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365 Days Living in a Car — The Struggles, Lessons, and Truth
A Year on the Road: Lessons from Living in a Subaru Forester
Ark
June 06, 2025
Hi, I’m Eric, a full-time digital nomad who’s been living out of a Subaru Forester for exactly 365 days. Today, as I mark one year of life on the road, I’m reflecting on the lessons learned, the struggles faced, and the truths uncovered while escaping normal life in places like Niagara Falls, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, and Zion National Park for Thanksgiving. I’ve even found myself in front of a haunted hotel in Las Vegas that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, at Carhenge in Nebraska, and at the Grand Canyon. Right now, I’m in a spot so perfect I don’t think I’ll ever leave.
Why a Car?
You might be wondering why I live out of a car instead of a van, camper, or trailer—something with more space. The simple answer is this is what I had. I bought this Subaru Forester brand new as a reliable daily driver for commuting to work. It’s fully paid off, and taking on a car payment for a larger rig just isn’t feasible right now. While I dream of a setup where I can stand up to put on my pants or cook indoors, the Forester has its own advantages.
The car’s versatility is a major pro. It can go places bigger vehicles can’t, like navigating tight city streets or fitting into parking garages. As a digital nomad with a full-time job, I often have to work in cities, and the Forester makes that easier. I also do DoorDash on the side for extra income, and a car is far more practical for that than a van or camper. Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave a setup that shields me from the elements or offers more room to stretch out.
Lessons Learned
Living out of a car has taught me that every rig—car, van, truck, or camper—has its pros and cons. The Forester is my home, and I’ve grown to love it. Everything takes longer in this lifestyle—cooking a meal, for example, is a solid hour from setup to cleanup. But that effort makes every task feel like an accomplishment. The struggle makes the reward sweeter, like the juice is worth the squeeze.
This lifestyle suits me because I’ve never been one for complacency. I thrive on the road less traveled, always seeking to learn and grow. Whether I’m listening to podcasts or diving into online research, I’m constantly teaching myself something new. Living in a car forces me to embrace challenges, and overcoming them feels deeply rewarding. It’s not the easy path, but it’s mine, and I love it.
The Struggles
The biggest struggle? Weather. Rain, snow, wind, or scorching heat—everything I do is outside, and the elements dictate my day. A tent attached to the back of my car offers some relief, but when the sun beats down or clouds roll in, I’m at nature’s mercy. Packing up in a hurry when rain threatens is just part of the deal.
Another challenge is social overload. After a year of solitude in nature, cities feel overwhelming. Crowds, noise, and chaos make me want to bolt back to the quiet of the wilderness. I once spent a week at a desolate campground in Texas, only to feel like a fish out of water when I had to visit an Apple Store in Dallas to fix my phone. The mall’s bustle was jarring after the peace of the open road. This makes me wonder: am I becoming someone who can’t handle crowds? Will I end up as an old man living alone in his car in the hills?
This thought weighs on me. I’m at peace alone and don’t feel lonely, but I worry about what this means for future relationships, friendships, or family ties. I love moving at my own pace, but what happens if I meet someone special or want to settle down? I’m not running away from life, but from the outside, it might look that way. These questions linger as I continue this journey.
The Truths
The greatest truth about living in a car is the freedom. I can go anywhere, anytime. This June, I plan to spend a month in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, surrounded by the Sierra mountains. That flexibility is why I chose this lifestyle. I’ve always loved travel—the thrill of the unknown, the adventure of not knowing what’s around the corner. Even when I’ve traveled abroad alone, navigating language barriers or unfamiliar menus, I’ve felt at ease just winging it. Every misstep is a story, and I live for those stories.
Before this, I felt stuck, like a hamster on a wheel, working to live without progressing. Friends and family were buying homes, starting businesses, and building families, while I felt stagnant. Living in a car might look like a step backward to some, but to me, it’s progress. Spending a month in a national park or waking up in a place like this feels like an accomplishment, even if I can’t fully explain why.
The Perception Problem
Admitting I live in a car can be tricky. Sometimes I say it with a laugh—like when I tell Home Depot employees I don’t need home improvement gear because “I live in a car.” Other times, it’s embarrassing. Reconnecting with old friends online and explaining that I’m “just traveling around” can feel like I’m admitting I don’t have my life together. At nearly 50, this lifestyle feels like something you’re supposed to do in your 20s. I’m technically homeless, and I haven’t showered in two days—those realities can sting when I think about how others might see me.
But deep down, I’m comfortable with this life. I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but it feels right. I see myself doing this for years, though everything could change tomorrow. A great job, a special person, or an amazing city could make me want to put down roots. If that happens, I’ll escape normal life in a different way.
Looking Ahead
As I wrap up my first year on the road and look to the future, I’m grateful for this journey. The Subaru Forester has been my home, my companion, and my ticket to freedom. Thanks for joining me as I escape normal life, one mile at a time.
#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork
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