Homesteader Burnout | Our Story And Plans

Homesteader Burnout | Our Story And Plans. As our Farm has grown, so has the stress level and burnout. You can only do so much! Here is our story of Homesteader Burnout and what we plan to do to move forward.
Please share your ideas and thoughts, and if you've dealt with burnout on your homestead.
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[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Have you experienced feeling similar to this? If so, how did you deal with it? Thanks for sharing!

[@pamanderson1417]

As our sons grew up and moved out on their own, we found that managing a farmstead with livestock, chickens, rabbits, garden, orchard, etc became a lot of work. Around the same time, some new neighbors moved in a couple miles from us, people new to country living. We became acquainted with them and their children and soon they asked if we would teach them gardening in exchange for their labor. Next it was on to learning about chickens. We now count them among our dearest friends and spend a great deal of time together and take care of each others chores during travel. We can always count on them to help if we need it, especially when we put up hay. There is also the joy of seeing things anew as you share it with a child. To anyone feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to be on the lookout for someone who is eager to help as they learn from you.

[@YogiHollowFarm]

Efficiency and automation have helped us so much. we have strived for that since starting

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@pamanderson1417 Partnering with others is a genius idea! We've traded with others but need to look for people to partner with. Thanks for sharing Pam!

[@TheWestx]

On your garden add over head wobbler sprinkler heads and water that way. As for weeds and to help build soil fertility look into Back to Eden gardening. Chickens cutting back is the way to go. At one time after I retired I had upwards of 250 birds. Most were layers but I also raised show quality bantams of several breeds that I raised and sold. Out of the layers I was selling on average of 17 dozen eggs a week and bought new birds every 18 months in the fall and spring so I had birds laying all year long. Have in to move into town stopped all of that due to at the time not being allowed to have chickens legally in town until 5 years ago so I am back at it but my limit is small. I am down to 3 right now due to some dying of heat stroke during this brutal Texas summer. Building a bigger more heat tolerant coop and run at this time to get new birds in the spring. You are on the right path t9 getting you sanity back. It was doing all that and working nearly 60 hours a week so yes burn out can set in quick and you have to do what you have to do for your mental state.

[@TheWestx]

Should have been when I retired from the Air Force. Now is permanent retirement.

[@LifewithBlindaandChuck]

I certainly understand. Once I got past feeling guilty for not meeting and exceeding certain standards I had placed on myself, I began to enjoy the process more. I also started prioritizing time with Blinda instead of being tied down to KZbin and the load that chickens, rabbits, and the garden had brought. God bless and hope you know there are a lot of people that enjoy getting to know y’all. Have a great day.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks Chuck! The YT community is incredible and so helpful. I like your ideas on refocusing. Several steps to take but I know we'll get to a more relaxed farm! Thanks for checking in and give some great advice! Cheers!

[@Gunsmokefarmstead]

Yes, we are feeling this way too. With the chickens, gardens, homeschooling, dog training, firearms training, hunting prep, harvesting, house projects, wood for winter… all while just over a year in a whole new lifestyle and community away from friends and family. It’s been HARD this summer. We were so hopeful and excited in the spring, but as the summer has FLOWN BY, we lost some of our excitement. One thing we decided was KZbin can’t be a priority for us right now. We’re still recording, but editing and getting videos out in a timely fashion has taken a backseat. It’s more important for our family to be well and learn what we need to know and get to know our local community at this stage. We’re also downsizing chickens in the next few weeks, but we’ll be culling our flock so we can upgrade the coop and get a handful of chicks in the spring. Anyway… we feel ya! Blessings to you and Holly. I hope after harvest is done, you both get some good r&r time this fall and winter and feel refreshed for next spring and summer. We’re praying for you guys. And we’re looking forward to checking in on the Sunday livestreams again when you’re back. That community is so wonderful. 😊 Have a great weekend! Hopefully you’ll get some rain soon!!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Keep us posted on your progress to downsize and keep things in order. You just need to get to hunting season and you can relax in the new blind! Have a great weekend!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You guys are awesome for recognizing what needs to change. I love the idea of the egg sales and CSA boxes but theres a lot of pressure in it to provide for other people. There is a lot of joy in this life but it's a ton of work. It's a lot easier to take care of yourself and your needs when you don't have to worry about the needs of other people outside of your family. Prioritizing your needs is the only way you can truly be there for anyone else and you are doing the right thing!! Look into drip irrigation. I could never do what we do here without some automated systems.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Great thoughts Heather! I appreciate you checking in and your comments! I need to figure out irrigation that can be completely removed each year. With temps to -25f each winter, I can't risk it freezing each season. It's something I need to keep looking at. Cheers!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm if you could run air through the lines at the end of the season they'd be alright. Even if not the lines flatten out (we use drip tape) and would expand enough to accommodate ice in winter. Our lines in the greenhouse freeze every winter and rock on again in spring!

[@acdcacres]

Gosh I feel this right now! I planned so many projects for this year and then May was almost +40 and it just wiped me out. I didn’t even really get a garden in this year. Both my husband and I had new jobs/roles this year and didn’t realize they would involve spring rushes with crazy overtime. I took a step back from KZbin and decided to scale back our animals a bit to focus just on our own use. Combined with the heat and many spring losses, I feel very done. I’m glad you shared this! I wish you a good recovery as the season winds down and life slows a bit.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Sorry you had to go through this. Keep us posted on how you're both doing as you move forward. We'll update everyone on our next steps and our progress. 40 chickens left the farm last night. It is quiet today!! Cheers!

[@nope5749]

Agreed. You should only worry about having enough Vegetables and protein for your own family. And all of your customers should be doing the same.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Our customer group is very understanding. We will continue our CSA through the season. The egg delivery is over. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@abigailsmith7111]

I totally understand the burnout feeling. We just started our homestead two years ago and we went hard with gardening, chickens, orchard, and two pigs on top of starting our family. We now have a 2 1/2 year old and 10 month old. Some stuff we did to relieve some stress was putting in a drip system with a timer in the garden and currently working on the orchard. You wouldn’t believe the time that has cut down. I am able to just take care of my garden and actually play in the garden by trimming and weeding. We also butchered our pigs so we don’t have that chore anymore. It wasn’t that they were a lot to handle just another thing to take care of. My family and I are also zone 4 and love watching your garden videos.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for tuning in and watching our vids. We appreciate the support. I'm trying to work on automating the watering AND have a system that will not break in -25f in January. It'll take a while, but I know I'll make it happen. Thanks for your comments! Cheers!

[@pamanderson1417]

Sharing this story is a great example to all of us. We need to keep in mind that while it is great to provide for others, we should not do so at the expense of our own well being. I look forward to seeing how you and your farm benefit. One thing to also consider is that when you are producing and selling to others, it is perhaps a bit like mining in that all that is extracted from the goodness of your soil leaves the farm and you must either replenish from outside resources or the soil becomes depleted. By growing what you use, the scraps, trimmings, etc stay on your farm and return to the soil to nourish the next season's growth. Best wishes to you in this new season of life on the farm.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for sharing this. I like the "circle of life" with keeping produce on the farm. It makes a LOT of sense. Thanks for the support! We appreciate you Pam!!

[@MtnGrandma]

Totally relate to this!!! The last year with moving has been crazy and we have sooo many projects and hit them on priority bases. Always something going on and it wears us out…physically, spiritually, emotionally. I think you’ve made a good decision for yourselves. That is the process - set goal, re-evaluate as you move along and change goal as appropriate. Good for you guys and I’m sure your customers understand! 😊❤👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Everyone has been very understanding with our new goals. They will miss the eggs/veggies but they understand. We need to do a Live on this topic! Cheers Tammy!

[@doublekhobbyfarm]

We burnt out on our CSA plus dealing with cancer 5 years ago. We are doing things very small scale now just for us. I completely relate to all your saying. Right now I have stage 4 and have learned to do things that make me happy. I want all the homestead things but have realized it is unrealistic. I think all the homestead channels have this idea that we need all these things. If you need a little inspiration check out the farmish kind of life and she is developing A concept called lifesteading. Wish you the best

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I will check out that channel. It might be a good thing to look from a new perspective. Sorry to hear of your cancer. Keep us updated on your progress. We'll be praying for you. Cheers!

[@TheMorganHomestead]

Good for you! Great idea to scale back. It is a lot! We wondered how you kept up with all these chickens, egg delivery and CSA! It's more enjoyable when it's just for you, that lessens the pressure. We can't keep up with our videos, always too busy🤷‍♀️. A vacation sounds lovely! Plan on a winter get away, that will cheer you up!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're already planning a trip this fall to get away! Can't wait to finish harvest and go relax! Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@sposwellness8653]

Your videos are great, so thank you! Please don't take them channel down! Hope you recover soon.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're not taking the channel down. We're just working out a plan to get the entire farm to relax! Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

[@LytonaKirtz]

I always get burned out at the end of garden season. But then come January can’t wait to start again. You guys need to take care of you. I’m glad you are cutting back. Then thing you didn’t mention was that you both work full time. You hang in there! God Bless!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The jobs add another layer to everything. Thanks for staying in touch and all your support Tani! Cheers!

[@ricsgarden7394]

I actually only need 4 or 5 crops. Tomatoes, Onions, Peas, and cucumbers. These are things I can and keep and are staples for most meals. Plus I like to make pickles haha. Pinto beans are great. Butternut squash is great to put up soup and a few cabbage to eat while they are fresh. Your really dont need watermelon and canteloupe but hey they are pretty easy to grow. Thats about it though. My plan next year is 8 plants max for everything except cucumbers (12-18) and tomatoes (12 -18). Not counting the rows stuff where you have hundreds, (Beans, Peas, Onions)

[@LytonaKirtz]

@@ricsgarden7394 I’m really the same but instead of peas I like beans. I do plant a lot of other stuff mostly for fun. I also need zucchini- mine isn’t doing the best this year. I planted some late stuff. Hoping that does better.

[@LytonaKirtz]

@@ricsgarden7394 by the way I made dill pickles today. Hope they are good. I haven’t made them in years.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@ricsgarden7394 It'll be interesting to see what we need for a year. Tomatoes, onions, peas, beans, peppers, carrots, potatoes. We will plant squash as I love it. The watermelon is fun to eat in the summer and easy to grow. Some other fresh veggies (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, etc.). Great ideas Ric! Cheers!

[@prayerwarrior424]

Over the past two years, my husband built nine raised beds and I planted there and I ground on our 2 acre property. We raised 3 chickens as well. I am in my late 60’s and retired and since this was my idea- I felt a huge pressure to make it all a success… and also that it all looked good! My husband still works and does get tired more with these weekend construction projects! Because we have an income- the added stress of customers isn’t there and it is becoming my responsibility (at a MUCH smaller scale!) I wouldn’t want to put any more on our plate and I can see how you have become Burt out 😢scaling back will make it more enjoyable (and weather as it SHOULD be would help)

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Wow! You've added a LOT to your plate too. I'm hoping that scaling it all back will make it fun again! Our customers are very accepting of our decisions and are cool with us stepping back. Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support!

[@CookBrookCountryLife]

It's good to pour your heart out! Thanks for your realistic outlook. I can't say I have to deal with Burnout, but that's because I am not as ambitious and meticulous as you both are, with regards to gardening and animal raising. If my animals seem happy, I am satisfied. The eggs are a bounty. I would like to be able to hire a 'farm sitter' at some point, but right now, things are way to chaotic to consider that. I wish you both a restful time and fulfilling future!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Find a Farm Sitter and get back to Hawaii!! We're working on a vacation for this fall. We need to get away and relax. Thanks for stopping by!

[@dramatriangle]

Great ideas! I have been suffering from a little of the same this year, although I’m not on the scale that you have. Another homesteader who I have learned a lot from explained that automating as many things as you can, like watering, helps them a lot. Asking for help/hiring as needed, and collaborating on a scale that fits your family. It sounds like you’re finding balance.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

That might be the best statement for us - finding balance. We're working to automate but some of our "projects" are so large, that I'm finding it hard to automate. Still working on it. We'll keep you posted on our progress. Please keep us posted on your progress or if we can help with ideas, etc. Thanks for joining us! Cheers!

[@BroqueCowgirlHomestead]

Well, I can't say I've ever had as many chickens as you have, but I have had a huge garden in years past. Not a CSA, but just for us. It was roughly 2 acres in size and I gardened in that spot for several years and finally told my husband I was done with that spot. He would prep the ground and I did the rest by myself. At that time I was still working an outside job. I don't think it was necessarily "burn out" it was just too much for one person to do, along with everything else. Taking care of the kids, getting them to and from all of their activities, laundry, cooking, preserving, picking etc. That being said, we have cattle as well, hay to bale during summer months (usually 3 to 4 cuttings per year) I have my smaller garden now, chickens, and my goats. I don't think I've ever in 35 years of doing this, ever felt true burnout. I love what we do. This year my garden is a real mess, with weeds and grass. It's never looked like this. But, I am not going to kill myself in 100 plus degree heat, just to have a pretty looking garden. There is always next season, and I can start all over again. As far as other activities. We have friends who are basically doing the same thing we are. We do get together occasionally, either at our house or at their homes. We don't go on vacations. Never have really and I don't know that we ever will. I'm not big on traveling. We have taken some bigger trips in the past. And we did enjoy it, but I was always so ready to be back home. I love what we have done, and what we are doing. But if it ever becomes too much, or something I don't enjoy I completely understand scaling back.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I can't imagine having two acres of garden. Wow! You do so much right now with all your animals and garden. I can't imagine doing all that in the heat. I want to get out traveling and see the world. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. You're amazing to have all the animals and garden. Cheers Gwen!

[@christineramsey138]

I definitely understand burnout. Sometimes you have to keep pushing the boundaries of what gives you joy to figure out what level of homesteading gives you joy. You can't know what your happiness parameters are until you explore all the possibilities. If it isn't fun and rewarding, and there is no life balance, it's time to do a reset and reprioritize. Good for you!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Well said Christine! We're going to reset! Already have some chickens sold and we're working on other pieces. Thanks for watching and commenting! Have a great weekend!

[@tlroy]

Thank you Rich! I have been binge watching your videos in preparation for starting my next chapter in gardening/farming. There are so many things that you have done that will help me be more prepared for a successful outcome. A little background. I moved from the Pacific Northwest to the South Eastern US a little over ten years ago. In my old state the growing season was not more than four months and most of my plants were grown in pots. Moving to the south, the climate allows for virtually year round growing. The downside is that there are many unforeseen variables. High temperatures, humidity, virtually every kind of bug and disease known to man, and soil that is either too sandy or hard clay. Through much research, I learned to adapt and, after five complete annual reworkings of my plan, was able to get to a good balance. Watering when the temperatures are over 100 F and high humidity was accomplished with a good irrigation system. When cats would use my newly completed beds as a litter box, I learned that dried leaves would keep them out. Making friends with the cats also kept the squirrels from eating my hard work. When an abundance of lizards appears, I am grateful for the natural bug repellents. On cooler days I learned that blasting the bugs with water also helped. Replacing plants like peach trees and broccoli that attract bugs, made life a bit simpler. After finding Dave Wilson Nursery's KZbin channel, I learned how to plant a small orchard in the 20'x30' front yard of my city townhouse. The channel has the most comprehensive information and is presented in a down-to-earth way. Twenty fruit trees, a small asparagus patch, raised bed garden with thirty herb and tomato plants, twenty berry bushes, and even an 8'x12' greenhouse. Nothing is impossible. I too was beginning to feel burnout with so much to do and, when confronted with a few medical issues, decided to scale back. There came a time when the trees had matured enough and could almost take care of themselves. A little fertilizer and pruning here and there and not as labor intensive as when they were younger. Asparagus just keeps on giving and, for this, the weeding is not so bad. Most of the weeds have stayed to a minimum with constant mulching. A day prior to my last operation, a contractor for AT&T came into my neighborhood unannounced, and turned under my eight year old asparagus patch and berry bushes. Also destroyed were my two eight year old producing sweet cherry trees. Between the destruction of my hard work and, being physically unable to repair the damage, the devastation set me back for over a year. Until I happened on your channel. Watching what you have accomplished in such a short time has inspired me to regroup and start anew. I have a small acreage in the country that I will incorporate your row cover and raised bed growing methods. When planting watermelon, squash and cantaloupe, I will also use the row cover, hoping to avoid the weed issue as much as possible. An insulated and temperature controlled shipping container will be used for starting the seedlings, which will be both sold to the public as well as planted for production. A small roadside vegetable & plant stand at the front of my property (on a small highway) will help distribute the fruits of my labor. In lieu of raising animals, I have decided to dedicate that time in producing small transportable raised bed gardens for sale. While incorporating your growing methods with a bit of automation (remote cameras to check plant growing condition, timers, remote switches, temperature sensors and, remote irrigation control), and by only growing warm season crops, October should be the end of my production. I hope that this will help reduce the chance of burnout. Time will tell. Sorry for being so long winded. I believe that you will find a good balance between your farm life and family time. Thank you again for sharing your valuable insight and I wish you even greater success in moving forward with your plans.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Sorry about all the issues you had to face. It sounds like you now have plans in place to be successful and profitable for your stand. Keep us updated on how your plans turn out or if we can help in any way. Thanks for watching and adding your comments!! Cheers!

[@DawnRaeB]

This is an important topic and I'm glad when successful channels discuss it. Yes. Burn out comes here often. My job is exhausting then I come home and - while I love the homesteading parts of my life - it's super hard for me to keep up when I'm exhausted. I think your plan to pause the commercial parts of your homestead and focus on the personal is a great idea. I manage mine by not expanding. I would love to have more and bigger. But I just know I can't right now.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Your place is beautiful and you've done a LOT with your hens, gardens, etc. I don't know how you do it all. Let us know if we can support you in any way. We're always here for you. Thanks for stopping by!!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Really well said Rich. Weeding was basically my full time job on the farm last year. Let the weeds go !! You know our dream is to buy a property down here but we definitely don’t want to homestead in the traditional sense. Working on a farm was the best thing I did. Really formed our vision of what we want !! Refreshing honesty !! Cheers 🌱🤞👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You get it and I can tell that you're working at it every day. We're just trying to pare down the work and get our lives back. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@TheOldSwedesFarm I actually shared this video with a few friends that are "dreaming" about homesteading!!

[@Ivix]

Yep. I just do for myself. Everyone needs to learn how to do for themselves. It allows me time to explore other areas of interest, like foraging and herbalism, which I just do for us also.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It will be a switch to just plant for ourselves but I think it'll be a bonus. Thanks for stopping by and watching. Cheers!

[@Ivix]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I guess you need to ask yourself why you made the move in the first place. I made it to enjoy the rest of my life and alleviate a high stress career. It's nice to provide for others, but can we just share our respective abundance with each other? Would be wonderful to find groups to collaborate on a small scale.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@Ivix I love that idea. We'll be sharing our produce and looking for partners in the area. We moved to be more self-sufficient and we're there. Stepping back to provide for ourselves will alleviate the stress. Cheers!

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Take care of yourselves! Change what you can, make a new plan! 🧑🏼‍🌾👩🏼‍🌾💕👍🏻

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We'll be coming out with a full plan over the next couple months. We're already working to scale back the hens. Thanks for watching Sandra!

[@YogiHollowFarm]

Burnout is real! We have talked about it a lot on our lives and the podcast. You have had some major goals…and with that huge garden no wonder you are burnt to a crisp! We have decided to scale down to heavy on warmer weather and lighter on colder weather. The cold weather is too hard on the animals. So selling turkeys etc. we’re ok without a life as we love what we are doing…but making it streamlined is important. We lost one egg customer to someone that gave them eggs for free…huge loss as we sold them several 18 packs a week! Glad you are doing what you want and need to stay sane and be fed. Your happiness is so important and worth it

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for all the support over the years! Your ideas and support have been invaluable! We're already resetting things here and working to get things in order by Fall. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Have a great weekend Lisa!

[@alison8725]

My husband and I have been doing for our own sufficiency since we started…I have 12 chickens and haven’t sold many eggs over the summer…I got done working to care for our mini homestead and it’s perfect for us. If someone wants something fine..but we are doing it for ourselves…it’s going to get rough out there so you need to take care of your family! Good luck to you!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I agree. Circle the wagons and make sure the family is taken care of. Thank you for stopping by to watch and comment. Cheers!

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Mrs. Betty and I get lost for hours in our garden. It’s all we have at this time. Pigs and chickens are a couple years away. It takes lots of time. I can only imagine with more homestead chores, animals and responsibilities and customers and the WEEDS how burnout can happen!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's just non-stop and that's what wore us down. We need breaks from all the watering, weeding, animal care, etc. Cheers to you and Betty!

[@gregjohnson5846]

Agree. Sounds like the nightly watering is very time consuming and tiring late in the day when you are probably tired. Might consider drip irrigation.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm looking into it. I'm trying to find robust irrigation that I can bring in each winter. It is so cold that I don't want it freezing and breaking. Thanks for stopping by Greg!

[@matts2089]

We are totally in the same boat!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I hope you find a good solution and can find peace on your homestead! Keep me posted on your progress. Cheers!

[@matts2089]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm fortunately / unfortunately tomorrow kicks off our busy season, bear baiting starts tomorrow! This is definitely a busiest time of year but also the most refreshing and replenishing time of year😁🥱😉

[@lanettescapillato714]

Good video, many of us have been there. My husband was like you-did a great job, our garden and 2 1/2 acres were fabulous. Then his health deteriorated and he passed last year. Long story short - I can finally walk away from the garden area, look at remaining weeds in the front lawn, and say to myself - I'm happy and content with 80%. It looks better than it did, and I find many small things all day long to be grateful for. My health and happiness is more important than wearing myself out. What I did when the weeds threatened to take over - my husband had a collection of huge tarps, and I put plenty of them down so no mowing and no weeding. Your plans to downsize next year sound great. It's OK and healthy to pull back and reassess. Best of luck- I really enjoy your channel!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. That is so sad. We're really contemplating slowing down next year. We'll work on new goals and reassess how involved we want to be with the hens and garden. I'm hoping I can turn my head when I see a bunch of weeds! I like the tarp idea. Thanks for watching and sharing your story! Take care!!

[@lanettescapillato714]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I put the tarps in back to cover a lot of the now weedy garden area - out of the sight of the neighbors and folks driving by. 😉 If anyone would have commented, I would have said "it's a trick master gardeners use" - I was one, lol.

[@aliciaspears7847]

There are a lot of really good suggestions from your viewers here! I hope you and your lovely wife can take the advice to heart. IT'S OK TO SLOW DOWN This is our 2nd homestead. First one, we had over 7 years to build it to what it was. When we moved, we felt all this pressure to have things set up quickly. Idk. Maybe part of it was fear of not having those systems in place if things got really bad ? You know what I mean. All I know is we were taking care of my MIL with advanced dementia and killing ourselves every spare minute to get things how we wanted them. Garden, large rain catchment system, stocking fire wood, putting up fencing, bringing in fruit trees, building a chicken coop, etc etc etc.... yeah, this year we're feeling burned out. Point is, doing everything at once is tough. Especially when you're both working ! Something has to give. What's it gonna be ? Can you cut down on days/ hours at your jobs ? Reducing the numbers on your farm (at least for now) is a good idea too. It's hard not to have everything you thought you wanted. Maybe some of that isn't in the cards for you after all ? It's ok to change your mind. If, after you get a breather, some of those things are still important to yall, prioritize and incorporate new things- slowly. One by one. That's my advice anyway. Yall have to figure out how to live your best life. What that looks like. What have you worked so hard for all these years for, if you aren't gonna be able to enjoy any of it ?

[@aliciaspears7847]

PS thanks for staying honest. Some channels only want to show the good things. While I appreciate positivity, people need to know this is hard work, not some fairy tale life. It's not for everyone

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You sure had it tough with the care of a loved one. I think stepping back will help alleviate the stress and bring us into balance. The YT community is awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting Alicia! We try to keep it real here (not everything is good!). Have a great weekend!

[@LittleHomesteadOnHinerPond]

I appreciated your openness about burnout. I’m so early in to my suburban homesteading lifestyle and don’t know how much I can do here. It’s good for me to think about what is too much.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Just have a good plan and realize the work involved, plus the expense and materials. Don't take on too much. I feel that I took on too much and then it was hard to keep up. With lots going on, it was hard to have a fulltime "job" with the garden and chickens. If you ever need help with bouncing ideas or plans, I'm always here to help. Happy New Year!!

[@olson.pamela]

Burn out has been discussed on the other three homestead channels I watch. It is real. Best wishes to you.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'll look around more to try to find those channels. Which ones do you watch?

[@TheCowEmporium]

You never know until you try and I’m glad that you guys went for it. You’re right, every job can cause burnout. I can’t tell you how many people want to live our lifestyle and all I do is chuckle and say….Really? Take care, Annette 🌺

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I hear that a lot too. I want to have those people come out and do all my work for a week. Then they can decide what they want to do. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@Homestead.Dreamer]

I started typing while the video was going and was going to recommend stopping the CSA and only focus on your needs and wants. Maybe think about a dripping water system so you can do things you want. I’m glad you spilled your hearts out and I only wish the best for you both ❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment. I've been working on a drip system but I'm trying to find one that can be completely blown out each year. With -25f temps in winter, I don't want something that will retain water and break/freeze in winter. Have a great weekend!

[@carmensteuck7727]

So sorry to hear you're feeling burned out! I'm sure the damage from the storm that came through Friday has added to the stress. I can very much relate to feeling burned out! When I bought my farm I envisioned beautiful flower beds, growing lots of my own veggies, my barn would be immaculate, my horses would at the very least be groomed every day if not ridden. That happened in the very beginning, but then... Life (and death) happened, and I had to figure out what truly NEEDED to be done and what I could let slide. Well... you've seen what my gardening skills and maintenance look like, my barn gets cleaned every couple months, and my horses are only ridden once every couple weeks (more than once in one week if I'm really ambitious). What I've seen you both doing on your place has been very impressive! I've envied your results while being glad I don't have to put in that much work ALL... THE... TIME!!! I feel your pain! For all that my place sometimes still feels very overwhelming, I still love it here and have no desire to move back into the city. I hope that your plan to scale back works and allows you to reclaim some of your time and energy, so that "hobby farming" will once again be something you enjoy and look forward to, instead of making you feel like a slave who's trapped at home.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for all your support (and help) over the years! We appreciate having you in the neighborhood!!! Cheers!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

Rich this is a very important topic.. My husband has had two strokes in the last year and we garden all year round. So I definitely feel burned Out!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Barb, I am so sorry about your husband's medical issues. I had no idea. If you mentioned them on a video, I must've missed them. Sorry to have missed this. You are always such a strong person and always have your garden "in control." I bet it was a LOT of work. If there is anything you ever need, do not hesitate to reach out to me. Take care and keep me updated.

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Thanks Rich.. I haven't talked about it on my KZbin.

[@primitivedaisy]

I totally understand! I watch some of these people homesteading, working jobs, etc and I ask myself “ Where do they get the energy?” I am a retired RN, Covid was the nail on the coffin for my career. I knew I would retire early, but Covid hastened that decision! As I watched your videos, I admired your ingenuity and tenacity, wishing I had the gumption to have that big garden. But I don’t blame you one bit! You need to enjoy life yourself. Everyone’s all about self sufficiency, which is great, but after the “magic” of having homemade food of all sorts, it’s easy to forget the hard work that gets you there. There’s a reason most of us go grocery shopping! I admire your honesty, and applaud your decision. But I do look forward to your videos and will continue to watch. Enjoy life! 😊🐝🐓

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It sure has taken a lot of energy to get to where we are. It's tough to admit you've hit a wall but we certainly have. Thanks to you for all your service as a Nurse. I'm sure it was tough, and rewarding at the same time. Cheers!

[@dramatriangle]

Daisy, I related to what you said here a lot. Thanks for sharing about your own experience.

[@Thomasfarmstn]

Rich welcome to farm life. My operation is different from yours but we are both farmers. When I tell people I’m a farmer the ask about what animals I have. Cows, that’s it. I’ve checked into chickens and swine. I hear more money into feed than profit. I have a friend in the same position as you. I get burnt out on making videos at times. Right now at this time of year I’m not doing a lot of stuff interesting enough to film. So the videos are few and far between but I’ll be ready to roll in a few weeks when harvest comes. The kids went back to school last week. I was semi caught up on the farm. Every chance I got the few weeks before I spent time with the family. Weekend trips, or just simply spending a day in another town an hour or 2 away. Shopping, music stores, pawn shops or antique stores, we all enjoyed. Now I’m ready to do the every 3 day videos. When harvest is over I’ll be ready to slow down on KZbin. Always work to be done but sometimes it’s good to leave the cameras at home. Rich and Holly, y’all take care.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Chickens are profitable but it's not going to be big money. It's just a small profit and isn't worth all the time. I've been watching your stuff while I work and just not commenting (sorry). Easier to watch a bunch, and support channels, when I don't comment (I still watch the ads for you!!). Have a great weekend Russ!

[@misstlc7136]

I know many of my favorite farm homesteading channels use the Hoss tools drip line watering system. It takes lots of stress away.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Yes!!!

[@TheMorganHomestead]

A drip line system is a MUST!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'll look into that. I need something I can bring inside in the winter to keep it from freezing. Thanks for the idea on where to look. Cheers!

[@misstlc7136]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I myself have this system in my small garden. Lots of videos showing installing the system. Hoss tools, Cog Hill farms, are a good source to watch videos of this system. Each row can be cut on or off for areas that are finished or don't need water. It's also a great way to give fertilizer to the roots without overhead watering and very time consuming. Good Luck. I think this could be a game changer for your lovely garden.

[@TheMorganHomestead]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm We leave ours outside all winter. We blow out the main line.

[@obgardening]

thank you for sharing the information, I like the discussion on this topic,

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's good to get this out in the open. I'm surprised how many homesteaders are burned out. Thanks for stopping by!

[@AHomesteadingHustle]

Rich, this is me! Im just cooked this year! Lol. Thank you for being real ❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm just glad that I didn't have to raise meat chickens! I'm glad we had an awesome family to do all the work for us!! Thanks for all your support. If you two every need anything.....anything, let us know. We're not that far! Cheers!

[@jandcschwartz]

I only weed around the roots. I let the mallow grow and it shades and cares for the ground. If my stuff doesn't come in it is not stressful. Having others depending on me would be stressful.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is stressful to have others depending on us. Fun, but stressful. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Cheers!

[@ricsgarden7394]

Yes pretty much did the same thing. I have 11 chickens and its the most we ever had. Going to go down to 4 total. Garden is about 200 X 60 at the moment. However its never planted totally from end to end. Went from 40+ tomatoes to 24 total. 12 cabbage total. 5 rows of summer peas instead of 16. 4 bunches Onions. 8X8 spinach. Im going to cut beans to a third of what I planted. Pretty much what I need to grow to eat, can, and keep, plus maybe 50% extra for failure. As far as weeds go. Once the garden is done I let them grow. At most I mow them. In the summer heat, no garden. In the winter maybe some greens. Theres no rule homesteading that you must garden 12 months out of the year or even every month when crops will grow. Grow what you need, FOR YOU. I have been feeding half the community for the past few years, Giving it away. Its now for me You will enjoy life a lot more with just enough chickens to feed you and a garden you dont have to be planting, watering, picking, or canning every day of the week. Rotation plant. Love your channel and you are doing the right thing stepping back. Enjoy your life.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're stepping back from the weeds and we've already started to move forward on moving chickens to people who can use them. Thanks Ric!

[@beesandseeds]

The burned out definition = my paid job lol. The stress is real. I think the chickens are easy when you just have a few. It’s the harvesting and preserving of the vegetables that are so time consuming. The orchard and any perennials you put in are the easiest. I don’t do anything with our trees. Nature takes care of them. I’d rethink and put in some fruit. It’s tasty and a higher calorie food when it comes to being more self sufficient. Soaker hoses are a huge time saver. Just hook up multiple at a time, turn them on and go about your day.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I am looking at irrigation. I need something that will work well AND I can pull in for the winter. If it freezes, it'll break everything. Gotta make a plan! I hope you're recharging your batteries and getting ready for the next school year. Cheers Lisa!

[@beesandseeds]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I’m at a convention worried my green beans are going to get too big before I get home 😂. I have to go to Sacramento next week 😭. Work needs to leave me alone. It’s harvest time 😊

[@Grimpuh]

We’ve had such a similar experience this year. Nice to get some perspective from y’all!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's more widespread than I thought. I think it is a common issue with homesteaders and all we need to do on a daily basis. Take care!!

[@vision1219]

Each year you will get a little garden burnout, but after time you get so use to the garden. By your 5th year or so you won't notice. It's interesting in out human condition how we get tired of it during the season. But when winter comes we can't wait to do it all over again. So enjoy . I live in central Minnesota, I get your battle!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Glad you understand the efforts that go into gardening/homesteading. It sure takes a while to get into all the work involved in just running a garden. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@UrbanWhiteBuffaloFarm]

Hey Rich, Sounds like you need to pull back, to a level you can handle. Do so real heavy thinking, praying, discussing, planning and organizing. You know now what everythings is about, what it needs, what it takes, what you have and what you can still do. You need to identify: Am I or Are we doing this just for ourselves? Is this meant to make money to go back into the farm? Am I willing or even able to produce enough to sell to others either through a CSA or a simple weekly supply to another seller. Maybe this is just a hobby intended to try and feed ourselves. I hope you can decide what is that want to accomplish and plan for a way to realistically approach the plan in a way designed for you to succeed. Tell yourself none of these decisions is meant to be permanent. If you do something for a year or two you may feel I have done what I wanted and now I want to try something else. Change into a new endeavor and go with it for a while. What ever you do do not decide or call yourself a failure. If you got into all these things and got carried away not completely knowing all the effort that would be necessary to complete the mission. Being carried away is not a failure just a mistake of taking on more than you can handle. Step back reassess and come back out slowly at a level you can accommodate and maintain. Good luck I hope y'all get a handle on this and do what you need to do the real fans of the channel will stick with you. I will pray for peace and grace for you and your family as you take the time to do this necessary action. Steven

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. You point out a lot of great things here. We've reassessed and we're going to scale back to just our needs. That will allow for some more fun and life balance. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! We appreciate the support! Cheers!

[@farkleberry471]

Boy, some of us know burnout alright! I retired two years ago from a great, but highly stressful career--I was done. I moved from the burbs and bought a house in the country. You and Holly have done a magnificent job in four years. Fiona and Hugh of English Country Life, homesteaders in Lincolnshire, have talked about their ups and downs at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2S6pndoa9amfLc. Scaling down seems like a really good solution. That way, you can still homestead but enjoy it without as much exhaustion as you are currently experiencing. Also, as many of us get older, the reality is that our energy levels change. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I think age is playing into this too although I'm not sure I could do all this in my younger years! I have watched Fiona and Hugh and love their videos. I'll watch a few more. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! We appreciate the support!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

Yes! This is a thing. Especially with me as for I grow all year. I have worked my tail end off building raised beds, thinking that would help? Then I got two loads of herbicide soil and things wouldn’t grow I waisted all that money and time, seeds watering and for nothing. The pest pressures weather it’s all way too much. The weeding is the very worst. I feel like I have a food deficiency. I will keep going because the food prices are horrible and quality. I want another geothermal greenhouse and just grow everything in that except for the berries and orchard. There are other things going on weather so it’s frustrating. I got some vinyl tarps to put down and in the beds with the good soil I do have food growing but dealing with the pest. I think growing outside is too much. I am making plans to simplify. Chickens are a lot of work but I am keeping them. Sending you guys hugs and enjoy Fall it’s coming. Wendy❤🐞

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching, comments.....and for the hugs! You've got a lot of issues to deal with. Maybe one at a time and see if you can solve one large problem each season. I do agree that weeding is the worst!! Cheers Wendy!!

[@heavenlyhillshomestead9465]

It’s quite easy to get burned out on homesteading, KZbin etc etc… this year I’ve not been nearly as enthusiastic about weeding and taking care of stuff as I have been in the past and I’m allowing myself to have this reprieve from it all. I’m doing enough to maintain and refresh myself and get ready for a prosperous next year!! I look at others like the Veggie Boys, Lazy Dog Farm etc and I realize they have things in place to make the hard work easier and that’s what I’m going to focus on. On a side note melons love to be grown on woven fabric. Take you’re time and do what you can without pressuring yourself to much!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're already working to reset our priorities and getting the farm in shape for a different look. I've never grown vining crops on fabric. Most of them want to put a root down at every spot they have a leaf. How do you get them to put down roots if you have fabric? I'd love to know that. Cheers!

[@heavenlyhillshomestead9465]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm the melon growers use pine needle/pine straw or straw with no seed heads in it and they don’t let them root in the ground after they’re transplanted. The pumpkin growers started doing this last year but they take a propane torch and burn a little place in the fabric to allow it to root but if you’re not growing giants the same way the melon growers do it would work. The tendrils will grab the pine straw/straw and that will hold it down. Definitely a time saver on them!!

[@todphillips3935]

sorry to hear about your Burnout. You seemed like a super human. You seemed to have all of your ducks in a row. Well you did. You worked hard and you should be proud of it. I have enjoyed your videos. You will be missed. I am 52 years old and been on my Homestead for 10 1/2 years almost 11 years. I work at full-time job and commute 100 miles. I have had Sheep, Goats, cattle, chickens, you name it. I have scavenged for fencing and have fenced and segmented the entire property of 6 acres. and I have fixed the buildings and built buildings. I’m getting older and can’t do as much. Right now I’ve increase the flock to 270 birds and have plans to multiply it and do an egg business and hatchery business. What’s difficult is I went through a bad marriage on the first one and I’m on my second one and I’m the only one who wants to live out there, and the only one who sees the necessity of not being in the city in these historical times and prophetical times that we live in. But it is life and we have to keep going for the Lord. And the struggle has been very incredible and I have reached for things that are much bigger than me. you might look up to me for that, but I look up to you. Neither one of us are losers. Not at all.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Well, I'm not going anywhere. I'll still be here and making videos. Just looking to downsize to a manageable size. It'll still be a garden and chickens, just enough for us. I can't imagine 270+ birds. You're the super human! Thanks for stopping by and keep in touch as your plans continue to grow! Cheers!

[@jase_drifter]

Hey Rich, I understand entirely I went through this with my campsite veggie garden setup. it's 3 hours from home and when things need to be picked so you make an effort to go up there for the weekend to pick stuff only to find rabbits got in and ate everything. it's like the wtf am I doing moment. so now there's no garden at my campsite, so when I go up there I can enjoy the weekend and not have to stress about this or that being eatern.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I can't imagine having to go three hours to do this work. I bet you're glad to just have a campsite that is "fun" versus "work." Thanks for stopping by Jase! Cheers!

[@jase_drifter]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm yup 100% brought the fun back into camping for fun. and gave me a chance to focus on my home garden.

[@MyAlabamaFarmLife]

I agree! It is impossible to get everything done and do videos! It can burn you out!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I just need to scale it all back. Been trying that for a while. Already have some of the chickens sold and working on plans to scale back for next year. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Cheers!

[@TexasHomesteaders]

You deliver eggs? Wow. They need to come to you. I had 30 chickens, goats, sheep and turkey. I now limit myself to 10 chickens here. It has been nice downsizing. If you aren't enjoying it, it's time to go fallow for a season or 2.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Delivery didn't take long but it still added to the routine. It's all scaled back now! Time to step back and work on things for us. Have a great weekend! Cheers!

[@TiltedKHomestead]

getting caught up sorry to be away for so long. take it slow guys we know exactly what your talking about. Homesteading is the biggest risk and adventure weve even taken on. the strees is like gasoline wanting for a spark. take time and have a date night we did the other week and we feel recharged. good luck my friend. take care and be safe.❤❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We'll definitely work in some outings along with stepping back. We had a storm last night that hit hard. We might have no choice but to step back. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Have a great weekend!

[@petualangberkaratkaltara8569]

Very beautiful sharing 🥰🙏

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment!

[@vision1219]

Be thankful brother, you go sit on Hiawatha Ave and 35w for a week. I bet you would go back to that homestead in a super hurry.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Ha! I fully understand. The last thing I'd want is to be down on 35/Hiawatha! Cheers!

[@flpirate4565]

I really think that you have made your discussion is to scale down and produce on what you and your wife really need. Maybe have your local school start in the spring and have their teachers show them on how to farm. It’s a dying art. You have a lot of possibilities,just open your mind. Take vacation toons enjoy life. You have everything you need. Love the way you and your misses think. Great video. KN4CDO

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're going to do a better job of relaxing and scaling back. I like the school idea. BTW, watch for me in the CQWW DX Phone Contest at the end of October. I'll be operating from Puerto Rico as KP4AA. See you on the bands! 73!

[@oklahomesteader]

new subscriber from Central Oklahoma! Great video that I can relate to! Your place looks great!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I think it's been a tough summer all over. Sorry you can relate to this. Let's hope 2024 is a better (calmer) year for everyone. Thanks for joining our channel and commenting! Keep us posted. Cheers!

[@AeriolNicols]

Yes I’m going through this too. But I am not trying to expand. Instead I am looking at scaling the garden & getting all my systems optimized. Then decide what crops are working & which aren’t. I’m in zone 3 so things like peppers & eggplants don’t work out. This year was much easier than last year. By next t spring I will have more things refined & hopefully get my system down. Just take it easy. Do one video a week. Doing video takes tons of time. That’s why I dont have a yt channel.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I don't edit my videos a lot so it's a bit easier for me. I'll definitely scale back the vids though. I think we'll just scale things back to only produce what we need for food. Scaling back the hens has helped a lot too. Thanks for stopping by to watch and add your story. Have a great week! Cheers!

[@mnj640]

I think I'm roughly the same vintage as you Rich ,I reckon age has a bit to do with it as well. I can relate

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I agree that age can be a factor. I don't have the energy and just want to enjoy it more. Have a great weekend!

[@debbiechambers3423]

I have 39 raised beds and just added a 30ft by30ft addition with material and I’m feeling it and we don’t even have chickens yet I also have raspberries and elderberry and blueberries and gooseberries and strawberries 🍓 and it’s just me doing it I’m exhausted too mind exhaustion

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Sounds like you've got a LOT going on. Realize that you don't need to do it all in one year. We've worked hard to find the perfect balance for us. This season we're backing off and only growing what we need, not for all the CSA, sharing, etc. Keep us posted on your progress. Cheers Debbie!

[@sarahsapien8847]

I feel your pain. Too burnt out to elaborate.🙂

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Take care of yourself Sarah. Keep us updated on your progress too. Cheers!

[@pinetree5489]

Date Days!! At least once every two weeks or even once a week (with the wife), take a minimum of a half day (planned) to go for ride, walk, hike, canoe, have lunch, chat, re-group, be grateful, appreciate being able to have this lifestyle - Not having to live out of the grocery store and be able to live comfortably with less money. They really help. We've been going 18 years. The best (sized) vacation we've been able to do was a week canoeing. Yes, we used to do more of other things, but we did choose this lifestyle and overall still prefer it. -Oh, and to hell with every weed. Perfection is impossible. Learn which ones are edible, that helps too.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and what is working for you! We need to "get away" for a night more often. Thanks again for stopping by and sharing your ideas! Cheers!

[@graceandfire]

I have an urban homestead and I get burned out. YT is fun. I enjoy it. But it’s not my No. 1 priority. It’s about balance. Period.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Balance! We're working to get things back into balance. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Cheers Glenda!

[@ABunyard]

Having a KZbin channel would be the only stressful thing for me. Factor out the channel and you’ll probably be happier. I wouldn’t deliver to customers either.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

YT has been a lot of fun but it is work. We'll keep doing it but, like everything else, scale it back. Thanks for stopping by!

[@growingfoodwithamanda229]

I also want to say your homestead does not to need to look Pinterest perfect. If your garden grows food, who cares if it grows weeds too? It’s ok.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I guess I just hate the weeds and all the water/nutrients they consume. I want all that going to my plants! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Cheers!

[@growingfoodwithamanda229]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm agreed. But sometimes it’s better to have weeds than stress.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@growingfoodwithamanda229 Amen!

[@MegaKg9]

Hi how much room for ranging the 88 chickens.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have about three and a half acres. They make full use of all the area (minus the gardens). Cheers!

[@shartmann2008]

Sometimes we take on a bit too much. Chickens have needs... the CSA is expectations... it quickly becomes no fun at all. Hire some kids.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're looking around for others to help. Most of the gardening is done now, thanks to the storm. We'll look for the future to see who could help.