Simpler Times

09/10/09  Print This Post Print This Post    2 Comments      Written by Austin Chu
  • Stumble It
“Be studious in your profession, and you will be learned. Be industrious and frugal, and you will be rich. Be sober and temperate, and you will be healthy. Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy. At least you will, by such conduct, stand the be.” – Benjamin Franklin

When I got laid off from my job this past December, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I had no money, no job, and nothing to tie me down. As soon as the New Year turned, something inside me turned as well. I told my brother I wanted to drive through all fifty states and film a documentary of the stories and voices from the economy collapse.

Two weeks later, my brother quit his job, and we embarked on this journey called “The Recess Ends” We’ve interviewed and captured hundreds of hours of footage. Many of the stories presented themselves as stand alone, individual pieces. The following clip below is titled: Simpler Times.

Simpler Times from B-Rilla on Vimeo.

We can always learn from the past. Listen to the wise.

Music: Bryson Vancleve


  • Stumble It

About the Author

Austin Chu

Austin Chu was laid off in December 2008. He has a deep obsession with breakfast burritos and backpacks. He doesn't know why. He just drove through fifty states filming a documentary on the economy and the recession. Follow his project on http://www.therecessends.com

More By This Author

2 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Reeti replied on September 11, 2009

    Great video Austin! I’m checking out more of your work now :)

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • heather replied on September 11, 2009

    The video reminded me of my own grandparents! They too are very frugal with their money, still use household “antiques” that they bought when newly married. My Grandpa’s got a red tractor just like that too, and was also a Korean war veteran. They have a deep freezer used to store food bought at discounted prices and blueberries that they harvest each summer from 75 bushes that they planted themselves on their property over the years. While it’s easy to overlook much of their way of life as outdated (my Grandpa still listens to Elvis on his 8-track player) there are definitely things to be learned from them, especially on how not to be wasteful and the value of proper maintenance of the things you own.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply

Leave a Comment

Jump To Category:



Explore the Community


Latest Community Blogs


Popular Stories on Matador

How to Move to Paris with No Money

This is for Americans with insufficient funds, but with... 

Hostel Sex: A Practical Guide For Backpackers

Getting it wherever a backpacker can...... 

10 Traveler's Tips For Rocking A Nudist Beach

Travelers tend to enjoy ultimate freedom on the road, t... 

12 Personal Travel Websites That Will Make You Quit Your Day Job

... 

Drunk and Driving On Berlin’s Beer Bike

Cars nervously skirt by the slowly moving vehicle, tour... 

10 Multi-Use Items You Should Consider Packing

... 



Focus



Editor Blogs