Ian and helga go south !!

ianthebuilder said:
It's a real struggle deciding what not to do oneman!! And oh how I miss working in a hole laying bricks in the snow and the rain!! Anyway have a good day in your office doing what I'm doing( nothing) !! Oh gotta go. Suns coming out. What's a bloke to do?? Xx
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I think your happier working and have not got out of that mindset...why you rush round all over the place. Slow the pace down and spend less time on here would be my advice...start to live a bit and relax
 
Judge Mental said:
I think your happier working and have not got out of that mindset...why you rush round all over the place. Slow the pace down and spend less time on here would be my advice...start to live a bit and relax
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Hi judge,, again I can appreciate what you say. You have a valid point( again) but I am going to think about appropriate reply and post later ,, ( again) lol. X. ( hope house business is going well,and family all good) not too stressed!!! Lol.
 
years ago a friends mum was a casualty nurse. A guy was brought in by ambulance suffering sunburn on his bum, having fallen asleep sunbathing in the garden. his bum was said to be redder than his hair and virtually glowed in the dark :rofl::rofl::rofl:
 
Ok. Good evening ,,,

I am now going to try and reply to judges previous post re me and slowing down !!!

But first, Helga all done inside and out, bike,table, chairs all packed away, and golf clubs of course, ready for my migration from here tomorrow! Like I said, Gibraltar for diesel and maybe fags( not bothered about them really, I have been cutting down) lol

Then after gib I don't quite know? I will have to consult books, maps and anyone on here!!! But it's been a really good day today, productive and hot!!

So, with regards to judges comments!!!

Yes judge your right!! I can't get the work business out of my head, and here I think is why,,,

After being conditioned for the past 38 or so years of getting up and going to work, to pay mortgages, bills, bringing up mine and other peoples children, earning enough money to have a so called life,, I do find it difficult not being constructive or purposeful every day!!

I still get up early, and enjoy doing so, but the enthusiasm soon wears off when the reality of having another day with no real purpose sets in ! I have walked and cycled hundreds of miles, drank thousands of coffees, spoke to more spaniard a than English, seen more beaches and walked on more sand in the past 3 or so months than I ever thought possible!!

Waking up without a purpose or a plan I am truly struggling with!! I know I have never been more relaxed in my life, but it's the boredom of just another day that has made me realise I need to work !!

Now as I mentioned a few weeks ago, I really like this life( which is a bloody good job, cause I got nothing else now)
But to be travelling without purpose is killing me!! Don't get me wrong, people, places, sights have been amazing but I do believe it's better shared!!!

Now also, I appreciate I'm no spring chicken, but apart from being on this site and the very odd exception I havnt spoken to anyone under about the age of 75 for ages!!! Now I'm not having a go, just stating a fact!! These Motorhomers have work hard and achieved much in their lives to be able to retire into a lifestyle they love, and good for them but unlike me, the majority have good pensions, no mortgages, houses as a back up or collaterals and can and therefore are far more relaxed about their lifestyle!! Which I admire, because they have worked hard to achieve it ( as I said earlier)

However none of the above applies to me!! No pension, house, collateral of any kind,, just a small pot of money( big for some, and me) to live off, admittedly no outgoings other than phone, and travelling expenses on the road. But on the other hand, more importantly for me no income !!!!

Now for the first time in my adult life, I have the luxury of no or little overheads and I am the only beneficiarie of my future income ( at present) and as such I can't help feeling that with my need and ability to work and earn a good income, I am just wasting time travelling and looking at things I have seen already!!

I love my work, and always manage to get a huge sence of pride out of it!!
I likewise only work for people I like, of all ages and so I love my customers too!! I feel I am truly spoiled in my working life !!!!

Now after 3 odd months of this adventure I feel the need to be more productive and busy!!! It has been the longest period of not working I have ever had, and I do believe I'm richer for the experience!! But in order to continue my travels in the future and fund my lifestyle in helga( meets,weekends away etc) I have to earn money!

Now I'm not in a panic about it, or a rush but I have a pot of £21,000 left,, not bad you may say, and even I know I could continue travelling for a lot longer with that money, but in the grand scheme of things it's only pennies!!!

I have met ex pats here who are living on little more than nothing, and that's no way to live, so before I feel I have to worry, in my mind and for me to be happy I need to get back to work in May this year!! I will be going back to the uk, because for me it would be easier to make a good living, and easier to start again!! Now my little pot of money will see me nicely into may, a nice little van for work when I get back and start me off again without worry!

I also have a mate who is struggling in the uk, ( he used to work for me) and he has 5 kids,, unfortunately he has only been able to get warehouse work for himself, which although is an honourable employment, doesn't pay much, and all he is able to do is tread water, hand to mouth every month!!

That's his problem I hear some cry,, well he is my mate, I love his family, and he is/was the best worker I have ever had,, and making his and his families life a bit better is also a priority for me!!!!

So to recap,,,,,, I need to work before I go skint, I need to work to save my sanity, I need to work to feel like a man, I need to work to achieve something, and I need to work so other people can live better lives, I need to work to fund my next adventure!!

I will never be the sort to give up completely, I wouldn't want to. But if and only if I get it right every year, I can work for 6/7 months enabling me to travel for the rest of the time and post new threads for my and others ( hopefully) enjoyment!!!!

Now as for being on here a lot judge!!!

I joined this site last year as you know,, all members helped and advised me re van purchase, all members have supported me ( including yourself) and I have grown very fond of the style and input of people on here, now not wanting to harp on about it, but I have done this journey so far, totally alone, and the most valuable company I have had is from this site, and the members on it!! When you say ( tongue in cheek, I'm sure) that I should not be on it so much, ( or similar). I have to point out that most days, it has been my only company and contact with the real world,,,, and I do feel like these people, members on here are friends, good ones... Now admittedly I don't even know most of their names ( real ones)
Nonetheless I feel like they have been with me everyday, through the highs and lows!!! And for me judge,not being able to share on here is unthinkable!!!

As you know I'm not terribly good or knowledgeable about technology, but I like to think this is like my diary, with comments,, and because I have been able to access the site so often, and indeed post so often, and get so many comments and supportive words I think this journey so far has been 3 months longer than it would, or could have been without!!!

Now please don't think I'm having a go mate, but these are my reasons for wanting to work and being on here!!!!

I love you all, and now I'm going to put my hand in a bowl of hot water to rid me of these writers cramps!! Lol. Chat soon. Xxxx.

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Ian I can see where your coming from as far as work and play are concerned. We had November ,December ,January and Febuary away the worst winter months in my opinion. We are now both back in work and plan to go away again in November for the winter. We don't have any other money etc just what we will earn through the the summer now. We budgeted about a grand a month. You could work the summer months and then when the shite weather starts go off for a trip with Helga . Happy travels
 
Mikey RV said:
Ian I can see where your coming from as far as work and play are concerned. We had November ,December ,January and Febuary away the worst winter months in my opinion. We are now both back in work and plan to go away again in November for the winter. We don't have any other money etc just what we will earn through the the summer now. We budgeted about a grand a month. You could work the summer months and then when the shite weather starts go off for a trip with Helga . Happy travels
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Mikey. That's exactly what and how I would like to do it mate,, it's been fantastic missing all the bad weather, instead of having to work in it!! Lol. X.
 
ianthebuilder said:
Ok. Good evening ,,,

I am now going to try and reply to judges previous post re me and slowing down !!!

But first, Helga all done inside and out, bike,table, chairs all packed away, and golf clubs of course, ready for my migration from here tomorrow! Like I said, Gibraltar for diesel and maybe fags( not bothered about them really, I have been cutting down) lol

Then after gib I don't quite know? I will have to consult books, maps and anyone on here!!! But it's been a really good day today, productive and hot!!

So, with regards to judges comments!!!

Yes judge your right!! I can't get the work business out of my head, and here I think is why,,,

After being conditioned for the past 38 or so years of getting up and going to work, to pay mortgages, bills, bringing up mine and other peoples children, earning enough money to have a so called life,, I do find it difficult not being constructive or purposeful every day!!

I still get up early, and enjoy doing so, but the enthusiasm soon wears off when the reality of having another day with no real purpose sets in ! I have walked and cycled hundreds of miles, drank thousands of coffees, spoke to more spaniard a than English, seen more beaches and walked on more sand in the past 3 or so months than I ever thought possible!!

Waking up without a purpose or a plan I am truly struggling with!! I know I have never been more relaxed in my life, but it's the boredom of just another day that has made me realise I need to work !!

Now as I mentioned a few weeks ago, I really like this life( which is a bloody good job, cause I got nothing else now)
But to be travelling without purpose is killing me!! Don't get me wrong, people, places, sights have been amazing but I do believe it's better shared!!!

Now also, I appreciate I'm no spring chicken, but apart from being on this site and the very odd exception I havnt spoken to anyone under about the age of 75 for ages!!! Now I'm not having a go, just stating a fact!! These Motorhomers have work hard and achieved much in their lives to be able to retire into a lifestyle they love, and good for them but unlike me, the majority have good pensions, no mortgages, houses as a back up or collaterals and can and therefore are far more relaxed about their lifestyle!! Which I admire, because they have worked hard to achieve it ( as I said earlier)

However none of the above applies to me!! No pension, house, collateral of any kind,, just a small pot of money( big for some, and me) to live off, admittedly no outgoings other than phone, and travelling expenses on the road. But on the other hand, more importantly for me no income !!!!

Now for the first time in my adult life, I have the luxury of no or little overheads and I am the only beneficiarie of my future income ( at present) and as such I can't help feeling that with my need and ability to work and earn a good income, I am just wasting time travelling and looking at things I have seen already!!

I love my work, and always manage to get a huge sence of pride out of it!!
I likewise only work for people I like, of all ages and so I love my customers too!! I feel I am truly spoiled in my working life !!!!

Now after 3 odd months of this adventure I feel the need to be more productive and busy!!! It has been the longest period of not working I have ever had, and I do believe I'm richer for the experience!! But in order to continue my travels in the future and fund my lifestyle in helga( meets,weekends away etc) I have to earn money!

Now I'm not in a panic about it, or a rush but I have a pot of £21,000 left,, not bad you may say, and even I know I could continue travelling for a lot longer with that money, but in the grand scheme of things it's only pennies!!!

I have met ex pats here who are living on little more than nothing, and that's no way to live, so before I feel I have to worry, in my mind and for me to be happy I need to get back to work in May this year!! I will be going back to the uk, because for me it would be easier to make a good living, and easier to start again!! Now my little pot of money will see me nicely into may, a nice little van for work when I get back and start me off again without worry!

I also have a mate who is struggling in the uk, ( he used to work for me) and he has 5 kids,, unfortunately he has only been able to get warehouse work for himself, which although is an honourable employment, doesn't pay much, and all he is able to do is tread water, hand to mouth every month!!

That's his problem I hear some cry,, well he is my mate, I love his family, and he is/was the best worker I have ever had,, and making his and his families life a bit better is also a priority for me!!!!

So to recap,,,,,, I need to work before I go skint, I need to work to save my sanity, I need to work to feel like a man, I need to work to achieve something, and I need to work so other people can live better lives, I need to work to fund my next adventure!!

I will never be the sort to give up completely, I wouldn't want to. But if and only if I get it right every year, I can work for 6/7 months enabling me to travel for the rest of the time and post new threads for my and others ( hopefully) enjoyment!!!!

Now as for being on here a lot judge!!!

I joined this site last year as you know,, all members helped and advised me re van purchase, all members have supported me ( including yourself) and I have grown very fond of the style and input of people on here, now not wanting to harp on about it, but I have done this journey so far, totally alone, and the most valuable company I have had is from this site, and the members on it!! When you say ( tongue in cheek, I'm sure) that I should not be on it so much, ( or similar). I have to point out that most days, it has been my only company and contact with the real world,,,, and I do feel like these people, members on here are friends, good ones... Now admittedly I don't even know most of their names ( real ones)
Nonetheless I feel like they have been with me everyday, through the highs and lows!!! And for me judge,not being able to share on here is unthinkable!!!

As you know I'm not terribly good or knowledgeable about technology, but I like to think this is like my diary, with comments,, and because I have been able to access the site so often, and indeed post so often, and get so many comments and supportive words I think this journey so far has been 3 months longer than it would, or could have been without!!!

Now please don't think I'm having a go mate, but these are my reasons for wanting to work and being on here!!!!

I love you all, and now I'm going to put my hand in a bowl of hot water to rid me of these writers cramps!! Lol. Chat soon. Xxxx.
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Well judge, there is a man who speaks from his heart :cheers: :)
 
I read in one of your posts, that you had a mate flying over to join you, is this still happening, or are you starting back without seeing him, I don't know all your circumstances, but have you really looked into working over there, where you could have the best of both worlds, as I say it's your business but unless you have family over here you want to see, I don't see any attraction of coming back.

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chaser said:
I read in one of your posts, that you had a mate flying over to join you, is this still happening, or are you starting back without seeing him, I don't know all your circumstances, but have you really looked into working over there, where you could have the best of both worlds, as I say it's your business but unless you have family over here you want to see, I don't see any attraction of coming back.
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I do have a family tiger in uk chaser!! And I know where I am in uk, for work etc!! It also helps that there building thousands of new homes now. So there's no shortage of work mate!!! And people are always needing extensions, etc chaser,, it's just as cheap as moving!! Lol.
 
Ian, take it from somebody that knows, and no offence intended. Early retirement is a dream that many have but is unrealistic for most. I have actually retired 3 times now but mostly through necessity rather than choice. Like you I have/had a very high work ethic and spent my early years earning good money, but spent as I earned. when i first retired i was climbing the walls and seriously needed to get back to being useful. second time I needed to "top up" the bank balance as we were worried about affording the lifestyle we wanted to continue through retirement.

Buying a van, selling up and drifting where the wind takes you can be done on a shoestring but without security, or in luxury knowing that whatever comes you have plenty to see you through retirement. In your position you need to think about long term security. as you know Helga costs to maintain and longer term will need replacing. otherwise you need enough to eventually set up home again, either renting or buying

I know there are a fair few pensioners living full time in their van, so they must of thought of this, but what happens if your health fails and you need to go into a nursing home? its not just finances but a case of not having a permanent address in a local authority, so where do you go, and who funds it??

earning a few grand a year in summer then living it up down south for several months before you get a pension is really just treading water just like your mate with 5 kids and a warehouse job. be very careful

as I say, no offence intended and obviously none of my business, just offering you the benefit of personal experience

just considered deleting this without posting it, but think it might benefit you or others. you have the right to ignore all of this of course:whew:
 
TheBig1 said:
Ian, take it from somebody that knows, and no offence intended. Early retirement is a dream that many have but is unrealistic for most. I have actually retired 3 times now but mostly through necessity rather than choice. Like you I have/had a very high work ethic and spent my early years earning good money, but spent as I earned. when i first retired i was climbing the walls and seriously needed to get back to being useful. second time I needed to "top up" the bank balance as we were worried about affording the lifestyle we wanted to continue through retirement.

Buying a van, selling up and drifting where the wind takes you can be done on a shoestring but without security, or in luxury knowing that whatever comes you have plenty to see you through retirement. In your position you need to think about long term security. as you know Helga costs to maintain and longer term will need replacing. otherwise you need enough to eventually set up home again, either renting or buying

I know there are a fair few pensioners living full time in their van, so they must of thought of this, but what happens if your health fails and you need to go into a nursing home? its not just finances but a case of not having a permanent address in a local authority, so where do you go, and who funds it??

earning a few grand a year in summer then living it up down south for several months before you get a pension is really just treading water just like your mate with 5 kids and a warehouse job. be very careful

as I say, no offence intended and obviously none of my business, just offering you the benefit of personal experience

just considered deleting this without posting it, but think it might benefit you or others. you have the right to ignore all of this of course:whew:
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Hi bigun! Yes I know your right, but if I do it right I should be able to earn enough plus more to travel in wintertime!! I certainly wouldn't do it year on year without a growing pot of money!! And I do know if and when I do it again it won't cost me half as much as I've spent this time!!! But I really wouldn't do it if it cost me all I had every year!!! Cheers, X
 
TheBig1 said:
Ian, take it from somebody that knows, and no offence intended. Early retirement is a dream that many have but is unrealistic for most. I have actually retired 3 times now but mostly through necessity rather than choice. Like you I have/had a very high work ethic and spent my early years earning good money, but spent as I earned. when i first retired i was climbing the walls and seriously needed to get back to being useful. second time I needed to "top up" the bank balance as we were worried about affording the lifestyle we wanted to continue through retirement.

Buying a van, selling up and drifting where the wind takes you can be done on a shoestring but without security, or in luxury knowing that whatever comes you have plenty to see you through retirement. In your position you need to think about long term security. as you know Helga costs to maintain and longer term will need replacing. otherwise you need enough to eventually set up home again, either renting or buying

I know there are a fair few pensioners living full time in their van, so they must of thought of this, but what happens if your health fails and you need to go into a nursing home? its not just finances but a case of not having a permanent address in a local authority, so where do you go, and who funds it??

earning a few grand a year in summer then living it up down south for several months before you get a pension is really just treading water just like your mate with 5 kids and a warehouse job. be very careful

as I say, no offence intended and obviously none of my business, just offering you the benefit of personal experience

just considered deleting this without posting it, but think it might benefit you or others. you have the right to ignore all of this of course:whew:
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Totally agree! That's why I suggested, working there, on and off, so that you are where it is good but not running down your nest egg, but filling it up as you go, here you are in danger of spending as fast as you earn it.
 
like you @TheBig1 i have been trying to retire for the last 6 years,lol.
and like ian , i keep going back to work , cos im bored really.
its not easy to say, thats me done woth work,
not when that has been your life up to now.
i can understand where ians head is and the reasons he feels as he does.
i too will try to work less(5/6 months /yr) and chill the rest of the time
main thing is to do what makes you happy.
 
campa cola said:
Well judge, there is a man who speaks from his heart :cheers: :)
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Have just seen this....Ian your a sweetie and we love yeah!:). It takes a while to get out of the work ethic..... took me at least two years when I prematurely retired at 57 due to health and still resent it, but six years later I have excepted it.

I would head for home in the next month or so and move somewhere where you can earn some serious money...easy with your skills. Dont think norfolk was doing it for you to be honest. You have your mobile home and can stop most places CL's whatever...get another chunk of money together and head of for sun for more winter sun after getting van fully serviced here instead of winging it!lol. You will adjust I guarantee it! Even to travelling alone...although I'm happily married I love my/our of season breaks in Spain.with wife flying over during holidays. ...not ideal but you learn to cope and better then being stuck in the UK in dismal weather.....

This year what a comparison with last Easter!...stuck here with storm Katy battering the S/E . last year, in Benidorm being dragged round shops by my wife against my will, and out enjoying ourselves every night. Feel like I sold my van to early as health holding out and could have fitted in another trip this Easter...ah well:)

You will be fine once you settle into your new free as the wind lifestyle so don't get vexed or feel you have to justify yourself.we all care about you!:)

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@ianthebuilder

Hello Ian,
The amateur psychologist in me says that you need company; preferably female and close-ish (and not those bloody flamenco birds either!)
The majority of folk on here have a partner; at worse, someone to moan at, at best to share the day, a few laughs and life with.

Travelling around, sun on your back, being a free spirit sounds idyllic, but it doesn't always suit everyone. It can actually be lonely - even with hundreds of Funsters replying and campsite folk around.

We can busy ourselves doing 'stuff' but when the 'stuff' begins to run out and things become samey, it can play on the mind, particularly if conditioned by years of a work-related structure. Like you said, you 'need to do something productive to save your sanity'.

One of the worst things in life is TOO much thinking time and unfortunately, a leisurely lifestyle alone provides a lot of thinking time. We start to question, to evaluate and to micro-manage our life too much.

Doesn't apply to everyone of course, I'm just hypothesising. There are some folk who can stick their thumb up their bum and put their brain in neutral for an eternity. Suits them fine! Doesn't suit all.

"I make you right" as they say. Time to re-group Ian and think about weeing on your hands to harden them up after all that pansying around Europe and shouting, "Gis another bag o' dust up 'ere!" :D
Be lucky
James
 
wingman said:
@ianthebuilder

Hello Ian,
The amateur psychologist in me says that you need company; preferably female and close-ish (and not those bloody flamenco birds either!)
The majority of folk on here have a partner; at worse, someone to moan at, at best to share the day, a few laughs and life with.

Travelling around, sun on your back, being a free spirit sounds idyllic, but it doesn't always suit everyone. It can actually be lonely - even with hundreds of Funsters replying and campsite folk around.

We can busy ourselves doing 'stuff' but when the 'stuff' begins to run out and things become samey, it can play on the mind, particularly if conditioned by years of a work-related structure. Like you said, you 'need to do something productive to save your sanity'.

One of the worst things in life is TOO much thinking time and unfortunately, a leisurely lifestyle alone provides a lot of thinking time. We start to question, to evaluate and to micro-manage our life too much.

Doesn't apply to everyone of course, I'm just hypothesising. There are some folk who can stick their thumb up their bum and put their brain in neutral for an eternity. Suits them fine! Doesn't suit all.

"I make you right" as they say. Time to re-group Ian and think about weeing on your hands to harden them up after all that pansying around Europe and shouting, "Gis another bag o' dust up 'ere!" :D
Be lucky
James
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Yes James I agree with all really, as for work mate, the people that are retired probably know the e done enough in life! Well I just feel I havnt finished yet mate, you know what I mean,, if I won the lottery I would employ and still build!! Lol. But from a bigger van! Lol
 
@ianthebuilder

I think we all feel we know you quite well by now from your posts on here.

You're a decent, generous, honourable, hard working guy who says it like it is. With the ability to make us laugh and want to keep tuning in for more.

We'd love to read the thread where you meet your 'girl for life'. We feel she'd be a lucky lady and your travels would take on a new dimension. Get back on the dating sites in May, tell us about the disasters and we'll all give you encouragement to keep at it.

Good luck with everything.
 
reckless said:
@ianthebuilder

I think we all feel we know you quite well by now from your posts on here.

You're a decent, generous, honourable, hard working guy who says it like it is. With the ability to make us laugh and want to keep tuning in for more.

We'd love to read the thread where you meet your 'girl for life'. We feel she'd be a lucky lady and your travels would take on a new dimension. Get back on the dating sites in May, tell us about the disasters and we'll all give you encouragement to keep at it.

Good luck with everything.
Click to expand...

Haha reckless me old mate,, get back on the dating sites!! Lolol. Your killing me!!! Lol. X

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