(Rant) I was homeless by choice in order to gain empathy for those who live a certain frugal lifestyle.... had the opposite effect

I was sleeping on the sidewalk for 6 months in the Bay Area, California. It was on my bucket list to be homeless. I wanted to gain empathy and insight into the hardships that some folks have.

Turns out, being homeless was fun and easy. I have zero remorse for those who are on the streets and NOT mentally ill/addicted to drugs.

Salvation Army hooked me up with 2 free meals a day and people were giving me food even though I didn't have a sign/wasn't begging. The library was open during the day and had free wifi/air conditioning. I slept on the sidewalks of the main streets to lessen the chance of being mugged. I'd spend all day in he library on my phone, and all night on the sidewalk, smoking weed, watching people fight/get arrested outside bars. It was very liberating.

I ended up getting a job at a day spa and was able to shower there. Now I live normally, but with more experience, and less empathy for homeless people.