I love not working, exploring countries and being in the sunshine. I love it so much that it has affected me over the last 4 months, since I stopped working in July. Being on this trip has made me realise that there are options other than working a 9 to 5, and paying massive bills each month. Living here in Portugal is very cheap. I am camped next to a couple from Poole. Yesterday the guy was saying that they will spend months cruising down to the Algarve, where they will spend Christmas with people they have met there before, in the sunshine rather than the rain of home.
When working at MSM I decided that I wanted to retire at the age of 55. I now realise that doing that would mean working very hard from now until then, buying a big house and investing all of my money. It seemed doable then, but I am not sure I want to do it now. I want to enjoy myself, relaxing in quite sunny places, spending time surfing, sailing and being happy. I have a few options. I can work contracts in London, and then travel with the money. I can try and find work here in Portugal and integrate with the Portuguese way of life. I also have my websites, which I may be able to get to a profitable state. I am in the perfect situation to try and do so. I have time on my hands, and a very cheap lifestyle.
I hope something good comes of this thinking, and this trip, in terms of securing a bright future for myself. Growing old in grey England will not make me happy.
