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Great channel. Thoughts that spring to mind (not necessarily in order); the issue of Western governments’ debt/risk of bankruptcy as well as societal wealth inequality for individuals plus the politics of division etc. is really well explained on Gary Stevenson’s RUclips Channel “Gary’s economics”. In other words, the decline you note isn’t restricted to the UK. Also, with the skill of selling, how do you feel about creating some kind of information product, service or paid community (so you don’t have to rely on the pretty measly YT Ad revenue)? If you’ve solved some problem it means your skills and knowledge can be valuable to other people. Genuinely helping people with something you believe in makes selling that feel meaningful and could open up the “digital nomad” opportunities for you to thrive outside a western country and with potentially much lower outgoings. If you can ethically sell, there’s a good chance you’ll never go short - especially if you step outside the conventional company/career structure with a personal brand. It should also help you avoid building an audience of customers that you dislike - increasing the chances of feeling fulfilled through a life with meaning.

Hiya John, great video. My husband and I were planning on travelling when we retired, even moving to the UK as he has family there, but then at the age of 44, I had my first heart attack, this was in 2011 and since have had two more. A few years later my husband had a motorcycle accident, lost his job, had to retire 8 years earlier than expected. In my opinion if you get an opportunity to do something, do it, don't put it off as you never know what can happen. Your life can change in an instant. Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be the right decision as you've thought it through. Take care.

we are in the same boat mate

Good luck John, 2025 will definitely be a better year for you 👍

Probably the best country to move to is China. Which seems like a wild suggestion and in some ways it is. But China is safe and the quality of life is good. On the other hand, the language barrier and finding employment are obviously major hurdles. Maybe visit on the short visit visa waiver system? Maybe explore a few videos about China on YT?

If you have the opportunity to get out get out because its only going to get worse it's been on the decline for years.

U.k is on its arse and with this government it will get even worse ... Get out , don't give these people your tax money .

Uk is done mate get your self out Scotland is done as well pal

Mate, Aussie here. Are you a Christian? Do you have a relationship with Christ Jesus and God, because in this situation I would shut myself in and do some prayer. Our heavenly father is ALWAYS looking to help us but we never ask for his help or will in these situations. Thanks again, and the situation is pretty messed up here aswell, but again if you have a relationship with God he’ll look after you wherever you may be.

Hi again John. What a can of worms it all is. I'm English, living in Australia. I could say we saw the writing on the wall when my husband our son and I left the UK in 1983, but that would be a lie. I did not think it would be forever and I had hopes that the wider family would join us once they heard what a great place this is, but sadly they did not. Like you. there reached a no return point. We now have two sons and even though I missed my sisters and brothers and mum and dad so much there just was never the right time to return to UK. I'm lucky to have visited regularly. I hear what you are saying about the divide between friends and family and that it is wise to keep your politics to yourself if you value a friendship or family member. A ridiculous circumstance, since we should be able to talk like adults about the things that are important to us. I'm not saying Australia is any better than the UK these days, I haven't been back home since 2018 when my darling dad passed away. House prices are through the roof here, as they are everywhere. My husband and I had a few stints working overseas, it was all an adventure, we do love living in Australia, but the pull of family is strong. If I was in my 40's I would treat it as an adventure perhaps try somewhere that you can boost your savings (that's what we did). You are young, no point being unhappy where you are every day. I wish you well. BTW, I am still proud to be British/English.

im made homeless they wont help me john

and why in hell would the UK be finished - the web creates this kind of shit and people suck it in -

The sun is setting on the British Empire.

Brexit has been a complete disaster IMO. Agree?

Fair play to you saw the first vid. I don’t recognise the fear or perception that’s processing your brain at the moment. As a kid in London in the 1980s I saw people stabbed. I saw the riots. There’s some horrific stuff happening, as happened in Soham, Walton on Thames, the Moors etc. Evil will hurt, no matter the colour of the skin. I now leave twitter etc, the news alone. The left blaming the right and vice versa. My mind feels so much better for it. I have friends who’ve really bought into the immigrants being the problems here. I personally cant agree with that viewpoint. And most days I walk around London and I don’t ever think something bad is going to happen. It’s a great city. Ignore the shite on social media and the news and you might feel a wee bit more positive.

After living in the UK for 3 years up until 2007, I decided to go to South Korea to teach English for a year or two for the adventure and to experience a whole new culture. I'm still here 18 years later. The quality of life is good here - zero crime, excellent health care and public transportation, low taxes (3.3%) and relatively low cost of living. However, these past few years I've been thinking about moving back to the UK as an option. I'm 51 from Ireland. I'm curious as to where you would consider moving to? Really enjoy your videos by the way, John.

I kind of think our intense work lives have destroyed our sense of community no matter which country you are in and that is a major contributor to the kind of division and extreme points of view. I have a neighbour who has an extreme position that I disagree with but I recognise she is a good person we just disagree on some things, so I work hard at keeping conversation and connection happening, always finding middle ground. Since redundancy, I have made it a point to try and connect as much as possible in the local neighbourhood. The one good thing about the pandemic was that we did all connect a bit better just in our local street, which was a positive. I just don't get why we have become so intolerant of different points of view, why we can't work together to build better and caring communities. It's like everyone thinks they are the only ones with the right idea and no one else has anything to contribute, my way or the highway and when everyone is like that we are just in perpetual conflict and everything comes back to self-interest. I don't mind when I see my tax spent on universal health care and education but when I see taxes spent subsidising big business especially when that business has a negative impact on community or the planet that really does piss me off (sorry). Love the videos.

I think you should both go for it. You have nothing to lose and life's too short. You don't want to look back on this point in thirty years and think, if only we had taken our chances. The UK is now congested. Lack of decent jobs, decent housing, medical care and high taxes. Here in Lincoln they get road tax, the roads are potholed. They get council tax yet turn the street lighting off at 11pm. You pay taxes through your wages yet the NHS gets worse each year and schools and hospital wards are overflowing. The country is broken beyond repair in my opinion. I'd go for it.

I'm 51, earn a great wage in a global company, have zero stress, lovely family and friends, have a grandson now. I'm single and have a nice home. But for many reasons, I'm not happy living in England at all. If I could leave with my family in tow, I would. I desperately want this country that I once loved to change for the better. I can't see that happening without major action from the majority of the good and decent people of Britain. We need to take our country back from all those who would use and abuse us forever.

Wholeheartedly agree. The UK is an absolute 💩🕳️ Is it too far gone? Goodness only knows. My wife and I very nearly left and went to Canada a decade or so ago now. We were 1 point off the required number for visas etc. The only thing we didn’t have was a GCSE in French. That would’ve been the difference. My wife currently works over in Dubai. She loves it over there & I enjoy the frequent visits. I did briefly get a job over there, but resigned after two months, so I am now back in the UK. Another place where a lot of Brits are now retiring to is Thailand. You get a lot more bang for your buck there and you could probably retire there now with your redundancy and the capital out of your house. (assuming you own it?) Plus, you seem a pretty resourceful guy, I’m sure you could find work over there too if you wished! I too am sick of the UK. The politicians are corrupt, the Police are ineffective at best. The Judiciary, Crown Prosecution Service, the Probation Service and the Prison Service are not fit for purpose. The influx of illegal migrants is turning the UK into a very dangerous place. I think my destiny may be out of the UK too! 🤔

Unfortunately the inflation problem isn’t exclusive to the UK. The grass isn’t always greener, but I’d say move abroad. It’s a great experience

I don't think a video has mesmerized me in quite a long time as much as this one! I can totally relate. I'd like to, if I may, give an American perspective on this, forgive the long post but I know we often come under criticism internally and externally for "not providing free health care despite being the richest country, blah blah." First off, I won't opine on the UK NHS system since I don't live there and what the voters of the United Kingdom choose is none of my business. So, no we don't have NHS but I had very similar symptoms to you. Being a bit of a baby I went into ER pretty quickly and long story short it was a bowel blockage. WHAT I would have given for it to have been "just" a kidney stone. That's what it feels like if the baby you're giving birth to is giving birth!! In hospital for 16 days, two surgeries, to this day 10 years later it still traumatizes me. As I said it's not my business to comment on the UK NHS, save to say that I would never want that system here, even before watching this video. Many Americans look over at UK and European countries and yell, "Hey why can THEY have 'free' health care and we can't?!!" Of course you and I know it's not free, you pay massive taxes for it and you deserve much better than to be sitting in a chair for 12 hours begging for morphine! Incidentally, I would have never believed that all that was just from a kidney stone and anxiety. I've had both and never had the extreme symptoms you experienced. But if I had been you, in addition to morphine I"d be asking for Ativan or an anti-anxiety tranquilizer. But I tell people over here, yeah be careful what you wish for. I'll take an expensive system where I may have to pay a bit out of pocket, but in my own situation I described above, it was in the hospital doors to diagnosis and treatment in about 1-2 hours. My reason to vehemently opposing such a system coming to the US is not because I don't believe our health care system doesn't have problems, it absolutely does. My objection to an US NHS is mainly structural, that I simply don't trust the same people to run my health care that can't even keep the pot holes filled or the trash (rubbish) collected on time. I prefer a free market system where if there's a shortage, new doctors and hospitals can go into business without having to wait for government to pass some spending measure. Of course we have to make provisions for those who can't afford care and I've been fortunate enough to have had "free" care when I was unemployed and broke, but the important part is that the insurance company and hospital were still privately run. When we depend on the government to run things, they rarely run them well. We have a saying here, if the US Government took over the Sahara Desert it would soon run out of sand. And we get attacked for "not caring" about sick people but I would remind them that what does sitting in a bloody A&E for 12 hours and can't see a doctor till the next day, I don't really call that "caring" either. We need a balance of free market health care to ensure good supply and quality with provisions so that people who can't afford expensive treatments don't go broke, and I think we can accomplish both. I think that if I paid 10-15% tax for a health care system and it was high quality and (were I in your situation) could see a doctor right away, it would be one thing but to pay the taxes and THEN get treated like you did is utterly unacceptable, and I believe a cautionary tale for my fellow Americans to "be careful what they wish for" grass is always greener, all that lot. Anyway glad your on the mend. Sorry for the long post but this resonated with me in many ways.

Hi John, recent subscriber and really like these discussions and for someone that's just started out on RUclips your videos do have a very good polish on them already. With the question about is the UK finished we believe it's going that way and not far from it. Where we live its a small village with a small town not too far away, built for miners and it was a great area to live but not so much now, crime is through the roof, 3-4 cars stolen each night, kids being stabbed, beaten badly with hammers etc. We are looking at moving either up north or even looking at moving to a nordic country.

I can relate… thanks for sharing and I really hope you’re on a path to a less stressed life. Stress is the silent killer. I’ve been feeling stressed for months now and it truly eats away at you. I’ll be looking out for more videos - keep being you!

Another honest heartfelt video. I enjoy watching them. I know it must feel scary. Your wife might feel it even more. But going back to where you were has an ending that you can probably see. You connect. You can build this channel up but even that will have a chain tied to you. The algorithm wants more videos. Does Scotland have a program where you can buy a house that has been abandoned and they will pay you to inhabit and fix it up? Not saying you would want to do that but it might be possible to have a home that you record the improvements to and have a channel that supports you. Whatever you do, you will have people wanting to keep up. The very best John.

Left 1999 now in oz perth went back uk last year place depressing glad i left

You might never get the opportunity again so i would say to definitely go and have an adventure.

It's nackered m8 to many people milking the uk

I cannot carry on with this life.. work work work and pay pay pay. My rent is 50% of my salary. I eat crap and cheap food. I have no holidays. I studied and work hard. I don't think I deserve this. I am considering moving to malaysia or indonesia. There are jobs for Brits there and life is not expensive. Weather is amazing.

In a word yes, England in my mind is truly screwed for at least the next 50 years. I'm outta here ASAP!

Go for it, otherwise you will always wonder what if. I enjoy how you articulate your thoughts. Makes interesting listening. Life really is too short. Don't replicate your fathers life of sitting in a cold house wondering if you should put the heating on. My father did he same, when he really didn't need to. Your perseption of life can trap you. Go explore 🌍

My husband had same..

So John, I have no comments about life in the UK just now. I left twelve years ago and can only get second hand news. What I can say is when I moved to America to work and live, my plan was to not stay here but to experience something different. This was driven by my role being made redundant in the UK, so that is similar to where you are now. My move to America was made easy by having a job with an American Company as they sponsored my move. They did not pay for it however. Any relocation is expensive, especially one over seas. However once I started to work in America I saw the huge change in the amount of taxation I paid. It was not long before I decided I rather liked that change and decided I would get my Green Card. Work Visas, Citizenships are all hard to obtain, however they can be vital at changing your situation. I can honestly say that other than the fact I am a very long way from all my family and friends in the UK, I do not miss living there and I am never homesick. Sometimes that distance is very hard though, especially when someone is sick. Covid was odd for me as I started to work from home nearly 24 years ago. At the start working from home meant getting on an airplane very regularly and meeting people, so I never felt isolated. However during Covid and after that work travel changed. So I built little routines to help my home working routine. They helped and I started to enjoy that. One last comment about moving overseas, I had worked for an American Company for 12 years and I had visited 16 US States before I moved to America. I felt I knew what living there would be like, however I was completely wrong, everything felt different, why, well just because it is. I am more than happy to set up a video call with you to talk about this if you feel it would help?

Life in the U.K. is very tough now compared to the past but I’ve spoken to many Europeans and Germany France Italy Spain are all in similar positions. I was always told “don’t rely on other people for your own happiness. Make yourself happy”. Only you know what that means to you and how you can achieve it. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Interesting chat John. We are now retired so our chances of relocating are complicated by children and grandchildren here. However we do sometimes play the 'if not here then where?' game and everywhere seems to have the same problems as we are experiencing. I think the world is at an infection point and society globally is in transtion to a different path. As the chinese saying goes, 'may you live in interesting times' , and thats not a blessing! I think back to our ancestors who went through invasions, plague and civil war and wonder if they too found it hard to see a way through. I love this country and the bones of my forebears make up this soil so l won't be forced to leave by petty politicians and forgettable commentators. I shall be staying put and just saying no to those who try to crush us. Good luck with whatever you choose and l shall watch with interest.

Good luck in 2025 John..good luck in your next chapter of life ❤

Go for it

I’ve been in your boat, worked to the near death in London for 20 years In sales, got to 40 and randomly moved to South Devon with mrs and kids, just quit everything, stayed in a hotel until we found a place, I now work part time for myself at home sat in my pants and go to the beach or nature walks whenever I like and it’s beautiful In the summer you should try it, as for Europe… it’s not too great either as you would find out….take a chance move to the south west first😊

Wow, John where do I start 😅 I commented on your friendship video btw. Firstly, u should invest in a flask style cup to take on your walks 😁 When I read the title of the video I was intrigued as I did think you would talk about politics and immigration etc, which you partly did. I'm turning 40 this year, an ex soldier from north east England. Have worked off Aberdeen the last 10 years in oil & gas industry. We chose not to have children, as we found life was hard enough for us when we were younger and we didn't want the stress, we live comfortably now but still have to be sensible with purchases, I honestly do not know how my friends and neighbours and most of society live from a average salary, I honestly believe most people's quality of living is poorer now than it ever has been. Regarding going back home in Scotland, Scotland has beautiful areas like other parts of the UK but I've seen the other side to it too, I'm often surprised what I see driving through Dundee especially. John, you've had a health scare, and quite a bit going on this last year with your dad and your job. If you can take some time out John I don't think you'll regret it mate, and you have hit youtube running, take it from me who has a channel of about 3 years and you have more than 10 x the subscribers, because your good at it and people can relate. Regarding the current state the *UK* is in as a whole is sad, like you seeing my tax on my wage slip knowing it's housing migrants in nice hotels, whilst homeless veterans are on the street really hits it home for me. I used to vote Tory but I now see Tory and Labour the same, I am a reform member now, they're not perfect but they speak more sense than anyone else. Keep up the good work John.

Would you regret if you did nothing, eg don't really try something new? If yes, and you have the opportunity then try. Life is short, don't live with regrets if you have a choice. Good luck!

I agree with you on everything you have said. I am beginning to despise my city and this country - crime rates, filth, our taxes being spent on ridiculous things, too many things being brought in without our consultation - it goes on. I'm like you - I wonder WHERE ON EARTH DOES ALL THE MONEY GO??? Road Tax, car tax - roads are crumbling. Poll Tax - cities are neglected and services poor, Income Tax - well......... The news is very depressing and to be honest, I think we are drip fed all this negativity, for what reason I do not know! I often dream of moving away but my husband won't entertain the idea, he says where would you go that's any better. And like me, you're an over-thinker! I think it's right that you're considering things and I hope you are able to do whatever you want.

Go for it John! We’ve got 4 kids under 16 and we’re planning on buggering off too. The UK’s not necessarily finished, but we’re going through a really miserable slog just now (depending which side of the fence you’re on). Looking forward to seeing how things turn out for you bud 🙂

Go for it. Get out while you can.

I've done quite well professionally since lockdown but despite earning more than I ever have, I feel like my lifestyle hasn't improved at all. Since this won't be "the norm" forever, I've lost a lot of hope for the future ... I should have thrived, but I've simply survived (some have not and are currently drowning and being told it's their fault for not working hard enough). There's something very wrong with the country, its spending and its priorities. I don't mind paying tax, but I do mind paying tax when it goes into someone elses pockets instead of what it's supposed to be spent on. Do what is good for you and your wife is my advice, noone else will look out for your wellbeing - certainly not the UK government.

I'm in my mid 30s and I've only got 2 friends in my life, which are my family. My mum and brother they're the only 2 people I've got in the world. For me I find it hard to make new friends as I'm not very trusting of people nowadays. I lost a few friends as a result of covid, not because they died a result of the virus. But because they didn't believe it was real and as I work for the nhs and I was seeing what was happening during the pandemic and my friends were arguing with me telling me it's all fake as they read conspiracy theories of social media. I just had enough after all this and came off social media and have spoken to my friends for about 4 or 5 years. I'm enjoying your videos john keep up the good work mate.

I’d leave the country if I was a young man John. No future here. Especially now we’re being run by socialists. The Tories and Labour are determined to destroy us with the climate con measures.

Follow your heart/gut , life's too short

The cost of living crisis is everywhere. The housing prices here in Australia are ridiculous and my kids are looking at perhaps never getting the chance to own their own home. Great place for a holiday though. And if you like speaking your mind, Australia's a good place to be. We'll tell you what we think, straight up. I really enjoy your videos. Always interesting.

Again keep it coming pal, very interesting indeed 👍

Hello John, You have really kicked the hornets nest with this subject! 😂 I know so many disgruntled people who think that the uk is going down hill at break neck speed, even my niece moved to Portugal 2 years ago and she has never looked back since. I was born and raised in Essex, and always thought that i would be fertilizer for the daisies here, but even i have been seduced into the thought of moving this year. As regards to the 2 main political parties, I heard a comment from another RUclipsr that made me laugh He quoted "politicians are two cheeks of the same arse!" I think I agree with that sentiment to a tee 😂 Whatever decision you make in regards to moving back to Scotland, do it while you are still young and can enjoy your life. All the best to you and Yvonne Take care john 👍