What Is T50YP?

The 50 year plan (T50YP) could be called many things – a journey of self-discovery, a life-long adventure, a social experiment, or even a statement. Most importantly, it’s a lifestyle. This life is one centered around travel, minimalism, and the pursuit of a more selfless existence.

My 50 year plan is to spend one year in every state in the U.S. with as many trips abroad as possible – to see, learn, and experience as much as I can.

Before I started my journey, I downsized to just my car and enough belongings to fit in it. This consisted of giving away and selling the majority of my possessions, which in my mind is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

So how does “selflessness” fit in? This is the underlying motivation to sustain this lifestyle, as well as my primary goal in life. As I engage in this journey, I will only be living with host families (as much as possible) via Workaway/WWOOF – work exchange programs in which no money is involved. In other words, my life’s work will be helping other people achieve their desires rather than settling down and focusing on my own. I also see selflessness on the other side, as these hosts will open up their homes to me and sacrifice some amount of privacy, comfort, or both.

Obviously, this type of lifestyle comes with its fair share of benefits, sacrifices, and challenges. I may see, learn, and experience more than I ever imagined I could, but at what cost? Can I really be away from my friends and family for most of my life? Can I move from place to place so frequently while staying afloat financially? Will I be able to successfully adapt to these diverse host families and their way of life?