$0 Costs 0 Friends, my life as a Silicon Valley Software Engineer living in a car | Hannah’s Diaries

Hi everyone, welcome back to another entry of my journey. And thank you so much for all the support and encouragement on my first vlog—it truly means the world to me!

Why did I choose to live in my car? Apart from what unfolded in the first entry, I realized I was caught in an endless cycle of earning and spending, chasing a lifestyle that others deemed 'typically lavish' for tech folks. But then, a serious illness nearly took my life. It forced me to take a hard look at my life and question everything I was pursuing—and more importantly, to search for the real meaning of my life.

After two months living in my car, I suddenly noticed that I wasn’t spending anything—my bank account was growing exponentially, for the first time in years, after always living paycheck to paycheck. I eat free meals at work and live in my car without paying rent. Even though I live in my car, I still feel I'm privileged. Thanks to the tradition of Silicon Valley tech companies providing free meals to employees, I have had the luxury of not worrying about food while living in my car.

Embarking on this journey has been about more than just cutting costs—it's about seeking deeper insights into what truly matters to me. Reviewing old videos on my phone and revisiting my past has been an incredibly emotional process. At times, it felt suffocating to see who I used to be. But perhaps this is what I need—a chance to re-examine my life from a third-person perspective, to learn and grow. Maybe the more I share these vlogs, the more I will uncover about myself.

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Hi everyone, the episode you're watching is episode 2 of Season 1 of my documentary series: A Silicon Valley Engineer's Car Living Story. Each episode is based on real events and timelines from my life, and they’re all connected. I've created a playlist on my homepage to help you navigate through the series. After this season, I'll reveal the title and content of Season 2 of my life. Hope my story inspires you. Thanks for watching!
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[Hylin]

As a single woman living out of a car, I would recommend not vlogging too much about your night parking finds or safe spots, especially with the rising crimes in California. I think it's cool you are adjusting to your new lifestyle and making videos about it, but do it safely.

[annat]

One of multi-millionaire once said in an interview, I forgot his name, “In your 20, you really do care what people think about you.
You get to 40, you don’t really care what people think about you.
Then in your 60, you realized no one really thought much of you in the first place”

Don’t try too hard to make friends. In life, most people would be lucky to meet 2-3 best friends who really love and care for you as a person and want to be part of your life always. Everyone else is casual friend who come and go. So don’t put too much effort in casual friends.

[bluefire]

Software Engineer here too and definitely feel the same way about friends. Making adult friends is really hard especially in a field full of introverts. My heart kinda broke when u said the person you setup a meetup ghosted you. I hope you find solace in the fact that many of us here are rooting for you!

[daven]

Seriously get out of California. As a Software Engineer you can live very comfortably in many places in this country and still afford your own place -- not living out of a car (unless that is an actual goal). God bless

[AlinaCalifornia]

*5:53** - Girl, you are not alone! Look at this fluffy creature who loves you more than anything!*

[Sumire-rere]

Please don't get used to this.
You're at the prime of your life.

With your job, you really don't need to be so extreme like this. Even a small apartment for safety is good. Driving around looking for a safe spot every night is time that could've been spent connecting with others be it at interest groups/coffee meets, etc.

[cheewanng]

"I was trapped in this endless loop of earning and spending. I want to get out" I think this resonates with a lot of people. Usually a person will achieved certain wisdom to know how to navigate out of this through the years, but there are people that will never get out and that's really sad. And also about human relationships, you will also attain certain enlightenment and view it as "it is what it is". I wished happiness will flood your life sooner than you think. Take care and all the best!!

[TIMVESTMENTS]

Would recommend going to local dog parks to meet dog owners and build friendships. Also food banks, volunteering or classes (cooking/yoga) are great ways to meet people that you will regularly see.

+oil from a fellow Chinese Canadian!

[lissettetaladay]

Came across your video, and it made me cry. Especially the part about realizing that material things in life don’t bring you happiness. My husband is a software engineer at MS and living in Seattle. A few years ago, i was dx with Lupus, I came to a realization that the lifestyle we are living with all the nice things don’t bring you happiness, friendships and love from within. It is all superficial. One thing I took for granted was my health. Now, I look back and I wish I would have done things differently. Thinking this way leads to nowhere. You are doing something about it, and that’s all that matters. I’m sorry that you are having a hard time making friends, I hope that changes for you soon. Sending you positive vibes and good energy!

[harikrishnanchandramohan]

From Emily in Paris to California homelessness life. One extreme will always lead to another extreme. Just like you got bored of the glam life, you will get bored of frugality as well. Moderation is key. A roof over your head is a must. Atleast get a studio near your workplace.

[mr_smilegaming]

The hard truth is there is no real friend at work, probably acquaintances and some people to casually talk to.

[donnguyen]

Be strong, be well. Forget coworkers who don't want to befriend you. The workplace has always been a place for me to make a living/income, that's it. I never liked getting to close to my co-workers anyways. Too much drama and politics anyways. I go to work to make my money, be professional, and that's it.

Make friends outside of work, is my advice. Find hobbies, and similar people with those same hobbies. Find you first.

BTW, liked your sincere video with a thumbs up!

[verabean]

When I lived in California, people would say, " lets do lunch sometime" when they mean bye bye. Its a very strange and rude custom there. Dont take it personally.

[LineLynx]

It's heartening to see that despite your lifestyle change, you kept Halo. I volunteered with a rescue for years, and a common excuse for dumping pets was "moving." It's still very, very common to hear, and often a death sentence. (In some places, especially big cities like San Antonio, even puppies are being put down due to the overwhelming numbers dumped. There are just not enough homes.) My heart melted a bit when you leaned towards the front seat and told Halo "good morning." It's sweet to see you care, and your dog look lovingly back at you. Good luck to you two!

[Alexandru-yt]

I see ppl jugging her too much but only the people that has gone through bad times in their life can understand this. I really admire her and I also live in a car when I go to festivals because everything can get so expensive. I also want to buy a van, wake up in another place and work from there, having my other half with me ( that i didn't find yet ) doing that and living life at the fullest is one of my dreams. Keep it going Hannah. Much love from Romania ! 🤗🤗🤗

[alcionetauri]

I'm pretty sure Hannahs problem is living on each extreme. She went from spending a lot, to spending anything at all. Any of those extremes is unhealthy

[kurainimusic]

Whatever we're going through in life, life will humble us (especially in our 20s and 30s), that's how we'll really learn how to live and know what's really important in our life.

[jkjklluiolu]

You have a friend and thats Halo. Dogs are the most loyal friends and a beautiful gift. Good Luck!

[xoxolorae]

I don’t wanna seem negative but for some reason this content seems offputting. I’m guessing it’s because of all the creepy thirsty men in the comments section and also because it feels like a rich person cosplaying a poor person. A software engineer in SF would make $150K or more a year. I’ve seen plenty of living in car content but it’s mostly from people who have no choice. Just seems extreme to do this unless you’re in a lot of debt and then that sorta makes more sense.

I also had a friend doing van life with a very humble van (not like those fancy ones you see all the time) but enough room for a small bed and tiny fridge, and I feel like that’s a little safer. I also don’t understand how she is not using window covers??? How can you be that brave? And does the dog stay in the car the entire day? It just feels like something doesn’t add up.

It feels more like a social experiment to me or perhaps a way to alleviate extreme debt. Because saving $4K a month to live like this is not sustainable. That is $48, 000 a year, which is a good savings but it’s not enough to retire or to buy a house. She would have to do this for several years. It doesn’t seem sustainable or realistic for someone with a tech job and a large dog.

[nativeemo]

rent a airbnb for a few months around the areas you work sometimes you can even ask them if you can pay monthly to rent their home. i've been doing that for ages now, just renting through airbnb and seeing the best suite for work and all that.