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Simon explores what it means to be a hobo, especially in the modern, digital world.
What is a hobo? What is this Simon the Hobo thing all about?
With a name like Simon the Hobo, you better believe I’m going to have to answer that question once in a while. It should please you to know that I did my research before choosing the moniker by which I would become known; while I am by no means an expert, I’ve read through various articles and pieces scattered throughout the internet and even called up someone with a little more historical clout than myself, so I feel fairly confident in this little piece of knowledge.
“Hobo” is a term used to describe migrant workers in the United States. At least it once, once upon a time, though the title has fallen out of favor. They differ from tramps and bums in a couple of ways. First, in location (and locomotion). Second, in their willingness to work.
Historically, hoboes (who knew there was an E in there?) were often unfairly lumped in with tramps and bums. Men and women willing to travel for work, they hopped trains or hitchhiked across the country in search employment. Often, they simply went where the work was, did the job they came to do, then moved on. In modern times, Amazon has used itinerant workers living in their RVs at its different locations around the country, though they do so much less these days. A hobo, then, is willing to work and willing to travel. Tramps, on the other hand, are generally willing to work, but won’t travel to do so, whereas bums will neither work nor travel.
Pretty simple, right?
What does it all mean?
How does it apply to what I’m doing? Let’s be honest here: I don’t have a broad skillset to offer up here. But what I do know, I’m willing to share with others. For the last couple years, I’ve been a paid gamemaster, running roleplaying games for groups online in exchange for a small fee. I could continue to do some of that, along with some other side hustles. What side hustles? Rideshare. Drop ship marketing. Selling printables (think stickers, posters, and other items) on Etsy. I’m also writing my own roleplaying game and will likely publish it on DriveThruRPG.
Thing is, there are a myriad of opportunities for work in the modern, digital world, and I’m more than happy to explore them.
Who knows? Maybe something will click.
In the meantime, I’m also keeping my eye out for other work-on-the-road (or “workamping,” as some call it) possibilities, things that don’t tie me down to a location for too long, but can help keep me mobile.
Have a suggestion or two? I’m all ears!