The Amish community is now seeing many of its members pursuing jobs outside of agriculture. This change is largely due to economic pressures and practical needs. In places where less than 10% of Amish households are primarily farming, there’s a notable move towards other forms of work.
This shift marks the most dramatic change in Amish society in the last 100 years.
In places like Lancaster County, the cost of farmland has skyrocketed over the past 30 years. This increase makes it hard for many Amish to continue farming, leading some to move to places where land is cheaper.
Only one out of every three Amish people in Lancaster County is still farming. For some, especially young Amish, farming has become too expensive.
The cost of an acre of farmland in the county has increased significantly, going from around $8,000 to $20,000. This means that the price of farmland has become much higher than what it can actually generate in terms of income.
Instead of farming, many Amish people are starting small businesses. They’re making wood products, like furniture, and running quilt shops, greenhouses, and bakeries.
In some Amish areas, these businesses do very well, with the bigger ones making a lot of sales each year.
One of the practical reasons for Amish individuals seeking work beyond their communities is financial stability. Self-reliance is key for the Amish.
The Amish aim to be financially independent and don’t rely on the outside world for any help. Living debt-free is crucial for them. They don’t accept government handouts.
So, when money is scarce or when farming does not yield enough income, they’re resourceful and quickly pivot to other activities.
When they can’t generate enough money within their communities, they seek employment outside of their communities.
Construction and Manufacturing Jobs
Amish men are usually the ones who work outside of their homes. They have jobs in fields, on farms, and in other types of manual labor.
A lot of Amish men are working in construction, building houses and commercial spaces, often for clients who aren’t Amish. They sometimes travel far for these jobs.
In areas like northern Indiana, it’s common for Amish people to work in factories, particularly those that build recreational vehicles.
The Impact of Working Outside Amish Communities
The type of work Amish people choose to do outside their communities is influenced by their church’s guidelines.
Amish churches usually discourage jobs in factories or those that involve spending a lot of time in non-Amish settings.
As more Amish men work in jobs outside their homes, they spend less time with their families because they’re away at work more often.
Working in jobs beyond their communities exposes them to the modern world, which can challenge their traditional values and way of life.
The influence of the outside world can come back into their homes, potentially affecting their family dynamics and traditions.
Overall, it’s a balance between financial necessity and preserving their unique Amish way of life.