Escaping the Rat Race: My INCREDIBLE Journey to Rural Bliss & Self Sustainability

Join me on my incredible journey from the rat race to rural bliss and self-sustainability. Discover how I found purpose and meaning in life through escaping the hustle and bustle of city living.

After years of living paycheck to paycheck, an unexpected opportunity arose—a chance to step into my late mother’s shoes and take over part of the family business.

It was a role I took on with pride and determination, pouring a decade of hard work, sacrifice, and passion into building something truly successful.

But as the years went on, I began to question it all. The long hours, the endless grind, and the constant push for more left me feeling empty, disconnected, and unfulfilled.

The fast-paced city life, with its relentless pursuit of success, no longer felt like the life I wanted.

Deep down, I knew there had to be something better—a life of purpose, balance, and meaning.

So, I made a brave decision to walk away from it all. I left behind the city, the rat race, and the endless demands to build a life rooted in simplicity and self-sustainability.

The journey has been anything but easy, yet it has been the most rewarding chapter of my life.

From learning to grow my own food and create from scratch to finding peace in the quiet beauty of rural living, each step has taught me resilience, gratitude, and joy.

In this video, I’m sharing the story of my transformation—from a driven entrepreneur to a homesteader embracing a slower, more intentional way of life.

I hope my story encourages you to reflect on your own path and consider what truly brings you happiness and fulfillment. Let’s dive in together!”

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

xo Michelle

[edie_perty]

In January this year, at 57 and single after a long marriage, I Ieft the city and bought a small abandoned cottage in rural South Australia, population 80. I literally thought that if i stayed in the city, with a large mortgage, it would kill me. I know that sounds dramatic but felt very real. Best thing I've ever done. Thank you.

[onagoodday]

With my inheritance from my beautiful mother, I have just bought 24 acres of land, steep, rocky, terrible clay soil. Paradise, glorious views, private and lost in the hills. I thought I might get scared, be overwhelmed, regret my decision. I dumped my small bowl of veggie peelings in the middle of 24 acres to start my compost and laughed out loud. 6 months later I am the happiest woman alive. I am so grateful to my mother. The kookaburras laugh, the ducks hang out on the dam, the wallabies keep the grass down. 20 years of being a widow, raising 2 kids alone, slogging through a psych degree, running a private practice, an air BnB, working day and night. Now I sit by the fire, with a tent in the old falling down barn and I can’t believe how beautiful the world is, how amazing my just planted little pepperberry bush looks, what an honour it is to be hosted by the blue gums towering down the valley. I never knew there was so much joy to be had.

[grdngodess]

My story is a little different because I work from home and I was able to continue working. I bought 6 acres when I was 59 with a house and garage and have built up my retirement life with two coops, 45 chickens and the 3700 sq ft garden with 10 beds and all as a single women. I've hired out the big difficult jobs but have learned how to manage the property on my own. I'm finally retiring in a few months and this is just heaven for me to already be where I know makes me so happy.

[blacksprucecabinak]

I am 61 years old and building a cabin in Alaska. Retiring at the end of 2025 and moving to the woods. I started a YouTube channel and look forward to sharing what this beautiful world has to offer with others who feel the same. Best wishes to you and all who have the courage to make a change. Thanks for sharing your story.

[patriciapadgett]

Hola from Spain. A fascinating story & Thankyou for being so honest. We moved from the UK to Spain 20 years ago, to live totally off grid in a tiny cabin. No water, no electric, no mod cons of any sort. After 6 years we built a beautiful house, lived in that for 12 years, but still craved simplicity, so at the ripe old age of 73 we upped sticks and bought an old Spanish Casita that hadn't been lived in for over 20 years. Renovation & hard work ongoing. We love the life, we have a lot of land, Olive Grove, dogs, cats & still choose not to have a tv. I think our kids are proud of us for being adventurous, and like you we are still learning. Look forward to following your journey. Take care, hugs ❤

[maneeshamaneesh]

I hear you. I changed my life drastically at 59. Moved frim a city with 300.000 inhabitants to an island with close to 20.000. Now live in a small house near a fjord and have a big garden. Happy to hear your story ❤ It is never too late ❤

[DZ-rffh]

I lived in the country for 4 years as a teenager and could not wait to leave. Flash Forwarded I am now 62. Due to circumstances I lost my health, job, and sold my home. I went to a country setting to rest and continue healing. The first thing that happened was being in nature dramatically improved my health. I went to the city I left for business for a day and not only did I not miss it, I was happy I did not live there anymore, and could not wait to get back to the country. I went on a day trip to another large city and same thing, couldn't wait to get back. So now I am looking for a place in the country. Life works in mysterious ways, and I am so grateful for that. What seemed like a tragedy was in fact a blessing. Thanks for sharing your story and to those in the community that shared theirs. It's very encouraging as I follow in your footsteps. Hugs...

[gladysh]

I made the switch at 53. I had been a paralegal for 37 years and I was not happy. I changed jobs about every 5 years but stayed in the paralegal profession. In 1997 I bought 4 acres in North Carolina. Because it is rural property, I was traveling an hour and a half - one way to work. When I did the math to realize that I was wasting 3 hours a day, 15 hours a week in my car, I said NO MORE. I quit my corporate job in 2008 and took a Master Gardener class and I also took a Beekeeping class in 2009. I have been a beekeeper now for 15 years and along with planting everything that I know to plant for my bees, I also teach beekeeping, "hands on experience" on my property. I grew up in rural America and the 10 years that I lived in the city, I learned, it was not for me.

[i.b.lancer]

Great story, thanks for sharing. I did the same. Left a job that I hated in the lower mainland, sold my house and bought a cute little house with two big workshops (and gardens) on a 1/2 acre in a tiny community of 700 in the middle of BC. I've only been here a couple of months and I'm still decompressing but I'm starting to feel better already. Walking away from the stressors in your life no matter how scary it might seem can be the best thing for you.

[julieaustin]

YT fed this video to me....first time seeing your channel. I am a fifty four year old single female, mother of three, Nana to two, and operator of my own small business (all loves of my life) in Ontario. My business is one that I’ve kept going throughout the last five years, with feelings of satisfaction, accomplishment, contribution, but also frustration, (with more frustrations over the last couple years though). After a marital separation in 2018, I was just getting on my feet in 2019. And then Covid, a challenge I met like other challenges, with practical perseverance. In 2022, I was at the same place you describe, of processing grief, and redefining what success means. It’s become clear to me over the last 2 years, even as I continue operating my business, (which I still love) that I crave space where I can regulate my nervous system, claim sovereignty with my own life decisions, and live in a meaningful way that allows me to support my own growth and those I love. And this awareness of what I need means a shift is coming for me soon. I feel this deep in my bones, but Im just not sure what that shift will be, in a practical manifestation, yet. I’m open to the potential, while actively taking steps. My biggest active step right now is trying to sell a commercial property. And in that process, which currently is slow, I have to remind myself I can’t force anything. Like you have done, I’m envisioning a change, which for me is space where I too can hopefully have a garden, chickens, maybe rabbits(?), and be close to nature for my two young grandchildren to spend time with me, so we can play, while perhaps continuing my business in another way. I don’t yet know the mechanics of finding that space, but I have an idea of where it will be, so I am looking. I don’t know how to do many of the gardening tasks, but I do know I’m a good student. And I look forward to learning. I love learning actually. And I’m grateful for my life education so far. Even though I stumbled upon this link, and was about to move on to start my days tasks, I’m glad I stopped, and took the time to watch and listen to you speak, which you calmly did with sincerity, and grace. By the tone of many comments, it’s clear your message has resonated with so many in similar places, who love your encouraging message, and how you delivered it. Like others, I am grateful that you shared it and that I found it, or it found me - (an algorithmic synchronicity perhaps ). 🙏🏻💜
I am also subscribing now. 🙂

[stateofgrace]

All power to you, Michelle, for following your heart. We often feel it is too hard but when we are brave enough to follow our hearts, the rewards are so much more than we ever dreamed possible. I moved country when I was 40 & thought I would be here for the rest of my life but, nearly 20 years later, I am doing it again. Making our dreams real is what makes life worth living. Thank you for your courage & sharing

[suehill]

I subscribed in the first few minutes..what a very captivating and deeply resonating, well told story! My life at 63 has also changed since 2020 thru so much loss, grief and isolation, leading to great personal transformation. I wouldn’t change a thing because I’m here, now, practicing contentedness in my subdivision lot, and looking always for that spot of land and water that is calling me to steward..feeling so grateful! Thank you for sharing your story❤

[TheOffGridIrelandDream]

It's great to see a kindred spirit thriving and following their passions. Good luck and keep sprits high. Greetings from our off grid Homestead in Ireland 🇮🇪

[janeth.]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration! I met your Aunt Janine when she was in Tucson, AZ. I walked away from hospital nursing after 35yrs. Im 61 now and ready to start over. Married for 28yrs but we've grown apart. My time is here and Im excited for what the future holds.

[kittenishthings]

What a beautiful story!! Is it crazy that I resonate with wanting to live out in the rural areas and I'm not even 30 yet? I've always felt more at home in the tranquility of nature. It's the only thing that recharges me in the way that it does. Don't get me wrong, I love people, but I need equal time to myself these days.. I dream of living a life that you have. So inspiring <3

[rollandjoeseph]

Nice heartfelt story of determination and will..you're a very smart, driven women clearly with a great heart to boot.. your message of living your best most authentic life is wonderful, unfortunately its harder when the funds aren't as dependable for most .. i live a modest life, do ok for myself with a decent career and live simply, frugally and couldn't be happier. I wish you the best in your life.

[amyhoward]

This IS truly inspiring and I can just feel how grateful you must be. Unfortunately, many people live with just enough money to keep a roof over their head and the heat on without the business success or the savings and may not have a partner that is willing to make that kind of move.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not dissing anyone that can do it- just wish there were more stories also of how or even IF people have made a change in the harder situations.
You are lovely and eloquent. Keep living the dream and inspiring others to do the same.

[margeg.]

I wish i have money to do those things but i am down and out broke and broken right now after a 14yr relationship with a partner. I always love and lived a simple optimistic life with my two grown old children.
Maybe someday huh. 😊

So happy for you really. And more good life for you and your family.

[RemRoseHomestead]

What an inspiring story! My family & I just made a drastic life change. We lived in New England both working full time jobs with two young children in school and daycare. In July we moved 1, 200 miles away next to my in-laws in Tennessee where we bought 22 acres of land & we're trying to make it work where I won't have to work anymore, or at least not full-time. I started my YouTube channel recently so far to document our journey only. In the furore there will be more of that as well, but also how to videos about gardening, animal keeping and being more self-sufficient. I wish everyone a happy holiday season wherever you are!

[lindastone]

Thankyou so much for this. We are about to make this change next year. At 66 & 65, hubby and I have spent the last 14 years as carers to various relatives.It is now our time. Both of us are creatives that have spent the last 45 years towing the line. Now is our time. We know where we want to be. Now to sell a house, transfer a 96 year old mother in law in to a different care home ( we are sole carers) and pack down 45 years of life. Frightening but exciting!