I’m Leaving Everything and Going to Alaska. This is Why. 

This brought me to tears. I'm a 59 year-old woman who just bought property in Alaska and I plan on building a cabin. I'm not skilled in that type of work so someone will be building it for me but I have to say you are wise beyond your years and I feel exactly like you do and I've wasted my life on stupid things. Thank you for inspiring this 59 year old woman to do what she loves. What I told my family what I was doing they said, "You're not moving to Alaska." I said, "Watch me."

I started my journey 2 years ago at the age of 62. So weather you are 18 or 62+. You are never too young or to old to start that journey. We built a tiny home and have 15 acres where we are starting a food forest and permaculture gardens. Its alot work but so satisfying. Enjoy the journey and looking forward to your videos. Many small steps lead to great leaps. So dont give up. 😊

Skipped college and moved to Valdez, Alaska at 19 years old to kayak guide and build my life here. Now, 10 years later, I am thriving with some property and filling our freezers and pantry each year with fresh veggies from our garden, foraged foods, and all the fish and moose meat we can eat! If you're ever down this way visiting Valdez, you're welcome to come crash at our home! Just shoot me a message and we'd love to host you! Best of luck on your journey! Through all the highs and lows, just know it's all better than a cushy cubicle life wasted to stagnation. Grow and be inspired by our amazing land, mountains, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Chop lots of wood; more than you think you'll need. Warmth in the dead of winter feels like real luxury. Subscribed!

Life is tough for those that can't read, can't write, can't add or do geometry or simple algebra. Might feel like a waste but that is only because you excelled. Building that cabin, buying the land with extensive contracts, figuring costs and accurately cutting geometrical pieces all come as a result of the toiling through years of the education system. School feels like a waste but this very complicated and wonderful tool called RU-vid is designed by educated techs and engineers which is allowing you a chance to make a living in Alaska. Be grateful and go far.

What a wise, above your years young man. Kudos to your parents, Dave, and Brooke. Best of luck young man!

Just listening to you, I'm putting my money on your chances of success. Positive attitudes are the biggest key to success. Go get em!

Never has a youtuber resonated with me so much; I'm 18 too, fresh out of high-school and starting college. From the time I was 7 I knew the system was broken, and never found much fulfillment, purpose or meaning from school aside from programming me into a "model citizen"; obedient, attentive and closed minded. I know I said that I'm starting college; specifically I'm going to attend Humboldt University to study conservation ecology, my calling and true passion in life. Even though my selected school is "cheap" it's still a hefty cost to attend, and is still part of the same broken system as any other college or school in the U.S. I've dreamed of moving out and heading up north to start a small homestead for years. Growing up in a suburb in the hot, dry valley, the lack of natural diversity, cultural richness and freedom has eaten away at my happiness for longer than I can remember, and the "call of the wild" has grown louder and louder each day. If I could just drop everything right now and move up to Oregon or Washington, buy 10-20 acres and build a cabin/yurt/tiny home, I'd be a fulfilled man. I could actually have the space to grow crops and raise livestock, and live off the land and take on a much more healthy, active and enriching lifestyle than I do now. Alas, I've always subconsciously held that troubling mindset of "That's not how the world works" and felt pressure to graduate, secure a good job as a restoration planner/wildlife biologist in order to earn enough cash to buy that land, as well as support myself until I could provide my own food, water, energy and shelter. However, while college is still my plan for now at least, your perspective is extraordinarily intriguing to me. I think it's far too easy to feel trapped in modern life, at least that's how I feel each day. But here you are just starting over and heading to Alaska to make a decent life for yourself, living by your own rules and will instead of by the fist of society. I cannot express how much I respect that, and how I long to be able to do the same. I'm no hippie, but being as close to nature as possible is where I find the most peace. The idea of growing and gathering my own plants, hunting and butchering my own meat, building my own home. Using my mind and body to navigate my surroundings and tend my land, and spending hours outside in the brisk air. Having a like minded community to share resources, knowledge and kinship with. Being surounded by acres of wildlands, no cars or houses in sight. Each day bringing new challanges, joys, and miracles to explore; that is how humans are made to live. Not crammed into concrete boxes sitting in front of a screen all day, obsessed with green paper and power. That life is one I hope to never wind up in. I'm here for the journey too brother, and I'm eager to see your adventure unfold. Regardless of the outcome, you've given me hope that I don't have to sit and wait for that opportunity to come, and while I'm not quite able to risk everything right now and abandon my responsibilities, you've given me a lot to think about for my near future. Thanks for sharing your story, and best of luck! Now excuse me while I catch up on 2 months worth of your content, cant believe I only found you now!

Man, you've got my full support, and you've earned yourself a subscriber. I wish you nothing but the best in your ventures. I hope Alaska treats you well, and I'm looking forward to watching you on your journey. Please be safe out there, and hold your head high.

Good for you !!! Follow your heart !!! I worked for NYC for 30 years under constant scrutiny !!! Your first video here is actually an inspiration that's there's people like you out there !!! Thank You !!!

It is not the same for everyone but, I learned MUCH, MUCH more from my parents than what school could teach. Remember, You have good parents that are always there for you and I just bet they have more to teach. I always called school my prison as well and was so happy when I finished doing my time. I hope good success for you, this is where your own sweat equity in life will reward you.

Good for you.. and welcome to Alaska! I can relate. I moved from California to Alaska just after my 30th birthday back in 2018. Came here to carve out a life for myself and live it on my own terms. Built a sled dog yard, raised up a bunch of dogs, and now we spend our winters mushing through the mountains together, and our summers playing in the river. Alaskan life is AWESOME! 😊

This video made me tear up. I feel the EXACT SAME WAY! Matter of fact, i plan to work for a year at a job paying 11-16 bucks an hour, then I will go to Alaska with the necessary tools. Once I'm there, i'm never working for someone else again other than my own kin. Skall to you my brother and may the Gods be with you through your journeys, as mine.

Our country was founded by folks who for the most part felt as you do; left their life in one place that wasn't working for them and came to these shores with little more than hope and drive to be more, do more, give their family a life worth living. I applaud your spirit and drive Mitch, and wish you Godspeed!!

This needs to be on a big screen for a graduation party. It'll wake up a lot of the younger generation who felt the same way, but never spoke up. Congratulations for your new unencumbered life.

I skipped college, at 19 I started backpacking around the world and exploring and finding out who I was. Will never regret that decision. You gained a sub 🙏🏻

I'm still in school and I've been feeling like this for a long time. When I share this feeling with my otherwise caring friends and family, I'm always dismissed. I will try to stuff my life with work I have been wanting to do more of from now on thanks to this video.

You know this young man is on to something when people in their 50s, 60s and 70s are commenting that he’s doing the right thing. Those of us who are a little older than you have lived the life you’re rebelling against, and we know it’s worth the rebellion. Love your dream brother!

Best of travels Mick, will be following your videos as you travel to Alaska & scratch out a place of you own. As you mother would say, BE SAFE, ENJOY & "BE HAPPY". & get yourself a puppy.

Dude I had the same dream when I was 18, but went to college instead because everyone said I needed to go to College. Do what you love to do and own the risks and the rewards. Hope it works out for you!

I love what you are doing! You are in my prayers. Don't limit yourself, and look within for the answers you desire. Keep in touch, I'd love to come visit this winter. Godspeed young man.

YES YES YES❣️❣️❣️ If only if only I had done the same when was your age. I am so thankful for your fantabulous parents Dave & Brooke❣️😍 I will be 70 this year, but I am seeking what my next “best” step is to living my dream too (pretty much identical to yours❤️‍🔥) because I am convinced that it is NEVER too late. Outrageous blessings on you son❣️

I have no doubts you can do it. You may face obstacles you did not plan for, but a straight line isn’t much fun anyways. I look forward to your journey.

We all feel it, the calling back to nature and the desire to live on the land. During these times especially when the world and it's inhabitants are going through a lot of changes. Be safe my friend, you are a lot like me in many ways. We find challenging things worth it because they give us an experience that money can't buy, keep pushing for what you believe in and never stop. You are loved, shine on!

I’m 22 & you have such an amazing mindset you really gave me some great outlooks on life & I wish you nothing but the best on your journey ❤️🙏

Wishing you much success on your new channel! I follow your mom and dad’s channel and can already tell I’ll enjoy urs as well. Can’t wait to see your journey

If I could do it again, I’d choose a good trade school. I’ve got an absolutely useless degree and a lot of debt. I’ve been in the workforce for over thirty years, and I’ve never been able to find a full time year round job. My stepbrother went to a trade school, on the G. I. Bill, and walked straight into an HVAC job at Honeywell that paid him to move to South Carolina. After a couple of years of missing our family, he moved back here to Pennsylvania shortly after marrying the wonderful girl that went with him to live wherever he was living. He made a nice profit from the sale of his home in SC, too.

Even as an 18 year old who has excelled in school and is going to go to one of the best colleges in the US for basically free, I agree with everything here. (for instance, most of school is useless to absolutely everyone, but student complaints are always shut down by pointing out the few tiny useful pieces in classes and ignoring the majority (the useless bits) of classes) I have come to a lot of the same conclusions as you have, and I am still trying to figure out where I really want to go in life. You are quite inspiring. Thank You.

I absolutely cherished my experiences in school and university, in the classroom and out. But I love this for you. Too many people get stuck in circumstances because of one reason or another. Never stop fighting. Radically purse your passion and/or the life you dream to live.

I've watch snippets of you growing to the young man you are today, so proud of you! Had my parents had the attitude of your parents, I would have done this in a VW van (1981) and still be out there. Can't get that time back, but at 61, I'm paving my way, with the Lord's help. Take Jesus on you journey! Looking forward to watching your progress! Be well.

The conveyer belt and $150,000 in debt, and four years older was so freaking well said and genius. I also grew up believing school is mostly a waste of life. Luckily I got out a couple years early. 31 years old now and no regrets, contrary to what everyone says. Only regret is not escaping sooner.

You spoke right from my heart and took the words right out of my mouth. Since I was a child I've had a strong pull towards Alaska, and growing up in such an oppressive society that has left me with only trauma and pain, my longing for Alaska has only gotten stronger. So has my determination, despite having to work paycheck to paycheck to survive in a rough part of my town. I want to believe that there's more to my future than just two-faced people droning on about meeting their "numbers" daily, more than all the chaotic city noise and heartless individuals. I crave nature and the cold, to be able to breathe the scents and finally let my guard down for that moment. I only hope that I'll be able to make Alaska home someday. It feels like where I should have been born. Normally I'm shy, but I wanted to thank you for making this leap and for following your gut on this. You have my respect and I'm cheering for you!

I’m so glad you figured this out while you are young. Congratulations. I’m betting you will have a great future. Best of luck and you will have all of those that watch you on you tube behind you some will be rude and some can help you with some very good ideas to help you along the way. I for one will be watching you whenever you post. 🙏🏼

Wise beyond your years! I’m not surprised with the two parents you are blessed to have. Can’t wait to see what God has in store for you ❤

Congratulations on your new adventure, sir! Looking forward to watching your journey unfold. Horace Kephart was absolutely correct ... "In the school of the wilderness, there is no Graduation day." I know I'll be watching this first video a few more times. Well thought out and very impressive! Until the next installment ... thanks for sharing :) God Bless

Godspeed Young Man!!!! I am 42 and this brings me back to my feelings about school and society!! I have a food forest now and I am following my heart. You invigorated me with this video. Thank you. Excited for your journey

Vardo!! So proud to hear a young person speak this way and find out earlier than later. You will be just fine. What an awesome go-getter. Love your whole family. Best to you and your adventures!

Dude you rock!! God bless you! Sending your channel link to my 21 year old son!! Thank God that your wonderful mom shared this 😊

Your mom sent me, and I'm impressed! I can only hope your drive can inspire other youngish to do the same!!!

I found your channel from subscribing to your mom and also your dad's channel. I truly admire your parents. Your bio is absolutely wonderful and so very true. It brought goosebumps to my arms and tears to my eyes. You can learn so much more on your own than confined to 4 walls being lectured all day with a bunch of bull that you will not remember, nor would you use in the real world. Congratulations!! You will do amazing things!!

The narrative that you told was so unexpected, but so needed. You understand things in a way I wish I did when I finishes high school. Live the dream, brother. Live it.

In spite of the educational "system," you come across as very *well* educated and outspoken. I've been following your parents' adventures for some time now, and I'm betting you will succeed as well or even better than they have. BEST of fortune to you, stay well, and I'll be watching! 👍 Subscribed

Good luck in your new adventures! Can't wait to see where the outdoor spirit takes you!

Just stumbled upon this video and then your page. I am so excited to to watch you go through this journey. Thank you

I am so glad your stepping out and doing your own dream you got this! Believe in yourself and take any mistakes as a learning and keep on moving forward but your young, strong, smart and you got this!

Couldn’t agree more with all you said! Best of luck with everything you do and can’t wait to see the progress on your journey!

Go rock it, young man. I wish I had done that at your age 👍

I have followed your mum and dad channel's for years. I look forward to seeing watch you going from strength to strength , good luck to you Sir :)

I had to become 36 to arrive at this realisation - so kudos to you going at it in your eary 20s. My Alaska is Chicago, where I'm spending the summer in improv training after quitting my job, and upon return to Europe, I can't wait to push my own hustle forward that I started a few months ago. - You've got me following your channel,and I can't wait to see how things will go for you. Your dedication and self-reliance is a rare breed after those 12 years of school.

What a great starting video ! Came straight over & subscribed when I saw your moms live ! You can do this & can't wait to follow your journey ! Good luck & I think youtube will feed you & make a ton of people happy being a part of this ! Tami in Georgia !!!

So sad we have all been duped by the cabal all our lives. I'm 70 and my hubby 72, at last we are living on a farm (in South Africa) doing stuff we've dreamed about since we were kids. All the best Mickey, you are wise beyond your years... you're gonna do very well. Love watching your Mom and Dad too. ❤ God bless you all.

Can't wait to see how everything goes. Good luck! All the best.

Yessss let’s go. I’m going to follow along and support in any way that I can. You got this

You are an extremely smart young man, with a drive & work ethic that will get you what & where you want to be in life. You now have a faithful Oklahoma sub! Get it done! Go for it!

Mick, I am so proud of you. I am a soon-to-be 58 year-old "girl" and school was horrible for me. I am also very creative and Hands-On person. Jewelry, photography, ceramics, culinary arts, industrial Arts where my go-to classes. I have had trouble all of my adult life trying to fit into the "Normal Work World". Some of my happiest jobs were being self-employed and rehabbing mobile homes. Live the dreams you have. YOU WILL SUCCEED.

Good for you, young man. I’ll be watching and rooting for your success in this pursuit of happiness and purpose.

glad i was recommended by RU-vid algorithm for this channel especially so early on! Cant wait to see where this journey takes you!

A modern day Thoreau!🎉. I am serious, you embody his views in such a real way, are you familiar with his work? I did have an English teacher who introduced me to Thoreau, so I do believe one day you can come to have something besides bitter memories of these 13 years. If nothing else it gave you a razor focus of what you did NOT want to do, which is in itself a gift. A lot of people never even pause to think about what they actually want. Someone once told me that I think about things most people don’t even recognize much less ponder, I sense a kindred spirit. Can’t wait to see where you stop on the way up, Liard Hot Springs, yes please.

Added you to my prayer list. God's got such big things for you. Lean on Him. Lean INTO Him. He'll never disappoint you or leave you.

I look forward to following you on your adventures. Much love and respect to you. I believe in you

Subscribed as soon as the video ended, good luck on your new journey, we will be here along for the ride!

As the saying goes, never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. . Your doing what many wish they could have or should have done . Look forward to seeing your journey . Good luck young man .

I believe in you young man! Your channel is going to be great!!

You are destined for great things. 1 minute into your first video and I’m hooked. Prayers your way but I just know you’ll achieve whatever you set your mind to 🙏🏼

This video gave me goosebumps. I wish you all the best and I hope it works out. I'm in my senior year of high school in Germany and I feel exactly the same way...

Mick, you sound so much like my daughter! She's an artist & a writer who loves the outdoors & can't wait to be finished with school so she can pursue her dreams, which definitely do not include college, but does include life in the woods! I believe in her 100% & I believe in you, too! Your intelligence, wisdom & passion will guide you. You have an amazing family supporting you & a loving God who will walk with you & sheppard you through whatever adventures await! Looking forward to following your journey! God bless!!!

In addition to everything else, you're a damned good writer. That was a beautiful statement. Speaking as a guy who went to Alaska in '83 and '84, and later wrote a couple of books, I'll be watching, and rooting for you.

Mick, you are a very level headed young man, wise beyond your years, I am sure you make your Momma and Daddy proud! Best of luck with all your endevors and adventures, stay safe.❤

Keep doing what you do man! Keep your head high and may God bless you on your journey ❤️🙏❤️

You have what it takes! Congratulations on your decision to journey on your own! We’re all proud to be coming along with you cheering you on!

Wow! Your insight is a breath of fresh air! More young people need to be like you, willing to take a chance, unafraid, and determined! No doubt you will do great things! Your parents should be so proud of you! I’m a 62 year old wife, mother, and grandmother of five beauties. I pray they grow up with your sense of self worth and determination! Now I will be watching and subscribed to the entire family 😉. Good luck and God Bless!

You’re going to have ZERO regrets! There’s always a possibility of failure and if you fail trying something you love,oh well, at least you tried! I despised not having the free will to learn what I wanted in school so I’d teach myself about airplanes and got to the point of being able to take foam board sheets and cut out pieces and glue them together to make rc planes. That’s what I really enjoyed. I graduated school and got into a lull of regular jobs until I started my own construction company earlier this year and I feel like a kid again doing what I want when I want. It feels like true freedom for the first time in my life. Don’t let anyone stop you from what you love…even family.

Good luck with those winters…they will be tough. I also went to college and have no debt while paying my way. I also travel a lot. Just because I’m educated and employed doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my life. Just because you’re moving to Alaska doesn’t mean you will. Good luck.👍

I’m excited to see you go ALL in! I’ve done something similar and have downsized my entire life over the last 5 years to make this thing happen too. One step in front of the other EACH day!😊

Good luck young man you’re living the dream that many of us never realized until working for 20 years feeling like you could have done so much more in life

I remember feeling this exact way when I graduated high school. Such a freeing feeling when you walk out the doors for the last time. Chase what you think you love! And it’s okay if that love changes over time, roll with it man. Cool journey, and this video gives mad Matt D’Avella vibes I love it. Awesome film style and lots of talent.

absolutely brilliant. my mans, you hit the nail on the head, and I’m stoked out of my mind that you not only verbalized this and took the risk to go for something crazy different, but also that you are welcoming us into this journey. You’re touching something our disillusioned generation recognizes and are desperate to fixed. Praying that your pursuits become a beckoning to an alternative way of life for this generation! God’s speed, my friend! Get after it bro, you have my support ✊💪

I hear this is your first shot, (your Mother told us). I'm excited for you. And anxious to follow along.

As one who is even older than your parents, I have one piece of advice for you: Everything Has Value. In your journey of life, never discount the value of the impediments in your way. Each and every one of them guides us to the next point in our journey. We learn more from our mistakes and our misfortunes, than we do from our successes. I agree with you, the American Education system has been garbage since the 60's. Public education stopped being the place to teach kids how to survive as adults, and instead, trained them to be mindless robots. I learned more from reading on my own, than I did in school. Yet, I am gratefull for school: I wouldn't be able to read, write, speak, and do math- without the start I got in school. I wouldn't have learned history or geography or science without school... even with as bad as it was. It may not have been much, but it got me started. Everything has value, learn to recognize what good comes with the challenges. Your entire mantra, manifesto presented in this piece, is a direct result of your experiences in School. I suggest you be thankful for that. School made you who you are, but your family helped you define who you WANT to be. You couldn't have one, without the other. You would not be heading into the Great Unknown with courage and anticipation, without the negative experiences you had in school. Something to be greatful for. Everything has value, especially our misfortunes, but we must learn to search for the value. Faith in the Heavenly Father makes that search a little bit easier. I won't wish you luck, because I don't believe in luck. Everything happens for a reason, so we learn to value everything. Congratulations on finishing your 'ahem' Sentence, and I look forward to your journey with all it's glorious mishaps and wonderous exploration.

Brother im so glad im not the only one that use to think this way! I will follow you brother till the end.... Salute my brother! Keep grinding...

Best of luck! Your parents are great roll models & no doubt contributed to your inspiration. Be safe❤

Best of luck. With your determination and ideology you’ll succeed regardless of the hurdles you’ll find along the way. Well done for following your heart.

I can tell this is going to be a great RU-vid channel!! I'm looking forward to following along with you young man. You have an amazing outlook on life and have already discovered many truths that will drive you forward. Good luck and God be with you!

Bro, this is incredible. It hit me on a personal level (Currently in highschool, and the things you said are absolute facts) and is incredible to see. Im seeing these 323k views and so happy that you have at least a chance to succeed now. I believe in you brother.

One more follower here... I did the whole education thing. I even got a degree in engineering to please to my father. I've spent decades in a job I hate. I admire what you are doing. Whether or not it works out in the end, it is so worth trying.

Looking forward to joining you on your new journey in life. Nice video.

I’m 55, raised a family and done what everyone else seemed to be doing. You’re doing the right thing, continue and don’t look back

About to turn 30 here brother and I support you! When you ignore everyone and do what’s right in your heart, you’ll never regret it.

I didn't think seeing the start of a RU-vid channel would make me break down and cry. It makes me wanna find a way out so that I can finally feel like I'm alive. I hate my life, but I don't want to die because of it, I want a life that makes me feel like I'm more than a drone. Just applying for and doing all the paperwork for the job I've been accepted to has made me feel miserable. I'll have money, but I'll be letting my life slip away from me. I'm 20 now, and I've hardly lived at all. The moments that I have felt alive are ones I'd never give up.

This is going to be fun! I’m excited to follow your progress. We’ll be rooting for you.

Just subscribed to your channel. Congratulations on completing you education and being able to go do what you love now.

Homeschool mom, so I appreciate this sentiment and I’m routing for you!!! Also I’m from Texas and I love watching Alaska based RU-vid channels during the heat of the summer and during our mild winter!

I lived in Nikiski, AK for a few years and loved it. This inspires me to go back!!! Thank you!!!

So insightful and wise. Your parents should be very proud of you.

Looking forward to following you on your journey! Best of luck!

I've never seen a more accurate description of the school system and how it feels going through it. I think what your doing is a great idea and if its what truly makes you happy then go for it. I wish you the best.

I've been wanting to do this for years but didn't know how I'd stay afloat financially. I'll be watching and sharing, hope you're able to escape.

God Speed young man! Your parents raised you right! Enjoy the freedom!

I have full confidence that you will make a go of this - you've watched your parents do this, and you've got the heart and spirit for it. Kudos to you for following your heart.

My best friend showed me this video and wow! It's amazing how mature you are at your age! I'm so happy that you are not brainwashed! My best friend and I are planning on visiting Alaska next year! We're 18 and sheltered, but that's the whole reason we're going, we need to grow up and do scary things.

This has to be one of the most honest videos I have ever seen. This was beautiful! Well done.