Never Retire: Good, Not-So-Good And Bad News On The Road To Spain

The life of a freelance writer

It feels weird writing about anything related to Spain given what’s going on in Spain. But this newsletter has had how I see Never Retiring alongside moving to Spain as its primary theme for roughly two years now.

Thus far, I have been lucky enough to write about everything being all good. So—while it makes sense to hide for a couple of days during/after today’s election—it doesn’t when things turn a little not-so-good for me and unimaginably bad for Spain.

First—for people who have asked—have the storms and subsequent flooding and destruction in Spain, particularly Valencia, impacted our decision to move there? Short answer: No.

Practically speaking—in 1957, there was a flood that killed 81 people and heavily damaged Valencia City. In response, the government executed a plan to reroute the Turia River, which runs through Valencia, to the south. Therefore, during the current disaster, Valencia City—which is where we’re moving—was spared. The images you’re seeing on television are concentrated in towns around the city.

We’re living in a world where few of us are safe from the impacts of natural disasters, including those possibly created and certainly amplified by climate change. Staying in Southern California feels not all that different from moving to eastern Spain.

The way people—particularly young people—have responded by helping in the impacted areas is inspiring and makes me feel like we made a good choice of countries and communities to be part of.

So that’s the bad news.

As for the not-so-good news.

I received word earlier this week that I lost one of my four freelance writing gigs. It accounts for a variable, but usually meaningful chunk of income. Not good timing at all, but also not the end of the world.

Such is the life of a freelance writer.

This feels like as good of a time as any to ask you to support my newsletter. It’s a big part of my freelance workload and income going forward as we prepare to head to Spain in January.

I appreciate monthly ($5) and annual ($50) subscriptions, but suggest a founding membership ($100 or more) because this option is—by far—the best value. I convert all founding memberships to lifetime subscriptions.

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