Another new start…

Some might say I’ve got form for this. Others may think I’m going through a mid-life crisis. Labels aside, it’s true that it’s not the first time I’ve made radical changes to my life – only this time, I’m already in a much better place.

Family and friends will know that it’s been just over a decade since I first ‘started again’, when I finished my PhD, left a 10-year relationship and moved into a small flat in Stoke in the space of a few weeks. Now, in my 40s, it’s a marriage I’m leaving behind; the new chapter in my career is my second consultant post, which I started last month, and the new home will soon be a 59 foot narrowboat.

I won’t be talking about the marriage part, because I’ve never been one for airing my dirty linen in public. All I’ll say is that it was my decision and a difficult one, and that the man I married is still one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever had the privilege to meet, let alone spend a significant part of my life with. 

We also have two beautiful cats, one of whom will be coming with me. This was again an extremely difficult decision, but made mutually on the basis of what will be best for both them and us. 

So, that’s some context in a nutshell. 

If you’re reading this, then you’re either a family member, friend or colleague who wants to keep up with how I’m doing, or here for the boat stuff. Possibly both. Either way, I’ll be sharing my experiences of setting up and starting my new life for anyone who is interested, or might even be considering similar.

You’ll learn a bit about me in the process, and I’ll be as honest as I can about what it’s like. This isn’t Instagram; there will be plenty of pretty pictures of course, but I’m not here to convince you how idyllic and perfect my life is. There have already been some challenges and I expect plenty more along the way. I’m happy to share them as they might help someone out there make a more informed decision.

It’s also not a ‘how to’ guide for buying or living on a boat. I’m not remotely an expert, and if that’s what you need then there are far better resources out there – but I’ve found hearing about the experiences of others (especially from when they were newbies themselves) both interesting and helpful. This is just my story from my perspective: no more and no less.

Like the sound of that? Then welcome. I’d say pull up a chair, but there would probably be a cat sitting on it.