How to earn money while living off grid

I get asked this question quite often, it is a wonderful concept, escaping the 9 – 5 work force and working for yourself from home. The reality is it depends mostly on what skills you have and are they in demand. Some grow food or raise animals to sell. Others have bees and sell the wax and honey, or if they are handy with woodwork can make bee hives as well to sell.

It comes down to how much money do you need, how do you want to spend your time and what skills do you have?

There are lots of clever people who paint, potter, weave, sew, knit, cook, or have specialty skills such as leather craft, jewellery making and metal work. Depending on your skill level and ability to sell your wares this may be an option for you.

Handmade items are in demand as people understand the skill required to make such items and appreciate they will last longer and are unique, which appeals to many. I prefer recycle and handmade, especially for the things I can not make myself.

Other places you can sell your goods is Local markets, fairs and expos, as they are often filled with stallholders who make things to sell. Some people sell from home and others sell online, especially if they live remotely. Selling online requires the ability to advertise your wares. This is a skill in itself, as you need a website, social media platforms and the ability to take decent photos.

If you are a builder, gardener, landscaper, house painter, plasterer, plumber or any of the much sort after trades you can often barter or hire your skills out to local residients. There is also a need for healers, whether they are herbalists or bowen, massage, reiki  etc. therapists, these skills can also be bartered or paid for.

How much money do I need to earn? What do I need to start? How will I sell my goods?

Living off grid appeals to many due to the reduced cost of living, but we still need to pay rates, insurance, petrol and car or machinery repairs and serving, phone and internet etc. The list really depends on your version of living off grid. I have friends who are completely off grid. No phone or internet, they make and grow everything and live of their investments. The majority of the money came from selling their home in Sydney and setting up in Queensland for a fraction of the cost. They keep their spending to a minimum and put the remainder of their money in investments and live of the interest. This is smart planing if you have the capital to start with, not many do.

Other people define living off grid as simply being on solar power, tank water and property but they still have all the conviences, such as smart TV’s air conditioning and a pool. Only you can decide how much money you need and the lifestyle you want to live but be realistic, we all need some fun as well.

Spinners & Weavers

Spoonsmith, Welsh Lovespoons

Tinsmith

Walking Stick Maker

Wheat Weaver/ Corn Dollies

Whip Plaiter & Beltmaker

Whittler

Woodworker