How do you define “Off the Grid?”

PETER SHANKMAN

POSTED ON June 13th, 2011

53 COMMENTS

I have this friend, a running buddy. She works as an accountant. She goes into her office 50 weeks out of the year. But for two weeks a year, she isn’t in the office. She’s in Africa, or South America, or some other place, on a vacation. She doesn’t bring a cell phone. She doesn’t bring a computer. She brings a camera, and some clothes.

She comes back, two weeks later, refreshed, full of life, and tons of great stories and photos, which she posts online and shares with her friends. For those two weeks, though, we don’t know if she’s alive or dead, and I’m pretty sure the world could blow up sans her location, and she’d never know. To her, that’s all ok, since she’s completely “off the grid.”

But what does “off the grid” really mean?

The Urban Dictionary defines “off the grid” as “untraceable through normal means.” (They also define it as buying a mobile phone on the AT&T Network, which I find really funny.) For some people, going off the grid is the antidote to their daily lives of constantly being connected, and it allows for a recharge or rebirth, as it were, before heading back to the grind, as exemplified by the example of my friend above.
I never truly understood that.

I’m leaving next week for Asia for 9 days. I’m kidnapping someone I really like, and we’re going to the middle of nowhere. I’ll be sitting on a beach on an island in Thailand, yet will still be very much connected. I’ll be working a little bit, perhaps answering an email here and there. I’ll do an occasional Skype call, and I’ve got my KGO interview already lined up.

I told another friend of mine that this was my plan, and they looked at me like I also said I was planning on shacking up with a Ladyboy while I’m there.

“That’s not relaxing! That’s not off the grid! That’s not right,” he said.

By whose definition?

Fact is, I can’t “relax” like a normal person. I blame my parents. They retired for about an hour a piece before becoming NYU professors and starting second careers. They didn’t need the money, they just don’t know how to relax in the normal sense of the word. And neither do I.

Perfect spot for a WiFi router

I tried it once. I lasted a few hours. I was angry, irritable, and not a happy person by any stretch. The person I was with, who so badly wanted me “off the grid,” had a horrible time. For her, it was an entirely different way of life. So for me, working, doing deals, generating new revenue streams IS relaxing! I’m fortunate that once in a while I get to do it under a palm tree. But insofar as going off the grid like my running buddy? I’d last a half hour before I put a bullet in my brain.

However you choose to define “off the grid,” or even “working,” that’s fine. The problem happens when you try and force others to agree with your way of thinking.

What’s your definition of going off the grid? Are you like me, or like my running buddy? And for that matter, what’s the perfect definition of “relaxing” for you? Tell me below.

Kevin W

For me, “off the grid” means disconnecting from the things that suck away my time and keep my attention from things that matter. When I go on vacation, I have to have a cell phone with me in case of emergencies. But it’s a dumb phone, so no wi-fi access or apps to steal my time. I leave behind e-mail, Facebook, Twitter (though I can tweet from my phone). Vacation means being away from distractions of the Internet and letting the real world have my attention.
http://www.peterstringer.com Peter Stringer

I actually just wrote a blog post of my own about this recently, with regard to the strange Matt Hill disappearance story. My point was that in this day and age, for anyone who is socially connected, it’s impossible to impulsively “go off the grid” at will.

http://bit.ly/kxLAJp

- Peter
http://theflaggagency.com/blog/ Chuck Flagg

Peter:

I am in the business of trying to get people to use up their vacation time. Technology has allowed those who are taking part in running a business to “get away” yet still be available. Since Americans use the least amount of their vacation time than any industrialized country, the message needs to get out that your mind, body and soul DO need a chance to recharge.

If recharging does mean you are keeping on hand on that mobile device because you wouldn’t be comfortable without it than so bet it. To some work is like their children and if you tried to tell someone to vacation without their children, they would NEVER have a good time because all they would be doing is think about their kids back home.
http://ivettemarques.wordpress.com/ Ivette

For me, “off the grid” means having no connection to work or other daily responsibilities. Accessing my cell phone only to make personal calls to friends or family if necessary. Although, when I’m on vacation, I like to avoid phone calls. I’m still connected by way of FourSquare (I like checking in) and Facebook (occasionally posting a photo or commenting on my travel experience) and having my Kindle. When I travel I don’t tweet very much or check email. This usually results in a re-energized and much happier person upon my return to “reality.”

I will be “off the grid” for the my honeymoon in late July and plan to really be “off the grid” – no phone, email, Facebook, Twitter…just me, my hubby, his PSP, my kindle and one giant Alaskan cruise adventure!
Bel

For me, ‘off the grid’ is Montauk, NY. People could still find you, but it’s such a long drive that no one would even bother to try.
http://www.danrosenbaum.com Dan Rosenbaum

I go off the grid a week a year, lakeside in New Hampshire with a ton of family. This means fringe, if any, cell coverage (though Verizon has been encroaching lately) and dial-up Internet. This is enough to discourage routine use but allows for daily e-mail check in.

I’ve lost business because of this. But the clients who have such dire emergencies despite weeks and weeks of warnings that I’ll be away are not usually the ones worth keeping.
http://www.ivanwalsh.com Ivan Walsh

it’s when you stop THINKING about being on the grid… then you’re off
Ell

First I prepare to go off the grid. I get stressed thinking about all the emails coming in, so I unsubscribe from Groupon & its cousins, HARO (you need a “vacation stop” for HARO), etc.

For me off the grid is a little farm in New Hampshire with no wifi. There is allegedly a phone signal if you stand under the pine tree, but I have AT&T so I don’t get a signal. When I’m up on top of a 5000 footer, then I get a signal.

Off the grid for me means I don’t spend time reading blogs or news or gossip sites or mindlessly surfing the web. But it doesn’t mean I go completely out of touch with my friends – if I find a signal i’ll text my sister a photo, or up date my friends on FB with what I’m doing.

Relaxing to me is hiking my little heart out and then sitting on the porch with a cold glass of rose’ and watching the sun set over the mountains and getting up the next morning to do it again. (Ok, now I feel like I’m writing my match.com profile…)
http://www.BeckyCortino.com Becky Cortino

I’ve been thinking about “Off the Grid” recently, so this caught me eye, Peter!

As for a definition, I guess it really does depend upon the individual, doesn’t it? I think “Off the Grid” is the state of being intentionally unplugged, according to personal preferences.

As for me, your work-life style approach mirrors mine (in my won way), in that it’s rare I’m not in the process of something work or productivity-related. However, I do realize the benefits of being unplugged…

Have a great trip!
http://www.momgenerations.com Sharon – MomGenerations

“Off the grid” to me means sleeping hours! Ha! I didn’t marry an “off the grid” man. I didn’t spawn “off the grid” kids. I do respect and admire friends of mine who do exactly what your running buddy does. I really do. I just don’t do it. Can’t do it. And fortunately, I live and thrive with people who are just like me. Great question. Great debate.
http://brandk.blog.com Kim Alexander

Very nice subject. I enjoyed reading about how you and your running buddy have very different methods of going off the grid. As someone who suffers from the shiny thing syndrome (yours truly), going off the grid would take much effort for me. I think since my schedule is to the brim and overflowing literally, I would force myself to go off the grid like your running buddy. It’d be the only solution to turn my mind off.
http://quantumlearning.com Shannon Suetos

I think “off the grid” has many different meanings. Personally, I don’t think I could go a whole week with out checking my email, or sending a tweet. But, there are days where that does sound AMAZING. I think the key to going “off the grid” or relaxing in general is how you relax. I think your friend has a great idea, and who knows maybe 4 days in I would be asking myself, “why didn’t I don this sooner?”
http://www.streamsidefarm.com Cindy C.

And you know what? This might even change as your life situation changes. There are seasons in everyone’s life, but that doesn’t mean that everyone’s relaxation looks the same. Some people can just sit and watch television. I can’t do it. I have to have some kind of hand craft to do. But, I do relax on a regular basis. Since I don’t have a cell phone, though, unplugging looks a little different for me. ;) I love reading about all the places you travel and things you do, but I honestly don’t think I could keep your pace. You go for it, though!!
http://www.danrosenbaum.com Dan Rosenbaum

Oh. I should add: My lakeside weeks run from Saturday to Saturday. It’s usually Tuesday or Wednesday before I stop being grumpy about the electronic withdrawal…
http://www.FindYourHiddenStrengths.com Diana Gardner Robinson

Taken literally, living “off the grid” may have nothing to do with vacation and relaxation time. It may actually be very hard work. No phone, no computer, no credit card, no bank account, living off a cash economy, unnoticed by most, unidentified by most. Difficult to do, and probably not very relaxing if one is serious about not being traced or found.

It’s very different from disconnecting from one’s responsibilities for a vacation. For many, it is MORE relaxing to know that if there really was an emergency at home or at work, they would be informed about it. Provided there is a gatekeeper who does not allow minutiae to creep through.
http://Mightybuyback.com Kevin

Wow, what a timely topic. I’m on day 1 of 56 days at the beach with my family, but I run an online business (and can dons from anywhere), so I have to plug in for a bit every day. Am I off the grid? I’d say yes.

I’m going to write about it every day.

Http://ctrl-alt-dabeach.com

-Kevin
http://rickcaffeinated.com Rick

Mind if I piggyback on this one on my blog later? @SuzeMuse had something very similar, posting about how “work” is not 9 to 5 for social media folks, how things overlap and that’s okay. For me, was on vacation last week and checked in a few times just like you said – and someone asked what I was doing, I was on vacation. Hard to tell folks I was living life, as connected as I wanted to be, etc. Good times.
http://www.newward.com Melissa Ward

This was a fun read and good food for thought.

I am never completely “unplugged” At minimum my android is with me, normally android and laptop. I’ve never been one to just lay in the sun and do nothing for four hours. I love hanging out, but to me, part of relaxing is knowing I am within reach of certain people. Even when I was in Zimbabwe, I brought a compatible phone – it just makes me feel better.
http://www.martinshawllc.com Sharon Shaw

I am fortunate that when I vacation I can (mostly) give up and work int he traditional sense, though I like to have the option to check in with e-mail phone and social media; on vacation I want it to be on MY schedule.

At home though – relaxation is not existent – by choice. Like you Peter I enjoy finding new revenue streams so much that even my evening down time means participating in network events, blogging on my company site, participating in industry related charities or creating art that I sell. For years friends, ex’s and even my chiropractor told me to “relax”. When a personal event forced me to give up all my extra-curricular ‘work’ for a time, they all came to realized I was more stressed than ever!

Sitting on the couch is not enjoyable. If you want something done, assign to a busy person! I fit a lot into my life, including a lot of fun!
http://mymediainfo.com/ Renee

For me, off grid is essentially not having access to internet, but still having phone service (old fashioned phones, not smartphones). This past memorial day I had a mini vacation with some friends. We rented a remote campsite at a campground in Northern New Hampshire. The campsite was an island about two miles away by boat from the main campground, with no internet or cell phone service. However, there was cell phone service at the campground so if I needed to contact ‘the outside world’ I would have been able to. This setup is generally the most relaxing for me, not being bothered with modern technology, but being able to use it in case of an emergency.
http://www.megadox.com Heather

“Off the grid” to me means NO thinking about work, family drama, or anything else that stresses me out. No cell phone (except for emergencies when hiking), no email, the occasional postcard dropped in the snail mail. I typically travel to the bottom of the world so I can use the old “time difference” excuse as well. Early morning walks, lots of hiking, birding, sightseeing, photography, and living in the moment. Totally forgetting that the rest of the world exists. It’s the most rejuvenating experience I know.
Chris Kruell

Off the grid means incommunicado, period–with or without AT&T’s help. Now while you and others and I might well be comfortable being connected while being on ‘vacation’, let’s not fool ourselves into thinking we’re off the grid. We’re experiencing a change of scenery, or (re)charging while enjoying a different environment, and so on.

Personally, I like different experiences at different times. Fully connected while at home or office is the norm. Partially connected while elsewhere can be extremely stimulating and efficient or distracting to the point of frustration. And being in the backcountry where I couldn’t be on the grid if I tried (I don’t have a satphone) is incredibly refreshing. I also enjoy consciously staying out of touch even when I could be communicating or consuming if I wanted to be.

The ability to use my brain and be creative and stimulated and engaged–or meditative and in recharging retreat–has nothing to do with time or place or connectivity, as it turns out. I suspect the same is quite true for you. I also suspect a notebook and pen would be your tool of outlet and connectivity if these other technologies did not exist.
http://about.me/jnoche John Knight

I think it means different things to different people. I have multiple definitions, 1 being not responding to emails but active in other places, 2 not responding to anything directed at me but still reading and commenting when I want to, 3 not reading or responding to anything completely “off” with no connectivity and no mobile device access at all. I rarely EVER do this, but 1 and 2 from time to time. If what you do recharges you are allows you to get caught up or just plain works for you then let it be man…
http://www.jcwpr.com Jane Walsh

OK, it was the Bahamas for a wedding. Not really off the grid in the way most people would think but i decided to not turn my Blackberry one while there, as roaming charges, etc were just too much $$ (on top of what I was spending to go to this wedding). I purchased a calling card (remember those?) and called home twice a day from the room or pay phones (remember those?).

I have to say it was so liberating and it made a significant difference in how I relaxed. I didn’t feel the need to share every single moment of my short vacation with everyone at home via Facebook, Twitter or text. I just simply enjoyed being there, truly in the moment, without electronic distraction. My traveling companion shut off also so there was none of that constant (and rude) checking of texts, emails or calls on either of our parts during meals, on the beach or anywhere else.

I had forgotten what it was like to travel like this and I would do it again! In fact, i’d stray even further off the grid!
http://marcribo.com marc

“Off the grid” -> have a look at Foursquare when you check in and you don’t want to share within your networks!

No, seriously, I’m like you: I have fun combining work and relax. Why do you have to do it for 10 days a year if you could do it whenever you wanted? You don’t need to go to an island (although I admit it’s better!), you can do it everywhere: you work, and you disconnect when you want.
Samantha

Off The Grid for me is no computer, and minimal cell phone usage.
If I am tracked down for work reasons, I charge them for that time, as I booked it off as holidays. Of course I’m not in the position you are, and do not need to be reachable 24/7.

I’ll be off grid tonight as it’s Game 6 for the Cup!
GO CANUCKS GO!
Dana Zilber

I feel that being “off the grid” in the traditional sense of the word is what people equate to as “vacation”, in the typical sense of the world: disconnecting from one’s daily life = i.e. disconnecting from the work that they hate to go to day in and day out, 9-5, I hate my boss and the crazy hours etc. For me, if you’re doing what you truly love day in and day out, being off the grid means that you’re still connected to what it is that you love to do (be it emails, facebook connections, deals, phone calls etc) and doing it somewhere else, with people that you love around you to hang out with when you’re not on the computer, over good food, great drinks, sun, laughter and culture. What’s relaxing to me is being able to be off the grid in my context, whenever I want to do so, and have revenue come in.
Dave

Here’s what off the grid means to me:

I’m floating on a river in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, sipping a beer and listening to the water flow.

12 days ago, we launched a small fleet of rafts 150 miles upriver. In the past two weeks our little group has made slowly made our way downriver. Some days we go 25 miles, some days 5 miles is it. Sometimes the river contracts and drops through thrilling rapids with 20-foot waves, but most of the time it’s this – slow moving water and indescribably beautiful scenery. Each night we set camp in yet another spectacular location, surrounded by a vertical mile of sheer rock.

A few spectacular days are layover days, where we don’t go anywhere. Layover. Unlike the world above the rim, “Layover” is a very good word when you are on the river. Maybe I’ll go on a hike. Maybe lay on the beach all day. Whatever I want to do. And the food? This ain’t your normal camping fare. I eat better on the river than I ever do at home. Dinner tonight is ribeye steak cooked over a wood fire with a fresh salad and cheesecake for dessert.

I have no clue what day of the week it is – it doesn’t matter and won’t for another week. I’m lucky if I know what month it is. Civilization is long behind.

Cell Phones? Haha, no way.
Laptops? What are those?
Cars? Haven’t seen one of those in two weeks.

The best thing about the trip is the escape from civilization. Time on the river sets my mind at ease and lets me really think about what is important in life. Do I think about what is going on beyond the rim? Sometimes, but not much. Whatever is happening, I don’t need to worry about it for another week. For now, I’ll grab another beer.

https://picasaweb.google.com/davedlg/GrandCanyon09?feat=directlink#5420861522375965970

Off the grid = disconnecting from society physically and, more importantly, mentally. Kind of a CTL-ALT-DEL for life. I’ll come back relaxed and with a completely different outlook on life.
Al Pittampalli

I think a better word is disengagement. We all need to disengage from time to time, because this allows us to engage with more power when we do focus. I’m like you, Peter, hard to shut it off completely at any time, but I think sometimes it’s for the best. We need to power ourselves down completely (maybe not for a long time, but for some) to recharge. We don’t realize the amazing benefits that truly disengaging actually provides is in the long term but it does.
http://milasblog.typepad.com Mila Araujo

I am with you Peter. “Off the grid” for me means doing whatever I want with no one to answer to. Maybe this means on a vacation, but likelihood is even on a vacation I am doing some form of “work” but not because I have to, because I want to. I think that when you do what you love, then its all good. Why would you ever want to stop doing what you love? That’s my take on it, and some people call me a workaholic, but I am happy and relaxed – and when someone bothers me to “stop” that’s what is stressful or not relaxing to me :) We all have our measures of what is rewarding, and we should all respect each others versions. Life is good.
http://sistermaryblogs.wordpress.com Lourdes (@SisterMary)

You’ve said it best: Off the grid: “I never truly understood that.”

…..Nor do I want to.
http://LifeCaptured.com John Arleth

Not sure but I am not going to buy any bullets. I am like you. A little like a butterfly. I enjoy the hunt, the work and have lost three great ladies because of it. Can’t blame them. Take he hotel on the phone lady to Maui and spend half the day in the hotel on the phone. 24 minutes on the beach, back to the phone. Antsy because of the time difference. Oops, there goes another lady, goodbye.

Enjoy.
http://www.initiativebasedwriting.com Stef

My definition of “off the grid” is more like your friends. I find it simply nauseating to even think about taking work along on a vacation. Never done it never want to. Now in the days of social media (and I just got a smart phone 2 weeks ago so getting used to having all that “stuff” with me everywhere I go) I can see myself posting pictures and statuses and stuff but no work — ICK.

I liken it to my triathlon coach instructing me to “take 2 weeks off all structured workouts” after a half iron race. To me that’s NO PROBLEM. Doesn’t mean I’m sitting on my ass on the couch for two weeks but it means freedom from that particular grind. Walking the dog those two weeks is PLENTY.

That being said in general I’m the opposite of what you wrote here with regard to relaxing. I can relax. Sometimes too much.

Have such a great time in Thailand — you’ve probably been there before but if you haven’t you will LOVE it! Thailand is one place I really want to go back to.
http://www.celebrantinstitute.org charlotte

The defintion of being “off the grid” is personal to everyone. Maybe people can come up with what it means to them to be OTG and create a mini “transformation ritual” so that no matter if they’re off the grid for 1/2 an hour in NJ or 10 days in the Greek isle of Naxos (good place to be), they can feel or get what they want from being “off the grid” and have it offer up meaning and soul-traction. Without a ritual to set them on their way “off the grid” folks may feel that they’ve “hit the skids” afterwards. I suggest, give it some juice with a personalized ritual. Hey Peter, while in paradise use: sand, shells, water, sticks and your breath for yours – if you wish.
http://www.frembes.com AVwriter

I’m not sure I’ve ever thought about being/going “off the grid” in my entire life. The thought of hopping on a plane without a way to connect with my friends and family seems preposterous to me. Online doesn’t equal stress and offline doesn’t equal relaxation. Think about how much information you receive online these days – news, weather, sports scores, pictures of your friends and family, updates on who’s ill/on vacation/getting married, etc. Why would you want to cut yourself off for any amount of time?

People who are so stressed out that they need to check out of their life and from 99% of the planet to go “off the grid” need to reevaluate. Something needs to change, and it’s not their Internet connection.
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http://www.flocstr.com Maxim

Totally agree with every single word, Peter. And I’m in your camp for 100%:)
http://susies-travel-coupons.com Susanna

I can relate to you entirely. My work has always been my way to unplug from the other roles in my life. As a mom of three, it’s my business that really helps me to feel more in control and productive and, frankly, just more comfortable, so I always take my laptop on vacations. Ironically, it’s my way to retreat and have some “me time.” Sounds backwards, but it works for me!
http://www.reyburnphotography.co.uk Karen Reyburn

I know what you mean, but I’m not sure I agree that just because it’s really hard to do means that you shouldn’t bother. As you pointed out in your recent Complacency post, working out and eating well and doing all those things is frickin impossible sometimes – but you have to do it even when you don’t feel like it, and when you’re grumpy, and when you wish you could order a pizza. And the results are amazing. I think the same goes for rest, and complete rest, which can include being off the grid. I find that when I don’t want to take even a half hour for ‘nothing’, there’s a deep rest of the soul that I am really missing out on.
http://www.wandertrip.com Mao mao

Emm, I totally agree we are all facing too many unnecessary pressures nowadays, and we should and we can spend at least half of our current time to Really be ‘off the grid’ and enjoy ourselves.

Hehe, if you or your friends is planning to come to China, welcome to contact us at http://www.wandertrip.com:)
http://www.wandertrip.com Mao mao

oh, by the way. We are also a startup company:)
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http://about.me/vonniemaddox Vonnie

For me going “off the grid” is to simply stop doing things that I have to or don’t want to do. So, doing only what I feel like doing at the time, is good enough for me. Not having to be available to people or dealing with those mundane daily tasks that we all have to deal with, is heaven.

Although, when I hear someone is going “off the grid”, I usually take it like they want to be left alone unless they contact me.
http://www.amylorenti.com Amy Lorenti

All I need to do to get off the grid is stick my nose in a good book. Then it’s back to work. I love what I do and plan on continuing to do it until God takes me. There will be plenty of time to be “off the grid” after that.

Have an amazing vacation (but pack the laptop).
http://www.taylorjgraves.com Taylor

I plan to be “off-the-grid” with my new-husband on our honeymoon in Cost Rica in November. Thought you may see a twitpic or two. :)
http://www.globalarticlesnews.com Emanuel Andrei

For me, ‘off the grid’ is Montauk, NY. People could still find you, but it’s such a long drive that no one would even bother to try.
http://www.flashyinteractive.com Pat

Interesting perspective on being “off the grid.” I think being “off the grid,” would be disconnected from everything possible, no phone, no internet access, no GPS, and living with the bare essentials.
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http://www.globalarticlesnews.com Emanuel Andrei

Totally agree with every single word, Peter. And I’m in your camp for 100%:)
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http://grey-consulting.com Maurene Caplan Grey

I take off the grid moments during my normal day: guided meditations (piped through my iPhone). Swimming, while Mozart streaming through my brain. Petting my cat. Literally, smelling the flowers, then taking photos of them and posting to Flickr. I find get aways to be stressful. Too much preparation work. Too much anxiety at the end–start thinking about “what needs to be done.” The ability to completely unwind has eluded me. But the ability to be in the moment, even if the moment involves washing a dish, is real and relaxing. That’s how I get off the grid.

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