Fish factory, processing the 400 tones of Tristan lobster caught each year in the archipelago.
Long boats, fishing rods and nets to fish in the rich waters surrounding the islands, catching enough fish to be distributed for all settlers. Potato patch, good and fertile land available per family to grow the necessary vegetables.
Take care of enough sheep and cattle, their meat and milk to feed the community.
Ducks, hens and roosters roaming freely, coops here and there where they shelter.
Post office issuing exclusive stamps and sending postcards, letters and packages from the remotest inhabited island in the world.
Some of the people with occupations related with tourism during the season when some ships stop-by on their way to Cape Town.

A trade with mainland for the few products imported and sold in the village supermarket.

Efforts to put together a life relatively apart from the hectic modern world, crowded cities, travel facilities. An egalitarian community. An “unusual” society chosen by the local inhabitants to build their way of life and enjoy their independence.

‘I know why I am here and not in a city full of people, companies and neon lights.
I don’t always like myself the way I am when I am with other people.
There is something unnatural about the way I have to control, evaluate and observe my reactions.
There are certain things that are expected of me – I have to be a son, a friend, a lover, an enemy, a brother, a citizen, a soldier… This means nothing here. I am no God out there.
I cannot make the wind blow or the snow fall. Sometimes I cannot even get my sled dogs to obey me.
But I am second to a God. I am a human being, alive, due to my efforts’

Odd Ivar Ruud, 1978. Spitsbergen