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Man Selling His Life On eBay

Posted by kdawson on from the but-wait-there's-more dept.

A number of readers have sent in the story of the guy in Perth, Australia who is selling his life on eBay. 100 days before the auction opened, he put up a site detailing all that was on offer: house, car, jet ski, friends, job, and so forth. (No wife.) The auction has five days to run and the bidding is up over $300K, supposedly from qualified bidders. The seller says: "Upon completion and settlement I will walk out of my home for the last time in just the clothes I am wearing, and carrying only my wallet and passport."

6 of 343 comments (clear)

  1. Well, two things come to mind by suso · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Is his identity for sale? Otherwise all he is selling is a bunch of stuff. Not "His Life". It would be more interesting if you could actually buy his identity and completely assume his life. Of course, you couldn't do that completely. His friends probably aren't going to buy into it. And also, what of the government?

    If he can't tell everyone the reason why his wife left him, then he is obviously not ready to give his life away. He is still holding on to the idea of privacy, when in fact he is giving that away. Could you imagine selling all the pictures, memorabilia, etc. that you have.

  2. My first post in a long time. by Grey+Ninja · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Honestly, this is the most fantastic Slashdot story that I've seen in a really long time. Unusual, sure. But I think that this is the perfect place to post this.

    I've always dreamed of doing something like this. Starting over, giving everything up. And I'm right positive that I'm not the only one on Slashdot to have those dreams.

    This guy has balls of steel. And I wish him the best.

    1. Re:My first post in a long time. by hal9000(jr) · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Yeah, I second this. 20 years ago I fit all my shit in a sea bag. Now I have dogs, a mortgage, bills, and more stuff than I can pack myself. I am happy, but I feel encumbered.

      I wish I had the guts to do this.

  3. Re:Net Worth... by OzPeter · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Obviously this guy does some sort of skilled job that requires some sort of degree if he can afford a house, a car, and a jet ski. I mean a construction worker and a cashier is not going to own his own jet ski. I think you need to re-educate yourself on earning potential of blue collar workers. As an example there was a comparison done in the news in Australia a few years ago between a 25 year old brick layer and a doctor who had his own practice. The bricklayer was bringing in more revenue and was financially better off than the doctor and had a hell of a lot less stress.
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  4. Re:Net Worth... by mulvane · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My father in law does outside construction. He own's a tow behind camper, 16' bass boat, 2 jetski's, 2 chevy 1500 HD trucks, a lincoln town car, and a $450,000USD house and a camping property on the Missouri river. I'm pretty sure people who budget early in life can afford nicer things later on if they make enough to initially subsist on and a little extra.

  5. re: I don't find it "annoying" in the least .... by King_TJ · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I often hear people complain about how "materialistic" we've all become, and how much happier we're supposed to be if we learn to reject some of this.

    Isn't that the same promise the Catholic religion has been hawking for the last 2,000 years or so?

    No, your possessions don't literally equate to your "life" ... but at the same time, I think they can (even SHOULD) help define a person. Looking at myself, I realize that my purchases directly reflect the things I enjoy doing in life. For example, I own several computer systems. Well, that's been my main "hobby interest" for close to 20 years now, and it led me to my career choice. Computers are the key to what makes me a "productive citizen", earning a regular paycheck. I also have a decent-sized music collection, and even some musical instruments (electric guitar, synthesizer, etc.). Sure, they're not necessities in life, but they're enjoyable distractions for me, and reflect on my interest in music in general.

    The people who worry me the MOST are the ones who don't seem to have any clear "hobbies" or interests that involve ownership of property! I've had friends like this, who seem like they're wandering aimlessly through life - spending their money on "intangible entertainment" like movie tickets, amusement park passes or sporting events. Ultimately, they have little to show for the work they do.