If a life problem or struggle is making you want to drop out of society, get help in some other way first. Just moving to another city might provide the change in environment that you need to be happy. If your job is unfulfilling or meaningless, consider quitting and trying to find more fulfilling work before you drop out of society. If you’d like to spend more time in nature, you don’t necessarily need to drop out of society. If you can take time off from your job, take a month and go backpacking and hiking, and see if that resolves your need to be away from civilization for a time.
For example, if you’d like to drop out of society and live in the woods, find a place where you can legally live for a season, such as the North Maine Woods. [2] X Research source Take supplies with you: fishing and camping supplies, dried food, and a canoe. Try to live as if you had retreated from society, with as little interpersonal contact as you desire.
Alternately, you may be able to generate a small income even while living off the grid. For example, you could find ways to profit through selling meat, vegetables, and canned goods.
Understand how to forage and hunt for your own food in a remote environment. Figure out what you’ll need to do in the case of dangerous weather (flooding, lightning strike, blizzard) while you’re in the wilderness.
Large amounts of vegetation and animal population are good indicators of a natural environment that can support life. Make sure that you have a constant and nearby water source. This could be a river or stream, a natural spring, or a lake. [4] X Research source Water is the most important element for survival, and you’ll need to use it on a daily basis, so make sure the water is clean and plentiful. Research the types of wildlife that you can expect in whatever location you choose to live in. For example, if you’re in a forest, are you likely to encounter bears?
You’ll likely need to make serious changes to your diet. Living remotely, you’ll need to sustain yourself, and this can be done through eating animal proteins and foraging, or growing vegetables in a small garden. [6] X Research source You should also look into learning how to preserve (dry or pickle) meat and vegetables, so you will have enough food to survive during winter months.
Consider that your accommodation will also need to be repaired and renovated from time to time. You’ll need to have money saved up to invest in these expenses. [8] X Research source You should also have a plan in place for finding land to live on. The most legal method is to find a cheap, remote plot of land and purchase it. [9] X Research source If you would prefer not to own land, or plan to move around frequently, you may find yourself living illegally on National Forest or private property.
Don’t burn your bridges when you leave. Notify family and close friends where you’ll be, quit your job, and end your apartment lease.
If you decide to live without a generator or other means of electricity, plan to rise when the sun does and go to bed when it sets. [11] X Research source Without electricity, you’ll need to cook using only fire or a gas stove, or plan to eat the majority of your food (especially vegetables) raw.
Additionally, if a medical emergency arises, you might need society to help you and help you quickly. Even on your training trips, bring your satellite phone. You might get in a dangerous situation more quickly than you think.
If you’re dropping out of society, only do so after thinking hard about the consequences for yourself and others.
