When people talk about “the system,” they’re usually referring to the web of institutions that keep our modern lives ticking along. This can include:nn- Government agencies and social safety nets (think unemployment benefits, public healthcare, or food assistance)n- Corporate jobs and the nine-to-five grindn- Traditional education systems (public schools, universities)n- Mainstream healthcare and insurance modelsn- Big banks and conventional financial productsnnIt might seem like just the way things are, but these systems shape almost every aspect of daily life. According to Pew Research, 90% of Americans have used at least one government benefit program, and the vast majority depend on traditional employment for health insurance and retirement savings. That’s a huge portion of society relying on established structures for stability.nnWhy do we lean so heavily on these systems? Part of it is cultural. From our earliest days in school, we’re told to color inside the lines, get a “good job,” and trust that the system will reward us with security and comfort. This narrative is reinforced by family, media, and even our communities.
It’s no wonder so many of us find it scary to imagine a life that doesn’t fit this mold.nnBut here’s the thing: not every system is infallible. In fact, a Gallup poll found that only 32% of Americans have confidence in big business, and just 20% trust the government to do the right thing. That means a lot of us are depending on institutions we don’t actually trust.nnSo pause for a second and ask yourself: **What systems do you depend on every day?** Whether it’s your job, your bank, your healthcare provider, or something else, really notice where your life is plugged into the broader machinery. This self-awareness is the first step in deciding if, or how, you might want to disconnect.nn—nn## The First Steps: What It’s Like to Break AwaynnNow let’s get real: What does it actually feel like to take those first steps away from the system? I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s a wild ride. There’s the thrill of freedom, yes, but also a wave of uncertainty that can be downright scary.nn### The Emotional RollercoasternnWhen you first decide to step off the beaten path, you’ll probably feel a rush of excitement.
Suddenly, anything seems possible. Maybe you’re daydreaming about starting a homestead, launching your own business, or homeschooling your kids. But that excitement is often followed by fear. How will you pay the bills? What if you get sick? Who will you turn to if things go wrong?nnStatistics back up just how real these worries are. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, freelancers and gig workers—two groups often operating outside the “system”—are three times more likely to cite income instability as a major source of stress.nn### The Practical SidennBreaking away from the system usually means losing access to safety nets most people take for granted: employer-sponsored health insurance, unemployment benefits, or even a predictable paycheck.
You might find yourself learning new skills on the fly, from building a chicken coop to figuring out self-employment taxes. It’s not always glamorous, but it can be incredibly empowering.nn### Real-Life StoriesnnTake Sarah, for example, a former corporate executive who traded her high-paying job for a self-sustaining homestead. “I thought I’d miss my old life, but now I wake up with purpose and freedom,” she says. Or consider James, who left his banking job to freelance as a web developer. He admits, “The first year was rough, but now I have control over my time and work.”nnThe key ingredient in all these stories? **Mindset.** Making this leap isn’t just about logistics—it’s about shifting from dependency to self-empowerment. Instead of waiting for a company, school, or government agency to solve your problems, you start looking for ways to solve them yourself.nn—nnReady to see how people build real self-reliance and what it takes to thrive outside the system?
In Part 2, we’ll dive into essential skills, strategies, and the crucial role of community support. Let’s keep exploring this adventure together!nn## Building Self-Reliance: Skills and StrategiesnnSo, you’ve taken those first shaky steps away from the system. Maybe you’ve quit your nine-to-five, started growing your own veggies, or just canceled your cable bill. Now what? Here’s where the rubber meets the road: building the skills and strategies to not just survive, but thrive on your own terms.nnLet’s be clear—self-reliance isn’t about doing everything alone or becoming a hermit in the woods. It’s about cultivating the abilities, resources, and relationships you need to handle life’s uncertainties without always leaning on big institutions. In Part 1, we talked about the emotional rollercoaster and the importance of mindset.
Now, it’s time to get practical.nn### Essential Skills to CultivatennThink about the things you usually outsource to “the system”—food, shelter, financial security, problem-solving. When you step away, building these skills becomes your new safety net. Here are a few core areas:nn- **Gardening and Food Production:** Even a small backyard garden or a few pots on a balcony can supplement your grocery bill and give you more control over what you eat. According to the National Gardening Association, an estimated 35% of American households grow some of their own food—up from just 17% a decade ago.n- **Budgeting and Financial Literacy:** Without a steady paycheck or employer-backed benefits, you become your own . Basic budgeting, saving, and smart investing are crucial. The Federal Reserve’s 2023 survey found that 37% of self-employed Americans cite financial management as their biggest struggle, highlighting how important these skills really are.n- **Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:** Leaky roof? Broken laptop? When you’re not calling in a landlord or department, you quickly learn to troubleshoot, research fixes, or barter for help.n- **Emergency Preparedness:** This might mean stocking some extra food, creating a cash cushion, or learning how to treat minor illnesses at home.nn### Creating Your Own Safety NetsnnGoing solo doesn’t mean going without a safety net—it just means building your own.
This might look like:nn- **Emergency Funds:** Having three to six months of living expenses socked away isn’t just good advice for freelancers—it’s essential for anyone charting their own course.n- **Community Support:** Community isn’t always what we picture—sometimes it’s a neighbor who knows how to weld, a friend who shares garden seeds, or a local barter network. In fact, a 2022 Pew study found that people who participate in local groups or community projects report 21% higher life satisfaction.n- **Bartering and Skill-Swapping:** Don’t have everything you need? Chances are, someone else does. Barter systems and local skill-share groups are making a comeback, especially in smaller towns and online forums.nn### How to Learn New SkillsnnWorried you don’t have the skills to make it outside the system? Good news: almost everything can be learned. Start small—a YouTube tutorial on changing your car’s oil, a free online budgeting course, or a community workshop on canning vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to fail! Trial and error is one of the best teachers.nn- **Online Resources:** Today, there are thousands of free or low-cost classes on everything from carpentry to coding.n- **Local Workshops:** Check out your library, local extension office, or community center. Chances are, someone’s teaching a class on something you want to learn.n- **Mentorship:** Find someone who’s already living the way you want and ask questions. Most people love sharing their expertise.nn### The Role of CommunitynnHere’s one of the biggest surprises for people going “off-grid” or self-employed: you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, most people who thrive outside the system do so *because* they build new forms of connection. Whether it’s a local skills co-op, an online support group, or just a handful of trusted friends, community is your greatest asset.nn—nn## The Trade-Offs: Risks, Rewards, and RealitiesnnLet’s not gloss over the trade-offs. Opting out of the system isn’t all sunshine and chickens.
There are real risks and challenges—but also rewards that can be deeply fulfilling.nn### The Challengesnn- **Lack of Security:** Without employer benefits or government programs, unexpected events (an illness, a slow business month) can hit harder.n- **Increased Responsibility:** From taxes to healthcare to home repairs, more falls on your shoulders.n- **Potential Social Isolation:** Working for yourself or living off-grid can mean fewer coworkers or neighbors to chat with. According to the American Psychological Association, 40% of freelancers report feelings of isolation at some point.nn### The Rewardsnn- **Freedom and Flexibility:** You decide how to spend your days, what work you do, and what values guide you. A recent Upwork survey found that 79% of freelancers report being “much happier” since leaving traditional jobs.n- **Personal Fulfillment:** Building something with your own hands, solving your own problems, or living by your principles brings a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match.n- **Stronger Values:** Many who leave the system find their relationships and personal values growing stronger, not weaker.nn### Relationships May ChangennIt’s true—friends, family, and colleagues might not “get it” at first. Some may even be skeptical or unsupportive. But many people also find that, over time, their relationships deepen with those who share their values, and new connections naturally form.nn### Finding BalancennYou don’t have to go completely off-grid to reap the benefits of self-reliance. Most people find a blend that works for them, combining independence with healthy interdependence. Think of it as building a toolkit—you use what you need, when you neednn## What Happens When You Stop Depending on the System: Part 3nnAs we explored in Part 2, building self-reliance is about more than just learning new skills—it’s about forging a new relationship with the world around you and finding balance between independence and community. But what does life really look like when you commit to forging your own path?
In this part, let’s take a step back from the how-to, and have a little fun. Here are ten fascinating facts about life beyond “the system,” plus an introduction to an inspiring voice in this world. We’ll wrap up with a look ahead to the most common questions people ask when they consider this journey.nn—nn## 10 Fun Facts About Life Outside the Systemnn1. **Tiny Homes, Big Movement:** Over 68% of tiny home owners are mortgage-free, compared to just 29% of traditional homeowners. Many cite the desire to escape debt and consumer culture as their motivation for downsizing.nn2. **Barter Isn’t Dead:** In many alternative communities, barter is alive and well. In fact, the International Reciprocal Trade Association estimates that over $12 billion in goods and services are exchanged annually in barter networks worldwide.nn3.
**Homesteading Is Growing:** According to a 2023 survey by Mother Earth News, nearly half of new homesteaders are under the age of 40, showing that self-sufficiency isn’t just for retirees—Millennials and Gen Z are getting in on the action.nn4. **Solar Power Surge:** The U.S. alone has over 4 million solar panel installations, with off-grid and partially off-grid living being one of the fastest-growing segments.nn5. **Alternative Education:** More than 3 million students in the U.S. are homeschooled, and “unschooling” (a child-led, curiosity-driven approach) is surging in popularity among families seeking freedom from standardized curriculums.nn6. ** Medicine:** Herbal remedies and at-home first aid aren’t just for hobbyists.
The American Herbalists Guild has seen a 50% increase in membership since 2020, as more people seek natural healthcare alternatives.nn7. **Remote Work Revolution:** Roughly 36% of all U.S. workers now freelance or work remotely, up from just 16% in 2008. This shift has empowered many to live where—and how—they want, decoupled from traditional employment hubs.nn8. **The Rise of Local Currencies:** Regions from Ithaca, to Bristol, have developed their own community currencies to keep wealth circulating locally and support independence from big banks.nn9. **Permaculture’s Popularity:** The number of certified permaculture designers worldwide has tripled in the last decade, reflecting a surge in interest in regenerative, self-sustaining land management.nn10. **Intentional Communities:** There are now more than 1,500 intentional or “eco-villages” in the U.S. alone, where residents build shared systems for food, energy, and governance without reliance on standard utilities or structures.nn—nn## Author Spotlight: Kirsten DirksennnNo discussion about stepping outside the system would be complete without mentioning Kirsten Dirksen—a journalist, filmmaker, and creator of the massively popular YouTube channel *Fair Companies*.
If you’ve ever gone down a rabbit hole of tiny houses, off-grid cabins, or stories of families embracing radical self-reliance, you’ve probably come across her work.nnKirsten’s channel, with over 2 million subscribers, features in-depth, real-world profiles of people living unconventional lives—whether that means building a home from recycled materials, launching a local currency, or converting a city apartment for urban permaculture. Her approachable, non-judgmental style lets viewers see the joys and challenges of living outside the system, straight from the source.nnShe’s not just a documentarian; Kirsten and her family live what she films, having experimented with simple living, minimalism, and community life in both Europe and the U.S. Her storytelling has inspired countless viewers to question their assumptions and take small steps toward greater autonomy.nnIf you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice from real people who’ve made the leap, Kirsten Dirksen’s work is a goldmine.nn—nn## What’s Next? Your Questions AnswerednnStepping away from the system is a journey full of surprises, both challenging and exciting. But every adventurer has questions before setting out! In the next part, we’ll tackle the most frequently asked questions about going off-the-grid, building self-sufficiency, and living a more independent life—so you can make informed decisions about your own path.nnReady for answers to the questions everyone asks (but few dare to answer honestly)? Stay tuned for our in Part 4!nn## What Happens When You Stop Depending on the System: Part 4nnThroughout this series, we’ve explored what “the system” really means, what it’s like to step away from it, and what it takes to build self-reliance and community on your own terms.
We’ve seen real-world examples, learned about the skills required, and even discovered some fun facts about people living outside mainstream norms. But let’s be honest—when you’re considering a big change, questions are bound to bubble up. Below, you’ll find answers to the ten most common questions people ask about stopping dependence on the system. Plus, we’ll bring it all together with a meaningful biblical perspective, highlight a helpful resource, and wrap up with a call to action for your own journey.nn—nn### : 10 Most Common Questions About Leaving the Systemnn**1. What does “the system” actually include?** n”The system” is a catch-all for the institutions and infrastructures most of us rely on—government services, big corporations, traditional employment, mainstream education, healthcare, and banking. It’s the web of support and control that shapes our daily choices.nn**2. Is it really possible to live entirely outside the system?** nIt *is* possible, but rare.
Most people find a balance: they become less dependent on certain aspects (like food or energy), but may still participate in others (like paying taxes or using some services). Full independence is difficult, but partial independence is absolutely achievable and rewarding.nn**3. What’s the first step to becoming more self-reliant?** nStart by identifying one area where you feel most dependent—food, energy, income, or education—and learn a skill that moves you toward independence. For many, this means growing a bit of food, learning about budgeting, or picking up a skill.nn**4. How do you handle health care if you step away from employer-sponsored insurance?** nOptions include health sharing ministries, direct primary care, catastrophic health insurance, or simply budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses. Many people also learn basic first aid, natural remedies, and preventive health practices to reduce reliance on the system.nn**5. Isn’t this isolating or lonely?** nIt doesn’t have to be! In fact, many people find new, meaningful community through intentional living—connecting with neighbors, barter networks, homeschool groups, or online forums.
Building a support network is an important part of thriving outside the system (see Part 2 for more on this).nn**6. What about legal obligations, like taxes or permits?** nLiving outside the system doesn’t mean being above the law. You’ll still need to pay taxes, follow building codes, and respect local regulations. Many self-reliant folks become more informed and proactive to stay compliant while maximizing their freedom.nn**7. Is off-grid living expensive?** nIt depends. There are upfront costs (like solar panels or land), but many people find that their ongoing expenses drop dramatically.
Living simply often means spending less and saving more in the long run.nn**8. Can I do this with kids? What about their education?** nAbsolutely! Many families homeschool or “unschool,” tailoring education to their children’s needs. There are robust communities and resources available, both online and offline, for alternative education.nn**9. What skills are essential to learn first?** nBasic gardening, food preservation, budgeting, first aid, and simple home repairs. As you gain confidence, you can expand into energy independence, carpentry, animal husbandry, and more.nn**10.
What if I fail?** nFailure is part of the process. Every self-reliant person has a story about a botched garden, a disaster, or a miscalculation. The key is to see setbacks as learning opportunities. As the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 24:16, *”For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”* Don’t be afraid to get back up and keep going.nn—nn### A Biblical Perspective on Self-Reliance and CommunitynnAs you consider stepping away from the system, it’s worth remembering that the call to self-reliance is deeply rooted in faith and community. The Bible offers timeless wisdom on these themes. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (), Paul urges believers: *”that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”* This passage perfectly ties together the spirit of independence with the call to live honorably and generously toward others.nn—nn### Further Inspiration: Visit Fair CompaniesnnIf you’re hungry for more real-life stories, practical tips, and encouragement, be sure to check out Kirsten Dirksen’s website and YouTube channel, [Fair Companies](https://faircompanies.com/). Her deep dives into tiny homes, eco-villages, and off-grid lifestyles offer honest portrayals of both the joys and challenges of stepping away from conventional systems.nn—nn## Conclusion: Your Journey Starts NownnStepping away from the system isn’t about rejecting society—it’s about reclaiming agency and living in alignment with your true values. As we’ve seen across all four parts of this series, you don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to do everything at once.
Start with one small step, embrace failure as part of learning, and lean into community for shared wisdom and support.nnFreedom, flexibility, and fulfillment are within reach for anyone willing to take the leap. Whether you grow your own food, rethink your career, or just question the status quo, you’re joining a movement of people choosing a more intentional, independent life.nnSo, ask” } ]