If you’ve been in the working world for more than a few years, there’s a high probability you have entertained the idea of a lifestyle makeover. For some, it means a total re-do of their ways, complete with a new job and a new place to live. Others find a way to make the concept work without changing everything.
They do things like volunteer work in a faraway place, installing a home elevator, taking a scuba class, buying a hybrid electric car, starting a small side business, or earning a master’s degree. The first step is to see what others are doing and decide for yourself what kind of lifestyle makeover suits your preferences. Here are details about some of the most popular options.
Take a Volunteer Vacation
Some of the world’s largest charitable organizations offer multi-week trips for individuals and couples who want to volunteer their time helping the needy. Arrangements vary, but typical volunteer vacations let travelers select their international destination from a list, pay for round-trip airfare, and enjoy free or very low-cost accommodations during their time away. Volunteers learn much about the culture and conditions of their host countries, and all come home with a renewed sense of satisfaction that they can use their free time to help the less fortunate.
Install a Home Elevator
Home elevators were once a rarity, but they’re becoming more common as property owners discover their value and benefits. Plus, in the past several years, home elevator prices have come down and opened up the market to consumers of all income levels. That’s great news for homeowners who want to install an elevator to boost their home’s value or add a touch of elegance to any room in the house.
For older residents, a private elevator represents freedom from having to use steps to get from level to level. For them, having an elevator is more about safety than anything else. For those who intend to put their houses on the market someday, an elevator can generate plenty of interest among potential buyers and fetch a higher selling price. Having access to a private elevator makes any home more interesting, enjoyable, and safe.
Learn Scuba Diving
Most community centers teach basic scuba, and the sport has witnessed a huge amount of attention in recent years. Partly because it was one of the few activities you could do during the COVID pandemic, scuba has attracted a new generation of adherents who like the idea of seeing nature up close. Admittedly, many first-timers fall so in love with the activity that they start planning all their free time around scuba vacations, weekends, and special events. There’s no doubt that scuba diving is one of the more interesting and fun lifestyle changes people are making in the 2020s.
Buy a PHEV (Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Why not make every drive an adventure and a way to save money on gasoline? PHEVs offer vehicle owners the best of both worlds. Several major automakers now offer mid-priced PHEVs that feature a standard combustion engine alongside a small electric motor and battery that can propel a car for up to 60 miles on electricity alone. The beauty of plug-ins is that you can charge the battery from any standard household outlet.
Some are designed to accommodate quick-charge connections as well. While prices are slightly higher than non-PHEVs, most owners discover that they can save a substantial amount at the pump, particularly if they drive less than 40 or so miles per day. With a little effort and planning, PHEV owners can go many months without purchasing a single gallon of gasoline.
Start a Business
Whether you opt for an all-online or more traditional side business, the adventure can be both fun and profitable. Some people do it to build a second income stream alongside their day job. However, millions of adults start small companies out of love for a particular product or service. Since the digital revolution of the late 1990s, large numbers of part-time entrepreneurs have tried their hand at things like affiliate marketing, tax return preparation, art sales, and stock trading. The possibilities are virtually unlimited. Explore one or more of your favorite lines of business before deciding on what kind of small company to start.
