Downshift, don't freefall

ARE you tempted to tell the boss to keep his job, hand back the commuter season ticket, chuck all your suits in a bag for the charity shop and do something a little less stressful in France?

All well and good, but what's the reality of taking such drastic action?

If you long to downshift abroad, it's a good idea to look at the broader implications of this radical change and try to ensure you are not one of many who head back to the UK, with their tail between their legs, because it all went horribly wrong.

It does not matter how simply you want to live - growing your own, rearing your own, getting your hands dirty restoring and rebuilding - you will undoubtedly need some form of income to support yourself when your project and/or cash comes to an abrupt end.

It has been documented many times that time and money budgets always run over and your 'little restoration' will invariably cost you more than you planned; not least in blood, sweat and the necessary tears.

The commonly termed 'honeymoon period' tends to last as long as you have a few comfortable zeros on your bank balance.

However, the temptation to move to complacency as you enjoy a beer in the sunshine, when you would have been doing the payroll, can be dangerously alluring.

So what's the best way to make sure you are not caught on the hop?

Three things.

Firstly, make the migration to a simple life and see how you get on. Take a look at the suggestions on my other website National Downshifting Week for a little inspiration.

Secondly, think seriously about how you are going to fund yourself. What business are you going to do, what transportable skills do you have, what start up costs will be involved, how is your command of the language and are you really geared up for it?

Setting up a business in France is not impossible, but it is far harder than doing it in the UK, which is why a high percentage of young French people are migrating to the UK to do it! That statement speaks volumes.

If I have not put you off of the idea yet and you are still determined, the next consideration should be exploring your passions.

Write a list of all the things that move and motivate you and see what realistic money making ideas you can come up with.

Finally, research your market thoroughly remotely as far as you can, then make trips to your intended location and speak to relevant authorities like the Chambres de Metiers, Chambre de Commerce and see if there is a market for your proposed enterprise.

Above all, be realistic and be honest with yourself, especially if you have others who will turn to you for dependence when you are in your new location.

If you have persevered through the doom and gloom of this article, good, you may just have what it takes....good luck!

For Tracey Smith's take on the latest slow, green news, great reveiws of eco-books and products plus plenty more besides, visit her at the Green Family Blog. Tracey is also the driving force behind National Downshifting Week taking place this April.