Lovely and vulnerable share. I am also in the process of starting my own business after leaving my job and it means a lot of things are temporarily off the table which is hard. Yet I love that we have the courage to take a leap of faith in our entrepreneurial endeavours and sacrifice short term indulgences for long term freedom. That’s something! ✨
I love your phrase 'temporarily off the table'. It doesn't seem quite so drastic when I think of it as a temporary change. You're right that we have taken a leap of faith and for most of us, these things don't become successful overnight. It take time and perseverance and hopefully more of that long term freedom will emerge. Thank you Hege - I really appreciate your comment and wish you all the best with your new business endeavours too 🙌🏻
I think this piece also speaks so much to the value of freedom, Hannah- the freedom to spend a month in France or weekend in the Nordics…and the freedom to change your career…I wonder if you’re at that threshold point of this truly being who you are now…it’s so exciting and feels kind of limitless x
It's funny, I don't think I saw that at all when I was writing it, but now it makes complete sense that this is also about the value of freedom! There's certainly a lot of discovery that has gone on and I think everything seems to lead to more creativity - in this case it's being as creative as possible with less money now that I have more time.
Thank you Antonia for this comment which has made me reframe the situation. Hope to see you tomorrow xx
I am so pleased you published this post Hannah. I think you know I will now always say life is too short within reason. There is nothing wrong with planning a trip or booking one that is that bit more expensive. I wouldn’t advise blowing your whole budget up, just a bit of it even have a plan. Memories are precious. xxxx
Thank you Jo, I appreciate your comment and your encouragement and I agree completely that memories are very precious and we only have one chance at them. I think it's about finding a balance and trying to find creative ways to still have some adventures without having to always spend lots of money. I'm glad I published too, and I can't believe all of the wonderful comments and helpful suggestions. Isn't it funny about the writing we are most unsure about is often the words that connect with others. xxx
Oh yes I heavily relate to this, as you know. My income has been absolutely decimated since I left air traffic control. Adding to that my daughters are both now classed as 'adults' in terms of airlines fares, hotels and also they now eat/drink like an adult (to be fair, one is 18), making for VERY expensive holidays. I have reset my sights, but it's bringing about some interesting experiences. Azerbaijan (!) was very budget friendly although we were there to support our daughter rather than having chosen it. This year am looking at places like Montenegro, so it is opening up ideas. Would I love to go to SE Asia or Canada? Scandinavia or Switzerland? Yes I would, but I kinda think (hope) that time will come around again at some point. I have had ALL these thoughts... Kinda playing the long game to see what will happen. We must chat budget holiday destinations when we catch up! x
One thing that I have realised since leaving full-time work (although I am doing a maternity cover right now that is full-time!) is that I think I'll always have this push-pull mentality about needs and desires. Similar to you, I enjoying travelling and feel incredibly fortunate to have been to the places that I have been as well so far. But certainly when I left my job, had no money coming in and began dipping into savings, my brain went a bit crazy! I began punishing myself that I didn't deserve 'nice things', including trips and even essential items... weird!
My situation is very different to yours and I really don't want to be one of those people who dish out unsolicited advice (oops as here I go!), but it might be worth exploring where these voices are coming from and sit or walk around with them for a bit. You may not get any answers from this, or perhaps not like what else comes up, but it could provide some clarity.
Thanks for this Sarah - I think it’s definitely worth me exploring where these voices come from and I will sit with it for a bit and see if it reveals anything. Hope the mat cover is going well. Look forward to hearing more about it at some point 😊
Aw man can totally relate. I haven’t been on a plane since 2019 and although we go to Ireland it is more a family commitment than a holiday. I appreciate what you say about taking time for a business to get off the ground. I feel so frustrated with my own business’s progress but it is still early days! We’ll get there then a week in the sun will be our reward 🤞🏻
2019 was the last time I went on a plane too. Fortunately we travelled quite a lot that year and then the pandemic hit and there were no regrets. Since then we’ve only driven or taken the Eurostar. Ireland sounds nice but I do get what you mean about it not feeling so much like a holiday when you’re visiting family. With the business I go through periods of excitement and drive and then crippling bouts of imposter syndrome and ‘what am I doing?’. We must hang in there though. It WILL get better!
It’s so hard and much of it is affected by the economy and it’s not good out there but yeah hopefully it will become more stable. But it’s hard not to put how busy you are down to worth and how good you are as a designer etc
Ah that’s so funny I much prefer not flying to be honest I find it stressful but I do worry I have missed out these last few years but then there was the pandemic and it was a bit odd anyway wasn’t it. Glad it’s not just me anyway!
The bit that got me was around ‘being owned’ when you had your full time job. I so relate to that. Hold on to your freedom… I am sure there’ll be opportunities around the corner. X
Thanks Sarah, I like to hope there will be. I can’t imagine ever going back to full time in a school. Even the part time work I’m doing gets stressful at this time of year (I teach music) and there are lots of extra expectations. I’ve been flexing my boundary muscles a lot recently!
I so feel this, and I'm so glad you published this one, Hannah. Having grown up in the Middle East, traveled much of my childhood, and gone to school in various countries, I am hardwired to always be thinking about a new adventure. I can absolutely relate to the "you only live once" mindset vs. being sensible about finances. It's hard to know where the balance is as we get older, I find. I've made somewhat of a peace with the two a few ways. First, I always ask myself if we do go through with whatever travel plan I'm dreaming of, what would we remember about it in a few months? The cost, or the memories made? Second, I've started to look closer to home, as you mentioned. During this holiday week here, we've escaped just a few hours away to the desert, which is very different from where we live. Not quite a cultural adventure, but a change of scenery, for sure, which I think is so important. And third, I think it's part of why I write, I'm sure. I can escape into whatever world or space I create with my words. Stay warm over there and congrats to your whole family on the new arrival.👩🍼
Thank you for the congrats! We’re hoping to visit at the weekend 😊
I really like those questions you ask yourself because there is a fine line between the two. Your break sounds wonderful and I think there’s a lot to be enjoyed from escaping somewhere that’s only a few hours away. This is part of the attraction of northern France for us, because it’s really only a few hours away! But I do sometimes crave more excitement than that. I have to remind myself that even if the work does ramp up design-wise, so will the pressure and stress so I have to be careful what I wish for!
I very much relate to this, as you know. We always sacrifice one thing for something else (money for relative employment freedom in our case), it’s the human condition. Thank you for posting.
This is absolutely true. There is always a sacrifice and I think some of the sacrifices are only just starting to become clear as my savings start to go down considerably! It’s about reframing old habits I guess, but it’s not always easy. The (relative) freedom is worth it though.
I am all for going and doing the travelling. I find different ways to make it work and I definitely do it fairly cheaply - but I won't stay in dorms and I also need a private bathroom. I usually work while away, but am mixing it up a bit and trying both. And I am finding the times when I have no work at all I miss it. So I want something balanced - where I can do three or four hours' work a day and then wander around soaking everything up the rest of the time. I almost always stay somewhere with cooking facilities and will maybe just grab something for lunch while out, but cook my own dinners. (I do go out to eat more when I'm not solo travelling, though.) I tend to do a lot of walking round, sketching and taking A LOT of photos which doesn't cost anything. I will look out for cheap or free days at museums and art galleries, or get a pass if I'm going to be somewhere for a while. I mostly try to travel by train now and make use of interrail (passes are 25% off now and until 17 December, so if that's something you'd consider now's a good time to grab a pass), though I will sometimes allow myself a cheap flight (far, far prefer trains, but even with a pass and advance tickets and so on the plane is often way cheaper). I mostly try to stay for at least week these days because you usually get a reduction for a week. (A month is a great idea - but I don't think I can wangle that.)
That’s good to know about the rail passes. I prefer travelling by rail/car where possible but sometimes I do crave going further afield. I agree with you about seeking that balance of a few hours work and then time for exploring whilst travelling. That would be ideal. I think I’m trying to figure out how I could make that work. I suppose life would be boring if we weren’t constantly trying to find different ways of doing things! Thanks so much for reading and for your insightful comment, Tasha ☺️
Keep at it! I just wanted to say you’re really not alone. So many interior designers start off doing 2 jobs (and some stay that way out of choice - enjoying the balance).
I’m sure your design business will thrive and you’ll find a way to add more travel into the mix. 😁 Lisa
Thanks so much Lisa. I really appreciate this encouragement and needed to hear it. I hope that one day travel might end up in the mix with work, but that's probably a long way off right now!
There’s a huge pressure these days to be where we need (or want) to be NOW! Patience. Keep focusing on small steps and enjoy this point of your business, there’s a certain joy at the early stages, and before you know it you’ll be there. 😘
Great post and I have been looking forward to this one - and delighted you went for it. Rightly so! I hear you - getting that balance is hard. I err on the side of caution (an old pattern), whereas thankfully Alex gets me to take a few more financial risks - and have faith it will come back!
Thanks Simon. It's good that you have that balance in your relationship - yin and yang. I'm glad I posted because the comments have been very helpful and have already offered some interesting and creative ways to approach travel. Maybe there is a way? Thanks for the encouragement!
I completely understand your situation Hannah - I feel very similar. Where once we wouldn't think twice, now there's always something else that we 'should' spend the money on instead - and I feel guilt because my work-life choices meant we don't have the disposable income we once did. I try to remember that I've got value in other ways though.
Yes, it's exactly that Lee - I didn't previously think twice about it! But you are right that value comes in so many other ways and I wouldn't swap this little bit of freedom for my old life so I just need to be creative with my adventuring. And trust that this process will take time.
I have been in your position, and it’s really not easy mentally but start taking long weekends from Thursday to Sunday…have you been to Lisbon? Easyjet flights from UK are really very cheap, same for Spain…I know boutique hotels in Lisbon are also affordable off season and you always have hostels…I was there for wonderful 3 days and it felt like a whole week of travel…I was eating small bites here and there, and food is really cheap there…my advice: don’t overthink it, put it on a credit card pay little by little don’t mind interest rates, it just means your trip was a bit more expensive so I count it as full cost…once the trip is paid off, plan the next…so you always have a trip to look forward to…
P.S.: in the meantime, you can do some private tutoring lessons after hours on the side, the hourly rate pays better…
I haven't been to Lisbon so that could be a good cheaper short break option - thank you. I do some private tutoring already and am open to taking on a little more, so will look into some other agencies I might be able to work with.
I understand your post as travelling is one of my biggest joys in life, but I have been feeling the pinch of costs; everything seems to cost so much nowadays. Do you have friends who live abroad who would be up for a house swap? During the summer I swapped houses with a good friend - she lives in London and I live in Provence. It saved us so much money, and she had her dose of sunshine, countryside and French food. And we tasted city living, international food and more culture than you can throw a stick at! We both loved the experience, and it saved us a lot of money doing it this way. I'm already planning a similar trip with a friend in Brighton.
This is a good idea and could be possible, thank you! Your summer home exchange sounds brilliant. It's funny how we crave the things we don't have in regular day to day life and swapping homes with a friend means you wouldn't worry about what was happening in your home. We have considered airbnb-ing our home while away but I think I would spend the whole trip stressing about strangers in my home!
Yes, I'd be worried about Airbnb, too, although maybe one day. The house swap also works great if you have pets, as you know they will be well looked after. I hope this idea works for you :)
I totally understand this feeling. I’ve been out of work for almost 2 years now (redundancy during pregnancy) and have watched my savings dwindle even though I’ve barely been buying anything. I’m trying to get work so am keeping up to date with what’s going on in the market and with that comes exposure to all kinds of marketing that’s making me think I want things that I can’t afford. At the same time, I’m trying to become more mindful about my consumption and hopefully I won’t buy as much when I have disposable income again. (Or buy second hand or more from the circular economy).
Speaking of which, on the holiday front… are you allergic to pets? I’ve recently looked into Trusted Housesitters and you can get “free”accommodation in return for looking after a pet for about £99 annually. If all you have to do is feed a cat and keep it company at night that’s not a huge commitment! It could be a way to have the best of both worlds. I’ve been thinking a trip to Normandy with free accommodation and a cat for company could be a lovely affordable holiday.
Hi Georgia. I'm sorry to hear that you were made redundant during pregnancy. That must have been very tough. You are completely right about marketing and how that often can make me feel even more inadequate about what I can afford and think I want. Being mindful about consumption is definitely a positive to come out of having less. So often we don't need half of the stuff do we? I hope your work picks up in the way you'd like it to soon.
I'm not allergic to pets so this is a great idea for exploration. I will have a look. We have thought about renting out our house while we go away as it would probably cover the trip costs but I just don't think I could bear the thought of strangers in my home and I think I would constantly be worried about what was going on! Probably silly!
Lovely and vulnerable share. I am also in the process of starting my own business after leaving my job and it means a lot of things are temporarily off the table which is hard. Yet I love that we have the courage to take a leap of faith in our entrepreneurial endeavours and sacrifice short term indulgences for long term freedom. That’s something! ✨
I love your phrase 'temporarily off the table'. It doesn't seem quite so drastic when I think of it as a temporary change. You're right that we have taken a leap of faith and for most of us, these things don't become successful overnight. It take time and perseverance and hopefully more of that long term freedom will emerge. Thank you Hege - I really appreciate your comment and wish you all the best with your new business endeavours too 🙌🏻
Thank you Hannah! ✨
I think this piece also speaks so much to the value of freedom, Hannah- the freedom to spend a month in France or weekend in the Nordics…and the freedom to change your career…I wonder if you’re at that threshold point of this truly being who you are now…it’s so exciting and feels kind of limitless x
It's funny, I don't think I saw that at all when I was writing it, but now it makes complete sense that this is also about the value of freedom! There's certainly a lot of discovery that has gone on and I think everything seems to lead to more creativity - in this case it's being as creative as possible with less money now that I have more time.
Thank you Antonia for this comment which has made me reframe the situation. Hope to see you tomorrow xx
I am so pleased you published this post Hannah. I think you know I will now always say life is too short within reason. There is nothing wrong with planning a trip or booking one that is that bit more expensive. I wouldn’t advise blowing your whole budget up, just a bit of it even have a plan. Memories are precious. xxxx
Thank you Jo, I appreciate your comment and your encouragement and I agree completely that memories are very precious and we only have one chance at them. I think it's about finding a balance and trying to find creative ways to still have some adventures without having to always spend lots of money. I'm glad I published too, and I can't believe all of the wonderful comments and helpful suggestions. Isn't it funny about the writing we are most unsure about is often the words that connect with others. xxx
Oh yes I heavily relate to this, as you know. My income has been absolutely decimated since I left air traffic control. Adding to that my daughters are both now classed as 'adults' in terms of airlines fares, hotels and also they now eat/drink like an adult (to be fair, one is 18), making for VERY expensive holidays. I have reset my sights, but it's bringing about some interesting experiences. Azerbaijan (!) was very budget friendly although we were there to support our daughter rather than having chosen it. This year am looking at places like Montenegro, so it is opening up ideas. Would I love to go to SE Asia or Canada? Scandinavia or Switzerland? Yes I would, but I kinda think (hope) that time will come around again at some point. I have had ALL these thoughts... Kinda playing the long game to see what will happen. We must chat budget holiday destinations when we catch up! x
This sounds like an excellent topic for our next catchup! x
Thanks for sharing this Hannah.
One thing that I have realised since leaving full-time work (although I am doing a maternity cover right now that is full-time!) is that I think I'll always have this push-pull mentality about needs and desires. Similar to you, I enjoying travelling and feel incredibly fortunate to have been to the places that I have been as well so far. But certainly when I left my job, had no money coming in and began dipping into savings, my brain went a bit crazy! I began punishing myself that I didn't deserve 'nice things', including trips and even essential items... weird!
My situation is very different to yours and I really don't want to be one of those people who dish out unsolicited advice (oops as here I go!), but it might be worth exploring where these voices are coming from and sit or walk around with them for a bit. You may not get any answers from this, or perhaps not like what else comes up, but it could provide some clarity.
Thanks for this Sarah - I think it’s definitely worth me exploring where these voices come from and I will sit with it for a bit and see if it reveals anything. Hope the mat cover is going well. Look forward to hearing more about it at some point 😊
Aw man can totally relate. I haven’t been on a plane since 2019 and although we go to Ireland it is more a family commitment than a holiday. I appreciate what you say about taking time for a business to get off the ground. I feel so frustrated with my own business’s progress but it is still early days! We’ll get there then a week in the sun will be our reward 🤞🏻
2019 was the last time I went on a plane too. Fortunately we travelled quite a lot that year and then the pandemic hit and there were no regrets. Since then we’ve only driven or taken the Eurostar. Ireland sounds nice but I do get what you mean about it not feeling so much like a holiday when you’re visiting family. With the business I go through periods of excitement and drive and then crippling bouts of imposter syndrome and ‘what am I doing?’. We must hang in there though. It WILL get better!
Yeah exactly.
It’s so hard and much of it is affected by the economy and it’s not good out there but yeah hopefully it will become more stable. But it’s hard not to put how busy you are down to worth and how good you are as a designer etc
Ah that’s so funny I much prefer not flying to be honest I find it stressful but I do worry I have missed out these last few years but then there was the pandemic and it was a bit odd anyway wasn’t it. Glad it’s not just me anyway!
The bit that got me was around ‘being owned’ when you had your full time job. I so relate to that. Hold on to your freedom… I am sure there’ll be opportunities around the corner. X
Thanks Sarah, I like to hope there will be. I can’t imagine ever going back to full time in a school. Even the part time work I’m doing gets stressful at this time of year (I teach music) and there are lots of extra expectations. I’ve been flexing my boundary muscles a lot recently!
Ah yes, it’s a crazy time of year. It’s hard (I think) if you’re part time because the extra expectations aren’t adjusted for your part-time hours!
I so feel this, and I'm so glad you published this one, Hannah. Having grown up in the Middle East, traveled much of my childhood, and gone to school in various countries, I am hardwired to always be thinking about a new adventure. I can absolutely relate to the "you only live once" mindset vs. being sensible about finances. It's hard to know where the balance is as we get older, I find. I've made somewhat of a peace with the two a few ways. First, I always ask myself if we do go through with whatever travel plan I'm dreaming of, what would we remember about it in a few months? The cost, or the memories made? Second, I've started to look closer to home, as you mentioned. During this holiday week here, we've escaped just a few hours away to the desert, which is very different from where we live. Not quite a cultural adventure, but a change of scenery, for sure, which I think is so important. And third, I think it's part of why I write, I'm sure. I can escape into whatever world or space I create with my words. Stay warm over there and congrats to your whole family on the new arrival.👩🍼
Thank you for the congrats! We’re hoping to visit at the weekend 😊
I really like those questions you ask yourself because there is a fine line between the two. Your break sounds wonderful and I think there’s a lot to be enjoyed from escaping somewhere that’s only a few hours away. This is part of the attraction of northern France for us, because it’s really only a few hours away! But I do sometimes crave more excitement than that. I have to remind myself that even if the work does ramp up design-wise, so will the pressure and stress so I have to be careful what I wish for!
I very much relate to this, as you know. We always sacrifice one thing for something else (money for relative employment freedom in our case), it’s the human condition. Thank you for posting.
This is absolutely true. There is always a sacrifice and I think some of the sacrifices are only just starting to become clear as my savings start to go down considerably! It’s about reframing old habits I guess, but it’s not always easy. The (relative) freedom is worth it though.
I am all for going and doing the travelling. I find different ways to make it work and I definitely do it fairly cheaply - but I won't stay in dorms and I also need a private bathroom. I usually work while away, but am mixing it up a bit and trying both. And I am finding the times when I have no work at all I miss it. So I want something balanced - where I can do three or four hours' work a day and then wander around soaking everything up the rest of the time. I almost always stay somewhere with cooking facilities and will maybe just grab something for lunch while out, but cook my own dinners. (I do go out to eat more when I'm not solo travelling, though.) I tend to do a lot of walking round, sketching and taking A LOT of photos which doesn't cost anything. I will look out for cheap or free days at museums and art galleries, or get a pass if I'm going to be somewhere for a while. I mostly try to travel by train now and make use of interrail (passes are 25% off now and until 17 December, so if that's something you'd consider now's a good time to grab a pass), though I will sometimes allow myself a cheap flight (far, far prefer trains, but even with a pass and advance tickets and so on the plane is often way cheaper). I mostly try to stay for at least week these days because you usually get a reduction for a week. (A month is a great idea - but I don't think I can wangle that.)
That’s good to know about the rail passes. I prefer travelling by rail/car where possible but sometimes I do crave going further afield. I agree with you about seeking that balance of a few hours work and then time for exploring whilst travelling. That would be ideal. I think I’m trying to figure out how I could make that work. I suppose life would be boring if we weren’t constantly trying to find different ways of doing things! Thanks so much for reading and for your insightful comment, Tasha ☺️
Keep at it! I just wanted to say you’re really not alone. So many interior designers start off doing 2 jobs (and some stay that way out of choice - enjoying the balance).
I’m sure your design business will thrive and you’ll find a way to add more travel into the mix. 😁 Lisa
Thanks so much Lisa. I really appreciate this encouragement and needed to hear it. I hope that one day travel might end up in the mix with work, but that's probably a long way off right now!
There’s a huge pressure these days to be where we need (or want) to be NOW! Patience. Keep focusing on small steps and enjoy this point of your business, there’s a certain joy at the early stages, and before you know it you’ll be there. 😘
Thank you! Love your Substack btw - can't believe I hadn't spotted it before. Consider me subscribed x
Oh - thank you so much. ☺️ I hope you find it informative and supportive. 🙏🏻
What I’ve read so far absolutely is. I’m looking forward to finding time to read more 😊
Great post and I have been looking forward to this one - and delighted you went for it. Rightly so! I hear you - getting that balance is hard. I err on the side of caution (an old pattern), whereas thankfully Alex gets me to take a few more financial risks - and have faith it will come back!
Thanks Simon. It's good that you have that balance in your relationship - yin and yang. I'm glad I posted because the comments have been very helpful and have already offered some interesting and creative ways to approach travel. Maybe there is a way? Thanks for the encouragement!
I completely understand your situation Hannah - I feel very similar. Where once we wouldn't think twice, now there's always something else that we 'should' spend the money on instead - and I feel guilt because my work-life choices meant we don't have the disposable income we once did. I try to remember that I've got value in other ways though.
Yes, it's exactly that Lee - I didn't previously think twice about it! But you are right that value comes in so many other ways and I wouldn't swap this little bit of freedom for my old life so I just need to be creative with my adventuring. And trust that this process will take time.
I have been in your position, and it’s really not easy mentally but start taking long weekends from Thursday to Sunday…have you been to Lisbon? Easyjet flights from UK are really very cheap, same for Spain…I know boutique hotels in Lisbon are also affordable off season and you always have hostels…I was there for wonderful 3 days and it felt like a whole week of travel…I was eating small bites here and there, and food is really cheap there…my advice: don’t overthink it, put it on a credit card pay little by little don’t mind interest rates, it just means your trip was a bit more expensive so I count it as full cost…once the trip is paid off, plan the next…so you always have a trip to look forward to…
P.S.: in the meantime, you can do some private tutoring lessons after hours on the side, the hourly rate pays better…
I haven't been to Lisbon so that could be a good cheaper short break option - thank you. I do some private tutoring already and am open to taking on a little more, so will look into some other agencies I might be able to work with.
I understand your post as travelling is one of my biggest joys in life, but I have been feeling the pinch of costs; everything seems to cost so much nowadays. Do you have friends who live abroad who would be up for a house swap? During the summer I swapped houses with a good friend - she lives in London and I live in Provence. It saved us so much money, and she had her dose of sunshine, countryside and French food. And we tasted city living, international food and more culture than you can throw a stick at! We both loved the experience, and it saved us a lot of money doing it this way. I'm already planning a similar trip with a friend in Brighton.
This is a good idea and could be possible, thank you! Your summer home exchange sounds brilliant. It's funny how we crave the things we don't have in regular day to day life and swapping homes with a friend means you wouldn't worry about what was happening in your home. We have considered airbnb-ing our home while away but I think I would spend the whole trip stressing about strangers in my home!
Yes, I'd be worried about Airbnb, too, although maybe one day. The house swap also works great if you have pets, as you know they will be well looked after. I hope this idea works for you :)
I totally understand this feeling. I’ve been out of work for almost 2 years now (redundancy during pregnancy) and have watched my savings dwindle even though I’ve barely been buying anything. I’m trying to get work so am keeping up to date with what’s going on in the market and with that comes exposure to all kinds of marketing that’s making me think I want things that I can’t afford. At the same time, I’m trying to become more mindful about my consumption and hopefully I won’t buy as much when I have disposable income again. (Or buy second hand or more from the circular economy).
Speaking of which, on the holiday front… are you allergic to pets? I’ve recently looked into Trusted Housesitters and you can get “free”accommodation in return for looking after a pet for about £99 annually. If all you have to do is feed a cat and keep it company at night that’s not a huge commitment! It could be a way to have the best of both worlds. I’ve been thinking a trip to Normandy with free accommodation and a cat for company could be a lovely affordable holiday.
Hi Georgia. I'm sorry to hear that you were made redundant during pregnancy. That must have been very tough. You are completely right about marketing and how that often can make me feel even more inadequate about what I can afford and think I want. Being mindful about consumption is definitely a positive to come out of having less. So often we don't need half of the stuff do we? I hope your work picks up in the way you'd like it to soon.
I'm not allergic to pets so this is a great idea for exploration. I will have a look. We have thought about renting out our house while we go away as it would probably cover the trip costs but I just don't think I could bear the thought of strangers in my home and I think I would constantly be worried about what was going on! Probably silly!