Steady Progress

After a tumultuous earnings week, my finances have stabilized, and I’m on track to meet my monthly target. My objective is to improve each month, with hopes of reaching my year-end goal, provided I avoid any significant setbacks. I discovered that sharing links in a Facebook group wasn’t beneficial, so I’ve shifted my focus to consistently producing articles and fostering organic growth, even if it sometimes feels like I’m just creating organic compost.

The Tax Office Experience

Having wrapped up my paid employment at the end of March after over forty years, I decided to contact the tax office to adjust my tax code. In doing so, I momentarily forgot that I was in the UK, where customer service seems to be a myth. Rather than speaking with a representative, I endured a lengthy recorded message about their busy schedule and was urged to solve my issues online. I can only imagine that when I reach the Pearly Gates, I’ll encounter a similar situation—press 1 for heaven, 2 for purgatory, and so on.

After what felt like an eternity of listening to this automated nonsense, I was informed that they couldn't assist me and then abruptly disconnected the call. This is the standard of public service in the UK. I’d rather watch Forest Green Rovers lose for another 90 minutes than go through that ordeal again. So, my tax code remains an enigma, just like it always has been.

Experimenting with Substack

Apologies for mentioning the “S” word in polite company, but like many other Medium enthusiasts, I’ve recently tried out Substack to see if it offers any value. After a couple of weeks of half-hearted experimentation, I’ve decided to step back. There’s a significant risk of spreading myself too thin and losing focus, which I struggle with even under the best circumstances.

Substack feels like a similar platform to Medium, but without the financial incentives or sense of community. I might be overlooking something important, as I often do. It’s clear that I shouldn’t put all my proverbial eggs in one basket, but I don’t see Substack as a viable income source. Why would anyone pay to read my musings there when they can access them on Medium for free?

Major Developments

Aside from Forest Green Rovers facing relegation and Mrs. Pearce’s lengthy retirement celebrations, I have begun working on a new e-book after a long hiatus since my last publication. I had been hesitant to dive back into book writing because the entire process felt exhausting and demotivating. The countless revisions can make you lose interest in your own work, which might explain why my last book was such a flop.

There’s also the ever-present concern of "nugatory expenditure"—investing significant time and effort with little to show for it. Unless you have a book deal or an advance (sorry, I digress), there’s always the risk of putting in a lot of work for no reward. Yet, after taking a break, I’m feeling motivated to tackle writing again. Maybe the medication is finally kicking in!

Adventure Before Dementia

I recently spotted a bumper sticker on a mobile home that read, “Adventure Before Dementia,” which resonated with my situation. I’m taking a leap into self-employment just a few years shy of retirement age. While dementia is a serious issue—having seen loved ones suffer from it—I believe in making the most of life while I can. There’s a strong case for maximizing the joys of life before the inevitable decline that age brings; otherwise, we’re left with little to look forward to but the challenges of aging.

My personal journey seems to have been sourced from a discount store, but that’s a tale for another time. In the next installment, I hope to share news about my book deal. Here’s to moving forward toward the ideal future in Brexitland!