A Gap Year at 62
Discussion
So just working in order to pay my rent in order to be near work, is this it for another decade or so?
I'm toying with the idea of just bugging out, possibly do a year at a college in Spain honing my fledgling Español, maybe meet someone, start a new life etc
Irish passport so no Brexit rules to abide by.
So what do I do with all my worldly goods, a 2 bedroom flat and garage that is rented but full of all my stuff, properly furnished, tools, equipment, motorbike and car?
Any advice?
Maybe storage in the middle of nowhere might be cheap. Happy to give away the furniture and clothing.
Has anyone else done this? It's gotta be cheap, I have enough to survive a year, maybe two, abroad. I'll be giving up a good but boring job. It'll be a gamble but if I don't do this soon it'll be Strictly Come Dancing again and another year gone.
What's the situation on taking an English car abroad for a year?
Trying not to come up with too many questions.
Over to you guys and gals
I'm toying with the idea of just bugging out, possibly do a year at a college in Spain honing my fledgling Español, maybe meet someone, start a new life etc
Irish passport so no Brexit rules to abide by.
So what do I do with all my worldly goods, a 2 bedroom flat and garage that is rented but full of all my stuff, properly furnished, tools, equipment, motorbike and car?
Any advice?
Maybe storage in the middle of nowhere might be cheap. Happy to give away the furniture and clothing.
Has anyone else done this? It's gotta be cheap, I have enough to survive a year, maybe two, abroad. I'll be giving up a good but boring job. It'll be a gamble but if I don't do this soon it'll be Strictly Come Dancing again and another year gone.
What's the situation on taking an English car abroad for a year?
Trying not to come up with too many questions.
Over to you guys and gals
A storage unit seems the sensible solution plenty around, probably even get the motorbike in it.
The car would be more problematic for storage, is it really worth keeping if you won’t take it with you?
All this being said I think the obvious thing is to point out at 62 and you plan to take a year or two out, is it not better to simply retire instead if you can? Unless you go self employed you will likely find it very hard to get back into employment in your mid 60’s. I’m sorry to put a dampener on your plans
The car would be more problematic for storage, is it really worth keeping if you won’t take it with you?
All this being said I think the obvious thing is to point out at 62 and you plan to take a year or two out, is it not better to simply retire instead if you can? Unless you go self employed you will likely find it very hard to get back into employment in your mid 60’s. I’m sorry to put a dampener on your plans
what, apart from what you mentioned like car, bike, etc., are your assets or liabilities? (bank loans) not your property, its rented. cash in bank... ok easy to burn through EUR1000 a month because even if you rent somewhere away from the coast for example still probably 500 pm plus food, booze, fuel maybe even add utilities to that.
no company pensions that you forgot you could claim at 55? assume the govt pension will not be till 67.
could you get your job back (or a job) if you came back at 64+? or is your job transferable to the EU?
you could sell the bike and car and get something when you arrive if you have a contact that finds you a reliable seller.
a storage unit just seems dead money to me--- sort stuff you REALLY want to keep and see if a friend will take them (loft or garage)
im 62 as well but luckily I bailed several years ago before Brexit (no Irish passport so I am limited by 90/180 but obviously not here) and been in Portugal since 2019 with official residency , so coming up for five years here. fortunately I had assets though.
no company pensions that you forgot you could claim at 55? assume the govt pension will not be till 67.
could you get your job back (or a job) if you came back at 64+? or is your job transferable to the EU?
you could sell the bike and car and get something when you arrive if you have a contact that finds you a reliable seller.
a storage unit just seems dead money to me--- sort stuff you REALLY want to keep and see if a friend will take them (loft or garage)
im 62 as well but luckily I bailed several years ago before Brexit (no Irish passport so I am limited by 90/180 but obviously not here) and been in Portugal since 2019 with official residency , so coming up for five years here. fortunately I had assets though.
It's more a do it now, or never.
I reckon I could just survive on money in the bank plus a small private pension until I get State Pension. That's only 5 years away.
I've decided to not think beyond 2 years if/when I do this, because thinking brings up problems and then you scare oneself from doing stuff. Story of my life
Getting rid of the bike and car alone should get me at least £30k, if I let them go for a song. It'd be nice to take the car as it'd love Spain and access to the rest of Europe
Those are my assets, the rest is cash as I got a small amount from house sale, ex got the majority.
Currently healthy and most people think I'm much younger than 60s so time to do something interesting before I get decrepit.
So no warnings, I want positivity
I reckon I could just survive on money in the bank plus a small private pension until I get State Pension. That's only 5 years away.
I've decided to not think beyond 2 years if/when I do this, because thinking brings up problems and then you scare oneself from doing stuff. Story of my life
Getting rid of the bike and car alone should get me at least £30k, if I let them go for a song. It'd be nice to take the car as it'd love Spain and access to the rest of Europe
Those are my assets, the rest is cash as I got a small amount from house sale, ex got the majority.
Currently healthy and most people think I'm much younger than 60s so time to do something interesting before I get decrepit.
So no warnings, I want positivity
Sell everything and get it done. Rent as cheap as possible and find some work don’t sit about and think you’re a playboy. Watch the drinking habits. Keep busy and meet people not necessarily British.
Above all keep some rainy day money somewhere, probably uk and keep a bank account open in the uk.
Above all keep some rainy day money somewhere, probably uk and keep a bank account open in the uk.
croyde said:
It's more a do it now, or never.
I reckon I could just survive on money in the bank plus a small private pension until I get State Pension. That's only 5 years away.
I've decided to not think beyond 2 years if/when I do this, because thinking brings up problems and then you scare oneself from doing stuff. Story of my life
Getting rid of the bike and car alone should get me at least £30k, if I let them go for a song. It'd be nice to take the car as it'd love Spain and access to the rest of Europe
Those are my assets, the rest is cash as I got a small amount from house sale, ex got the majority.
Currently healthy and most people think I'm much younger than 60s so time to do something interesting before I get decrepit.
So no warnings, I want positivity
I’ve read your previous threads. You should do it, you deserve to be happy and do the things that bring you joy. Trust in the universe. I reckon I could just survive on money in the bank plus a small private pension until I get State Pension. That's only 5 years away.
I've decided to not think beyond 2 years if/when I do this, because thinking brings up problems and then you scare oneself from doing stuff. Story of my life
Getting rid of the bike and car alone should get me at least £30k, if I let them go for a song. It'd be nice to take the car as it'd love Spain and access to the rest of Europe
Those are my assets, the rest is cash as I got a small amount from house sale, ex got the majority.
Currently healthy and most people think I'm much younger than 60s so time to do something interesting before I get decrepit.
So no warnings, I want positivity
I’d personally sell the car and take the bike with you. Bikes are a much better way of exploring, Spain has the weather, and you will meet people through it.
Is it not possible to do remote working in the current job or consulting? Would your employer rather have you working remotely than replace you?
The move is a a must, it’s keeping an income that needs some thought, at least to bridge the gap into whatever comes next.
If you are in your early 60's and you don't get a lot of job satisfaction, if you can live without working - Just quit.
Six years ago I walked out of work at the age of 60, money was tight [to say the least], but I had the security of a flat with no mortgage. It was the right/best decision for me.
Taking a car to Spain for a year might be a problem with Insurance and registration, unless you maintained a UK address and came back regularly.
Whatever you choose to do - good luck.
Six years ago I walked out of work at the age of 60, money was tight [to say the least], but I had the security of a flat with no mortgage. It was the right/best decision for me.
Taking a car to Spain for a year might be a problem with Insurance and registration, unless you maintained a UK address and came back regularly.
Whatever you choose to do - good luck.
Be ruthless with your stuff, look at the minimalist pod casts or threads on here I started 
You really can manage without stuff and what if you decide not to return?
Sort the storage and units (anyway) and either way you’ll free up valuable head space to concentrate on the move while making a little (and saving a lot) of money or be more flexible to make a future jump.
I’d go for it!
You really can manage without stuff and what if you decide not to return?
Sort the storage and units (anyway) and either way you’ll free up valuable head space to concentrate on the move while making a little (and saving a lot) of money or be more flexible to make a future jump.
I’d go for it!
What about being truly ruthless with your stuff, and going touring via 'vanlife' through around Spain? Potentially with rear mounted (light) motorbike for getting about.
Cut out loads of rental costs, have more flexibility in location, and still have a space that's properly 'yours'.
Being vaguely aware of your situation, as another poster said JFDI
Cut out loads of rental costs, have more flexibility in location, and still have a space that's properly 'yours'.
Being vaguely aware of your situation, as another poster said JFDI
How about Latin America? Apart from Brazil they all speak Spanish and potentially your money will go further? In for a penny in for a pound!
Or Portugal. We had been playing with the idea and I used Duo Lingo to learn a fair bit - although the pronunciation is different it is very close to Spanish. Weather a bit cooler (if you choose the right place).
If you are looking to make your money go further it is possible to find some places that will give you board and lodging in exchange for some volunteering. Might be a good way of learning the language and meeting people.
Or Portugal. We had been playing with the idea and I used Duo Lingo to learn a fair bit - although the pronunciation is different it is very close to Spanish. Weather a bit cooler (if you choose the right place).
If you are looking to make your money go further it is possible to find some places that will give you board and lodging in exchange for some volunteering. Might be a good way of learning the language and meeting people.
By the sounds of it you've found yourself at a crossroads with nothing pulling you down the sensible road.
My advice. Sell everything. Literally everything. You walk out of your flat on day of hardback with a rucksack on your back, paperwork in your pocket and as healthy a bank account with no outgoings as possible. Then go and sek your fortune, look around places you can get accomodation and work, boats are a good start, get a job on a boat (yacht rather than fishing) and you've got a roof and a little bit of spending money.
I've had a few dreams I got to sensible to do, I wanted to join the army but had too much stuff tying me up, ditto dump and run to the us back in the early 2000s and try to build a life as an illegal, marry etc. I've always dreamt of just walking out one day and tramping around, but my life ties me, if it ever didn't I would up and off in a second.
My advice. Sell everything. Literally everything. You walk out of your flat on day of hardback with a rucksack on your back, paperwork in your pocket and as healthy a bank account with no outgoings as possible. Then go and sek your fortune, look around places you can get accomodation and work, boats are a good start, get a job on a boat (yacht rather than fishing) and you've got a roof and a little bit of spending money.
I've had a few dreams I got to sensible to do, I wanted to join the army but had too much stuff tying me up, ditto dump and run to the us back in the early 2000s and try to build a life as an illegal, marry etc. I've always dreamt of just walking out one day and tramping around, but my life ties me, if it ever didn't I would up and off in a second.
You'll need a plan B because at your age, after a year or so away, you simply will not want to return to the UK work scene.
If you settle in Spain over the course of the year it will be immensely difficult to motivate yourself in returning and to be frank, you'll resent every bleedin' minute of it and that can lead to stuff like depression.
By all means, work on the assumption you will return but have a backup plan incase you do really want to stay out there whether that's living frugally until pension age kicks in or getting some sort of employment out there.
Don't worry about possessions, just get rid apart from the sentimental stuff.
If you settle in Spain over the course of the year it will be immensely difficult to motivate yourself in returning and to be frank, you'll resent every bleedin' minute of it and that can lead to stuff like depression.
By all means, work on the assumption you will return but have a backup plan incase you do really want to stay out there whether that's living frugally until pension age kicks in or getting some sort of employment out there.
Don't worry about possessions, just get rid apart from the sentimental stuff.
You only bought the car a few months ago, how much will you lose by selling it?
Have to admit I did think it was a bit strange you buying the Arbath and a then the Alpine considering what you have posted about your financial situation and the fact you rent.
Personally I would be trying to get as much money together and reducing my monthly outgoings to the minimum and just retire.
Have to admit I did think it was a bit strange you buying the Arbath and a then the Alpine considering what you have posted about your financial situation and the fact you rent.
Personally I would be trying to get as much money together and reducing my monthly outgoings to the minimum and just retire.
ThingsBehindTheSun said:
You only bought the car a few months ago, how much will you lose by selling it?
Have to admit I did think it was a bit strange you buying the Arbath and a then the Alpine considering what you have posted about your financial situation and the fact you rent.
Personally I would be trying to get as much money together and reducing my monthly outgoings to the minimum and just retire.
True, but I have wanted a two seater sports car since I sold my Boxster in 2005.Have to admit I did think it was a bit strange you buying the Arbath and a then the Alpine considering what you have posted about your financial situation and the fact you rent.
Personally I would be trying to get as much money together and reducing my monthly outgoings to the minimum and just retire.
I could retire but it'll be dull as I will have to watch the pennies and it's too cold here.
Retiring somewhere like Spain is possibly doable and much nicer being warm with beers in a bar being a pound a bottle.
I'd rather not sell it. It'd help with the move as it's luggage capacity is pants
thus will force me to be careful and choosy about what to take.But it's more the red tape of taking a Brit car to live abroad either permanently or temporarily.
Has anyone done that?
Edited by croyde on Tuesday 26th November 09:32
Do it. I did it aged 26 and the only regret I have is I sold/gave away a load of books before going. Still haven't managed to re-find them all. All other possessions barring a few keepsakes were pointless. Keep an "oh f
k, run away" fund just in case you need to get home sharpish and be smart about airline booking to maximise points which you can then spend on something while travelling.
Depends on where you want to go, but money can go a long way in some countries and not in others. So to learn Spanish I would probably consider South America over Spain, because the flight cost will be recouped quickly in food and accommodation savings.
When I did it, I chased the sun, so left in September and went Canada, US, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argantina, NZ (amazing place, spent 3 months), Aus, Singapone, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Nepal and home. HK was a diversion to see a friend, Nepal was a diversion to avoid India because I was so travel fatigued I couldn't cope with the insanity of India at the time. Brilliant decision and I trekked the Annapurna circuit in July, when it was absolutely dead quiet, albeit a bit wetter than normal and with only occasional views of the big hills.
Canada and the US were about three weeks, but took 1/3 of the travelling budget (not including flights). Mental. Wouldn't do that again, though I admit I do love a lot of the stuff I did out there. Brazilian taxi drivers got really annoyed when I kept forgetting to speak Portuguese after weeks of Spanish immersion!
k, run away" fund just in case you need to get home sharpish and be smart about airline booking to maximise points which you can then spend on something while travelling.Depends on where you want to go, but money can go a long way in some countries and not in others. So to learn Spanish I would probably consider South America over Spain, because the flight cost will be recouped quickly in food and accommodation savings.
When I did it, I chased the sun, so left in September and went Canada, US, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argantina, NZ (amazing place, spent 3 months), Aus, Singapone, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Nepal and home. HK was a diversion to see a friend, Nepal was a diversion to avoid India because I was so travel fatigued I couldn't cope with the insanity of India at the time. Brilliant decision and I trekked the Annapurna circuit in July, when it was absolutely dead quiet, albeit a bit wetter than normal and with only occasional views of the big hills.
Canada and the US were about three weeks, but took 1/3 of the travelling budget (not including flights). Mental. Wouldn't do that again, though I admit I do love a lot of the stuff I did out there. Brazilian taxi drivers got really annoyed when I kept forgetting to speak Portuguese after weeks of Spanish immersion!
croyde said:
True, but I have wanted a two seater sports car since I sold my Boxster in 2005.
I could retire but it'll be dull as I will have to watch the pennies and it's too cold here.
Retiring somewhere like Spain is possibly doable and much nicer being warm with beers in a bar being a pound a bottle.
I'd rather not sell it. It'd help with the move as it's luggage capacity is pants thus will force me to be careful and choosy about what to take.
But it's more the red tape of taking a Brit car to live abroad either permanently or temporarily.
Has anyone done that?
If your serious about moving then you have to ask one question. Is the car suitable for getting me to my new life and serving me while there, or is there a better option?I could retire but it'll be dull as I will have to watch the pennies and it's too cold here.
Retiring somewhere like Spain is possibly doable and much nicer being warm with beers in a bar being a pound a bottle.
I'd rather not sell it. It'd help with the move as it's luggage capacity is pants
thus will force me to be careful and choosy about what to take.But it's more the red tape of taking a Brit car to live abroad either permanently or temporarily.
Has anyone done that?
Edited by croyde on Tuesday 26th November 09:32
You have to be ruthless with that. If there's a better option (e.g. a camper depending on whether that works for you) then that's the answer. Is it reliable? Is it cheap to run, service and maintain?
Everything else aside some clothes and personal possessions has to go, including the bike. If your storing crap over here then you're not committed to a new life and I can't see it working out.
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