Life-Changing...

[DumBlonde]

Has anyone ever just said to hell with it all and left their entire lives behind? Or, in a less melodramatic way, just came to a breaking point and made a major life changing decision, not knowing where it would leave you or what might happen to you?

What happened, what age were you and did it work out for you in the end?

[netibiza]

Yes in 1971 I upped sticks and left an abusive relationsip when he was away and I flew to Ibiza. It was the best thing I have ever done - I live here still and do not regret a thing.  I admit my family aided me with the getaway.

[thikasabrik]

At the age of 30 I had a husband, career, big house, flash car etc etc. It all went pear shaped when my husband had an affair with my boss and she fell pregnant. The first I knew about it was when I was suddenly sent away from work on a course.While I was away he moved her into the house, changed the locks, had a bonfire of all my posessions & cleared out the joint accounts. In one fell swoop I was homeless, penniless and surprise surprise, suddenly jobless.I had the clothes I stood up in. I went to live in another part of the country where I didn't know a soul, to make a fresh start. At first I lived in a grotty bedsit and did menial work while I studied for qualifications for a change of career.It's been 17 years since then and I have a partner, 2 beautiful children, an interesting career and a house I bought myself. (I did eventually get a settlement from my ex, most of which went to solicitors). I am proud of what I have achieved and if I can do it, anyone can.

[rojash]

5 years ago I was working all the hours God gave me, earning really good money, and hating every minute of my life. After one minor setback, I just said "Sod it", dropped everything and moved to Greece. I now earn a tiny fraction of my previous income, take each day as it comes, and love every minute of it.

[David H]

I found these sort of events happened by themselves rather than being chosen by me, like when my parents split up and sold the house so I had to move out. Losing jobs has also been a recurring theme until I virtually gave up looking.

The best choice I made that is supposed to change many lives is when I went on a pretty drawn out meditation course in 1996. Though the results haven't been as dramatic as some, who have changed their whole view of everything since starting practice, it has shown me states of feeling I wouldn't have found otherwise. But it grows with use, and changes so who knows what may still lie ahead?

[GucciGal]

Yes! my sister is right in the middle of it now, she's jacked in her office job, re-housed her cat, redecorated her flat (herself) and is renting it out shortly. Her plans are to go to Tusccany, Italy to learn yoga! She also has done about 3 car boot sales to sell off her stuff she doesn't want. So I think she serious! She is 39, single and a mother of a 21 yr old son.

[netibiza]

Good for us all - we are survivors - group hug!!!!

[FP]

Netibiza, Ibiza in the 70's with the Hippies - wonderful!

[FP]

My husband and I both gave up our good jobs in Hertfordshire in 1979 and bought a derelict cottage in North Norfolk.  We were in our early thirties.   I found a completely new type of job and he stayed at home for a year renovating our house.  We then started our own little business.  We had to give up our business due to the 80's recession, but I have never regretted our decision.  Not dramatic, but definitely life changing.

[netibiza]

Yes FP if anything gave me back my self worth it was living here - and yes I was a (clean) hippie for a while.