A Year Of Living In His Car Really Did This Man Some Good Both Mentally And Economically
Chris Sawey found himself in a difficult place in May 2013, that many of us have been before: he had just graduated college and was in need of employment. He decided to drive across the country searching for that job, and the road he traveled was not an easy one.
This is his story from fighting depression to finding success, not only in his career but with his overall happiness–all from inside his car.
This is him driving his Toyota Prius, which would become his home over the course of a year of ups and downs.
Because, along the way, his car was broken, which as you could've guessed (considering it's his home), had all his valuables in it.
Which of course had all his professional credentials in it: résumés and portfolios. Without those items, finding a job was going to be very difficult. But, that didn't stop life from happening, as the bills kept coming in, regardless of his employment status. That's when Sawey says, "…depression was taking over like you would not believe."
As opposed to the things he could live without. He made a list of his monthly expenses and decided only certain things needed to stay in that list: "food, gas, cell phone bill, car insurance, and saving for the future…"
And he had a good disposition about it all.
And what's crazy is just how much he can fit in the compact design of the Prius.
So, where does the hotel find it's resting place at night?
And that's what has made this experience so rewarding in terms of his career path. Having this mobility means he can say, "yes," to any opportunity that presents itself. "What’s that? A job in the Northeast? On my way!" so says Sawey. Something that started off as not so pleasant has found a way to turn itself into the best tool he's got.
He explains it comes from solving life's challenges. That's what has gotten him through it all.
Sawey says "gyms" are where he gets his showers. For no more than $10-25/month he can use the showers, WiFi and even the pool at a gym he's a member at–where ever he may be at the time. That's some creative problem solving right there.