I'd say that depends on the definition of "homesteader", and how involved a person wants to (or can) become (and how fast).
From growing up on a hobby farm/homestead I know there can be a lot of work -- especially when the weather isn't cooperating and the animals aren't getting along (or there's some other problem that has to be solved...like predators),but there's also a very tangible sense of accomplishment when the crops are harvested, the animals are processed and you're sitting down to enjoy a meal that you grew/raised (wholly or mostly) off your own land.
It's also a fast way to learn to be frugal, and how to reuse or re-purpose items ...and gain an appreciation for just how much needs to be learned just to survive. ....and moving to a very different region can mean (re-)learning a lot to adapt to the new environment.