A Michigan Family Found Happiness By Ditching The American Dream And Moving Into A Greyhound Bus — People Are Embracing 'Working Homeless' Life

In a world where the pursuit of the American Dream is often synonymous with owning a house in the suburbs and working at a stable corporate job, Alex and Ashley Morris decided to break free from societal norms and embrace a life of adventure, travel and togetherness. 

The Morris family, consisting of Alex, Ashley and their two young children, made a daring choice to leave their conventional Michigan home behind and embark on an extraordinary journey, living on a 45-foot-long Greyhound bus. Known as The Wanderlusters, their daily lives and inspiring experiences have captivated hearts on social media.

Life for the Morris family wasn't always about wanderlust and exploration. Like many others, they once lived the typical American lifestyle, with Alex holding down a full-time corporate job while Ashley worked as a hairdresser in a salon. On the surface, it may have seemed like the picture-perfect life, but the couple soon realized that conforming to societal expectations wasn't fulfilling their innermost desires.

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It's undeniable that the high costs of living across various sectors have pushed many Americans to seek unconventional housing options. And while not everyone may be ready to trade their foundation for wheels, the appeal of RV life and leisurely vacations on the road has garnered significant interest. 

In response to this growing market, startups like Wallabing and other startups centered around travel-friendly living options have emerged. Wallabing describes itself as an “Airbnb for RVs.” The growing trend of remote work is giving workers the freedom they want while still making a living.

In 2019, a significant turning point presented itself when Alex unexpectedly lost his job. Rather than seeing it as a setback, the couple viewed it as an opportunity to reassess their priorities and dreams. The seed of a new life was planted, and they decided to give living on the road a try. Starting off in a small travel trailer, they dipped their toes into the nomadic lifestyle, and it didn't take long for them to fall in love with the freedom it offered.

Renting out their traditional home while they lived in the trailer provided the financial stepping stone they needed to take their mobile lifestyle to the next level. With those funds, they purchased a $32,000 solar-powered Greyhound bus. They poured an additional $20,000 into the vehicle for renovations. Their refurbished rolling abode became their sanctuary, and they embraced a minimalist lifestyle with open arms.

As the Wanderlusters' new chapter unfolded, they found ways to sustain their nomadic lifestyle. Alex transitioned to remote work as a mortgage banker, ensuring a steady income stream, while Ashley took charge of managing their blog and social media presence.

But what about their children's education? The Morris family had a solution for that, too. The family took a unique approach to learning, which they call "road-schooling." As they traveled the country, they gained hands-on knowledge about history, nature and the diverse cultures that make up the tapestry of the United States.

For Alex and Ashley, one of the driving forces behind their decision to embrace the nomadic lifestyle was the desire to spend quality time together as a family, especially during their children's formative years. In a world where time seems to slip through our fingers, the Wanderlusters understood the true value of being present in each other's lives.

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The Morris family isn't alone in their pursuit of an alternative American Dream. A whole community of like-minded individuals has chosen to abandon traditional housing and embrace life on the road.

In the bustling Astoria section of Queens, New York, people from diverse backgrounds, such as the owner of a party bus company, Rikers Island prison guards and an Amazon.com Inc. worker, have found camaraderie in their shared "working homeless" lifestyle, living comfortably in RVs.

Quintero, a Venezuelan immigrant, lives an unconventional lifestyle with his wife, their five-month-old daughter and their cat Chloe. They have made their home in a 250-square-foot RV, purchased second-hand for $30,000. Previously, they rented an apartment in Flushing, New York, but Quintero decided to take a leap and venture into the world of mobile living.

Having migrated from Venezuela a decade ago after his father died, Quintero's mother resides in a separate apartment in Queens. His brother, who works for Amazon, also opted for the RV life and lives beside him, accompanied by his wife and two children in a slightly smaller mobile home.

Quintero is the proud owner of a party bus business, which adds an exciting dimension to their mobile lifestyle. Managing two buses with the assistance of two drivers, he often takes on shifts himself. To maintain a stable address for business and his brother's kids' schooling, they list their mother's Queens residence.

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