Last November, in there's no business like -- , I sprang the news that I might not retire. The news was a shameless red herring every bit as devoid of true news as an Onion headline.
The truth was that I was going to retire -- under any circumstances. But, I was prepared to take a project to Mexico with me that would allow me to write -- and to get paid in the process.
I have spent the last two months mulling over the pros and cons. The money is budgeted, and no one else has been assigned the task. It would be a nice piece of income as I transition into my life in Mexico. And my employer will get a good product.
But it is not about the money. I will have enough of that. It really is about doing something I like to do. (Every time I write that I think of the old joke from MASH where Margaret Hoolihan says: "Money is far down on my list, Major. It comes second or third. . . . . . Second.")
The downside is obvious. Even though the writing would only be a part-time gig, I will have a full-time job -- learning how to survive in Mexico.That is a bit too dramatic. My existence will be somewhat cossetted. After all, the utilities will already be in place. I need only hand over the costs to the property manager. The house even comes with a list of recommended restaurants, butchers, and grocery stores. I am just one step from being carried from place to place by liveried footmen.
The vice-presidents have asked me to put together a business proposal for this project -- due by the end of next week.
I suspect I will have a good answer on this one before I finish the proposed plan.
The truth was that I was going to retire -- under any circumstances. But, I was prepared to take a project to Mexico with me that would allow me to write -- and to get paid in the process.
I have spent the last two months mulling over the pros and cons. The money is budgeted, and no one else has been assigned the task. It would be a nice piece of income as I transition into my life in Mexico. And my employer will get a good product.
But it is not about the money. I will have enough of that. It really is about doing something I like to do. (Every time I write that I think of the old joke from MASH where Margaret Hoolihan says: "Money is far down on my list, Major. It comes second or third. . . . . . Second.")
The downside is obvious. Even though the writing would only be a part-time gig, I will have a full-time job -- learning how to survive in Mexico.That is a bit too dramatic. My existence will be somewhat cossetted. After all, the utilities will already be in place. I need only hand over the costs to the property manager. The house even comes with a list of recommended restaurants, butchers, and grocery stores. I am just one step from being carried from place to place by liveried footmen.
The vice-presidents have asked me to put together a business proposal for this project -- due by the end of next week.
I suspect I will have a good answer on this one before I finish the proposed plan.
