In 2015, Australia’s Jo Nemeth left her job and took a decision that may surprise many people. He closed his bank account and gave whatever money he had to his daughter. After this he adopted a way of life without regular earnings and savings.
Even today, almost 10 years later, Jo is living like this. They neither have their own house, nor savings nor money for emergencies. For her daily needs, she depends on gardening, bartering of things and help from people. The special thing is that Jo says that she now feels safer than before.
When did you take the life changing decision?
Jo Nemeth, a resident of New South Wales, left her community development job in 2015. He had many questions in his mind regarding the increasing economic pressure and ever increasing consumerist thinking. He started feeling that there could be a way to live life without getting out of the race of earning more and spending more. With this thought in mind, he gave the money he had to his daughter Amy and closed his bank account. After this, he started a life in which there was very little dependence on money to meet his daily needs.
How does life go on?
Today 56 year old Jo does not have her own house, property, savings or emergency cash. He is also not dependent on government welfare payments. Despite this, he has continued this lifestyle for more than a decade. The basis of his life is community and mutual cooperation. For the things needed, she adopts the method of barter i.e. taking goods or help in exchange for goods or services. Some needs are fulfilled through farming and gardening, while shared living arrangements have also been a part of their lifestyle.
Why trust the community more?
Jo believes that financial security is not determined only by bank balance. According to him, this experiment has taught him to trust people and seek help from the community in times of need. According to reports, she now feels more secure than when she had a job and a regular salary. His story puts forward the question whether it is necessary to have more money to be happy and secure in modern life? Jo Nemeth’s life doesn’t provide a single answer, but it does show that a different model of life is possible by reducing needs and relying on shared resources.