I feel very strongly that this is a new phase in my life. The opportunity to work so close to home is one that I think I only truly appreciate having battled almost two years of four-hours-a-day commuting. It signifies a change in pace, and a change in attitude. To make the jump to leaving London, there is a whole mindset change. Money becomes less important, and time, though still precious, is more plentiful.
There will be more time to spend with my family, the people and also the animals that are so dear to me, and who helped me so much through the darkest times of my life, and who share these happy ones so wholeheartedly.
Time to take Bluebell for long cycle rides, Poppy for long drives, to ride Jack and Chess (maybe not simultaneously) through the fields, to photograph and record the things I didn’t even have time to see before.
Long afternoons to spend with friends, chatting, talking, just being. Time to dream and plan for a nomadic future – narrowboats and caravans, visiting friends, a gentler pace of life.
While still running my businesses and creating my portfolio life, I also want to find time to learn – through the university, evening dance classes, finally getting going on my Universal Class courses, through Free Range Humans and Escape the City (just because I’ve escaped, doesn’t mean I can’t still spend time with fabulous like minded people)…
All these things I have missed for the past five years. All these things I am so much looking forward to – and all these things and more I will be thankful for. I’ll still be busy but I am absolutely determined to make more of everyday life now I have taken the leap. I don’t want to just live for the weekends – I want every day to be worth something.
I don’t regret my time in London, I’ve met some wonderful people (you really do find absolute gems in the most unexpected places) and I’ve learned a lot, much of it also unexpected. But the time is right to move on, and I am focused on the future. I don’t think I’ll ever return to work in the City – but I will take many memories of it with me.
Congratulations on leaving the rat race, and here’s to a slower pace of life 🙂
Hi Carla, a truly inspirational post. I’m so thrilled for you. Congratulations. Claiming back 4 hours commuting time will be such a benefit. Looking forward to seeing where this new path in your life takes you. Best wishes, Katharine, Make and Craft Editor.
I’ve gone from a 45 minute/25 mile commute to a 5 mins/1 mile commute with my last job move. In south east or Essex terms that doesn’t sound like a long commute, but in Rural Wales it certainly was.
Things you’ll now find working closer to home:
1: Half days (no two hours travelling in and then thinking “why bother going all the way home at lunch time”)
2: A LOT less stress (nowt like a crowded train/road to get your blood pressure up)
3: More time to yourself (commuting just sinks time)
oh yes, and Lie-ins!