How do I start all over again at 57

[GoGoGirlxx]

I have £30k in savings and a small pension pot. I rent so don't own a property or have any other investments. No family, no friends to speak of. No ties to the UK at all. How do I start all over again? My life is dull and tedious and just passing me by. I want to start afresh before it's too late but I don't know how or even where. What would you do in my situation?

What makes your blood tingle? In an ideal world (i.e. with a passport that would allow you to live anywhere and no money concerns) what would you do and where would you be?

Do you work? And is it remote? Just wondering if you are tied to a place and what your commitments are in that sense?

What part do you want to start over? Are you simply ready for a change, and want one big adventure, or are you wanting to change everything in life, and if so why?

I do have a skill that's public facing and basically could do anywhere in the world. So I have earning potential.

I want to start everything again. I can't tell you how relentlessly dull my life is.

What exactly is passing you by?
What do you regret not having done?
What would you dream about?
What are you scared of admitting?
What did you like as a child?

Dull

Take up rock climbing

Life is passing me by. I don't have any fulfilling relationships or friends. I get up go to work come home. That's my life.

I think pursuing a passion dear to your heart is a good place to start. From there you’ll meet like minded people so will form a good social circle. You’ll also be achieving something you’ve always wanted and (for me at least) that’s the definition of success in life; being true to yourself and doing what you really want to do.

As examples of this; some pole dancers start at 60 and become champions. There are also adult cheerleading teams! That’s what I’d do in your position! For your tastes, maybe you’d like an art class, learning an instrument, doing a degree or volunteering. Now’s your time to become the real you.

@Feliciacat I love that. Thank you. Great suggestions. The real me is in here somewhere.

Pick a few places in the world you fancy. Check visa and immigration rules, job market, cost of living.

Decide whether you want to holiday there first to see if you like the area.

Depending on your career field, either start applying for jobs, or wait until you get there. Hand in notice, give up rental, sell most your stuff or ship it out there. Find somewhere to live, maybe short term to start with. Join lots of groups to get to know people. Enjoy!

What do you feel is missing? Moving somewhere else won’t change a lack of relationships, or a dull life - it’s a true saying “wherever you go, there you are”. I’d start making changes to your current living circumstances, look for groups you can join or activities you’re passionate about - try lots of things you’d not normally think of to see what sticks.

Then from a place of knowledge you can decide if moving, travelling etc will scratch an itch. You could make a costly move to end up in a different place with a life that still feels dull.

@Jellycatspyjamas I know where you're coming from but many of the things people suggest on here I have actually done. Book club, gym, meet up etc... they didn't work out for me. I feel like I need to shed my old skin and part of that involves some kind of move. I'm so sick of the familiarity of this place.

Some countries now have remote work visas. So look into that. And look for a role that allows it. I have a 100% global remote contract so it's possible.

I use a notebook to envision my life. Plain paper not lined.

On each page I draw an image in the centre of some far off goal

Around the edges I write steps or thinks that take me towards the goal

It has worked very powerfully for me in the past to vusualuse my ideal future then break it down into achievable steps

Have you looked at VSO?

If I was in your position, I’d get an RYA competent crew qualification. Then I’d find a placement with https://www.crewseekers.net/ and sail off round the world.

There's a cracking series in the Guardian called "a new start at 60" which is exactly what it says on the tin - and what I like about it is that some people have really bold, brave adventures, and with others its much more about changing their mindset. It might be worth looking at it for inspiration? In your situation, with no particular ties, I'd consider following the path of the woman who basically house and pet sits around the world? It would get you away and out of your rut, and you could probably do some freelance work at the same time.

Thank you for these great tips. I know what I'll be doing over BH weekend!

What a fabulous situation to be in, no ties, enough money in your pocket to relocate, skills that make you employable - the world is your oyster. Be brave!