100 Day Q&A: Quitting the 9-5 to Start Van Life Over 40

We moved into a van as 40-somethings. We answer your questions on how it's going.
🚐 To support our journey and get exclusive content, check out our Patreon community here: / adventureoutthere989
👉 Want more van life adventures? Watch our Alaska series here: • CRAZY 3-day ferry to A...
🕶️ VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
We quit the 9-5 to start van life in our forties: • We quit the 9-5 to sta...
How we’re adjusting to van life after one month: • How we're adjusting to...
ABOUT US:
We’re Brian, Emily, and our adventure-loving dog, Wez. We traded in our 9-5 careers in our forties for the open road, living and exploring in our fully converted 4x4 Sprinter van. From breathtaking landscapes to hidden gems, we’re on a mission to discover the world’s beauty and share it with you.
Subscribe to follow our travels, watch us learn as we go, and see some of the things we experience. Thank you for being part of our journey!
OUR FAVORITE CAMP GEAR (by using the below affiliate links, we get a small percentage of the sales from each product):
• Tembotusk Skottle Grill: amzn.to/3xSXDFs
• Chefman 2 Quart Mini Air Fryer: amzn.to/3SE3o4I
• Thermacell Mosquito Repeller: amzn.to/4cGG26t
• Repel Plant-Based Mosquito Repellent: amzn.to/3Sax6yi
• Lodge 2 qt Dutch Oven: amzn.to/3Yg2k8g
• Rosewood Extra Long Tongs (these are the absolute best!!!!): amzn.to/3uH709W 4-in-1
• Grill Spatula: amzn.to/3KFE1MJ Portable
• Roam Rooftop Cargo Carrier: amzn.to/3zQnqmu
MUSIC LICENSES:
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Stop Draggin' My Heart Around (with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers) by Stevie Nicks, lickd.lnk.to/T... License ID: 1wNzbJEkN5O
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[@AdventureOutThere]

Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support our journey or unlock exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AdventureOutThere989?

[@no_worries_van]

I love watching Linnea & Akela, Trent the Traveler, Slow Roamers, Vancity Vanlife…soooo many more!

[@AdventureOutThere]

They are all great ones too! We love watching them as well. There’s a pretty cool community of creators here on KZbin!

[@RVTIRED]

That was really nice. I can't wait to get out there. I'll be picking up my Sprinter van on Friday. I hope my adventures will be as nice as yours.

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thank you!! That’s so kind of you. So exciting! Have a great time and happy van life!

[@heatherm4276]

You guys are gonna love the Four corners area! Oh man I loved Mexican hat and Valley of the Gods, the Salt flats and Canyons, this area did not disappoint. I won't spoil anything but make sure to stay a night with the Navajo, sleep at Mexican hat and don't forget to look up! I've been lurking on you guys channel for a bit now and I love the content and how really just down to earth you both are. I'm a solo vanlifer and I love that you guys have each other to share and that you share with us, great Q&A. Also, Brian, thank you for your service to our country!

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thank you so much! We're really looking forward to visiting that area and will definitely make sure to check out those spots. We’ve been to Mexican Hat, but not the others you mentioned and absolutely loved it! And thanks for your kind words and support - really appreciate it! 😊

[@juliebolduc802]

First time listener. Nothing in common except we love camping too. But we are retired, have a small class c and are just starting to venture out with longer trips. Been to Alaska 3 times but never drove it nor camped there. It’s on our bucket list. Just got back from a 15 day trip to Canada to see friends and family. Enjoy your journey. Count your blessings. Every day. God bless!

[@AdventureOutThere]

@@juliebolduc802 Thanks for watching and commenting! We love hearing from anyone that is trying to get out there, whether we have lots or little in common. It’s all about the adventure! Hope you can enjoy AK more next season. It’s so special. Cheers and happy trails!

[@MelissaChernovsky-mh6xv]

Van life is a dream of mine and I just love you guys, lol. You seem so chill and loving and respectful to one another. Just curious, would you say it's because you have things in common that makes it work? Idk about others but as I get further into my late 40's I crave peace and serenity... and being out in nature was never my thing. I studied interior design lol. But now it just appeals to me... the beauty and sounds etc. and idk there's just something about being out on the road. My husband did some expediting one year and I went out with him for 3 weeks (1st time I've ever been out west) and I've had that itch ever since lol. Other than you all a few of my favorites are: Nikki Delventhal-just love her energy and dogs, Trent The Traveler-such a cozy van & interesting perspective, Happie To Be Here-cute young couple, Scarlet & Seth-young couple with cats, and great van designs, Adventures of A+K-fun and adventurous, Nomadic Sarah-sweet, Tyler and Madison - White Home on Wheels-nice couple, PS Adventures-good energy, Carolyn's RV Life-very knowledgeable, Rosa-interesting scenery... everyone brings their own uniqueness to van/travel life. Stay safe and take care. 😊

[@AdventureOutThere]

Aw! Thanks so much! We sure are lucky to have each other and it’s definitely because we have a lot of things in common. We’re also best friends and have a mutual respect and understanding for one another. 🥰 Once you get the itch to be out in nature, it’s hard to beat. Definitely can understand why you would want to shift careers and find one where you can be outside more. There’s no time like the present! Hope you and your hubby can get out in a van and enjoy it too one day. You definitely named a couple of creators that we love watching on KZbin! There are also a few that we’ve never heard of before so we’re excited to check them out based on your recommendation. Thanks so much for mentioning them. Appreciate you being here and following our journey! Take care and be well!

[@lorenworthington8739]

Since you asked, my favorite thing about Van life is finding a 5 Star place to camp. My wife is always willing to park almost anywhere and I have this urge to go just a little bit further trying to find something Primo. It’s my job. Come winter, you two welcome to wonder by our van HQ in AZ.

[@AdventureOutThere]

Completely agree on trying to go a bit further and find something primo. That’s a lot of the adventure and reward for us. 😊 We’re always up for a van meet up, so count us in! Arizona is on our list of places to explore this winter. Thanks so much!!

[@JeepCampingWithStelly]

This was such a fun video!!! You two are so real ❤️ Your channel IS going to grow to the point that you can sustain this lifestyle - and beyond! I speak this into your existence! 🌻

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thanks so much, Stelly! As always. We appreciate you! Also love the manifesting. We are definitely trying to make it happen! 😆

[@Journey_Adventures24]

You guys should get together with one adventure at a time. You seem like you guys could be great friends. Dave, Carrie, and Roodle. That would be a great collaboration.

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thanks! We follow them and hope our paths cross some day. They seem like they would be a lot of fun to hang out with!

[@michaelbecnel63]

Kudos for getting out at a young age. We're just getting started ( not fulltime) in retirement. The trips we've done so far has been a lot of fun and a learning adventure for sure. Happy Trails 🐕

[@AdventureOutThere]

@@michaelbecnel63 Thanks so much, Michael! We really appreciate the supportive words. We’re excited for this next chapter. We’ll likely have to go back to a normal job at some point, but grateful to be doing what we are now. Congrats on your retirement and getting out. Enjoy and all our best!!

[@freetobelee]

I love seeing Wez living his best life. Give him some ear scratches from me ❤

[@AdventureOutThere]

@@freetobelee Thanks, Lee! We absolutely will. ♥️

[@maryvilliers4023]

Love this video! You both are so real! When I see one of your videos pop up makes my day! Love your adventures!

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thanks so much! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and appreciate you letting us know. That totally makes our day!

[@MKGti-xz4ve]

Humbled and down to earth

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thank you! That’s means so much. 😊

[@kimberlystewart8170]

Great job guys! I'm really enjoying watching your journey from the start.

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thanks for watching! We’re excited to share more with you.

[@wolfh5252]

That was a cool Q&A. Congrats on 100 days. I took a couple of days and just drove the north cascade highway here in Washington. Beautiful fall colors. Have fun!

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thanks so much!! We are headed to North Cascades next! Would love to hear any recommendations if you have them. Cheers!

[@wolfh5252]

@@AdventureOutThere www.nps.gov has all closures. Spent one night at sun mountain lodge. We had lots of fun and beautiful scenery. Hope you three have fun also.

[@tacrewgirl]

Another great video. Yeah, Alaska doesn't have much online for boondocking because it's a lot of word of mouth for everything in this state. It's always best to befriend locals and be genuine and don't share locations.

[@AdventureOutThere]

Thank you!! You’re right, it’s totally best to befriend locals. AK locals are the best!

[@JackWorkz]

👋 Good to see you guys, great video, lots of good questions answered. It looks like me and brian use the same hair stylist 😅.. you mentioned the terrible headlights, and i agree. The 1st upgrade i did on my sprinter was a set of LED bulbs from lasfit LED, 100 bux, and 5 min to install them. Night turned to day.. im still plugging away at my build, currently working on interior upholstery and daydreaming about getting out there, safe travels ✌️

[@AdventureOutThere]

Hahaha! The best hairstylist then. 😆 Thanks for the tip on the LED bulbs, we’ll definitely check that out! Best wishes with your van build! We can’t wait to see it!

[@debraroth4724]

I love watching your videos. I’m currently building my van out. Going to take trips every chance I get. Want to vlog when I travel. What editing software do you use and was it easy to learn?

[@AdventureOutThere]

That’s awesome Debra! Congrats on your build and getting out there soon. We use Davinci Resolve for all our editing. There’s a free version you can use to try it out and then upgrade to the paid version if you like it. It’s not the easiest to learn, but there are a lot of great tutorials you can find on KZbin about it. Hope that helps and happy travels!

[@DenaInWyo]

Watched a vid on a million dollar Earth Roamer. I mean, yeah, if money was absolutely NO issue. But wow, I could have one heck of a sweet van for 200k and live on the other 800k for a really long time, maybe even the rest of my life. I first saw one of them drive past me while I was parked and was all "WHAT the heck is THAT??" Great Q&A, watch all your vids now.

[@AdventureOutThere]

Haha! Completely agree. They’re insane! One day if we win the lottery. lol! Thanks for always watching and commenting!

[@paulguinto5150]

Did you guys got rid of your truck camper?

[@AdventureOutThere]

No way we could get rid of that. It’s safe in storage till it’s time to take her out again, and we can’t wait. Just not as convenient for full time living.

[@paulguinto5150]

Good I’m in the process of building my 2023 Tacoma 4x4 off road. I’m still debating between FWC slide in and Tune M1 camper. Would you do things differently with your built?

[@AdventureOutThere]

@@paulguinto5150 Honestly, we love it so much and it gets us to those harder to reach places. Don’t think we would change anything. It’s compact and spacious at the same time, super fun to drive, and we love taking it out on trails. It’s just not something we would want to live in full time because of all the set-up/break down every time we get somewhere new and lack of storage. It’s perfect for those weekend or week long trips though. Hope you enjoy!