to move house because of covid?

[musicforsnorks]

I rent in a very beautiful place, my home isn't ideal, but the area is outstanding and difficult to find accommodation in. I worked quite hard and spent a lot to get there, and whilst not perfect, I considered it a decent start.

I am self employed, wfh, but really do need to take on about 16 hrs a week employed work to live comfortably. I was planning to find the work before covid turned up! I also have to use public transport a lot.

I have a friend who lives in a fairly deprived ex industrial town, owns her house and has suggested I live in with her to help me out, whilst sharing bills. sounds fantastic financially, and I've lived with her before and we get on fabulously. I would not have to seek any extra work if I move in with her, it would be great for me financially.

however, I have a few worries. House next door to her was a HMO and has just been bought again, possibly to be another HMO......she did have horrendous issues with noise from that. There are some other noise issues as well.
The town is very different to my own place and not the most friendly place in the world, it is also suffering from a lack of investment and poverty.

would you do it, in order to save up and not have to worry about finding part time work?
or is this madness?

my own place is too small, a tiny bedsit-style thing and also suffers from not very good soundproofing, but I don't know!

wwyd?

it would be like the locality difference between these two photos (not photos of actual places but similar)

I've lived in the terraced type area before, briefly, and it was quite deprived. environment does affect me, I know we're not all alike though.

You sound driven and like you have your head screwed on tight - what’s your end goal though? You just say it would be great financially but not what that means.

It sounds like you could do it for 6months to a year, save as much as possible enabling you to buy in your chosen area. Still do the work you need to so you’re padding out you income as much as poss.

If your end goal is to buy a house that is!

my end goal is quite humble really - a fairly fluid yet peaceful existence with nature, art and yoga.
I know this isn't exciting, but I don't have children, I'm over 40, and really like a simple life.

I don't wish to buy as I like the freedom of renting, although I may possibly eventually share a place with DP.

I was going to move out of fear really, to lay low in case I couldn't find a small job. but I feel to some extent, whilst that is financially prudent, it is also a bit of a cop-out.

I have a very decent, generous landlord and had planned on moving more rural for many years. so moving to friend's would be going backwards in the sense of what I'd been looking for.

it sounds like I've made my mind up, but I do appreciate other people's thoughts on whether I am being sensible or not.

a family member recently advised me to live with friend for a couple of years just to save on rent. that I would be 'mad' to stay put in a recession.

im not at all happy with that but wondered if you lovely folk agreed with them.

In short term would focus on seeking work, and establishing whether your self employment is financially viable, for the longer term (provision for old age etc).

If within a few months, or whenever your current rental agreement allows you to leave without a big penalty. you can’t get the work/ increase your income, would look for housing that’s cheaper and/or closer to jobs. Seems likely that the option of lodging with your friend will still be open then.

@Dozer, much of my self employment income is passive, with a mix of commission and licensing thrown in. Income varies but has been doing well for 15 years. I intend to continue with this (and considering ideas on how to expand) regardless other pursuits/jobs. Have been interested in getting involved with tourism, volunteering, too.

Covid has stalled a lot of that.

I will definitely flow where work takes me. lots of changes at this point in my life, too, so am just tentatively moving forward at moment.