Thanks for your post and your concern Monica. Here in France the protests and strikes are about the government attempt to raise the pension age from 62 (at present) to 64. Which given that I am 62 (63 in February,) and won’t get my pension until 66 is slightly ironic.
And that is how far ahead I am looking. At the moment I get a small works pension and the rest of my money is the proceeds from selling my house. On paper it should be enough – especially as a) I seem to be under budget for this first year and b) I have been to expensive countries so far – such as Belgium and now France. Spain, Portugal and certainly Morocco should be cheaper. But I guess having been in debt for so long – I can’t shake off the feeling that I ought to be doing something to bring an income in – and this is meeting that internal need. Also a slight guilt that I have all these skills and I am not using them.
It is low pay – but it is very enjoyable and doesn’t involve having to do a lot of preparation or marking homework etc. Basically I am being paid to chat with people from around the world, which is great!
It does mean that I will be here less often – or that I might come into chat and then leave suddenly if a student calls. I hope to be around over the week ahead – especially on Boxing Day when people may be experiencing problems.
I hope your back is improving and that you are out of pain. Have a great Christmas and New Year and hopefully “see” you soon!