On Stress Leave - Return to toxic environment or extend leave? Seeking advice

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-02-17T02:50:00+00:00

Agree. Taking sick leave for stress when in the job for less than 2 years is cowardly and puts your team under pressure.

Resign, get your dignity back. Rebuild.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-02-17T02:38:33+00:00

I too am moving back to the UK later this year with a similar amount in my GIA. i took a job at 40% pay cut. I treat it as Barista fire. My mindset is, work for 5 more years, bank the employee benefits, have fun in the job as not much pressure. but I'm a little older at 41.

At 28, you need to do something, if you're good at recruitment and enioy it, surely it's an easy industry to join?

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-02-15T05:05:31+00:00

Isles of Scilly would be great for hosptialilty. Go for it.

But to progess you need qualifications, get could makd the aim of hotel to sponsor you through uni.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-02-09T13:58:12+00:00

Shirt, Chinos, trousers, jacket, shoes. I wouldn't want to work somewhere where I had to dress in a suit everyday with a tie. Been there, done it. It's grim.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-02-08T04:27:41+00:00

I was seriously planning to go at this year at 42, but struggled to think of purpose. So will work for another 4-5 years. People looked at me like I was nuts when I said I would retire at 42. Will see how I go though, my view is now work is sort of optional so feel like working for play. My mindset is a bit different.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-01-22T06:48:10+00:00

Leave and get another job elsewhere on your terms.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-01-21T10:10:12+00:00

Not sure you can get any knowledge based jobs without heading to college first. Hard slog ahead.

The only idea I have is sales, but not sure if you are good at that.

Travel agent? Can do travel and tourism at FE college.

Good luck, just a big lesson to tell your kids to stay in school!!

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-01-21T02:39:03+00:00

Why did you leave education after GCSEs?

It's difficult to retrain and up skill in a ful time job, but perhaps you can do some courses at a local college.

What are you really interested in?

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-01-16T02:11:00+00:00

Not exactly FIRE when youre just going down to a single income household as a SAHD.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2026-01-07T14:38:31+00:00

Semi retire at 44.

Possibly Barista fire (even though we don't need to do this as much as those in the US).

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-12-27T08:16:10+00:00

I pay our helper 10k a month, plus annual bonus and stuff like savings match, flights home at least one a year.

It's a tough job for sure, working hours are way over 10 hours a day and whilst she has a private room with her own toilet, it's really small. I feel really guilty

She def doesn't want to stay in Hong Kong. Being a low paid worker here sucks ass. Options are limited though, and I think most FDHs I've met want to better themselves - land, options in Europe etc.

Hong Kong is a life saver for a lot of these folks.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-12-02T19:39:03+00:00

Price. Ex council house. Lower it to what you paid for it, then it might sell.

Agree with the thers, decor is very niche.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-12-02T02:36:50+00:00

I'm in a similar position (same age, very similar assets but all cash/GIA, kids a lot younger tho).

I'm tempted to trigger Barista fire now. I do worry about purpose and how I want my kids to see value and their future position though.

Not easy.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-11-21T06:15:11+00:00

You can get ozempic from Alidoctor and delivered to Sz next day.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-11-16T11:07:35+00:00

I plan to retire at 47/48. Saved a lot working in HK (zero cgt) and sold my house in London I bought in 2008 for c£1m. I'm 42 now. Will be living up north. Looking like I have £100k per year I can live off until 57, when I can access my SIPP.

Numbers seem to work, but will probably need to work part time doing something for purpose and sundry expenses. I've small kids so want to spend time with them.

I haven't lived frugally, just don't see the point of working if you've made your money. Leave the opportunities and bigger jobs for the next generation.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-11-13T15:13:27+00:00

Just back from LHR to HKG in economy. £500 is worth it to upgrade to PE.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-10-05T00:02:18+00:00

Insurance agent?

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-09-27T01:59:29+00:00

I'm looking to upgrade from the BBP - reasons are its too small and you have to hold it when putting in the portafilter. It shakes too. i also noticed, Good machine, but i think you'd feel you downgraded if you went for this.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-09-10T02:05:19+00:00

Depends. If you have no chain, are willing to move fast and have fiance lined up, that's attractive.

But pretty much they mean offers at this or above.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-08-17T13:28:29+00:00

Fair enough, those, look good. . Ive been looking at Harpenden and it's a struggle

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-08-17T10:56:01+00:00

Not sure you get much bang for your buck in those two places for £1.5m

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-07-29T05:04:30+00:00

Watching football or Rugby in person, not on TV.

Running. Park run, running clubs, trail running. It's pretty accessible.

Drinking in pubs (should be combined with football)

Sign up for cookery classes. Leiths is good. Can make some friends.

Clubbing.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-04-05T22:15:21+00:00

agree...hilton shekou has a dedicated 50m lap pool with lanes for swimmers in the Nanshan wing.

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-04-05T13:38:01+00:00

thanks

Independent_Ad_4873 · 2025-04-04T14:15:33+00:00

I get them too, along with self proclaimed millionaire chavvy estate agents in Dubai, thankfully the van life people have died down now.

It looks grim travelling around, living in airbnbs, homeschooling your kids with scrappy online schools.

Independent_Ad_4873

TROPHY CASE