How I am buying back my life
Don’t let a mortgage limit your life choices
About 20 years ago I had a chance to move and work abroad with a very unexpected last minute opportunity. I didn’t take it, primarily because I had just taken a mortgage on a small place that was going to be my first home whist I started my working career in the U.K.
I don’t regret not taking the opportunity (and on reflection it was probably the better choice as it allowed me to focus on building a stronger career base, but that’s not the point of this article!)
I remember being angry that my life choices were limited by a large and difficult to unpick financial arrangement. Flexibility is something I never even considered as I signed up to the commitment, it was just the ‘adult’ thing to do. The privilege of home ownership has this one massive downside. A lack of flexibility.
Fast forward 20 years or so and I’m mid career with a larger mortgage on a family home. And I can’t help but feel that nagging feeling, itching away at the back of my mind again. I don’t want to be forced to limit choices just because of a mortgage.
So I’m changing the rules. I define my circumstances and choices. I’m buying back my time by not having to work the career with the best pay check.
