The American culture is obsessed. We are obsessed it seems, with all the things that are counter-productive to our very existence. We know that the love of money is the root of all evil, but we continue to chase after things. Bigger cars, houses, stuff. The Jones’ are our worst enemy, and our worst enemy is ourselves.

There are those among us who choose the road less traveled. We see things a little differently, and try not to live counter-productive lifestyles, chasing after things. Instead we choose to focus on taking jobs not for the money, but because there is a position open in a beautiful Caribbean village, selling sun screen to the Jones’. This job allows us to work with our spouse, perhaps bring a pet or children, and pays for room and board. You may be thinking, if you haven’t already embarked on this type of lifestyle, “this sounds too good to be true!” Well, if you are the type that needs a mortgage, SUV, and the latest trend from Madison Avenue, to feel complete, you will not be happy in this line of work.

Perhaps you have seriously considered leaving Corporate America to begin a life of adventure, on a remote island with your spouse. You may have been so serious that you decided to entrust a friend with your wanderlust, hoping that they would share in your excitement of taking back your life and choosing a life where you are working to live, not living to work. My guess is that if you have a friend that fits the above description, paying a mortgage and hoping to retire with a 401k plan, they are not going to understand.

So now what? Remember that being a minority here is not a bad thing. If you really are considering scrapping it all and making a huge lifestyle change, you may have some ups and downs along the way, but it’s worth it. Working with your spouse is a very rewarding, unique way to live. Keep in mind though, unless you have friends that already do this kind of work, or they just really know the type of people you are, you will be met with dumbfounded expressions, and lots of, “But whys?”

The two of you will have the opportunity to embark on a life of adventure together, seeing places and taking jobs that lots of people only dream about. Yes, even the Jones’. Oh, and what’s the best part of all this? You get paid to do things like sit back, enjoy the view from your sea-side cabana, feeling the warm trade winds on your face and your toes in the sand. “That’s $4.50 for the suntan lotion, have a great day!”

By Katie Brown