to ask for your thoughts (sorry this is very long)

[E320]

Current situation: without a job since the end of January. I resigned (long story, but let's say that I got tired of being "wrong" all the time). Lots of interest and some interviews, but last employer has not yet paid me for December, so cash is non-existant tight, to put it mildly.
I have 3 opportunities and the following pros and cons:

1. Second interview on Friday last. Freelance contract for 6 months with possibility to go permanent (I have worked freelance for the past 16 years). Money good, could commute from home, people seem pleasant (very important). BUT would have to get involved in VAT as would be working in my country of residence and the pay for a permanent role might not be enough for me to live on (i.e. pay the mortgage, petrol for commuting, parking, lunches etc.).
2. Interview tomorrow for freelance job in different country from my country of residence (although only 2 hours away by car). Money less BUT no compulsion to go permanent & could be extended a couple of times, would not involve VAT (EU cross-border), would incur accommodation costs as too far to commute.
3. Early stages of application for job in a non-EU country. Good pay, opportunity to go permanent with good benefits etc. Would incur accommodation costs initially, but I could move there permanently and rent my house out.

If I don't get paid for December (and it will be a fight, which is why I resigned) I need to take option 1. If I do get paid for December I would prefer option 2 with an eye on option 3 if that develops into anything more concrete. Only have myself (and the bank manager) to please. Selling my house is not an option (needs too much work done to make it worthwhile at the moment). What would you do?

Are you in the UK?

hi 320

was in a similiar position oct/nov last year. my bank manager went all snitty on me when i least needed it and wouldn't extend my overdraft for another 2 months even tho' i had written evidence that i was owed a lot of money [and had been with the bank in credit for 35 yrs+]

So. I'd say don't rely on yr bank to be helpful. It was the last thing i wanted to ask my family for a loan - tho' it proved to be my salvation. Maybe do the same or get a 0% credit card to make the work transition you want?

Needless to say - but will say it anyway, as soon as i received the money i was owed, i closed all my accounts at the bank and took my custom elsewhere

I am not in the UK and there is no such thing as a 0% credit card here. You pay everything off at the end of the month. I have never been in this situation before.

Hi E320... Is there any possibility of you doing Options 1 and 3 together? I'm thinking that '3' could take a while to come into fruition, long enough for you to do the 6 months of '1' or near as dammit?

Hi LyingWitch
this would be the ideal scenario. I am just a little doubtful about taking something (assuming it is offered) knowing full well that I do not want the permanent option (purely due to the high taxation here).
I think, at the end of the day, it's going to be whatever is offered first, or the Euromillions on Friday evening .