Homesteading is a lifestyle that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It is a way of living that is self-sufficient, sustainable, and focused on growing and raising one’s own food. However, for many people, homesteading is not a full-time job, and they have to balance it with other responsibilities, such as a day job. In this article, we will explore what life typically looks like on a homestead where people have other day jobs. We will take a closer look at the daily tasks involved in raising chickens, cows, goats, and maintaining a garden, and how these tasks fit into the busy schedule of a working homesteader.
- Raising chickens: Raising chickens is a popular homesteading activity that can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Chickens are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in a small space. However, they do require daily care and attention. This includes feeding and watering them, collecting eggs, and cleaning the coop. For homesteaders with day jobs, this means that these tasks need to be done in the morning before work, and in the evening after work. It’s important to have a routine in place to ensure that the chickens are well cared for and to make sure that their eggs are collected regularly.
- Raising cows: We’re currently raising three calves. Cows are larger animals than chickens and require more space and care. Caring for baby cows involves providing them with adequate food, water, and shelter, as well as monitoring their health and well-being. This can be a time-consuming task and may require some additional help from friends or family. Homesteaders with day jobs may choose to keep a smaller herd, or to stagger their care schedules to ensure that the cows are well cared for throughout the day. We currently are bucket feeding them twice a day and making sure they have hay and other supplemental food throughout the day.
- Raising goats: Raising goats is another popular homesteading activity. Goats are known for their hardiness and their ability to thrive in a variety of environments. They can provide milk, meat, and fiber. However, raising goats also requires a significant amount of time and effort. This includes providing them with food, water, and shelter, as well as monitoring their health and well-being. Homesteaders with day jobs may choose to keep a smaller number of goats, and use milking machines to help with the milking process. Additionally, homesteaders may choose to keep their goats with a herd-mate or a companion animal to keep them company during the day while they are away at work.
- Maintaining a garden: Maintaining a garden is a crucial aspect of homesteading. It not only provides fresh produce for the family, but also allows for the creation of a sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem. However, gardening can also be a time-consuming task, especially in the summer months when the garden is at its peak. Homesteaders with day jobs may choose to plan their garden in smaller, manageable plots, and to focus on easy to grow crops such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and herbs. They may also choose to use raised beds, to make it easier to tend to the garden and to minimize the need for tilling and weeding. Our garden takes the most time of anything on our homestead, but it is quite large, with over 5000 sq ft of bed space.
- Time management: One of the most important aspects of homesteading while holding a day job is time management. It’s essential to have a schedule in place that will allow you to take care of the homestead responsibilities while still having enough time for work and family life. This may mean getting up early in the morning to take care of the animals, or it may mean working on the garden after dinner. We take care of the animals morning and night, and work on homestead projects and the garden in the evenings and Sundays. It’s important to plan ahead and to make sure that you have enough time to complete all of the necessary tasks, such as harvesting and preserving food, or preparing for winter.
- Conclusion: Homesteading is a rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle that can provide a sense of self-sufficiency and sustainability. However, for many people, homesteading is not a full-time job, and they have to balance it with other responsibilities such as a day job. Keeping chickens, cows, goats, and maintaining a garden can be time-consuming tasks that require careful planning and time management. By understanding the daily tasks involved in homesteading and planning accordingly, homesteaders with day jobs can achieve a balance between their homesteading responsibilities and their other commitments. It’s all about finding a balance and making it work, and it can be a great way to provide fresh food, connect with nature and live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.