from the homestead to keep your relationships harmonious and supportive.
Regulatory Issues
Homesteading comes with more than its fair share of red tape! Many everyday things that you take for granted, like rearing livestock or selling surplus vegetables, are tightly regulated by local authorities. If you’re feeling confused about local laws and permits, consider joining a farmer advocacy group.
A steep learning curve
Homesteaders often need to learn skills that they often never dreamed of! From giving medication to animals and basic veterinary care to vehicle maintenance and tool repairs, you’ll find yourself researching ways to solve problems that would never have occurred to you before.
Lack of control
It is essential to realize that, no matter how well prepared you are, the homesteading life will always throw curveballs when you least expect it. So, if you like to have your life carefully planned, be prepared to become a little bit more flexible in your outlook! Unpredictable weather, wayward animals, and broken machinery can all lead to a rethink of your daily plans at the last minute.
No Sick Day Coverage
There’s no option to take a sick day on the homestead. Although we can reduce the daily chores to a minimum, the animals and crops will still need tending. Writing basic instructions for someone to care for your animals in case of sudden illness or emergency is a good idea.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
