The allure of a self-sufficient life in the beautiful landscapes of Scandinavia is irresistible for many, especially when we see people on social media living mortgage-free due to the surplus value on their house somewhere else. However, for the majority of us, there is no never-ending pile of cash. This article serves as both a warning and an encouragement for those considering this lifestyle change.
First and foremost, don’t hastily sell your house thinking everything will be alright. Even if you plan to grow your own vegetables, forage berries, and catch fish, there will always be external inputs you need. Think solar panels are a free source of power? What happens when the batteries die?
As for me, my dream has always been to live off-grid and as self-sufficient as possible, fully aware that I can’t do everything myself. That’s why I still run my company, and my wife continues to work – together, we make it work in beautiful Norway.
It is essential to understand that there is no shame in not achieving the ‘perfect dream’ right from the start. Buying second-hand items is great, but there is also no shame in purchasing something new or building something from scratch. It’s wonderful if you can build a chicken coop with scrap wood, but if you don’t have it, it’s perfectly fine to buy one.
Similarly, there is no shame in having multiple skills or lacking some serious ones. I, for instance, can close a wound but can’t build a shed. I am not particularly handy with lumberwork or building, but there are low-risk tasks I can manage. For high-risk tasks, it’s safer (and more economical) to save money and hire a professional.
Working towards your goal may seem slow, but when you look back after a few months, you’ll be surprised at the progress you’ve made. So, while I advise against selling your house and assuming everything will be fine, I do encourage you to move where you want to live, find a job, or even start a company. The labor shortage is crazy now, make use of it while you can!
Living a self-sufficient life in Scandinavia or anywhere else requires careful planning, hard work, and a realistic outlook. There is no shame in taking baby steps, seeking help, or making necessary purchases. Ultimately, the journey towards self-sufficiency is a personal one, and it’s important to find the path that works best for you and your family.