Meet Angela Swiss | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Swiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has changed drastically in the last eight years. In the past, whether it was for myself or someone else, I would have worked sixty plus hours a week. If I had any time off, I only wanted to sleep or prepare for the next work week. This was nowhere near the life I wanted to to be living.

It seemed like in order for me to have a house, I had to work an absurd amount. No matter what part of the country…I could only ever make just enough to keep a roof over my head. I was only sleeping there, and sometimes not even that. An attempt at life was made in several states, over several years. Food was scarce, as was any kind of vacations or adventures. Afraid to miss rent or come up short on bills….I never missed work, and often went hungry. With health issues looming, and no insurance….things had to change. It just made no sense. Living in a house was just a $1200 a month storage payment for me. A cage really.

I was slowly parting with my stuff over the years, but in 2020 I took a leap of faith and got rid of everything I owned. All of my belongings were sold, given away, and put out on the curb. Anything that didn’t have a survival purpose, or that wouldn’t fit in my car or camper, was discarded. Once I was free of all the weight, aka “pointless stuff”…I set out to find a more simple life. Dreaming to work less and make more memories. I wanted to really live, instead of just repeating the “slow death” that I was merely just surviving in everyday. Nine, to way passed five.

Times haven’t always been magical on the road. Most times, very much so, but there has been plenty of trials and challenges as well. I’ve even been robbed twice… once in Missouri, and once in Florida. Lots of car repairs, and some jobs along the way have caused more problems than blessings. There’s a plethora of new things to deal with living full time on the road. Especially in a tiny tin can without a bathroom. Things you would never have to think about in a house. Safety is also a huge stress sometimes. As is staying warm, and or cool. It takes focus to make a home work….. and this takes a certain amount focus too.

One of the coolest things though about being mobile…you can live wherever, and learn whatever you want, whenever you want to! I really enjoy taking temporary jobs, and exploring new areas while simultaneously making an income. It’s a really great way to travel and add new things to my resume. I’ve been a roofer, landscaper, painter, guide, clerk, manager, delivery driver, contractor, sales person, and more, plus still operating my own photography business. Quoting myself here….I always say, “Simplicity, love is free. Everything I love most, cannot be bought.” Especially “free time”!! Balance really is key to my happiness, and less is so much more to me.

So now that I’m down to basic necessities, my opportunities have become quite endless. As long as I am smart, thrifty, and creative….. I get to see and do more than I was ever able to do before. With less stuff and a lack of roots, I don’t have to work such an insane amount of hours anymore. With my house behind me, I can park near the better opportunities. Ones that I couldn’t get to before. I no longer have to say “no” to a chance at something better, but instead can say “why not?!”

Where I once could barely breathe, now my balance is allowing the most crisp fresh air to my lungs. Freedom. To change whatever it is that I don’t feel is right for me. An open road to wherever the gps and fate takes me. No lease to break. No house to sell. No more being stuck and missing my window to fly. I will always refer to this chapter in my life as, “the turn key life”. What doesn’t work out, only sets you more free. All you have to do is turn the key.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I somehow ended up with the name “Swiss”. “Like a Swiss Army Knife”, they’d say. “She can do a little bit of everything, and is pretty handy to have around.” Over the years I’ve learned quite a few trades. It’s been nice to work where I’m needed and wanted , rather than just settling for that expendable, just a number, kind of employment. Now that I’m not strapped for rent or mortgage, I can take time to work jobs that are healthier for me, and less stressful. Instead of being desperate for whoever, or whatever, just to make my bills. Work is far less time consuming now, and budgets allow for some room to relax, for once.

Work is by appointment or reservation only. It can vary from house/pet/ranch/plant sitting, photography, advertising/marketing, landscaping, demo, paint, home repairs and upgrades, general labor, and home or land cleanups to prep for sale/rental. Even if you just need a good helper or apprentice for the day, I’m a Jill of all trades. Common sense is strong with this one! Also, since I’m mobile, some particular jobs can work better for me than others. Like “live on site”, or, “housing included” jobs. Where others can’t free up there schedule to make your project, or operation a priority…. I can.

I’ve also been known to make some very unique hats. HOBO stands for “Humans Open-heartedly Blessing Others”. If you are interested in a custom made Hobo hat, whether it be for a gift, or just for yourself, they are up for donations only. All proceeds go towards car/camper repairs, gas and food supplies. Each hat has a custom tag with a number, and you get to choose the color! I like to see those who have helped me along the way, get something in return. I hope my hats make them feel as warm as their donations have made me feel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Grand valley is a great central hub for all sorts of recreation and adventure. If I had my bestie for a week, we would definitely partake in floating the Colorado river, hiking and camping on the Grand Mesa, four wheeling in the desert, and if they could keep up, we would skate the river trail! Edgewater Brewery is one of my new favorites for food and drinks. Located right on the river path, you can stop off for an amazing bloody mary, and their sweat potato fries are to die for! Let’s not forget Palisade! There’s always wine tasting!

Slightly out of the valley, but not too far…. I would also take my guest to any of the hot springs. Glenwood, Iron Mountain Springs, or Ouray hot springs after a long week! I’d like to take them to the Glenwood caverns adventure park too! Bet there’s tons of new upgrades since I went 11 years ago!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank The Springworks in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Off Again 4×4 in Farmington, New Mexico. These guys go above and beyond to keep my custom rig safe and functioning! As a traveling woman… I have trust issues with mechanics…. But not these guys! I wouldn’t have my wings without my adventure 4×4!

God has played a major roll in keeping the wheels in motion as well. There has been many blessings along the way. Most have been from complete strangers, also known as “angels among us.” It seems as if I have everything I need, exactly when I need it.

Speaking of angels and blessings…my dog Gypsy Lynn, (whom I found after a hurricane), always keeps my spirits up. She has taught me what true unconditional love and loyalty is. I don’t think I could do this without a dog, so having a well mannered one is such a blessing! She gets a shout out too!

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