Bigger World

I moved to the UK in 2008 partly for family reasons, and partly for the increased opportunity set of working in a Global City. I never “left South Africa”. I just thought that earning Pounds, gave me a better chance of squirreling away some acorns for the winter. Like investment returns, opportunity compounds. I got the chance to work in the UK based on my age, income, education level, and ability to speak English. It isn’t an opportunity open to everyone. By 2014, still thinking in Rands, I felt I had sufficient acorns to stop worrying about squirreling if I was good at controlling my expenses. Acorns grown by the Pound go further in cheaper areas. Working is expensive. Many who work in London earn more, but still live hand-to-mouth. The living can be done cheaper elsewhere if your hand and mouth can look up and see a bigger world.