We met with the bank to finalise our new Canadian accounts this morning, and then headed into town to meet Ian, a local yacht broker to talk through a range of options for boat buying. Ian was really friendly and had very helpful advice to offer on the types of boats that will meet our needs within what in boat terms is a very small budget. It was really encouraging to meet someone who knows their job who didn’t think we were crazy, and was happy to help.

We cooked an amazing curry tonight for Dennis and Pat and spend a couple of hours chatting about boat options and how to move forward. Dennis and Pat have loads of experience, and we’ve had a lot of fun bonding over boat stories and nice tarts for desert.

It’s amazing to think that a week has gone by already, things are moving so fast. It’s been a tough week in terms of emotions and both Kel and I have had off days. It’s funny how having too much free time can be as stressful as too little.

I’ve been reading a great book called the ‘Four Hour Work Week’ by Timothy Ferriss this week which has provided some really good food for thought. Taking time out to travel is a very deliberate opportunity for both Keli and I to rethink our careers, and develop some rules to live by in terms of future employment.

In the last few years I’ve really come to understand how I function and what motivates me best, and the book has helped me structure those reflections a little. I’ve been struck by the mobility afforded to people wtih the advance of the internet, and how that allows us to earn money in one currency and spend it in another in a way that really increases the relative value of our bank balance.

Mobility, flexibility and autonomy compete with pounds or dollars to become the most desirable currency, and the ‘dream job’ is now one that has a mix of those three things, rather than a well-paid job that limits my life choices. Ferriss calls this ‘lifestyle design’, and argues that a new generation are making career choices based on the ability to maintain a flexible and fulfilling quality of life, rather than a bottom line salary. Naturally I’m with him all the way!

If we’re not careful we might never stop sailing…

The Four Hour Work Week is well worth a read if you’re in any way thinking about your current career, or if you currently have a retirement plan! (which I of course don’t and the author thoroughtly discourages!)

Bed calls, but there’ll be more thoughts tomorrow after my 6am fitness group.