Running away from home is no fun even if it sounds 'wow' and liberating. You'll sleep on the streets, pick up food, and your life won't be easy anymore. But sometimes, the situation at home feels much worse and running away is still a much better option. If you've really thought about it and still want to escape (and do so successfully), it's time to prepare.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for Departure
Step 1. Save
Ideally, you should pocket at least IDR 70 million. The amount of money will look very large, but Rp. 70 million can run out in an instant. You don't want to realize in the morning after you've just run away that you can't buy breakfast. If you don't run out of money (most likely it will), you'll be grateful you saved it.
Of course, this is done if you do not have a job and a place to live. If you're one of the few people who have a clear goal in mind, you're better able to get by with less money
Step 2. Practice living like a runaway
Before you actually run away, you have to practice living like you've already done; especially if you want to escape smartly. Broadly speaking, this can mean two things, namely:
- Find ways to save on food. Even if you try cheap food or pick up food in the trash, practice. It would be a good idea if you saw what you would get on the run, in terms of food and drink. Besides these two ideas, we'll talk about what else you can do in the next section.
- Practice sleeping in an uncomfortable place. When you're running away, you'll sleep on benches, behind bushes, curled up in corners-and anywhere else you can imagine. You won't sleep on a mattress with expensive Egyptian sheets like you normally would. Sleeping in hard and uncomfortable places will only feel heavy if you are not used to it. Get used to it first and this will not be a problem anymore.
Step 3. If possible, find a place to settle down
Sometimes people who run away will just leave without thinking about anything. That's the art. However, if you leave right away, you will feel pressured. It is better to leave when you have a safe destination that can serve as your temporary shelter until you are able to support yourself. If you had to go somewhere now, where would you go?
- Youth shelters are a great place to start. It's not a great place to stay forever, but it can give you time to think about your situation.
- Friends or family members can also be a way out, but know that you are putting them in a dangerous place because this involves your parents. They must legally say your location if your parents report your loss. However, you can still avoid it for a few days without question (and the food is on your table).
Step 4. Pack your items well
A strong, waterproof backpack is the right choice for you (you never know when you'll be caught in a rainstorm). Inside should contain a warm sleeping bag, flashlight (with extra battery), compass, layered clothing, knife to protect yourself, and light valuables. If it still fits, you can also bring a pillow. Anything other than the items above you should leave.
Remember that you will carry the backpack with you wherever you go, like an adventurer. It's going to be a pain, but the backpack will work. Also remember that what you bring can determine how you look. Do you look like an adventurer, tourist, or person on the run?
Step 5. Leave a message
Even if it sounds counterintuitive, make sure you hide the message to inform the authorities of your desire to escape so they don't see it as kidnapping (or worse, murder). The authorities will investigate kidnapping cases more thoroughly than in cases of people running away from home.
Feel free to hide your messages well; the authorities will find it when they search your home no matter how well you hide it. If your guardian finds it, he or she will report it to the police immediately
Step 6. Go on a sunny day
If you go in the rainy season and the nights are freezing cold, you're as smart as Napoleon against Russia in January. To increase your chances of escaping, wait until the weather improves. You'll be spending a lot of time outdoors-day and night-so it's best if your decision is supported by nature.
Sleeping indoors sometimes makes us forget how cold it is at night. Bring long underwear and warm outerwear, even if you're not sure you'll need them. It's better to be safe than sorry, and warmth is absolutely necessary
Part 2 of 4: Starting the Journey
Step 1. Take the bus or train
When you've run away from home (either on the way home from school or when your parents are asleep), head to the nearest bus stop or train station. Check the schedule, and hop on the next bus or train. Climb up and you're free. Below are some things to always keep in mind:
- If you decide to go overseas, try to do so during the first 12 hours of your departure time. Your passport photo will be easily recognized by border guards once your parents announce that you are a missing person.
- You won't be easy to spot if you're not near the house. While this may sound a little crazy, it's actually easier to escape abroad, especially in a European country, as you'll be treated as a casual tourist with lots of luggage.
- Don't tell your story to other passengers. They will not feel sorry for you (and will feel sorry for your parents instead) and will tell the police about your situation. If someone asks, you can brag or tell them you don't want to talk about it.
Step 2. Don't get "caught" electronically
Don't take cell phones, iPods, iPads, or other portable electronics with you. The authorities can track you using these tools. If you need a communication tool to make your plan a success, bring enough money to buy a simple cell phone and credit. The phone won't look great, but it could be useful.
Don't upload your status to social media. Says, “I'm really tired of living like this. I will run away!” not a brilliant idea. Additionally, don't log into your Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, Gmail, or other web-based accounts again while you're running away. The authorities will be able to easily track you using these sites
Step 3. If necessary, change the appearance
If you know people are looking for you, but you don't want to be found, you should change your appearance so that it doesn't stand out too much. The easiest way is to cut and dye your hair. Wherever you do it (though you will most likely do it in a public restroom), make sure to clean everything. The worst thing that can happen is that a police officer will take your haircut and get your whereabouts from the DNA on the haircut.
Gaining weight is also a good idea, if possible (and within reasonable limits, of course). Losing weight is something that is believed to happen-people looking for you will assume that you are getting thinner by the day because you are not eating
Step 4. Do not try to contact your friends after your escape unless you are 100% sure they will not inform the authorities of your whereabouts
The fact is you will be lonely. It's tempting to call people in the past, but if you want them to stay in the past, you can't call them. Only if you feel confident and positive that they won't tell the authorities, reconsider your decision to call them.
Even so, be careful. They will probably tell someone, then that person will tell someone else, and the other person will go to the police. The chains of gossip are usually hard to break, and always flow from one ear to another
Part 3 of 4: Survive As an Escape
Step 1. Find a place to sleep
If you don't have a mattress to sleep on (which will be a problem every night), the best places to sleep are in the bush, park, forest, or in a large, empty field. In short, getting out of town is the best option. However, if you're stuck in the city, go somewhere that's open 24 hours, such as a bus stop or train station.
- If you're in a place where there's a lot of people around, be aware that there's a good chance that a police officer or pedestrian who's worried about you will ask you how you're doing. Always have a supporting story ready.
- Make sure that wherever you are, it will be empty at night and still empty in the morning. The church parking lot on a Saturday night may look safe and quiet, but when Sunday morning comes, you'll regret that assumption.
Step 2. Eat cheap food
Food is expensive. In addition to eating cheap food at the convenience store with only bread, milk, and peanut butter, you should also try to eat free during your adventure. Here are some ways you can do it:
- Trash cans behind convenience stores and restaurants usually contain food that cannot be sold. Not that the food is stale, they just can't sell it. Go at night when shops and restaurants are closed. You may be rewarded with a free meal.
- Attend buffet parties. When there's a party, you have to "taste". The inedible buffet meal is the best alternative you have.
- Ask. If you go to a restaurant, cafe, or hospital, they will feel sorry for you and will give you some food that they will not or cannot sell. Remember to put the nicest smile on your face while doing it.
Step 3. If possible, find a job
If you are 16 or older, you can get a job and settle down in a new location. Work is a great way to get your money flowing-after all, you definitely don't want to sit around the house all day, do you?-If you can provide a phone number, address, and look clean, you might get hired.
If you're not yet 16 and feel that your identity is a major issue, try finding a day job. These jobs are usually hand work, but at least you'll get some money. Responding to flyers pasted on bulletin boards and checking odd job vacancies websites are your best bets
Step 4. Find a cheap place to live
In general, you have 4 choices: live with friends, live on the streets, live in a shelter, or live in an abandoned building. These places have their own advantages and disadvantages (living in an empty building is illegal). However, there are times when you have to find a place to settle down – if you have found a job, look for a cheap boarding house (rented by friends, not the owner of the boarding house). You definitely don't want to stay forever as a runaway.
Whatever you do, don't steal anything from where you live. This behavior will make you a fugitive, and you will feel more being chased than just running away from home
Part 4 of 4: Troubleshooting Possible Problems
Step 1. Ask for a ride
Maybe you've decided that you're not going to stay in one place. It is okay. If you run out of money, one option you can take is to hitch a ride. While in some areas hitchhiking is illegal, sometimes you have to do what has to be done. Here are the details:
- Position yourself at the gas station near the toll road entrance. You'll be able to approach drivers who can give you a ride (young and old people are a good choice; avoid people who wear suits and who look crazy). If that's not an option, get closer to the slow lane roads – the drivers need time to see you and pull over.
- When someone quits, you need to appear friendly, happy, and comfortable with your situation. Then pay attention to them: do you want to ride with them? Trust your instincts; If your instincts say no, politely decline their offer. If your instincts say yes, get on board, put your stuff in the back seat, and put your hands on your knees (to show you're not a dangerous person).
Step 2. Or, jump on the train
You don't want to hitch a ride? So, your other free method of transportation is to jump on a train. This isn't the easiest way, but it can get you from point A to point B. Here's how to do it:
Go to the nearest train station and ask for a copy of the train schedule. Look for the train that you will take to get to your chosen place. When the train comes, get into the center carriage as the train attendant gives you the way. When you see a train attendant approaching you to collect a ticket, go to the bathroom. If he knocks on the bathroom door, stay in the bathroom and get angry because you're annoyed by his behavior. Your other option is to walk around all the time, not sitting still
Step 3. Prepare yourself to fight the robbery
The world is not a friendly place, especially when your surroundings are homeless people. If you look scared, you make yourself a target. You will become a victim of criminal behavior and your money and belongings will disappear. Keep the following things in mind:
- You have to look confident wherever you go. Looking nervous will invite criminals to come to you and take advantage of you. Always carry a pocket knife for self-defense (this is not good advice, but it is important).
- Use a secret compartment in your backpack, if possible. If they rummage through your things, they'll miss the edges of your bag-you could keep a small laptop or something flat in there to mimic the structure of your bag.
- There was underwear called “adventurous underwear”, and it had pockets. Thieves won't check your underwear, so keep some spare money in your underwear.
Step 4. Know the laws of your situation
If you live in the United States, running away from home for teens under 18 is illegal in Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. If you get caught or return home, you will get a penalty. In other countries, laws regarding escape can vary. While running away is not illegal in your area, you generally do not have the right to refuse to be taken home, even if it is against your will. It's important to understand this knowledge so that you know the consequences you have to take.
- In the United States, if you have run away multiple times, you will become a child of the state and will be forced into the adoption system, in other words you will be removed from your home when found. You will be called a “Child in Need of Supervision” and the courts will decide your fate. Because of situations like this, you should avoid the authorities without exception.
- If you're in another country with a different language and you run into the police, pretend you don't speak English. Being bilingual in this situation will help you, even if the language you use to trick the police into thinking you are from another country is not the same as your native language.
Step 5. Call the hotline for escapees
If the terrible thing you fear happens, you can always call the hotline for people who have fled in your country. They may help you find temporary shelter or even pay for your return ticket (usually a bus or train ticket). They also offer counseling and can be an understanding listener if you need it.
In the United States, the hotline number is 1-800-RUNAWAY. In the UK, Childline also offers the same service on the telephone number 0800 1111. Covenant House, based in Los Angeles but operating in several countries in North and Central America offers shelter for young people, and its main telephone number is (234) 461 -3131
Tips
- Try to make new friends with new names after you run away to get rid of feelings of loneliness.
- You must tell your parents that you are still alive after you turn 18, because you will still be reported as missing until you do.
- If you are escaping abroad, make sure your destination is a safe country. If you're a 15 year old girl, escaping to Ciudad Juarez is not a good thing to do. You should also make sure you speak the language of the country,
