We Create Our Own Prison To Live And Die In

House Ownership From A Millennial Perspective

We are born, we grow. We are sent to kindergarten, preschool, school, and perhaps later to university, just to continue with a strict schedule in our adult lives.

Later, a company takes over the role of the school, the teacher becomes the boss, and our school colleagues become our work colleagues, but fundamentally, it’s the same system, the same matrix.

For many, one of life’s most desired achievements is— or at least was — to buy a house, to own something, to signify importance, and to showcase life achievements to neighbours. You might flaunt a beautiful house, a nice car, maybe even a weekend boat. Yet, in the end, it’s still the same.

Success in your job often means little free time as an employee. You work day in, day out, all week just to claim ownership of a house, have enough to buy food, and occasionally go on holiday. But can you truly enjoy this life? Is there time to relax at home whenever you want, to host parties? Perhaps for a few hours on weekends, but that’s it.

But brace yourself for Monday because Monday will come knocking.

Where does this desire for achievement come from? Who dictates that we need one house, in one location, to feel fulfilled?

Like many millennials, I didn’t plan to skip buying a house initially — buying just didn’t seem possible. Before, you could buy a house with a 12-year mortgage and save up for a down payment in 5 to 10 years. But now, it’s more common to need a 30-year mortgage and save for 15 to 20 years for that first down payment.

So, I found a positive side to this seemingly dire situation.

Without owning a house, I’m far more flexible. I’m not employed any more. I’ve been self-employed since 2017, and I’m grateful for having managed this challenging transition.

Without a house to tie me down, without an employer dictating my whereabouts and schedule, I’m my own boss. I feel free.

Surprisingly, a house feels more like a prison to me now. Currently, I prefer renting houses or apartments for 6–12 months, and I love it. Apartments are easier and somewhat more enjoyable because they don’t require constant maintenance. Houses come with numerous tasks that make life a bit harder, I’ve found. There’s the need to tend to the garden, keep the grass short, keep spiders or snakes out because you are on ground level in Queensland Australia, and find someone to watch over your house if you’re away for a while.

When it comes to the risk of losing your house, it’s quite substantial.

The Risk that Comes with House-Ownership

If you can’t afford your monthly mortgage payment, sooner or later, you’ll lose your beloved house. A friend of mine used to pay around AUD $2000 per month for his mortgage, but with rising interest rates, he’s now paying about $6000. Imagine that! But, if you’re only renting, you can terminate your lease and move into a smaller place if necessary.

Become a Minimalist naturally

Not owning a house doesn’t leave much room for hoarding. A minimalist lifestyle becomes your ally simply because of how you’ve chosen to live. And I must say, this feels remarkably liberating. Before every move, I go through my belongings, selling a lot on second-hand market apps or Facebook Marketplace. It’s always simpler and more cost-effective to buy everything second-hand, then sell it if it’s no longer needed, and only move with the essentials. For me, that’s about 2 suitcases and my electronics. I don’t need more; everything else is replaceable.

Sounds like a lot of work? Sure, for about 1–2 weeks. But, after doing this for about 8 years now, I’ve become more efficient with every move, and I cherish the part where I bid farewell to materialistic things that have served their purpose.

I can go wherever I want. I can stay wherever I want. I am in control of my reality.

You might think that I am a loner, but no. I have my little family with me always, and we are grateful for every day filled with new adventures and surprises. This lifestyle has brought us closer together than I ever imagined.

The stability that is important for my kids means being together, and it really doesn’t matter where that is. We all love travelling and experiencing new homes, new cities, new people.

This is a life that I have always dreamed of, and anyone who wants this for themselves can achieve it. It’s just a matter of mindset.

You can achieve anything in life. Believe in yourself.

Conclusion

Not owning a house has granted me the freedom to travel as much and as often as I desire. I don’t need to worry about my house while on holiday because, in my life, every day feels like a holiday. If my budget is tight I go for a more affordable renting option. If I have experienced one location enough for my liking I move on. We might be a natural vagabond family who will never settle down and always be on the road, experiencing new environments, new cultures, new people, and new adventures.

This lifestyle has helped me to grow and adapt quicker than I ever have imagined. Who needs a house?

Follow me to read more stories like this.

Dreams Are So Much More Than You Ever Thought

DMT: The Cosmic Adventure of the Mind

How Much Did I Earn In The First 3 Months

Click here: https://medium.com/@GoodToKnow33/subscribe