(Post #1) Refusing to Sit Still: A Senior Gone Nomad

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Welcome to the chronicles of my retirement adventure—or as I like to call it, my self-imposed nomadic escapade. The posts you are about to read are in chronological order so you can follow me on my journey, right up to current time. 

Everything was about to change, and I was ready for it. I had worked hard; travelled the world; lived and worked in Libya, North Africa; raised my 2-year-old daughter as a single parent and never re-married— not for the lack of trying. 

You see, while most people who retire find more time to enjoy the newly discovered game of pickleball, embrace some new hobbies and delve into volunteer work, I decided to take the road less traveled—literally. Armed with a suitcase, a bin of cooking supplies, a sense of adventure, and a condo that practically pays for itself. I’ve set out on a journey to see if it’s possible to dodge living expenses by bouncing from one house-sitting gig to another. Spoiler alert: it is, and it’s a heck of a lot more fun than balancing a cheque book.

So, why did I embark on this grand escapade? Picture this: I’m sipping coffee in my stylish new condo on Vancouver Island, listening to retirees discuss their latest sport victories. Meanwhile, my restless mind is buzzing with the realization that while they’re financially secure, I’ve got a pesky little debt hanging over my head like a cloud that refuses to rain. But instead of letting it dampen my spirits, I had a eureka moment: lease out the condo, pay down the debt, and hit the road—free as a bird with a little extra cash to boot. 

But there was one teeny, tiny question: where would I live? The answer was simple, really—everywhere. From the cozy coastal nooks of Vancouver Island to, well, who knows where else? The plan is to see where the wind (or rather, the next house/pet-sitting gig) takes me and I gave myself two years to come out ahead and hopefully the result will be one of meeting new people, seeing new places and learning more about the person I am. 

So, join me on this wild ride as I navigate the ups and downs of nomadic living. Trust me, there’s never a dull moment when you’re a senior on the move. 

~Adventures don’t end when you stop working—they begin when you refuse to sit still."~

 

                                                            

Next: Post 2  How It All Began: A Condo, Midlife Crisis, and A Whole Lot of Nerve

Location: Sidney, British Columbia

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