This week I’m leaving the job I’ve been in for over six years to go freelance. It’s a big step and I’m nervous because I need to bring in enough money to keep both me and the boat going; with no monthly wage it’s a gamble, especially considering how much has gone on repairs lately.
So far I’ve only travelled the Grand Union, Regent’s Canal and the Thames as far as Reading, staying within commuting distance of Uxbridge, but from now on I won’t be tied to an office and will be free to travel the country. I plan to go north, back to Whilton where I bought the boat, stay in Leicester for a while then on to Leeds where I lived for 12 years. I want to moor up next to the Armouries museum, visit York, Huddersfield and Skipton, do what I used to dream of doing when I was a student in Leeds wandering the canals, looking at the boats, wanting one of my own.
As a web designer I’m reliant on the Internet and if it wasn’t for other peoples’ unpassworded wireless networks this would be an impossible way to work. I’ll need to buy an extra leisure battery, turn the lounge into an office, repaint the boat with a huge advert for my services, install a massive satellite dish…
Good luck with the move to full self-employment Jason.
I’m in a similar boat (no pun). I am self-employed in IT already, for over 8 years now, and I’m thinking on a life afloat.
Thanks for the advice recently. I’m looking at widebeams and a more residential mooring as I want time to write (really want to finish my screenplay and maybe write a book).
All the best,
Ken
Jason,
Good luck with the change of job. It certainly compliments your lifestyle and if it works will be a perfect existence. Have you looked at T Mobile’s 3g offering for internet connection? I have just added it to my wife’s phone so she can use her laptop while out and about and it is very impressive. Based on your trip up north and the cities you say you are to visit you may well get good 3g coverage?
Take care and good luck,
Nev