Return to London

[dotinthesky]

I have tentative plans to return to London this September. Either I go for a couple of weeks, to see my dad and friends, or I go for a few months (4-5) to work as a temp and send money home.

My brother didn’t like the idea at first. ‘Are you going to leave me alone with mom?!’ But a few days later he said it would be good as I could then see our dad, who has now been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. I need to sit down with him and his wife and look at what’s planned for his future.

The exchange rate is good. If I could send home 1000 pounds per month, that would be around 6 to 7K Brazilian reais for my brother, which is plenty to pay for all bills plus a companion for my mom during the day. The guesthouse is really quiet at the moment. Inflation last year was 20% and, so far this year, 30%. Some things, like petrol, have gone up over 100%. The first thing to go when a recession bites is tourism...

I contacted my old recruitment agency in London and they said they’d find me work, no problem. My main worry is housing and that it’s cheap enough so I can save money. I hear London is even more expensive now. I’m considering house and cat sitting, or one of those agencies that places you in a building that needs a guardian to stop squatters.

When I read my old Livejournal posts from back in 2004, all I did was complain about temping... I guess this time around things are different: I’m more experienced, and I know it would be for just a short time until I could fly home again. I could probably ask for a higher rate.

In an ideal world, I'd spend half of my year in London working, and the other half in Brazil with my family.

Comments

[alefy]

In an ideal world, I'd spend half of my year in London working, and the other half in Brazil with my family.

You know, once you go there and get settled a bit- you might see you can actually be able to do that?

With your dad having dementia- I'd say perhaps sooner than later, while he still recognises you. My dad had it in his last years, and the man he used to be was just... gone. But then you would know that already as you take care of your mum already.

[dotinthesky]

With your dad having dementia- I'd say perhaps sooner than later, while he still recognises you.

Yes, definitely! Especially as he's still able to travel, so I am considering bringing him back with me when I return (then placing him on a direct flight when he goes back to his wife.) She's not very happy about the idea of him traveling but I think it's important he does it while he still can, so he can see my brother's family.

You know, once you go there and get settled a bit- you might see you can actually be able to do that?

I really hope so! I'd even consider a job that I could do home office from Brazil for half of the year (if the new Brexit laws allowed it...)

[dadi]

Just the idea of change often is inspiring!

[dotinthesky]

It is indeed! And a little scary... especially, if like me, someone has been isolated for the past three years. But if I don't try it, I won't know if it's a positive change for me and my family.

[thestainlesssteelrat]

Yep, our visit over Christmas was fab because of the exchange rate. 30%? Wow.

[dotinthesky]

That's what I keep telling my UK friends - come visit and live like a king! :-)

[magictreehouse]

Oh how exciting, although maybe not under those circumstances so much.

And yes, London has definitely not got any cheaper!

[4ofswords]

Let me know if you go. I could probably come for work.

Then we can also plan my São Paulo visit!

[dotinthesky]

Seria maravilhoso! Te aviso sim. Vai ser muito bom te rever. :)