Rethinking Work

My unhappiness at work troubled me a lot

In my very first blog entry I expressed some of the gnawing dissatisfaction I'd been feeling over the past year or two in regards to my employment. To be honest, in recent years there's been times where it has escalated from mere dissatisfaction to complete resentment towards my job, my colleagues and the entire industry. It has perplexed and troubled me a lot because in most instances, these feelings are completely unjustified.

The majority of jobs I've had over the last few years have been great. Most colleagues I've worked with have been wonderful (there's been a few that have been painful, but they have been in the minority) and I've been fortunate enough to have a steady stream of work come my way, often without having to look for it.

So it seemed like some cruel joke that just as I was entering my thirties the career that I'd worked so hard for suddenly felt like a prison sentence.

Europe Costs: The Final Figures

Well it's almost been a month between posts, but we have been exceptionally busy... As I write this, I'm sitting under a circling fan in our 1 bedroom apartment on Calle 102 Norte, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. That's right - after an incredible 9 months of traveling, volunteering, sightseeing and partying throughout Europe; it was time to move on.

We loved Europe, but it was time to move on

As beautiful as the European winters can be, we were both craving some sun on our skin and some cool sea breezes. But more importantly, we knew that Europe alone could easily provide enough to see and do for an entire year - so if we didn't move on we could quite possibly exhaust our budget (and ourselves).

We had also used all of the time our Schengen Visas would allow, which meant that even if we had wanted to re-enter Europe we would need to travel via non-Schengen countries until May 2014 at the earliest.

So the decision was made to hightail it to Mexico, largely because this provided us with a cheap way to enter Central America from the UK (by flying into Mexico and traveling overland) and if we departed the UK in early March, we avoided the subsequent Spring Break mayhem (which is not only popular amongst American college students apparently).

We scored a great deal on flights thanks to Thomas Cook Airlines (one of the primary carriers for flights between the UK, Mexico and The Caribbean) and on the 4th March 2014 - exactly 9 months from when we first arrived in Europe - we departed for the sun-drenched shores of Cancun, Mexico.

One of the first things I did before our departure from the UK was to reconcile all of our spending in Europe over the past 9 months. As I'd been dutifully logging all expenses in a calendar this was a relatively easy task, as I simply added up the total spent in all the countries that we visited.

So - which were the cheapest countries in Europe, and how much did we average per day?

Budgeting in Bonnie Scotland

Urquhart Castle with views over Loch Ness

So we've just concluded our jaunt through the Republic of Ireland and the UK with two whirlwind weeks in bonnie Scotland; a land renowned for rolling green hills, kilt-wearing bagpipers and crumbling castle ruins. Whilst no cheaper than its Irish or British neighbours (we still averaged about AUD$50/ day each) it nonetheless offered plenty for a budget traveler to see and do, with spectacular coastlines and a vibrant cultural scene accessible to all.

Having said that, it did help to do our homework. Because a bit of research can translate into big savings, particularly in regards to transport and accommodation. That doesn't mean you have to book every detail of your trip in advance (especially in winter, when you may have to deal with unforeseen weather conditions), but just a little foresight and planning will make a real difference to your spending.

So here are my tips for getting aboot the majestic Scotland or the picturesque Emerald Isle on the cheap:

The Luck of The Irish

Following our budget-busting week in London we threw on our backpacks once again and departed Britain for its eye-wateringly expensive neighbour - the beautiful and timeless Ireland.

Ireland moves at a different pace

From the second we emerged from our cost-friendly (but 12+ hour long) coach and ferry journey, we noticed the change of pace.

Whereas London had been typically manic and full of people rushing to get somewhere, Dublin felt positively languid. Shopkeepers conversed with their customers, inquiring after their family and their health. Bus drivers greeted us warmly and gave directions to our accommodation. People stopped to help mothers manoeuvring large prams, or to assist elderly patrons board the bus... It all just felt so warm and welcoming.

And before anyone accuses me of perpetuating Irish stereotypes, such behaviour has been consistent throughout our journey which has thus far included Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Cork and Killarney. They're just such a friendly bunch of people! And I, for one, am soaking up their hospitality like a sponge.