Josh Mack - The Hobo Handbook: A Field Guide to Living by Your Own Rules

In order to gauge your potential readiness to tackle some of what lies ahead, whether its eating nothing but bulgur wheat for three days in the winter while waiting for a train out of Deadwater, Maine, or scrubbing latrines for a few bucks at a national park in Colorado, take a few minutes and plumb the depths of your resilience by answering the questions below.

It cant be stressed enough how dangerous hopping freight trains can be. Accidents can result in amputations and are often fatal.

Youre thinking:

Never thought it would be otherwise. Im like a cat. No worries.

I thought that might be the case. Ill check it out, talk to some people that have done it, and take it from there. If its too crazy, Ill find another mode of transportation.

Whoa, that doesnt sound so good. I was hoping for something different. Dont think Ill be trying this.

Of course it is dangerous! What nutjob would think otherwise? I like my life the way it is.

Despite what many might think, hopping freight trains and living a hair outside of societys reach isnt a constant fast rush of excitement, bouncing from one place to another. Theres a lot of waiting, for hours and even sometimes days.

Youre thinking:

Whatever, Im awesome at making the most of the time that I have. I can entertain myself for hours.

I kinda figured that. No biggie as long as I have a good book.

That sucks, but whatre you gonna do? Cant control life.

Theres nothing I hate more than waiting. I lose my mind just waiting in line for a cup of coffee. I think Ill find another way to get around.

A lot of the people youll be meeting are a bit more out there than the people you met at the poetry slam who you thought were out there. Most folks are good, but like anywherenow even more sopeople can be... challenging.

Youre thinking:

Thats just what Im looking for.

I can handle whatever comes my way.

Hmmm... I was kinda hoping not to meet anybody.

Forget it, just the thought creeps me out and makes me want to watch a Disney movie instead.

Dining on the road can be monotonous and a little rough around the edges.

Youre thinking:

Im unfazed. Food is just another word for nourishment, and tastiness is just an unnecessary luxury. I could eat peanut butter and rice cakes till the cows come home, and just rice cakes if there isnt any peanut butter; if there arent any rice cakes, Ill eat the crumbs from the bottom of the bag, and if even those are all gone, I can always catch a grasshopper.

Im not too worried. I can make do, and dont need anything too fancy. Though Id go a little hungry before dumpster diving.

Well, how rough are we talking?

Forget it. I live for gourmet grub, and minus that theres just no reason for me to push forth.

Living the hobo lifestyle pretty much guarantees the end of steady paychecks. There is no job security, and not much opportunity for advancement. After two years of being a hoboalthough youll be a more experienced hoboyoure still a hobo. The freight cars will still be the same, and you wont get to ride a nicer one because of seniority.

Youre thinking:

I am creating a new paradigm, and will manufacture my own advancements and will do what is needed. When the time comes, Ill make do.

Duh. If I had a great job and was totally happy, would I even be considering this in the first place?

Whatever, I dont plan on being a hobo forever, and while I am Ill make the most of the adventure and worry about a 401(k) whenever I tire of travelingor develop a sense of mortality. Whichever comes first.

This whole idea sounds crazy to me.

Do you want to be a hobo or more of a freewheeling traveler for a few months? A hobo is a person whose life takes place on the road, and who earns his money by working whatever jobs come his way.