What would you think of someone if they lived on a boat?

[Newyounewlife]

I am considering leaving my partner for 15+ years, however it would be impossible for me to buy or rent independently even with my professional job due to the area in which I need to be based. The only options seem to be:

• move home with parents (not something I want to do at 35)
• sell my car for £15,000, buy a small houseboat and a runaround car to get me to and from work.

What would be your perception of someone who was in a well respected professional position who made this life change?

Do you think this would affect opportunities for promotion?

Would you think less of them for leaving a seemingly secure relationship and a house with mortgage for a house boat?

What people think of you is the very very very last thing that should affect your decision.

I’d think good for you for finding a way to get out of a relationship that’s not working, & be very interested in what it’s like living on a boat.

I would assume it was a lifestyle choice.

i don’t know where you work, but in none of my jobs would it have crossed anyone’s mind for this to impact career prospects

Why would people you work with need to know so much about your private life?

I'd be envious, and want to visit you on your boat!

Why would living in a house boat affect your job?

The people I know who live on houseboats are both artists so I'd probably assume you were also a bit arty and alternative.

Aren't there thousands of Londoners living on house boats due to the cost of housing there? I don't think anyone would think negatively of you for choosing a boat over moving back in with mum and dad!

I wouldnt think anything of it, other than "good for you." I might think it was interesting/alternative but that's it. I'd love to live on a house boat but I think the January to February period would be difficult due to the weather (plus, I cant steer them very well).

I would think, a - they are very rich b-they are very brave and c- they have a more interesting life than I do!

Id assume you have a neckerchief and perhaps a small Jack Russell with matching neckerchief.

Why would your work need to know? I think it's a great idea myself.

When I was a baby my parents lived on a boat. I don’t remember it at all, but it is still the me coolest thing about me 😂. Go for it.

What environment do you work in? Is it very stuffy/corporate?

I'd be intrigued personally and hope for a visit!!

I wouldn't think anything either way but they cost a tonne to maintain, repair etc.

I don't think I've worked anywhere where I know what living quarters my colleagues had (bar during the pandemic when I could see their sitting rooms over Teams).

Would you think less of them for leaving a seemingly secure relationship and a house with mortgage for a house boat?

Not beyond, 'oh that's an interesting choice, bet it's cold in winter though.'

I've just googled and it's estimated that approx. 10,000 people in London live on a boat.

I’d think you were super cool and be quite jealous!

good luck with whatever you decide

Sounds like a great solution. I wouldn't think anything at all of it other than to have my mind idling about how it worked for receiving post, and whether it would be warm in the winter.

I’d think “she lives on a boat”

I'd think it was fabulous and would consider doing the same myself (for a millisecond, until I remembered that I don't much like the water).

In all seriousness though, sounds great and stuff what anyone else would think as it's none of their business.

I'd worry about the quality of boat that you'd get for under £15k and that you've under-estimated the cost and maintenance of living on it. Have you truly researched this?

If not, I suggest you park this idea for now. As it seems to be an option, move in with your folks for a few months (or a house-share). Just temporarily whilst your mind settles and you can take a more measured approach to your next steps.

I know two teachers, a BBC engineer and a software developer who live on boats - and more people in a variety of careers.

There's quite a lot of maintenance.

On the plus side, boat people are a 'community' in a way that house people have mostly lost. If your boat's travel-fit, you can have instant holidays for almost no extra cost. And you wake up every day to a river, birds and usually plenty of greenery.

I can't see how £15,000 would get you a boat good enough to live on and a car.

I would think you rock on both counts.. Leaving a bad relationship and living on a boat..

Yikes! And that's without mooring fees, renovations and maintenance 😧