What does Willy intend to do once he and Novalee get to California in the novel, Where the Heart Is?

When the novel begins, Willy Jack and Novalee are bound for Bakersfield, California, so Willy can take a job working with his cousin on the railroad. What Willy intends to do, though he doesn't tell Novalee, is lose his finger in an "accident" to receive compensation and lifetime benefits, just like his cousin.