I've just decided to change my life - hopefully for the better! I used to be proud of the fact that as a retired person I worked longer hours - unpaid - than when I had a demanding professional career. Who was I kidding?
[Image courtesy of Medium]
I'm 75 years old and have been retired for 20 years. In that time I've filled my life with loads of activities. House renovations, holiday rentals, real estate, translation and interpreting, teaching English, writing, gardening and DIY.
I've just realised that I've been a bit stupid. I've been ripped off by sundry folk, who have not paid me for the work I've done for them. All of them northern Europeans: English, Scottish, Irish, German. To date, only one Spanish company has done that!
[Cartoon courtesy of Facebook]
Time for change
So, having been "shafted" by Booking.com and Travelnest, I've decided to give up holiday rentals. My rental house (vivienda rural) is up for sale.
Translation and interpreting is a nightmare. Nobody wants to pay the going rate (I'm cheaper than most, by the way).
Teaching English I was earning the same as a cleaner!
Renovations will be no more. I am owed a fortune by sinverguenzas who have hired me and not paid up!
[image courtesy of Facebook]
My New Regime
I decided today that I'm going to change my life. I'm going to focus on our home and my marriage.
I have so enjoyed being at home recently, seeing to the pool (a daily task) which Rita and I do together, pottering around in the garden, pruning, clearing debris, having a refreshing swim from time to time. It was so nice.
I have a few ongoing projects at home, eg creating a "man cave" at the back of the garden, and growing my own fruit and veg, both of which I enjoy and will keep me fit.
Lucy and Amy enjoying our pool [Paul W]
Chasing debts
This will be stressful, but I don't see why I should put up with bad payers.
The "scouse git", Neil Gallagher, who owes me 6000 euros will be hearing from me. I can name him because he is guilty and I have the proof. He has a charge sheet longer than my arm.
British neighbours, and I thought friends, owe me 50 euros for translation services. "Botox and Brag", as a friend of mine calls them, need to pay me or I shall denounce them.
The other Brits who owe me money, I'll probably have to write those off, as they are no longer around.
There is one Spanish company which has taken the p**s. To get anywhere with them, I'll probably have to engage FACUA, similar to the Consumers' Association in the UK.
[Image courtesy of Aqualai]
Links:
CASA REAL, MONTEJAQUE - Large modernised traditional village house in beautiful pueblo blanco - PRICE REDUCTION 120.000€ - Help me, Ronda
Help me, Ronda - HELP ME RONDA
Rogues Gallery – the name and shame blog - Eye on Spain
© The Curmudgeon (Paul Whitelock)
Photos:
Aqualai, Facebook, Medium, Paul Whitelock, Wikipedia
Tags:
Aqualai, Booking.com, Casa Real Montejaque, Eye on Spain, Facebook, FACUA, "man cave", Medium, Neil Gallagher, Paul Whitelock, Rogues Gallery, The Curmudgeon, Travelnest, Wikipedia