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Work in UK, live in Europe

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    Work in UK, live in Europe

    Anyone ever looked into this?

    I have to say it's very tempting when I look at even what the meagre collateral from my house sale will buy me in, say, Brittany.

    I'm talking France/Spain here so I'd expect to have to work in another country - UK or otherwise, but I could get lucky.

    What's more, with no mortgage to service I could just do anything out there once I have a grip of the language e.g. run a bar or whatever.

    Just think - I'd be poor but I'd be living in a beautiful home in surely the most civilised place in their world (France) and would be out of this rotten rat race.

    I'm afraid to say, I wouldn't miss the UK one little bit.

    #2
    That's not going to work very well for a contractor unless you are happy to wait for a 100% or so WFH gig.
    'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

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      #3
      Originally posted by northernladuk View Post
      That's not going to work very well for a contractor unless you are happy to wait for a 100% or so WFH gig.
      So long as I can fly in and out every week I don't see why it would really make much difference.

      It would be some time down the line when I'd want to be 100 % home based and, as I said, I'd be looking at doing something else then anyway.

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        #4
        Originally posted by northernladuk View Post
        That's not going to work very well for a contractor unless you are happy to wait for a 100% or so WFH gig.
        Plenty of people stay away during the week; no different really. Depending where you live and where you're working it could be quicker and cheaper to fly in from a nearby European airport than get the train to London. I used to work with one such contractor.
        Will work inside IR35. Or for food.

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          #5
          If you cannot speak the local lingo fluently, expect to be socialising in British expat communities. You need to speak the local language to fully integrate. And anything else is subpar. I advise joining an expensive club to find local winners and hang out there.

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            #6
            I've done a few contracts where the ClientCo office is in Europe, and am currently working with another contractor who lives in Europe but commutes to the UK when he needs to. It's all about finding clients who are happy for you to WFH most of the time.
            …Maybe we ain’t that young anymore

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              #7
              Originally posted by Fronttoback View Post
              If you cannot speak the local lingo fluently, expect to be socialising in British expat communities. You need to speak the local language to fully integrate. And anything else is subpar. I advise joining an expensive club to find local winners and hang out there.
              No. I'll be avoiding that scene like the plague.

              My language skills are fine. Would just take a couple of months to get back up to speed.

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                #8
                Originally posted by Pip in a Poke View Post
                No. I'll be avoiding that scene like the plague.

                My language skills are fine. Would just take a couple of months to get back up to speed.
                Sounds like a plan then! It's a big move to start again in your 40s- don't underestimate the importance of good friends. Takes a long time to make those friendships even "back home".

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                  #9
                  For the past 5-years I've not traveled more than 2 months of the year. The remainder home-based. Currently one UK client, one German, one Swiss. I travel to clients as and when needed.

                  I say go for it. You need to be established the one calling the shots. Without a mortgage you're already in a good position.

                  Since doing this my health has changed for the better and I'm not someone who exercises that much if I'm honest. No waking up in darkness but when light comes, spending time with children at random intervals, taking days off etc.

                  Nothing ventured nothing gained.

                  PS: regarding expats, we meet expats from all over the world. It's one thing to integrate (which we do) but there's a wealth of opportunity to meet people from a much larger community.

                  PSS: You've got a French passport? (Brexit regarding) lucky you.
                  Last edited by scooterscot; 4 January 2017, 10:11.
                  "Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience". Mark Twain

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                    #10
                    Doing your bit for the French population?

                    British population set to overtake France within 13 years due to immigration | Daily Mail Online

                    Population of Britain is set to overtake France within 13 years: Impact of high immigration will make the UK the most populous European country by 2050
                    Eurostat predict UK population in 2030 will be 70,4m - and 77.1m by 2050
                    German population set to continue to fall despite high immigration levels
                    UK already has the highest population density in Europe, ahead of Holland
                    Predictions do not take in to account the political impact of Brexit
                    Oh Dear
                    Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.

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