4. People are going to feel sorry for you "Oh, poor Richard" they say. Personally it doesn't bother me because they don't expect anything, just my presence ! And of course, you start getting the "I was going to chuck it out, but then I thought of you". Ride with it, you'll get some good stuff, even if you're simply going to sell it on and earn a few bob.
5. Be prepared to be 'blanked' when there's a whip round. (What a shame !).
6.The general public are going to classify you as insane. Whispers of "That't where that strange bloke lives" or "There's an old hippy living there". So, prepare yourself to be laughed at - but heed the words at the top of the left hand column !
You will have noted I'm sure that all these are money related and no matter
how hard we try to avoid the issue, we need money !
It is too easy to think we can carry on how we were before. It is important
to hold on to perhaps a couple of hobbies or fancies we had, but if we're
going to hang on to that Premiership Football Club season ticket, we've not
only going to have to pay for it, but we're going to have to find the money for it.
The realism of it is that it is a new life, in some ways like being re-born.
I'm sure there are more and as they come to me I'll add them to the list - unless you've got any more you'd like to send me.
2. Your Teeth ! - May look stupid, but if you are taking a plunge in earnings, make sure you're on an NHS Dentists list. Being a product of 1948, I went through the Treacle Pudding and Jam Sandwiches for Tea era and now, in my late 50's, it's telling !
I had my teeth seen to a few years back, cost about £1,600, but went horribly wrong - that is - they're dropping out and I simply can't afford to have them done and there's a list the length of Kent for NHS. (Added Jan 08 - Now have Dentures! See New Dentures page
3. Your kids are probably used to getting £200 plus
Birthday and Christmas presents and substituting the latest
Playstation model for a CD can be quite a horrific change for them ! You can of course go that extra mile and give them some home made Horseradish Sauce as well, but it doesn't quite have the same impact as Grand Theft Auto 3 !
QUOTE
A few things to think about
"If you love what you're doing, you'll never do a days work in your life"
Paul Anka
Stressed carrot in need of downshifting.
The sun doesn't always shine !
NINE TIL FIVE - DON'T THINK SO
BE AMONGST IT BEFORE YOU'RE PART OF IT !
In general, the perception of modern life is
preparation for later on. I find it hard to
plan next year, because I've got to get
through tomorrow first. So worry a little
maybe, but with a strong heart and a sense
of humour, you'll get through !
I want to make it quite clear that downshifting is a positive move and in most cases, it is successful.
I can say that through my own experience, but am equally aware that I've come unstuck on more than a few occasions, albeit mainly financial.
So, here's a few things to watch out for.
1. The equation is quite simple really. EARN HALF THE AMOUNT YOU WERE MEANS YOU SPENDING HALF THE AMOUNT YOU WERE.
I can relate to this just as well as anyone. You may save by not doing the 'old job' and you may
have a clean sheet by paying off some of the outstanding bills etc. But if you don't really look into your finances, especially those direct debits you forgot about, it'll mount up and it's hard getting it back together again.
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