Homesteading Forum banner

Family Looking for Homestead Work Exchange

762 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Danaus29
Hello! I apologize if this is in the wrong thread- lmk where to post and I can post it more appropriately, this looked "right" to me but, I'm new here!

My family (me- 29F, partner- 27M, and our 2 littles, almost 3 and 1 1/2) and I are looking to do a work exchange with a homesteading family. Before our second was born, we did a year of property caretaking (including chickens, a greenhouse and garden, a pool and backyard landscaping, entertaining- bar and spa, basic care of septic, storm shelter maintenance after small flooding, etc.). Now that we are on our feet again with our youngest, we would like to take some of the skills we've learned to the next level. A work exchange with another family is probably our ideal because structurally, a place that people are already working with their own children is probably best (obviously, many other situations could be equally viable so if you could use an extra pair of hands and a couple pairs of happy toddler feet stomping around would delight rather than deter you- let me know). I have been tutoring for 5+ years and am familiar with several homeschooling methods- we have our daughter started in a local parent co-op based at our only organic farm in the area. We are currently based in southern California, but willing to (and hoping to haha) relocate!

If we may be a good fit, or you'd need some help before but then we would all be a good fit, please do reach out- my partner is happy to come out first to help with any builds or projects that may need to be done to set up and that you may need (esp because winter is rapidly approaching now!). We aren't looking for money. Just a life. I can reply in comments with my email if you have interest!

More broadly, we are just willing to connect so if you have something unrelated to this specific post but want to connect nonetheless, don't be shy :)

Cheers and all the best!
See less See more
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Have you tried permies.com? Permaculture people are into that.
Have you tried permies.com? Permaculture people are into that.
I haven't- thank you so much for the link I appreciate it!
Also look into WWOOF (worldwide workers on organic farms)
I am in the Northstate, pretty far north and I know of someone who would likely be delighted to have your family. But, the living is very rough. I'm talking boondock RV life and hauling water 😂
I raised one kiddo there until 18 months, the place is totally off the grid. I still go out there with my two toddlers to help on about a weekly basis.
It is a fire recovery area and very unique. A place for your chickens or livestock, and an unused garden plot to bring life to (if you can keep the goats and chickens out of it, that is). It's definitely not for everyone and there are some hazards that you have to be aware of with small kids. Most of it could be cleaned up. I could get you in touch with him
Just wondering if your looking.for.no income.with your situation
How do you get money for your needs?
Just wondering if your looking.for.no income.with your situation
How do you get money for your needs?
With all due respect I am not sure what business of yours that is? We freelance. Just looking to live a different way. Not sure what income requirements there are- and if there's a spot with income requirements it most certainly is not for us regardless of whether we meet them- just not our values.
Also look into WWOOF (worldwide workers on organic farms)
I am in the Northstate, pretty far north and I know of someone who would likely be delighted to have your family. But, the living is very rough. I'm talking boondock RV life and hauling water 😂
I raised one kiddo there until 18 months, the place is totally off the grid. I still go out there with my two toddlers to help on about a weekly basis.
It is a fire recovery area and very unique. A place for your chickens or livestock, and an unused garden plot to bring life to (if you can keep the goats and chickens out of it, that is). It's definitely not for everyone and there are some hazards that you have to be aware of with small kids. Most of it could be cleaned up. I could get you in touch with him
Oh yeah we have looked into WOOF. It's alright and I can revisit it- we're looking for something with longer term potential but it may be our best bet :D

I mean, we aren't opposed! And my other half can head out and prep a space and start on some work before we come as well, divide (temporarily) and conquer haha!
  • Like
Reactions: 1
With all due respect I am not sure what business of yours that is? We freelance. Just looking to live a different way. Not sure what income requirements there are- and if there's a spot with income requirements it most certainly is not for us regardless of whether we meet them- just not our values.
It was a legitimate question. In most of the country you need overvalued cash for basic necessities and transportation privileges. Some places are not located where there are convenient cash paying jobs. Some places where jobs are good do not have work exchange opportunities.

It's like asking about the climate you prefer. Which also is none of our business, but needed to give you more tailored assistance with your search.
  • Like
Reactions: 4
It was a legitimate question. In most of the country you need overvalued cash for basic necessities and transportation privileges. Some places are not located where there are convenient cash paying jobs. Some places where jobs are good do not have work exchange opportunities.

It's like asking about the climate you prefer. Which also is none of our business, but needed to give you more tailored assistance with your search.
I'm asking specifically about work exchange. Not the same as asking climate. He also asked on the premise of no income which was absolutely never discussed. So it's like saying "you can only live in the desert" when we already live in the mountains and are open/able to live in the rainforest or tundra- if you're comparing what was asked to climate. poor analogy. And again I'll say my finances aren't your business unless I am specifically doing business with you. I'm done replying about that here, pretty sure my stance is clear. I would never discuss such things on a public forum either- again, if it comes to the point of talking about budget, investment, renting agreements, etc. that would be on a private basis. Some people openly share this stuff- cool great not my style and absolutely not what's being discussed here.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
That's fine. You do whatever makes you comfortable.

Been nice chatting with you.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
what exactly is a work exchange? i understand you want to work for someone who is homesteading. but what do you get in exchange for your work? are you basically looking to work off rent? im sorry, i really dont understand what you are looking for.
I'm asking specifically about work exchange. Not the same as asking climate. He also asked on the premise of no income which was absolutely never discussed. So it's like saying "you can only live in the desert" when we already live in the mountains and are open/able to live in the rainforest or tundra- if you're comparing what was asked to climate. poor analogy. And again I'll say my finances aren't your business unless I am specifically doing business with you. I'm done replying about that here, pretty sure my stance is clear. I would never discuss such things on a public forum either- again, if it comes to the point of talking about budget, investment, renting agreements, etc. that would be on a private basis. Some people openly share this stuff- cool great not my style and absolutely not what's being discussed here.
Them move on..We have had transients take advantage of homesteads and ranchers.seem many bad situations. Maybe you need a commune
God bless on your quest for free living.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
How welcoming to a new member.

A work exchange, is a legitimate way to gain new skills and accommodation at the same time. It is also a great way to have extra help on a farm if you have the housing.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
How welcoming to a new member.

A work exchange, is a legitimate way to gain new skills and accommodation at the same time. It is also a great way to have extra help on a farm if you have the housing.
So you have a place for them? Very generous of you!
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Anyone who would be offering such an opportunity would be wise to do a background check on such an applicant, including credit reports, employment history and assurances that the applicant is financially secure. I know of people who would welcome the help but they would require an assistant to be financially secure and capable of paying for their personal needs.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top