The Realities of Our Dream Homestead: Beyond the Romance

The recent wave of "trad wife" controversy and the romanticization of farm life and homesteading has sparked a lot of conversation online. Amidst this, our little online store and blog have also attracted attention, with some suggesting that we might be adding to the idyllic portrayal of farming and domestic chores. While we are passionate about our homestead and share our journey with joy, we feel it's important to address the reality behind the scenes.

Our Homestead Dream

Living on a small homestead has been a dream for us for as long as we can remember. We relish growing our own food, tending to our chickens and bees, and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of our labor. This dream became possible only after our kids grew up and we reached a point in our careers where we could work from home in our tech jobs. We are both middle-aged, and it took years of planning and saving to finally make this dream a reality.

The Reality Check

It's crucial to understand that our homesteading lifestyle is a passion project, not a necessity. We are not dependent on the income from our homestead. Our primary incomes come from our full-time tech jobs, and the homestead is something we fill our free time with. This distinction is vital because commercial farming is an entirely different ballgame.

The Hard Truth About Commercial Farming

Commercial farming is a challenging profession. It involves a lot of risks, from unpredictable weather to fluctuating market prices. The physical labor is intense, and the hours are long. Many commercial farmers struggle to make ends meet, and it's a career that demands immense dedication and resilience. It's not all sunshine and butterflies, and it's certainly not something that can be romanticized without acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices involved.

Our Message

While we love sharing the joy we find in our homestead, we never want to give the impression that it's an easy or profitable endeavor. Our situation is unique because we have the financial stability to pursue this lifestyle as a hobby. We hope that our blog and online store inspire others to pursue their dreams, but we also want to be transparent about the realities.

Homesteading can be incredibly rewarding, but it's also a lot of hard work. If you're considering this lifestyle, it's essential to go in with your eyes wide open. Do your research, plan carefully, and be prepared for the challenges.

We love our life on the homestead, but we are also keenly aware of the privilege that allows us to live this way. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our experiences and hope that our story can help others understand the true nature of homesteading. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but for us, it's a dream come true—one that we can fully enjoy because we are not reliant on it for our livelihood.

Thank you for following our journey. We appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to share the ups and downs of our homesteading life.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us directly. We love hearing from our readers and engaging in meaningful conversations about our shared interests and dreams.