Is It Possible to Get Bored in Paradise?

[Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 17:51
Last edited 22/04/2019 - 19:05 by 1 other user

AKA first world problems…AKA the adventures of a kept-man (?)

The Mrs has been offered a 6-month stint overseas and we're all moving with her. She will be working full-time, the kids will be attending the local school and I'll be …jobless. Well, technically, I'll be on LSL,followed by some unpaid leave, and depending on how much we like it there, I might,eventually, quit my job.

The island we'll be moving to is often described as a "fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise. Its very name conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance."

Like I said , the Mrs and the kids will be busy with work and school and I'll be left to my own devices for most of the day. We will be staying at a "pieds-dans-l'eau" villa so I'm planning togo for morning and evening runs and swims. .Maybe incorporate some beach yoga too. I'm also planning to explore the island on a bike. A
Although exploring on your own isn't that much fun and the island isn't that big.Unfortunately,I'm also one of those people who can't sit still and gets bored easily. When I'm bored, I'm insufferable :(

I only ever sleep 5 hours at the most. That leaves almost 19 hours to fill. I won't be allowed to work, or even volunteer, in anything that might even be remotely related to my current job. That includes teaching. I'm an introvert and I've often been described as being "broody" by people who don't know me. I don't brood. I reckon its my nose that gives people that impression. I've got a broody-looking nose, à la David Boreanaz and Ryan Philippe :(

Anyway, the Mrs has given me cart-blanche to do whatever I want to keep myself busy. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Cheers,
JJB

EDIT: The other option we have been considering is for the mrs to go by herself. The kids and I can visit her over the christmas holidays.But there would be all those long weeks without her… that would suck.We'll miss her:(

Any thoughts on long-distance relationships?

Poll Options

  • 68
    1. Volunteer: teacher's aide, self-defence/swimming instructor, tutoring,soup kitchens...etc
  • 3
    2.Hang out with the in-laws.
  • 42
    3.Befriend other beach-bums.
  • 48
    4.Set up an account on Tinder.
  • 13
    5.other ?
Travel

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 12/07/2015 - 17:56
    +6

    Of course; everything becomes "normal" after a while. Look up affective forecasting.

    Start a blog.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 18:39
      +1

      affective forecasting

      Which is why we're only going for 6 months…initially anyway. I baulked at the word "permanently". She's hoping I'll adjust and maybe even enjoy being there.

      Work, on the other hand, want me to come back and have even offered to pay me a bonus if I do come back at the end of those 6 months.

  • mskeggs on 12/07/2015 - 17:58
    +13

    Of course you will get bored.
    My suggestion is to keep a detailed journal including pictures to make a history to show your kids in years to come.
    Start a blog about your adventures/culture shock.
    I think you are a science/technology job person, so spend some time learning to write mobile apps and find charities/non-profit groups who could use a mobile app for free.
    Write the book you have always thought you might do.

    And keep a to do list so you monitor your progress on all these things (and others as interest you) so you keep at it without a boss and structure around you to motivate/direct.

    For the record, I would very much like a opportunity to reinvent my life like you are being handed, whether it was in paradise or the suburbs.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 18:54
      +6

      The exclusivity agreement contract I've signed pretty much means that I cannot work or volunteer in any science/technology related field at all.They basically owe my brain.

      I've volunteered before as a teacher's aide and I'm semi-fluent in auslan and makathon. I enjoyed it too. It was fun.

      I've also taught self-defence classes and boxing and coached soccer and basketball up until not so long ago.I could go back to doing that.

      Not sure about the blog thing…

      Edit: oh and Gran's friends adore me. So maybe …gigolo or call bingo in a nursing home or something along those lines.

  • kiwipride on 12/07/2015 - 18:15
    +7

    Mauritius. Enjoy.

    • SavatteDodo on 13/07/2015 - 08:51

      He doesn't mention this anywhere. I wonder.

      • quaddie on 13/07/2015 - 15:16
        +7

        Google "fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise. Its very name conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance"

        • SavatteDodo on 13/07/2015 - 16:10
          +5

          haha, i had doubt atfirst as some Aussies (some of my work mates) consider Thailand paradise (Not OP). LOL

          I am from Mauritius, I am from Paradise my friend.

        • Agret on 13/07/2015 - 19:39
          +1

          @varunsic: Did you get bored there?

        • SavatteDodo on 13/07/2015 - 19:52
          +4

          @Agret: Never. I get bored here.

    • the4thzodiac on 13/07/2015 - 16:27
      +1

      Or, Seychelles.

  • DarkOz on 12/07/2015 - 18:23
    +6

    "Anyway, the Mrs has given me cart-blanche to do whatever I want to keep myself busy. What would you do if you were in my shoes?"

    I would bring my girl friend along.

    • loulou1 on 12/07/2015 - 18:29
      +1

      Is Liv free?

    • Donaldhump on 16/07/2015 - 09:36

      become heizenberg

  • Randxyz123 on 12/07/2015 - 18:27

    Where are you going?

  • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 18:29

    Start a business?

    • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 18:35

      Doing what? It can't even be remotely related to what my current field of work.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 18:47

        Something you can do online?

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 18:59

          The exclusivity clause I've signed is pretty broad. The company I work for pretty much own my brain…which still leaves my body , I guess. Any suggestions? :p

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 19:00
          +20

          @Jar Jar Binks:
          Got a webcam?

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 19:09
          +4

          @Drew22:

          Got a webcam?

          Yep..but would a webcam do justice to my amazing body..of work? o.O

        • Eivad on 13/07/2015 - 16:32
          +1

          @Jar Jar Binks: There are certain restrictions on the enforceability of restraint of trade provisions with broad geographical boundaries(depends on your field, how unique your skills are, seniority, etc).

          Of course, you may value the relationship with your current employer - but just suggesting if you were happy to cut ties it may be possible that such exclusivity clauses are anti-competitive and not enforceable. Would recommend seeking advice from an employment lawyer before committing to anything though.

      • leiiv on 12/07/2015 - 23:18
        +3

        How about open a cafe? Or a small shop? Internet cafe? Video games rental? Small hostel (airbnb)? Teach or mentor local community for a penny? Do you have any other interests totally unrelated to your current field of work?

  • toristo on 12/07/2015 - 18:53
    +24

    Teach yourself something - learn a language (spoken or programming), learn to cook, make, build etc. It's an incredible opportunity to have.

    • arescarti42 on 13/07/2015 - 14:54
      +3

      This is what I'd do.

      Use the opportunity to improve your skills somehow.

  • Schezwon on 12/07/2015 - 19:32
    +1

    Doing no work…hmmm you serious, mate I'll happily be bored and swap with you. Your going to live the dream, or my dream. I'm starting to really hate city life and the hustle and bustle with a nine to five job, don't get me wrong, i like my job, but i would easily rather do nothing and be on a island.

  • PVA on 12/07/2015 - 19:44
    +16

    wow, her work has offered her a new position in 18 month time - thats far in the future.

    anyway, enjoy Tasmania.

  • KiLLUMiN4Ti on 12/07/2015 - 19:45
    +11

    Become a gamer ;-)

    • pointless martyr on 12/07/2015 - 21:06
      +6

      And a drinker - not much time for boredom then.

      Does the island have a dan murphys and EB games?

      • bhm133 on 12/07/2015 - 21:24
        +1

        Mauritians are notorious drinkers. Enjoy that scotch!

        • bhm133 on 12/07/2015 - 21:33
          +4

          Boooooo negative!!! Notorious in the positive sense!!

        • SavatteDodo on 13/07/2015 - 09:26
          +6

          Right about the notorious drinkers but wrong about the scotch.

          Rum and beer is what rules paradise.

    • shamid202 on 14/07/2015 - 03:46

      gO BUY counter strike from steam now, you can waste whole your life on it! trust me!

  • rompastompa on 12/07/2015 - 20:00
    +1

    Long island iced tea, rinse and repeat.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 20:12
    +5

    Sooo… 'tis happening, JJB, albeit more than a year until.
    Plenty of time to ponder, plan & poop - yo - pants at the prospects.

    As per the suggestion above and despite your hesitation above, maybe Scotty will let you have your own 'JJBlog' sub-forum.
    If you're currently an ordinary photographer - improve on that and post some noice sunset and nature photos. Those will surely serve to increase OzB envy. I will no doubt be among the envious. Six months. Jesus.

    Maybe Scotty will also grant your darling wife her own 'WikiLeaks' sub-forum. Could be some issues with that name, maybe.
    Anyway, your Mauritian minx can post about just how insufferable you are becoming. Frequent updates likely required.
    May require an app. :)

    • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 20:45

      Six months

      Something tells me that once we get there, we're never leaving.

      Plenty of time to ponder, plan & poop - yo - pants at the prospects.

      Too much time to do all of the above and rinse and repeat :( So tempted to put a stop to this madness. I still can. I haven't given my final answer yet.

      The other option we have been considering is for the mrs to go by herself. The kids and I can visit her over the christmas holidays.But there would be all those long weeks without her… that would suck.We'll miss her:(

      • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 21:17
        +2

        Mate, I forget exactly what I wrote in that series of dm's we exchanged a couple of months ago, and I'm not going to look at them again, but the bits (very) specific to your job and to Wiki's homesickness, may be something that she may like to read, assuming that she hasn't seen them already.

        That said. There would be (and will be many more) people in this thread who are envious of your future as you described it. They would / will tell you to roll with it, with the reasonable-enough prospect that things will turn out just fine. They may be right. I am often wrong.

        Best not to stew about it - for more than a year - in any case.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 21:23
          +1

          Thanks Tas.

          Edit: when was the last time you were wrong? o.O

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 21:49
          +1

          @Jar Jar Binks: I wouldn't have plussed your comment if I'd seen the edit.

          Every day, JJB. Every day.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 21:49
          +1

          @Tas:

          :)

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 21:55
          +3

          @Jar Jar Binks:

          +1. Don't edit the smile.

      • mskeggs on 13/07/2015 - 11:35
        +18

        You really need to have a bit of a look at yourself and the approach you are taking. You will guarantee a bad experience for everyone if you continue to approach this with resentment. I appreciate you have a cool job, and a nice life and don't want to see it disrupted, but you will not continue to have a nice life if your partner is unhappy.
        You don't have a choice to remain as things are now. But this is life. Things always change. So your choice becomes "how can I maximise my future happiness?"

        If you put it in these terms, I think you will agree that some time abroad can be an opportunity. Treat it with an open mind and look for the possibilities available there (like a different culture, extended, loving family, a new slate, a happy partner).
        You seem hung up on the exclusivity agreement with your work. Big deal. If you are correct and 6 months turns into forever, it won't matter at all. If you end up returning, the chance your employer gets angry at you for volunteering to do some database work for a charity (for example) is so close to nil as to be irrelevant. Stop using it as a reason to hang resentment on.

        You have had a great, happy life. You can have a great happy life with some changes in another country. You can't have a great, happy life if you are moping about what you had before. I hope it turns out well, but remember you have a massive influence of how it turns out.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 11:43
          +3

          @mskeggs, harsh…but true.

        • mskeggs on 13/07/2015 - 12:58
          +8

          @Jar Jar Binks:
          Not trying to be unfair, but you would be a mug to let some of the key foundations of your past happiness (your family togetherness, in summary) become tarnished because you wish things could be different.
          From my own relationships, I have seen that contentment breeds its own problems. When it is you two against the world you draw together. When you have the world largely beaten (because finances/life plans etc. are now ok) the little niggles loom larger.
          It is fair to say that these little niggles, in your family's case one partner's desire to return home for a spell, aren't 100% valid. Afterall, they existed in the past when we made our plans and got together. And they used to be no obstacle.
          But over time, these things are the only challenges left, so they become the biggest, and grow to feel just as important as the old big challenges of how will we live, how will be secure etc.
          And you can't make someone feel something differently by appealing to logic. You can only look into yourself and examine and influence your own feelings and responses.

          So go for it. Pretend to yourself it is all a done deal, the decision was made and now you have to live with it, and redirect the energy that is questioning and regretting into improving and achieving the new life.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 14:32
          +4

          @mskeggs:

          I've read everything you, Greenpossum , Tas and everyone else have said. It is surprisingly insightful, considering we've never met.

          I'm standing there on the brink of that cliff and I keep telling myself to close my eyes and take a leap of faith. That everything will work out somehow. But I can't. I'm rooted to the spot and no amount of reasoning is going to change that :(

          When the going got tough in the past, the 2 things that kept me sane were my wife and my job. I have 4 very specialised degrees and I'm one of the best in my field but perhaps more importantly, I love what I do.I won't be able to use any of that knowledge for up to 72 months after I quit my job and even then, what will I do? Teach? :(

          As for my wife, its been the 2 of us against the world for over a decade. She's my bestfriend and I'm hers… at least when we're in Australia.

          In Mauritius, she has such a strong support network that she doesn't really need me. When she's there, she glows; she radiates happiness. While I'm the odd one out. The foreigner.The one they didn't really want her to marry. The reason they can't see their daughter every weekend or watch their grand kids grow up.

          I'm not going to move to Mauritius. She is.

        • leiiv on 13/07/2015 - 15:49

          @Jar Jar Binks: So that is basically saying that you cannot work until after 6 years if you quit your current job? Is such kind of contract even legal?
          You can try to start a company and work behind a proxy. There could be a way somehow.. If you violate your contract, will they actually sue you in the island?

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 15:56

          @leiiv:

          Is such kind of contract even legal?

          I get paid a very generous lump sum plus a "retraining" package.

        • mskeggs on 13/07/2015 - 17:54
          +2

          @Jar Jar Binks:

          I'm going to say this really plainly, then try a bit more subtlety:
          Unless you are Fred Hollows, jeopardising your family relationships for a job is something you will come to deeply regret.

        • mskeggs on 13/07/2015 - 18:09
          +5

          @Jar Jar Binks:

          So more subtlely:
          I can understand reluctance to uproot your life. Especially when you are used to a good career that includes monetary rewards and a degree of responsibility and prestige. And especially when the new location explicitly disallows you from pursuing the avenues you have found most successful previously. And doubly so when you have a new social network you need to integrate with. You would not like to look like a beach bum in front of these people, and "he had an important job in Australia" doesn't carry much currency in an other country.

          So I can understand all that.
          But you really aren't trying to find a compromise. Clearly your employer values you highly. No doubt they too wish you keep doing what you are doing, but if presented with the reality of you either working remotely and visiting for a few days, say, every 2 months, or losing your expertise, I suspect you could persuade them.
          And even if your current role doesn't allow for this, how about the position you held before this particular promotion?

          I guess what I am saying is you are shrugging your shoulders metaphorically, and a little petulantly, and saying "See, this won't work out." before you have given it an honest try.

          Your family deserves you to be a grown man about this and give it your best for them.

          I'm posting this from a perspective of giving you advice I would hope somebody would give me if I was in the same position, so please don't take it as being harsh.

        • redraoh on 13/07/2015 - 18:15

          @mskeggs: Uh, isn't that what his wife is doing? She wants to uproot the whole family. What if she's still not happy after they move? What if OP won't be happy, which is his gut feeling?

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 19:58

          @mskeggs: noted :)

        • mskeggs on 13/07/2015 - 21:00
          +1

          @redraoh:
          I understand. The difference being Wicket is living here now and can accurately assess her current happiness. Jar Jar is projecting (perhaps accurately, perhaps not) how he may feel.
          In any case, my advice to her would be different.
          But so far, each seems convinced there is no way to compromise. I think they would both do well to take some of the brinkmanship from the discussion, remember why they are in this thing together, and get back to enjoying the good times.
          Luckily, they both seem to have kept their senses of humour.

          And this is in their 30s. The posts for the 40yro mid-life crises will be epic ;-)

        • retiredfeline on 13/07/2015 - 22:26
          +2

          @Jar Jar Binks: I have a hunch the reason you are dithering is because you are afraid of what you (plural) might discover after those 6 months. You might find there is a chasm between your PoVs. But maybe not. But I think it's better to have experience to base further negotiations on. Otherwise you will always have could-have and maybes. Trust in life, there may be uncertainty and surprises, but you can work something out. Also,

          she has such a strong support network that she doesn't really need me

          I think Wiki will unhesitatingly tell you that you are more than just a support person!

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2015 - 17:31

          @greenpossum:

          I think Wiki will unhesitatingly tell you that you are more than just a support person!

          I would? o.O If you say so @greenpossum :p

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2015 - 17:45
          +1

          @Jar Jar Binks:

          Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Be brave. Take the leap.

        • retiredfeline on 15/07/2015 - 00:15
          +1

          @wicket1120: I can see I'm twisting your arm here. ;)

        • anderstand on 20/07/2015 - 09:22

          @Jar Jar Binks: If you refuse the package can you get out of the clause? Sounds like something i will never sign.

  • bhm133 on 12/07/2015 - 21:31
    +3

    "Anyway, the Mrs has given me cart-blanche to do whatever I want to keep myself busy."

    Gigolo?

    Seriously, you have been given quite the opportunity with no strings; paid time off work etc.

    I believe you have answered your own question… go swimming, running, yoga. Soak that up without regret. An idea will come to you during your runs/swims/yogas. You always have the opportunity to return back to Australia if things don't work after a year (random number plucked out of the air which from my experience is about as long as you should give new opportunities a chance). You sound quite well respected at work ergo quite employable. Enjoy the holiday and live in the moment for 6 months (or however the LSL is). Something will pop up and if not it is time to discuss with the wife opportunities

    Also, from my experience, Mauritians are good at "networking". A friend of a friend of a friend may know something you are yet to discover.

    Good luck! Take pics… I expect a blog out of this experience.

  • battler on 12/07/2015 - 21:47
    +22

    You may well be the first and only ozbargainer to complete every Udemy course you subscribed to!!!

    • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2015 - 21:52
      +5

      LOL. I might have to start with those yoga ones.

  • firedragon on 12/07/2015 - 21:51
    +2

    Your life is a series of interesting adventures!

  • thierry on 12/07/2015 - 23:42
    +2

    Learn a new skill - do some Uni course online. It'll be awesome - but yeah will be hard not to work for so long

  • OzzyB on 13/07/2015 - 00:05

    Take up a hobby? Write a play, hone your cooking/BBQ skills, build a boat on the beach… :)

  • deek on 13/07/2015 - 00:18
    +1

    Work remotely? With the Internet, working from almost any point on the globe should be quite practical, especially for someone from a technology field.

    Otherwise, I volunteer my services as a proxy husband.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 12:21
      +1

      Work remotely?

      I could but since my last promotion, my company gets to dictate where I live. Its part of my new contract. The last time they gave us a list of a dozen properties and we chose the one we wanted.They sorted out everything , including school for the kids.All the properties were within 20km of my head office.

      As for volunteering as a proxy husband to my wife, please take a number and stand in line. Quite a few people have already kindly volunteered their services, including my best friend and a female work colleague who must have overheard me talking about the move.

      • deek on 13/07/2015 - 13:31
        +4

        You may want to renegotiate your contract, especially considering your circumstances. If your workplace values your contributions, they could prefer to have you working while overseas. I've done something similar, where I went on a 3 week holiday, but worked four days remotely during that period, for a few very important tasks that the business needed. It was actually quite nice, being in a holiday apartment, sitting outside and working via wifi. Expenses during those days were paid for by work as well.

        Another option is to ignore the non-compete clause in your contract. It may not legally apply while you're in a foreign country.

        I am willing to time-share with your best friend and female work colleague.

  • 28kb on 13/07/2015 - 01:35

    What job does your wife have? Or is that too personal? Can't you be a stay at home dad? :P

    • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2015 - 17:32

      A shitty job, where she gets paid peanuts…which is why she's quitting it and moving overseas.

  • ge on 13/07/2015 - 02:43
    +1

    Start 1 or 2 meaningful projects like: Learning a new language, meeting one new person every other day, getting super fit, help someone every day, learn to play a musical instrument.

  • mingofmongo on 13/07/2015 - 07:43
    +3

    I'd buy a good camera (eg. Canon 760D, Panasonic Lumix GX7, Olympus OM-D EM-10) and a couple of lenses. Buy the camera with a 'standard zoom' lens and then add in the two lenses most useful for travel photography. Don't need to spend big $. For the canon this would be something like the Canon 10-18mm wide angle, and the Tamron 60mm f2.0 macro (also good as a low-light lens). For the Olympus / Panasonic you could get the Olympus 9-18mm wide angle and the Panasonic 30mm macro. Lots of opportunities for great photography in Mauritius - and even if you're not particularly artistic, there's still a lot of fun to be had in conquering the technical side of things.
    If you're into birds or wildlife photography, chuck in a telephoto lens as well. For the canon add in the 55-250mm telephoto and for the Olympus/Panasonic grab the Panasonic 100-300mm.
    There's much more you can spend on a hobby like this but it's entirely reasonable to start with cheap lenses and work out which type of photography you favour before you consider spending 'real' money on lenses - and lenses don't depreciate as much as you'd think so you can sell the old ones on ebay when the time comes that you want to buy a more pro-level kit.

    Or failing that, why not write a book for your kids? Collect a few stories you've told them, for them to treasure later in their lives? Depending on their age it doesn't need to be anything too artful. My son (2 yo) is mad about a particular doctor who monster (no, not the daleks) so his Christmas present will be his very own board book where two of them roam our house and garden discovering things (with photos consisting of 2 models from the ABC shop posed in front of things). My 4 yo daughter loves the Octonauts and I've made up a few short stories about them at bed time - her Christmas present will be a book containing these, hopefully with some photos of her Octonaut toys posed appropriately throughout.

    Might sound morbid but one of the things I've always intended on setting some time for was to film a few videos for my kids in case I die before they reach adulthood. Eg. sit down and talk about how I felt the day they were born, advice on aspects of life, family history, hopes for their future, etc. If I had a few months at my disposal this is definitely something I'd set aside some time for.

    Mate, I envy you - I've got a list a mile long of the things I'd like to spend time doing, but don't have the time to do them.

    Whatever you do - have fun and keep us posted.

  • divergent on 13/07/2015 - 08:11
    +3

    It's times like this that the other hemisphere of your brain kicks in. Boredom comes when the first runs out of interest, but as the saying goes 'when one door closes, another door opens', the second will find other interests. You probably just won't know what those interests are until you get there and immerse yourself in new experiences. Take a leap of faith. A change of life is also good for you at a young age. It'll save you from a mid-life crisis later in life. I would have loved to have had this opportunity, so feel blessed. Remember, also, that you don't always need to make decisions in advance, you are also free to 'go with the flow' and make decisions later on if it doesn't work out for you. Moving into the unknown is not the end of the world, it's not a decision that can't be reversed later on if need be. But I assure you, if you look at it positively and with hope, it'll turn out to be something you won't regret, and most likely a move you'll be glad you've made.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 08:25

    Spend more time with the in-laws. They live over there don't they?

  • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 08:46
    +1

    I would try and learn the stock market or currency trading considering you'll have a lot of time.
    I would either do this, or, learn to play online poker.

    I currently play poker for a living on the internet and the freedom it provides is incredible. My days are like you describe, except I live in Adelaide and get to travel whenever I want, because I can work whenever I want. I make about $45 AUD an hour (tax free) and it's only getting better because of the poor $AUD. I'm hoping that as I become a better player, my hourly will reach about $60-$75.

    Hopefully when they legalise online poker in the USA, there will be another 'boom' and all the casual players will provide even more money into the poker economy.

    I know accountants that make the same as I do after tax (or less) and they're miserable. I do what I love and I travel when I want.
    Anyway, I'm passionate about it because I too quit my job and had 6 months off, and in those 6 months I went from being a casual poker player to playing 30-35 hours a week and having time for myself and becoming happy.

    Just do something that you can enjoy whilst potentially being able to make a living out of it one day, it's a great time to experiment and get rid of the 'what if's?'

  • try2bhelpful on 13/07/2015 - 09:18
    +7

    Just go with the flow. After our house was paid off I kicked in my job and followed my man around the world for 2.5 years. (Couple of issues brought this to a head, including getting a cancer removed). Best time of my life. The only timetable I had to deliver to was ensuring we had food on the table and the house was moderately clean. I read books, played on the internet, went for walks, got fit, etc.

    We went to a number of countries including Mauritius, (lovely place, great food, wonderful people, lots of beaches and terrific snorkeling opportunities, great bus service. It is a tad small so you will need to amuse yourself but it would be a great place to learn to cook and you can work on your French language skills.)

    You can also be the support network for the kids and the missus. Give her a chance to feel she is at the centre of everything. We do have egos as well.

    When you go back you will find yourself renewed.

  • anderstand on 13/07/2015 - 09:22

    Wonder why not going at all is not an option up there? Sounds like the main thing is she's going with or without you.
    What do the kids think about moving schools for 6 months. I think they have a say?

    • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 12:02
      +3

      We always talked of moving back to her home country someday. Except that I thought we meant after we retire, not while we're still in our early 30s.

      What do the kids think about moving schools for 6 months

      "Yes!!! I've been preparing for this my whole life!" That's what my daughter said. She's 6. The twins are multilingual and fluent in the local language. They can't wait to see their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in real life rather than just talking to them on viber.
      They are also super excited about living in a coastal village and playing soccer,volleyball and what-not with the other kids on the beach…
      They have a list of food that they want to try, places they want to visit and to celebrate all the different festivals that are celebrated on the island…

      I'm the only one who's not 100% on board with moving to Mauritius plan.

      • retiredfeline on 13/07/2015 - 12:40
        +5

        Better find out early if you are suited for this kind of retirement otherwise you could be in strife years down the line. You seem determined that this self-diagnosed ADHD will prevent you from enjoying life there. You don't know until you've tried. Look at the positives, the opportunities, plan to make use of them, instead of bringing up objections. So shut up, just go, and stop making us all more envious. :P

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 12:42

          :)

      • anderstand on 13/07/2015 - 12:50
        +3

        In that case, try it for 3 months, and while you're doing the 3 months (or whatever you decide), research everything you can for the industry, like how to set up a company , working remotely for others, taxation, etc. This way you actually plan for what happens after the 6 months and you can make an informed decision beyond whether the people are nice. Once you have a good idea, and if you like it there, just quit earlier so you can work on what you want to.

  • November14 on 13/07/2015 - 10:03
    +2

    I think living overseas, especially in a country with a different culture, is always a great opportunity. Imagine how much the kids will learn and how much great hurdles for you to overcome to make it 'work' in the new country. And 6 months is a good, compact period of time. I would say 2 years lol. Say you have to go to BKK, or KL, I'll join Muay Thai, Cross Fit, etc to keep very busy (and that you can bring the skill home to set up a business, say) and meet tons of new people from there. You can also buy a car and do UBER.

  • daleyboy79 on 13/07/2015 - 10:19

    Go fishing!!!
    Enjoyable … and you can say you are out catching fresh food for the family ;)

    • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 12:03

      I hate fishing:( I have ADHD (self-diagnosed). I can't sit still.

      • daleyboy79 on 13/07/2015 - 14:34
        +1

        you've obviously never tried fishing with lures ;) … just keep walking along the coast and casting lures till you catch something.

        • the frost on 13/07/2015 - 15:40
          +3

          Scuba diving! Great place for it. Some islands have six month passes where you can rent gear and go as many times as you want. And/or photography, that someone below suggested (though maybe too much patience is needed.)

  • MementoMori on 13/07/2015 - 10:22
    +2

    I would recommend defining your mission in life and working on that. Something you're passionate about, something that drives you. Some injustice in the world you want to fix, or people to help. It's different for everybody. Easier said than done but outside the scope of OzB forum.

    I used to flounder around not knowing what I'd do if I had time off, now I'm busier than ever.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 14/07/2015 - 21:24
      +2

      It sounds like JJB may have already achieved the goals he might've set earlier in life and is now faced with unforeseen paths.

      My advice would be to develop new goals with your wife and children, as individuals and as a family. Then make decisions based on progressing towards those goals. The challenging part is comparatively valuing each of those goals when compromises need to be made.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2015 - 00:27

        @McDuck, wld u go?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/07/2015 - 11:49
          +2

          I've always dreamed of having a partner who had a loving extended family. If I had a wife who I loved and two children with her, it would destroy me to be apart from them. I also feel lonely getting into an empty bed.

          So as I sit here freezing my butt off in Sydney fantasising about relocating to a tropical island paradise, I can confidently say that if I was in your position, I'd decide to go in a heartbeat.

          However, I am not you. I don't know you very well at all; all I have is some stories and vague details. I don't know much about your relationship with your wife, your relationships with your friends, your lifestyle in Melbourne or your job. Most importantly, I don't know what your values are and probably only you know them.

          I value variety in life; you could go and decide to come back if that's what's best.

  • Evil-Elmo on 13/07/2015 - 10:49
    +2

    Originally I thought 'learn something new' (e.g. cooking, language, serious photography, etc.) but that's been suggested a few times. So instead I suggest you spend that time trying to find as many jobs as possible for your fellow OzBargainers on this island paradise :)

    • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 11:35
      +6

      ozbargain meetup in Mauritius, anyone? We could have a barbie on the beach, get drunk on the local beers and rhum agricole, dance around a bonfire
      to the beat of the ravanne, go for a midnight dip in the sea and fall asleep under the stars. It would be fun :)

      • SavatteDodo on 13/07/2015 - 11:41
        +2

        Phoenix beer and Goodwill Rum it is mate. Cheers

        6 months is nothing in Mauritius. You will have lots of fun there.

        • onlyletters on 13/07/2015 - 12:25
          +1

          I'm pretty sure he will get bored after 1 month.

        • SavatteDodo on 13/07/2015 - 12:37
          +1

          @eXtremist: Depends. If you know people, it can go like a roller coaster.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 14/07/2015 - 21:48
        +1

        Now for a sale flight to Mauritius…

  • ProjectZero on 13/07/2015 - 12:15
    +2

    the Mrs has given me cart-blanche to do whatever I want to keep myself busy

    Hmmm… sounds like a hall pass to me…

    Anyway, learn the OzB trade… become a bikie =)

    • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2015 - 12:33
      +2

      I'm non-violent…and faithful.

      • Bunnyburger on 13/07/2015 - 12:41

        Just operate within the parameters of your relationship ;) Carte blanche!

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