Is it luck that I live on a narrowboat and you don’t? Could you live on one? Why don’t you? You’ve only got one life, so why not choose to live it how you want to?
We are in the process of selling up in London and relocating to Wales for (early) retirement. I agree, you have to make it happen but so many people are frightened of change, even the smallest changes. This has been our dream for a long time so we’re going for it. Currently live by Hampton Court so very close to where you are now. Enjoy!
I can only put it down to stress or work addiction. And yes, stress addiction is a real thing. I know, right?! There are a few old boys in my work that could have retired five years ago, they all have enough savings to manage, but they still come to work three days a week because, in their words, they just like to work. I'm the complete opposite. I'm working now to retire early. I'd live on soup and ships biscuits for the rest of my life if it meant not having to work it away! Some people are just unable to sit back and enjoy life, and I find that quite sad. I can't wait to get out of the rat race and move onto my own little metal tube and enjoy the nature right on my doorstep.
I've learned over the years that most people have been conditioned into living in their own little bubble and are incapable of thinking outside the box. When I was planning to take early retirement and move to a cottage in the country most of my coworkers thought I was crazy. "You'll have less money", "You'll be staring at the four walls" etc etc. It's been seven years of "living the life" and I've never once wanted more money or stared at the four walls. I have learned new skills and developed more interests though, and some of those people are dead now while others are still self conditioned slaves to the system.
I watch a few of the canal boat channels and find most quite entertaining. I don't know why really as I live in a country that doesn't have canals. I can't honestly see myself moving back to the UK but if I did... could I live on a narrowboat? Dunno, probably not. I think the whole off grid toilet, water and power situation would get me down, and I get the impression canal rage is on the increase and rules are being ignored as more and more people give boat life a try. Most people with houses wouldn't take a chance, they wouldn't sell it and buy a narrowboat. I think the main reason for this is a house continues to grow in value, and a boat devalues over time. If they sold their house and bought a narrowboat and then five years or less later were sick of boat life and all the inconveniences that go along with it, they may be stuck with it because the housing market has moved on and they have no choice. For now I like my four meter movie screen with surround sound, water, gas and power on tap and off road parking for a few cars.
thank you for that, we have been considering for some time this possibility, but only rent, and do not own a house, also really you can only live on a boat if you are physically able to. if you have mobility issues, then probably not, ? also, are you moored in a marina or constantly cruising? as they are very different situations and are things to consider. thanks again.
I’m constantly cruising, which as you say, is very different to permanently moored. Continually cruising is reasonably physical, but it depends what mobility issues one has and whether that would prevent cruising. I’d say it’s worth visiting a boat show (the one at crick is the biggest) and climbing on and off the boats and seeing how doable that is. If that seems ok, then maybe hiring a boat for a few days.
Financial freedom is actually not having money tied to a house, it’s the cash you have about you that allows you to be free. Breaking free from the system!
Ye luks lovely. But what happens in strong wind? Do river authorities tell you go after few days? Where do you get water supply? Bathing?, bog? Electricity? Leaks? Faults? Boiler Plumbing?
I retired when I was 50 and I love the concept of living on a narrowboat but know full well that my wife and I would kill each other if we were confined within a 57' x 7' space. Separate boats perhaps?
Choices are so hard for people to realise they have … life is not set in concrete… well done you great stuff … some friends of mine are just selling their house to buy a boat soo exciting xx
We are in the process of selling up in London and relocating to Wales for (early) retirement. I agree, you have to make it happen but so many people are frightened of change, even the smallest changes. This has been our dream for a long time so we’re going for it. Currently live by Hampton Court so very close to where you are now. Enjoy!
Sounds a wonderful thing to do. Love it when people do what they want to do and make it happen. Have a fantastic time.
I can only put it down to stress or work addiction. And yes, stress addiction is a real thing. I know, right?! There are a few old boys in my work that could have retired five years ago, they all have enough savings to manage, but they still come to work three days a week because, in their words, they just like to work. I'm the complete opposite. I'm working now to retire early. I'd live on soup and ships biscuits for the rest of my life if it meant not having to work it away! Some people are just unable to sit back and enjoy life, and I find that quite sad. I can't wait to get out of the rat race and move onto my own little metal tube and enjoy the nature right on my doorstep.
Some people just enjoy their work. I do.
Couldn't agree more!
Ok, my own situation is different. However, in my own way, I have never been happier, now out of the rat race.
I've learned over the years that most people have been conditioned into living in their own little bubble and are incapable of thinking outside the box.
When I was planning to take early retirement and move to a cottage in the country most of my coworkers thought I was crazy.
"You'll have less money", "You'll be staring at the four walls" etc etc.
It's been seven years of "living the life" and I've never once wanted more money or stared at the four walls.
I have learned new skills and developed more interests though, and some of those people are dead now while others are still self conditioned slaves to the system.
I watch a few of the canal boat channels and find most quite entertaining. I don't know why really as I live in a country that doesn't have canals. I can't honestly see myself moving back to the UK but if I did... could I live on a narrowboat? Dunno, probably not. I think the whole off grid toilet, water and power situation would get me down, and I get the impression canal rage is on the increase and rules are being ignored as more and more people give boat life a try. Most people with houses wouldn't take a chance, they wouldn't sell it and buy a narrowboat. I think the main reason for this is a house continues to grow in value, and a boat devalues over time. If they sold their house and bought a narrowboat and then five years or less later were sick of boat life and all the inconveniences that go along with it, they may be stuck with it because the housing market has moved on and they have no choice. For now I like my four meter movie screen with surround sound, water, gas and power on tap and off road parking for a few cars.
thank you for that, we have been considering for some time this possibility, but only rent, and do not own a house, also really you can only live on a boat if you are physically able to. if you have mobility issues, then probably not, ?
also, are you moored in a marina or constantly cruising? as they are very different situations and
are things to consider. thanks again.
I’m constantly cruising, which as you say, is very different to permanently moored. Continually cruising is reasonably physical, but it depends what mobility issues one has and whether that would prevent cruising. I’d say it’s worth visiting a boat show (the one at crick is the biggest) and climbing on and off the boats and seeing how doable that is. If that seems ok, then maybe hiring a boat for a few days.
Financial freedom is actually not having money tied to a house, it’s the cash you have about you that allows you to be free. Breaking free from the system!
Ye luks lovely. But what happens in strong wind? Do river authorities tell you go after few days? Where do you get water supply? Bathing?, bog? Electricity? Leaks? Faults? Boiler Plumbing?
yes all those things need fixing.
Yeh just live it … I re listened … xx
I retired when I was 50 and I love the concept of living on a narrowboat but know full well that my wife and I would kill each other if we were confined within a 57' x 7' space. Separate boats perhaps?
Haha. Separate boats may be the way forward for a number of people
Will be doing it later this year, can’t wait!
Good luck and have a great time.
Choices are so hard for people to realise they have … life is not set in concrete… well done you great stuff … some friends of mine are just selling their house to buy a boat soo exciting xx
Love it, well said (I live on, and work from, a narrowboat too). Then again, I'm impressed how you can relax with all those clocks next to you! ;-)
Haha! I only wind them all up sometimes and they’re wonderful company. Luckily, I can’t hear them from my bedroom, or they would drive me mad