From Rock Bottom to Success

[@ScoreGuru123]

Losing everything is a bitter pill to swallow. You are living proof that you can get through it, and you don't have to be rich to be happy 👍

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

My World ended at that moment Honest Hard Working Family Man but still not enough but now looking back I'm in a much better place. Thanks for watching.

[@thanaang1455]

Very true " you don't have to be rich to be happy"

[@davidphillips9244]

Cheers for sharing your story Les.. If things had worked out in the UK. You wouldn't be in the happy place you are now. You are living your dream.. Fair play to you 😊

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

I agree, my wife at the time poo poo'd the Idea of World travel once I retired so travel was not in her plans so I think we would of parted eventually. She did not complain about when I said she could leave work and I would get another Job to cover her shortfall in income. Never mind.

[@tobyz.3452]

Thank you for sharing Les. Fall down 7 Times, Get up 8. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what can happen. HOWEVER, its how you handle the issues that will determine the end result. You did good. (wink)

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Knocked down more than the average🙏 but never give up. Thanks for the comment, it is very much appreciated.

[@RichardFarley-qq4jv]

We all hit rock bottom but tough times never last tough people do

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for that, having treated Suicidal people in the Ambulance to the hospital giving cpr for the 30 min trip is hard to forget Looking into their eyes, I may have been the last person they ever seen trying to bring them back.

[@chrisdunn4385]

well done Les, im going through divorce now and you are an inspiration, thanks for sharing this most wouldn't of

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for taking time to comment, I'🙏ve been in that dark hole and happy to say I'm out of it, I hope others get something from watching. Best wishes on your future.

[@markinthailand1201]

It's how we deal with adversity that defines us as people, thanks for sharing, it's a remarkable outcome 😊

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for taking time to comment, and your correct it is how you deal with it. Like all things in life take the rough with the smooth. Thanks for watching.

[@billsimpson2392]

All's well that ends well Les 👍👍 Thanks mate.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

I have met some guys having lost everything through Divorce. It is possible to recover. Thanks for taking time to comment.

[@nickabbott2242]

I stumbled onto your feed and watched a couple of your videos today and really enjoyed them as you seem to be one of the rare people who have found a path that avoids both the victim mentality and toxic positivity. Great job, I'll be watching more!

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks so much for watching and taking time to comment. Very much appreciated.🙏

[@hagar6359]

Hi Les. You can see that you have got over all of the issues with divorce because you are able to talk about it freely. Great video again mate, it makes everyone think more about their future

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Divorce is never good but holding these negative thoughts would drag people down turn the switch off then open another door.

[@bill2328]

Good positive advice mate, while there's a heartbeat there's a chance.

[@PhilippinesWalkingTour]

Great story ! Congratulations on your new life.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Well done les it’s hard to get back on top being happy and content it’s not all about the £££ I’ve been through same 21 years ago it’s been a tough time but I’ve bounced back💪 well done lad thanks for sharing 😊👊 all the best to you

[@paulb5907]

good luck to you les there are many blokes out here in the same boat see you on the next one

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks so much, I hope from this video people in a similar situation can see a way forward.

[@genesj14]

Good story Les. The older we get the less things we really need.👍

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

100% agree and the thing we need the most of ( TIME ) has gone, Retirement means more years behind you than in front of you.🙏

[@grahambunting8867]

Thanks for video, has got me motivated to quicken my move to Thailand. :-)

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for watching best wishes on your future plans.

[@Untamedlove]

Great Success Story...Strong man never give up...

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks very much. Your comment It is very much appreciated

[@Only-Fools-and-Buffalo-Isaan]

Alreet Les Pal,another great video life is a big gamble,being happy is the big goal,money and things mean nowt if you not happy,u give great advice Pal about life in genral and Thailand Les well done.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for that it is very much appreciated discovering Thailand did change my life 100% for the better.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Great vlog. Honest. Reality.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks so much for the comment. 🙏😀

[@XXLaffinGravyXX]

Les my admiration for what you've been through knows no bounds kidda...I too was somewhat where you were when i was in my early 20s...so my god all that you've worked for at 50 being just gone overnight is unreal. I will never MARRY again ..no man should EVER in a western country...everything is stacked against us. I wasnt so bothered about the money it was my 2 kids that i didnt get to see, that utterly destroyed me and made me so bitter. They're both grown and have nothing to with her now. Finding a balance between work and life is hard...so i concentrated on myself and will always do that now. And yes NOTHING good has happened in the last 10 years ..scrub that 20 as far as what ive lived through. The only people that possible have ...are the politicians who have R..a ped the country with their snouts in the trough, lining their own pockets. The shining example is the Covid PPE scandal that has held NOT 1 of those scum sucking parasite responsible.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks so much for your comment, yep been through a lot, and many guys I know have done the same thing lost everything and pushed that reset button in a worse position. It can be done but it is hard. The kids despise me and will never talk to me but never say never, but life still goes on without them, I just feel they have no forgiveness or morals, I failed to bring them up with passion and kindness and forgiveness, these are the makings of a good person so sadly I believe my daughters are not nice people in this world. Never mind don't waste energy on those who do not deserve your time and energy. Best wishes for your future, exactly what you say Your life is in your hands.🙏

[@XXLaffinGravyXX]

​@@RetiredandLivingthedream Yep...your girls being poisoned by an ex probably made them that way sadly, no kids are born that way. I've helped 10s of thousands kids who weren't mine over the years (Ive worked in professional football on and off since ...and probably because of losing mine, i replaced them with those kids ive coached and recruited) to their and my mutual benefit. So materially i still dont really give as much of a sht as i should but i look at it this way..all those kids ive coached are my immortality everything they have learned they will share ..because of ME. Hopefully we can share a beer next time you pop over to see the carnage of why you left and put the world to rights that only adversity and life experiences can do best..🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😇😇😇😇

[@nokchilton1562]

I’m glad to see you are happy and well now. Everything happens for a reason!! When I volunteered at the homeless centre in my town in England, it’s always very sad to hear their stories and mainly reason for men is divorce! All the best Les…

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for taking tome to comment, I am in a better place now for sure.

[@Untamedlove]

Congratulations Wishes you all the best and it's Great to hear your Success story that many people can learn from

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thank you so much! for taking time to comment.🙏

[@errollwaller8436]

Thank you for that insight in your life Les and showing us how you can recover.I had to leave work on the grounds of ill health just over 2 years ago and my wife was retired.We have been to Thailand many times and always was a special place in our hearts.We moved to Durham to be nearer our daughter and the 3 grandchildren which are now in their teenage years.My daughter mentioned quite some time ago telling us we have done our bit and why don't we retire to Thailand instead of living hear in the Uk where everything as gone wrong.We have spent the last year selling everything off and we arrive on our 90 day non o visa a week on Sunday to start our new life in Jomtien.

[@freespirittravellingeast556]

Well done Les, You have done very well you really have. I had a similar experience but without Bankruptcy. I am Building back up but takes time and effort.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for your comment, it's tough but always possible, well done and best wishes for your future plans.

[@Adrianjohn-q3e]

Hello Les, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with you, as it relates to the events you discussed in your recent video. Approximately ten years ago, I encountered similar circumstances, which ultimately led me to make a significant life decision. Over a year ago, I relocated to Bangkok, where I have since established a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle. While I am grateful for the opportunities here, I acknowledge that achieving the same quality of life in the UK would have been challenging. Best regards,

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Bangkok is an exciting location for sure and more affordable than London. Best wishes for your future thanks for taking time to comment.🙏😀

[@stuzo666]

Great stuff Les, top lad🎉

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks 👍for watching.

[@londoncabthailand4028]

All the best Les.👍

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for watching.

[@stephengale1692]

Inspiring stuff Les . Only ourselves can change our lives, survive the changes and challenges and forge a new life elsewhere . I heard you say before that you are from Redcar , I m from Middlesbrough and can tell you your spot on saying the country is slipping down rapidly . I ve just retired and 2 years ago sold a secondary property in Redcar . the North Yorkshire coast and the Moors keeps me going especially at this time of the year , only until the timing is right for me to make my exit too . Its not a place to grow old here anymore . Perhaps our paths will cross in future and we can have a beer and a chat , Best wishes from the boro

[@Paulie44]

I agree. I emigrated to UK in 2002 and have lived both down South just outside the M25 and up North near Liverpool and Manchester. I’ve also noticed the UK slipping these past few years and it’s quite worrying that politicians are too busy playing political games instead of serving the people and running the country correctly. Les is quite right to challenge us by asking if anyone can name one good thing that’s happened in the past 10 years in the UK, and I honestly can’t say that I can. I came from a country with a sub-tropical climate and I’m hoping I can retire to somewhere similar in the near future.

[@stephengale1692]

@@Paulie44 Good luck to you my friend , make it happen . I ve been in a caring role the last few years and the system is broken , and ain t gonna get better down the line when we need it ,so prepare well and enjoy the sunset years and go private

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for that, I had 50 years of happiness in the UK and forever grateful for providing me with the funds to chose where I would like to retire. But looking from afar the good old days have truly gone down the pan. Best wishes for your future plans and have a happy life.🙏

[@stephengale1692]

@@RetiredandLivingthedream Thanks Les and the same to you , all I have to do is stay healthy and I will make it happen 🙏

[@MrMontana169]

Thanks for your advice you give fantastic advice hope all is well and catch up with you soon

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks so much, you'll be here soon.

[@jimcraiggeezer]

Wise words.. my plan is similar to yours in some ways.. my wife is Thai and we're planning to retire in a couple of years to her home town area.. Chiang Mai.. its all doable if you plan ahead... All the best.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Best wishes for your future plans thanks for watching. 🙏😀

[@tombkk1322]

Great video, Les. Your story is proof you can recover and thrive after losing it all. I had a personal friend going through a divorce and child custody with his wife. Let’s just say it didn’t end well. Congratulations for coming out the other side.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Moving forward is hard to do but make a positive move and things will improve. You are the maker of your future.🙏

[@tombkk1322]

@@RetiredandLivingthedream Very true.

[@tombkk1322]

@@RetiredandLivingthedream Les, how hot is it in Rayong? It’s 40 Celsius today in Bangkok 🥵

[@francishailes60]

Thanks les for Ur insight.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for watching.

[@Darryl_Smith]

The more I sell, give away or recycle the better I feel. With nothing owned it is very freeing. Just a holdall and a small carry on. Three weeks to BKK - roll on.....

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

When I made the move to Thailand I had two suitcases. 12 years later I have everything I need.

[@eunicef1]

Well done for bouncing back.

[@PaulRLight]

Belief in yourself is key. I've never been bankrupt but have "started over again" twice. First time I was 23 years old and stuck with £25,000 negative equity. Second time 44 years old with just £1,400 in the bank, living in the U.S. on a visa that was dependent on me being married.😮 Hopefully, I don't make it 3 times. 🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Best wishes fingers crossed no 3rd time. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@perolagrande]

Divorce is the screwing men get for the screwing they got! 😁😆😂

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

That's one way of putting it. but true.

[@davidclark4839]

Always great words Les. Cheers

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Thanks for watching.

[@piperwarrior5705]

I would never get married..

[@neildutton8077]

I started out with nothing.....and still have most of it left.😀

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

We all start with nothing and end with nothing its the in - between makes us happy or sad.

[@keepitreal1547]

I'd say the only good thing about the UK, is supermarket food prices. I'm absolutely sure they're among the cheapest prices in the world if you shop at the right places & that's even with recent increases this past year or so. 100% the cheapest in the West & cheaper than the Philippines, Thailand & Cambodia for like for like items. The stunning countryside, the Lake District, parts of Scotland & Wales also...if the weather is kind. That said, much of S.E Asia is better for me & many others...in many ways.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

I agree there are some stunning places around England and I have been to most of them. The Lakes is a wonderful location for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@VoiceOfThe]

The countryside dies in the U.K. through Winter though. It’s so depressing, even those areas you mentioned.

[@keepitreal1547]

@@VoiceOfThe Yes unfortunately the UK winters are long & depressing, that's why my choice is Oct - April in Thailand & May - September in the UK. Best of both 😀

[@VoiceOfThe]

@@keepitreal1547 I have residency in Cyprus & would like to spend 6 months in the Greek Isles each year, but, my residency is automatically cancelled if I leave Cyprus for more than 3 months, so I can’t do it.

[@keepitreal1547]

@@VoiceOfThe Wow I never knew that about a Cyprus residency, it seems unfair & unjust. Surely, freedom to travel & explore should be a given these days. Residency in Thailand is almost impossible for a Brit, but with that comes freedom to travel. I love the summers in the UK & it enables me to see friends, plus travel to European destinations within the months away from Thailand. I feel it's a good balance.

[@MarkDaviesThailand]

Very wise words Les and I simply echo your words and encourage people to leave the matrix asap. Changing the subject: do you still have RaLTD mugs in stock? Also, I hope you make a small vlog about your favorite Thai Keto dishes… Best regards to you and the Mrs…

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Hi Mark yes I have a few more printed if you live in Thailand it's 300 Baht delivered sadly the post office will not post outside of Thailand. Now everything is over I'm back on Keto next week. all the festivities I've paid the price. But look forward to the challenge. send me a email [e-mail] 🙏😀

[@abdelserrhini-nz2qd]

Woman ...kids....marriage ...then divorce . Once ur are in court everything and system are stucked against u as man. All these. will definitely wreck ur ship 🚢. Thanks for advice ❤❤❤

[@shabbos-goy9407]

The big piece of advice here is NEVER GET MARRIED. It's a total mugs game. Whilst Les is happy it's severely reduced his options. He says he likes Thailand as that is all he can afford. Fair enough. However if he wasn't taken to the cleaners he could have gone to perhaps a more expensive place. Anyway marriage if things go wrong can leave you totally screwed.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Hi thanks for your comment, ( It's all I can afford, ) having travelled around the World for 2 years I have seen many places but Thailand has everything I could ask for and at an affordable price. I could do a whole video of the places I have been on my round the world trip, I am Worldly travelled and have lived in many country's and for me Thailand ticks the boxes. Best bang for your Buck. So it's not all about the what I can afford, There are many country's I could live in on my budget but for me Thailand wins hands down. Live in a more expensive place? where would you suggest most would say the Bahamas ( been there ) ok if you live in the 5 star resorts to dangerous to venture outside of these places for fear of robbery, Tobago was classed as a safe place and I would agree our visit here was great and we never felt unsafe, Goa in India I loved ( cheaper than Thailand ) Fiji is a place I could live but very remote from anywhere else as I like to travel. Italy loved this Country but expensive but still affordable, New Zealand same as the UK cold for many months of the year, Australia far too expensive, I had some land in France to build a house nice location but I chose the warmth all year round. So I did have choices and still have choices just because this place is cheap is not reason I chose Thailand. I agree getting Divorced does cause problems for people but I had 8 years to recover from this and I did so the divorce had little impact on my decision where to live in the World. Had I stayed married my wife would have never left the UK as she did not like to travel so I would have lived a different lifestyle and believe the relationship would of ended then also as we would have wanted different needs. So getting a divorce when I did saved me a whole lot of money.

[@keepitreal1547]

Unfortunately for you Les, you married a bad woman, who was able to crush you in a corrupt legal system that only serves for mothers. Thats why there's no Mothers For Justice in the UK I was fortunate because my ex was the opposite of yours, she didn't take me to cleaners & no lawyers were involved. We sat down together & talked it through in a respectful manner, to bring an amicable settlement. We remained great friends even to thos day, many many years on.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Yep my ex wife did ok, she had only two suitcases and living in a room in a shared house when we met and ending up with everything she did not work for. But it is what it is as a Lawyer told me that was the price of Freedom. Corrupt Lawyers they are in it together.

[@leehughes2666]

Divorce wasnt the main reason for your demise, too much debt and being unable to service the debt was the main reason. But great that youve battled through, many would just roll over and give up.

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Hi and thanks for taking time to comment. Although the Debt was high, this had very little to do with the Divorce reasons, it contributed to the Divorce as it went on without a doubt but the debt was manageable at the time before the divorce, yes I agree there was an element of risk involved but the risk reward looked ok at the time of taking the risk, but the events which happened caused some worry. The house price which I relied on dropped from a potential 20,000 GBP profit ended up being only 6,000 GBP following a 2 year build time. This was a New House build and the Interest rates going sky high, at the time the Interest went through the roof the value of the houses went down a perfect storm appeared at the wrong time. Never mind not just me, at the time of Bankruptcy I was one of 27,000 as of July that year that went through this situation.

[@jamie1944]

You were bankrupt, no money, how did you fund your 2 years of travelling the world and now can afford to live in Thailand, In the divorce settlement wasn’t your wife entitled to some of your pension ?

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

As I said in the video, after the Divorce I had 8 years to recover, I traded the house to keep my pension. Looking at the bigger picture, been Retired 14 years now, the ex wife has 7 more years before she can retire. Reassessing your future is the key.

[@travelreality176]

Your method only works if you have a pension and the opportunity to retire early. It's impossible to do for 90% of all other people

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Living on a State pension is 100% possible, you need money in every country, Living on Benefits then you are lucky to get them so your distained to stay in the same place. Would you say 90% of people do not have a pension.

[@robertthomas345]

Who gives a toss, your no better off now, your thai wife could take everything now if she wishes,

[@RetiredandLivingthedream]

Your wife in your country could do the same to you. If she wishes. Taking precautions prevents this happening, learn from the past so it never happens again.