When Life Gives You Lemons… Move to Mallorca
Ok. So this is not a particularly accurate metaphor to begin with. Partly because what you see in the picture are limes. Very ripe ones. Partly because it would imply that I’ve been dealt an unfortunate hand.
Whilst the former was an undeniable discovery upon making for the tree with a pair of shears, the latter could more broadly apply to the last few months in an existential sense. Life in London, and the UK more broadly, continues to regress to that of a dystopian, Thatcher-era psychodrama.
As the year that saw the word ‘permacrisis’ enter the Oxford English dictionary draws to a close, I poured myself a vermut and gathered my thoughts on our recent move to Mallorca.
In search of the rural idyl
The chance to sublet our Kentish Town apartment, and borrow a friend’s place in Palma for an identical period of time, presented an opportunity that was too good to miss. So we loaded up our old Citroen and hit the road.
We’d been to Mallorca several times over the last few years, so we knew we’d like it here. I just don’t think either of us could comprehend how much.
So this week we start a new chapter. Moving from London via downtown Palma to a rustic but charming Finca in the island’s agricultural heartland.
Going remote-first
London has been home for nearly 20 years. The UK for my whole life. Yet I was yearning for a simpler way of living that the city couldn’t offer.
With the political and economic climate in the UK at odds with my values and personal circumstances (and that’s a polite way of putting it), looking further afield felt like a compelling option.
The pandemic had made it possible for a majority of my work to be delivered remotely. With a week back in town here and there perfectly able to fill in the gaps.
Reaping the benefits
The formula is straight forward. Pursue a lower cost of living to escape the rent trap. Reconnect with nature. Work less and live more. And yes, the weather ain’t bad either.
Drastic changes in principle, are gradual evolutions in reality. More than ever we’ve got everything to play for, so taking the time to experiment and adjust has created more certainty that this is the right time to do this.
So with the house to fix up, the garden to tend too, and a new language to learn, what does this mean professionally?
Personal wellbeing, better work and the great outdoors
I got the WFA bug in the summer of 2020 and spoke to the Guardian about my experience. And since then, this holy trinity has compelled me to think about the kind of work I really want to do.
Whilst I can’t imagine not serving clients in London, there is an equally compelling opportunity to look to Europe. Creating hospitality and travel experiences of a different kind.
Those deeply rooted in interesting places, in harmony with their surroundings, and focused on peace of mind, regeneration, and a better quality of life for everyone.
In essence, I’m here to experiment. Immersing myself in the environment I believe to be better for every part of what makes us human. And this will surely benefit my work, too.
Nurturing Thumbprint alongside a busy consulting life continues to be a challenge. Here’s to having more time for this in 2023.
Balancing both worlds
Spain’s remote working visa is imminently due for release. Many other countries with similar schemes are already there.
So alongside the Balearics or the Spanish mainland, there is an emergent plethora of opportunities to relocate to sunnier and less exacerbating climbs.
Everything I need from London is taken care of by regular trips back. Staying with accommodating and warm-hearted friends.
From the spring, having people down here will make catch-ups less about booze-fuelled, Friday-night downloads of each other’s lives, and more about deeper and more meaningful time together.
What have I learnt?
If you’re considering making a similar move, you might find this list useful. And if I can be of any further help, don’t hesitate to give me a call.
You don’t need to go all in - If you’re able, try before you commit by way of a short let. Idealista is a good place to search for temporary property lets, and to dream about your future life in the rural idyl.
Leave the city mentality behind - I found myself frustrated when my workspace closed at 6.30, when life admin and other essential tasks got in the way of the working day, and when I felt like I wasn’t in the same routine as I was in London.
It took me a few weeks to understand that I needed to adopt a different mindset. A more rhythmic approach to work. Even though that’s why I came here, it took a moment for my brain to catch up.
Build in plenty of disruption time - particularly on an island that has so much to offer from a tourist point of view, I found myself wanting to go to the beach when I should have been working.
Whilst I became ok with that over time, I did need to manage my teams’ expectations and be more mindful of committing to client deadlines. And become ok with catching up in the evenings and at weekends, whereas previously I was doggedly committed to more rigidity in how I planned my week.
Make a beeline for an office - I joined Hub Mallorca almost as soon as we moved here. Having a dedicated work environment with the facilities and connectivity I need to be productive was really beneficial.
It’s a personal thing, but WFH doesn’t always work for me so it’s great to have this option. Plus it’s great to meet other people and share tips and insights on how to make island life work.
Understand your visa options and the tax implications - Spain’s remote work visa will be a game changer, but there are other options, too.
It’s worth getting your head around what those are even in principle. And Spain in particular has a wealth tax, that anyone considering a move here should be aware of.
Make lemonade - OK, it helps we’ve got a small citrus grove at our house, but of course I mean this figuratively, too. Mallorca has it’s package holiday and “shagaluf” reputation to content with. But it has so much more to offer.
It sounds simple, but remembering why you’re doing this, enjoying the ride, and seeking our more meaningful personal and social endeavours is a big part of what makes this worth it.
So, is that me now?
Will I move back at some point? Quite possibly. I always say that everything works until it doesn’t. But for now, this place already feels like home.
Things are beginning to slot into place and I’m so glad we dipped our toe in the water first.
To anyone thinking of doing the same - I found it useful to go with the flow, keep an open mind, and appreciate that a period of adjustment is always going to be needed.
Taking time off and go to the beach is perfectly acceptable, too. Particularly in the autumn months when those sunny days aren’t guaranteed.
After twenty years as a diehard urbanite, there is another way of living. A better way? Possibly. But definitely a compelling alternative that I hand-on-heart believe everyone should try.
The world of work has changed forever. So unless your tied geographically to your work - really, what’s stopping you?
Have a very merry and restful Christmas, and all the best for a fruitful 2023.
Ed x
PS - I’m interested in speaking to chefs, restaurateurs and operators who have taken, or who are considering taking, their restaurant to international locations for pop-ups and residencies.
Partly out of curiosity, partly because I think it’s a huge opportunity, partly because I have a project or two that may be able to host you, and selfishly because we desperately need better restaurants here on the island.
So reach out if you’d like to contribute or chat about how I see these opportunities playing out.
Do you want to learn more about how I partner with owners, designers and architects to create exceptional hospitality brands? Or do you have a project or collaboration you’d like to discuss?
