Figuring It Out, One Gig At A Time.

We always knew coming back would mean rebuilding.
But we didn’t expect the process to feel this personal.

It’s one thing to downsize your stuff.
It’s another to downsize your identity.
To say goodbye to what used to define you, and figure out what does now.

We’ve lowered our cost of living, sure.
But that doesn’t mean we’re free from needing to make money.
We’re just learning to make it in ways that actually fit this life.

Investing, Mistakes, and a Market That Humbled Us

We’ve been in the stock and crypto world for over seven years now.
Long enough to have made… and lost… six figures more than once.

We’re not gurus. Not trying to be.
But we’ve learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t.

We used to be glued to the charts. Day trading like our lives depended on it.
Now? We’ve pulled way back.

Options trading is our main lane, and the rest of our portfolio is left to grow for retirement.
We check in but we don’t let it run our lives anymore especially with this crazy market so far.

The Gig Life—And Why It’s Actually Working for Us

We’ve also started doing power washing and trailer cleaning around the park.
Simple work. Honest work.

And it’s been fun.

There’s something about teaming up with Kaitlyn just the two of us, working side by side again.
Sweat, soap, jokes, music blasting from a Bluetooth speaker.
It feels like we’re building something real together, one trailer at a time.

New Job and an Old Church Brought Back to Life

I also picked up a day job helping to renovate an old church.
It’s being transformed into a wellness spa for a small town nearby.

And here’s the best part,
The family behind it? A father and daughter duo with values almost identical to ours.
They’ve quickly become more than coworkers they are becoming friends.

They’re curious about our journey. About Mexico. About doing life differently.
And once the spa is complete, they’ve already offered Kaitlyn a role doing what she enjoys, she’s a certified wax tech and they’ve got a spot waiting just for her.

At the Trailer, Kaitlyn Is Holding It All Together

When I’m off working, Kaitlyn’s home keeping it all steady.
The kids’ schooling, the meals, the routines, the animals, the tiny chaos that makes up our daily life.

Unless we’re out power washing together, she’s the anchor at the trailer.
The one making sure the wheels don’t fall off.

We’re not just co-parenting.
We’re co-leading this little ship of ours.

Still Figuring It Out—But Getting Closer Every Week

We’re not where we used to be.
We’re not where we’re going yet, either.

But each week, we’re finding out more about what works for us.
What brings peace instead of pressure.
What aligns with the life we’re intentionally building.

Some days feel like trial and error.
Others feel like flow.

But we’re learning.
Together.
And that’s enough.

Final Thoughts

The old ways of working didn’t fit anymore.
But the new ways?
They’re starting to feel like home.

This life isn’t about quick wins or easy money.
It’s about values, balance, contribution and working with your hands when you need to.

We’re earning differently now.
And living more honestly because of it.

Josh (& the crew)