Matty wrote: Thu Jan 01, 2026 11:11 pm
Regarding car plans, I'm kinda stumped. The QV was a massive disappointment for me, although I think it was more on my side than the car. I've been tucking money away for the last 10 months and the Emira is now achievable...but I'm not sure there's much point and whether I want that much money tied up in something that I'll rarely use - I enjoy owning cars more than I do driving them at this point I like the idea of having something in the garage when I'm going somewhere nice, or to a car show...but otherwise, driving something nice seems to stress me out as I've got older, as more and more people seem to be inconsiderate fucks - it's just easier to use a small car that I'm happy to park anywhere without worring about it. I've looked at cheaper stuff (MX5's, early Elises) or going to a single more exciting car (Yaris GR) but there's not enough appeal there. So I don't know....given how fucked the economy seems to be at the moment, maybe it's worth waiting a bit anyway.
@Matty Good point about the extra stress and hours but I still feel I wish I’d started my own business earlier. Then maybe I could have retired at 50. Doing it at 46 means I’m still expecting to work past 70. I’ll revise that as I reach my 60s I’m sure
As for cars, the GR Yaris looks like a fantastic option for you. Low depreciation, a bit special (I still always look at them) and not so valuable you need to be excessively precious about it. It really sounds like you’ve lost the love; either that or the Up GTI is sooooo good it spoils you. Listening to Chris Harris and friends going on about the Giulia QV I very much thought of you. Lease a Jaecoo, that’ll set you back on track.
Not sure quite why, but 2025 *feels* like its been a treading water year, but I guess it's because quite a lot of things are kinda in transition, and not much has fully come to fruition yet.
Work has generally gone pretty well. It's been a lot more intense that I had intended it to be, so a bit more stressful than I would ideally like, but it has been very lucrative too (which can't be a bad thing in times of macroeconomic uncertainty). I know it needs to evolve - one of the biggest headwinds has been the poor health of my site manager, and at 63 (and a heavy smoker) I know this isn't likely to improve (he has resisted my every attempt to move him into a less physical, more managerial role). But instead of changing things to make them more sustainable, we have been sticking our heads in the sand over it.
The fostering situation which so dominated 2024 has spent most of 2025 in a holding pattern. The lad has been mostly back in his own home (and a lot more together/happier) and only staying here once a week or when he feels he needs a bit of extra support, but sadly his mum's health has been on a gradual and inexorable slide. Her hospital visits have become longer and more frequent, and she's been less and less well in between. Currently, she is in, having only been home for 2 days of the last month. I fear things will move towards the end game in the weeks/month timeframe.
Similarly, the situation with my dad's health has continued to decline, although without any dramatic collapse. His grip on reality grows increasingly tenuous, and his mobility is teetering on becoming non-existent. Again, I suspect things will move to the next phase in 2026.
On happier things, the shooting has been making strong progress. I even spent 6 weeks sitting at the top of the regional target shooting league (largely due to a mathematical quirk of the scoring system, but we'll brush that under the carpet). Smithing skills have been coming along, and it's been growing into a nice little sideline - it's nice to get to the point where you can be trusted to break out the big tools on other people's expensive toys!
I did also bite the bullet and draw a line under all the racing stuff. The final cars and kit got sold, and I have transitioned the workshop from a pure race garage into a general purpose machine shop with the addition of a massive lathe, a couple of bandsaws and space for a yet-to-be acquired milling machine. I think the ability to just potter about on a variety of interesting projects, rather than intensively and stressfully focus on just racecars, will suit me better going forward.
Finally, I’m very glad to moving into 2026 putting a bit of a health scare behind me. Two days ago, I had surgery to remove a ping-pong ball sized lump which I have been cultivating on my head for the last 6-8 months, as well as a smaller cyst on my face. Despite some earlier doubt from the doctors, I’ve actually known for a couple of months that both are only cosmetic, but I’m a lot more comfortable with them being “probably-not-a-problem” in a medical waste bin somewhere.
So, plans for 2026 – bracing for storms on a couple of fronts, positive action around work, and continued progress on the happy stuff!
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough"
Jobbo wrote: Fri Jan 02, 2026 7:33 am
@Matty Good point about the extra stress and hours but I still feel I wish I’d started my own business earlier. Then maybe I could have retired at 50. Doing it at 46 means I’m still expecting to work past 70. I’ll revise that as I reach my 60s I’m sure
.
i thought it was your dads company you took over (and doing very well running by the looks of it!)
I imagine starting a business would be a whole next level of stress!
Looking back (no way am I attempting to quote" it saod look for promotion, don't buy a car, so one our of two!
We did get Emily's might Ka Edge, surley a contender behind Dan's car and that of ScottA. I swapped the Superb for the S5 and promptly put 10k on it in 6 months, perhaps I should have gone for a diesel estate, as I had gone out to buy!
Jon, I do hope 2026 is kinder to you and yours, promotions are coming up at work, so that would be welcome as Emily will be off yo Uni in the summer, which is odd, as I could have sworn she was only 5 a few weeks ago.
Yesterday was 25 years since I met the lady I married. 24th wedding anniversary later in the year. Hope to continue the wee abroad hops we started, nothing fancy, just back from a few nights in Spain, was there in September and Rhodes and Crete in teh summer, 4 nights felt just enough to relax, enjoy the weather etc so maybe more of that, before al our cash goes on student rent!
Jobbo wrote: Fri Jan 02, 2026 7:33 am
@Matty Good point about the extra stress and hours but I still feel I wish I’d started my own business earlier. Then maybe I could have retired at 50. Doing it at 46 means I’m still expecting to work past 70. I’ll revise that as I reach my 60s I’m sure
.
i thought it was your dads company you took over (and doing very well running by the looks of it!)
I imagine starting a business would be a whole next level of stress!
I bought the business off him for £350,000 - so yes, it was already running as mostly a one man band operation but I’d recommend anyone buys an existing business rather than starting from the ground up. Sadly not a lot of nepotism involved
Matty wrote: Thu Jan 01, 2026 11:11 pm
Regarding car plans, I'm kinda stumped. The QV was a massive disappointment for me, although I think it was more on my side than the car. I've been tucking money away for the last 10 months and the Emira is now achievable...but I'm not sure there's much point and whether I want that much money tied up in something that I'll rarely use - I enjoy owning cars more than I do driving them at this point I like the idea of having something in the garage when I'm going somewhere nice, or to a car show...but otherwise, driving something nice seems to stress me out as I've got older, as more and more people seem to be inconsiderate fucks - it's just easier to use a small car that I'm happy to park anywhere without worring about it. I've looked at cheaper stuff (MX5's, early Elises) or going to a single more exciting car (Yaris GR) but there's not enough appeal there. So I don't know....given how fucked the economy seems to be at the moment, maybe it's worth waiting a bit anyway.
@Matty Good point about the extra stress and hours but I still feel I wish I’d started my own business earlier. Then maybe I could have retired at 50. Doing it at 46 means I’m still expecting to work past 70. I’ll revise that as I reach my 60s I’m sure
As for cars, the GR Yaris looks like a fantastic option for you. Low depreciation, a bit special (I still always look at them) and not so valuable you need to be excessively precious about it. It really sounds like you’ve lost the love; either that or the Up GTI is sooooo good it spoils you. Listening to Chris Harris and friends going on about the Giulia QV I very much thought of you. Lease a Jaecoo, that’ll set you back on track.
Just a word to the wise Simon - My Dad didn't wind his practice up until he was 78. He's retired very rich, but now suddenly Mum needs a lot of care. He said to us at Christmas that he wishes he'd retired earlier, so that he could've actually enjoyed what he worked for. He didn't need to retire as late as he did at all, but I think he became a bit addicted to the work and the income. He should've retired no later than 70 and enjoyed his money.
Gavster wrote: Thu Jan 02, 2025 11:06 am
2025:
Health: Moving away (with some regret) from endurance sports because they're frankly exhausting, and will focus on strength training in the form of calisthenics.
Work: Keeping the pressure on, which appears to be heeding some decent results. I now have the perfect work/studio setup at home and since my potential house move fell through, I've decided I need to stay here and make the most of what I've created in this space. I've got a habit of ticking something off, then going looking for the next mountain to climb, rather than building on top of the current success. Decided not to do that again.
Romance: Been on/off (currently on) with my OH for about 5.5 years now, I think we've reached the point where we've accepted each other's faults and decided we would rather live with them, after some negotiation and adaptations.
Money: Best year since I started my career change in 2015, which is a massive win. It's been a long decade clawing my way back, and tax year 24/25 will exceed my income from 14/15. Seeing this happen is motivation to double down on the work again this year.
Legal stuff: Disposal hearing on 21st Feb and fingers crossed, if that goes as we hope, the whole thing could be wrapped up somewhere within the next 12ish months or so.
2025 Highlights
- Finalist in the BBC Food and Farming Awards Digital Creator of the Year
- Got around 50 million views on social media
- Self-employed income went up again
- Got a literary agent - book proposal nearly done
- Deciuded to leave my ex in April and met someone lovely in August, which is now going from strength to strength
- Been lifting weights 3 times a week since April and still smashing a 21 min ParkRun on Saturdays
- Neighbours decided to sack their legal team, ignore the consent order and the terms of relief from forfeiture, meaning that after nearly 7 years of dragging me through the courts they have finally run out of road. I've got a warrant of possession and now awaiting date for bailiffs.
2026 Plans
This year is kinda simple, it's all about planning for the future. I've had a tendency towards seeking instant gratification in the past, but now I'm in my late forties, it's about being intentional about ensuring my life is in a good place for 10 years time.
- Renovate the dilapidated flat downstairs (for sale or rent, unsure right now)
- Publish first book
- Grow more self-employed income
- Pay off unsecured debts
Some shitty times all around folks, hopefully next year is an improvement where it can be...
No real detail this year - work has been stressful thanks to the AI shite kicking off eating up huge amounts of my teams time and us not getting as much work in as we'd have liked (it's fine, but no new staff this year, which I could do with in my team really), and my health - mental and physical - feels like it's pitching downwards. So this year my plan is basically to try to underline some basics and get things back on an even keel.
Otherwise, no specific 'plans' per se, not had time to think of any - just keeping on keeping on.
Matty wrote: Thu Jan 01, 2026 11:11 pm
Regarding car plans, I'm kinda stumped. The QV was a massive disappointment for me, although I think it was more on my side than the car. I've been tucking money away for the last 10 months and the Emira is now achievable...but I'm not sure there's much point and whether I want that much money tied up in something that I'll rarely use - I enjoy owning cars more than I do driving them at this point I like the idea of having something in the garage when I'm going somewhere nice, or to a car show...but otherwise, driving something nice seems to stress me out as I've got older, as more and more people seem to be inconsiderate fucks - it's just easier to use a small car that I'm happy to park anywhere without worring about it. I've looked at cheaper stuff (MX5's, early Elises) or going to a single more exciting car (Yaris GR) but there's not enough appeal there. So I don't know....given how fucked the economy seems to be at the moment, maybe it's worth waiting a bit anyway.
@Matty Good point about the extra stress and hours but I still feel I wish I’d started my own business earlier. Then maybe I could have retired at 50. Doing it at 46 means I’m still expecting to work past 70. I’ll revise that as I reach my 60s I’m sure
As for cars, the GR Yaris looks like a fantastic option for you. Low depreciation, a bit special (I still always look at them) and not so valuable you need to be excessively precious about it. It really sounds like you’ve lost the love; either that or the Up GTI is sooooo good it spoils you. Listening to Chris Harris and friends going on about the Giulia QV I very much thought of you. Lease a Jaecoo, that’ll set you back on track.
Problem is my morning commute is 9 miles taking 40 minutes primarily on the M6, which is why I lean towards the two car route. I saw that bit on the QV - "everyone should own one". Wonder if he's driven a later one or just the early 'raw' ones.
Also saw the bit on the A110, maybe I need to look past the looks...remind me why you didn't go for one? Surely the laws of averages suggest Scott's sucked up all the bad juju so buying one should be 100% reliable.
I just felt the A110 was very good but didn’t give any sensation of speed at normal road speeds. It is much more refined than an Elise but that means it has far less of the character. Worth trying one I’d say - it may be ideal for you.
Nefarious wrote: Fri Jan 02, 2026 9:17 am
Similarly, the situation with my dad's health has continued to decline, although without any dramatic collapse. His grip on reality grows increasingly tenuous, and his mobility is teetering on becoming non-existent. Again, I suspect things will move to the next phase in 2026.
My reflection on this with my mum is that you expect some big crisis to come along and change the situation but it never does. It's a gradual, inexorable decline. At some stage a minor change upsets the delicate status quo.
It’s interesting that I didn’t post one of these last year. I suspect I wasn’t in the right headspace.
2025 has been a bit tough. Redundancy in May was a bit of a kick in the plums, especially as I did the budget for 2025/2026 and made sure I was in it. It’s the first time someone has cried in one of my redundancy meetings and fortunately it wasn’t me! Things got incredibly tight before picking up a 3 month contract. That got extended to 6 months but then they ran out of budget.
Things got really squeaky again as the end date approached and on 12/12 I was unemployed again. The next Tuesday I got a call from an agent, Wednesday was an interview, Friday was a job offer for the money I wanted, in a role I want with the progression I want. I definitely cried after that.
I’ve been dating a lovely woman for 2 1/3 years. We click nicely, both want our own space, have no interest in getting married or cohabiting.
Mental health has had a kicking with all the stress of the job situation and ExWife2 and I are no longer on speaking terms after I told her that she was using abusive language towards me and she really didn’t accept that. I’m convinced that she’s sat on the full range of ZX Spectrums from the 16k up to a +3 and possibly a QL for good measure.
It's been a tough year for funerals. A cousin died of oesophageal cancer. An old schoolfriend has recently died and “donations to alcoholics anonymous” tells a sad tale in 4 words. Another friend died of Skin cancer. His funeral was a riot of colour, tears and laughter. He wrote his own eulogy and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It did get some the old school year back in contact, which was nice. We’ve been catching up at gigs of another of our cohorts rock/metal covers band.
Kids are doing brilliantly. Oldest is finishing his Video Games Design degree this year and turning 21. Middle will be 18 in April and is loving driving. Oldest is definitely never going to drive but from the first moment I saw Middle behind the wheel, I knew he got it and will be a driver, not just someone who drives a car, IYSWIM. Youngest is now 13, excelling at grammar school and is a gifted and talented gobshite. All vastly different people but equally loved.
The E60 535d is going well. Discovering a jacking point on the subframe under the engine has made servicing it much easier. After the gearbox was rebuilt, it will need a follow up service at some point this year. The rear brakes are squealing slightly so that needs looking at too. Aside from that, it’s doing everything I need it to while being quick enough to keep up with GG’s 911 GTS, Dunc’s Danomatic Elise and Jobbo’s leaden right foot.
I also got to drive a cayman round Thruxton after a friend won the experience but donated it to me. 3 laps in a Seat being shown the lines and then Owen Hizzy didn’t scream much when I decided that track limits were more suggestions. 4 laps, no rev limit, 130mph+ on a track that was definitely not designed with a ruler.
What surprised me most was how quickly I ran out of brain capacity when I needed to overtake the single seater cars on track. My ADHDy brain is fast but to get a stack overflow error was a surprise!
2026 plans? Hopefully a rebuilding year. Get some debts cleared, get the emergency fund rebuilt. Keep enjoying life with the kids and GF. See people (in small doses).
Some somber reading there chaps and I hope you all have much improved 2026s
2025 went by in a bit of a blur. I feel like I’ve not moved on and have been treading water all year (although I did finally buy a car after 18+months of hire cars).
Big question for 2026 is buying a house, deciding where I want to live, and who that involves.. nothing major
Parents are both getting more frail and I’m unsure if this year will end with both of them still at home.. that would probably change my housing plans, so expect it to happen 1 week after buying somewhere.
Daughter is 16 going on 21 and partying too much, taking advantage of me being out of country to use my place as an excuse and means I have to increase coms with the ex .. stepson starting the BA pilot scheme this week, so he’s sorted, but looking at moving out my old house where he is definitely a source of stability.
Girlfriend is very, very, very high up the Crazy/Hot matrix which is great fun but also fvcking terrible in equal measure ..
I’ve also realised I need to improve my health, my fitness has gone down the pan and I definitely have a dad bod, so need to improve that aspect and it’s actually something that I can control so should be easy (yeah, right)
ZedLeg wrote: Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:56 pm
Apparently I wasn’t posting here last new year.
Any plans I had for the year were curtailed by being made redundant right at the start.
After losing a job that I was very good and successful at, I struggled to find anything at a similar level, presumably due to my lack of formal quals and quite broad skill set.
I ended up taking a job doing similar to some of the stuff I had been doing at a lower level along with a hefty pay cut.
Job’s starting to get better as I’m working on quite a large project now but I’m really struggling to make ends meet.
Main focus in the new year will be more money, whether that’s a promotion/pay rise or a move remains to be seen.
Apart from that we’ve been ticking along ok.
I’m studiously ignoring some health issues as I just don’t have the head space for them just now . My mental health has been up and down this year, mostly due to the aforementioned job issues. The christmas break has been just the ticket though, feeling pretty refreshed for going back.
Oh and I passed 5 years sober last week, which I’m pretty chuffed with.
Still at the shite job that doesn’t pay enough, had an interesting interview last week though. Smaller company and logistics manager role so more money. I felt like the interview went well (even though I was on my christmas break so had festive glittery nails ) and should hopefully here from them next week.
It would be a good start to the year if I got it.
Generally feeling in a better place than last year. My partner and I are doing alright, just ticked over 15 years together and I’m now 6 years sober. Another year is always a little thrill
Next year if I get this job is to try and get back above water financially and if not keep looking I guess.
Got the job, hopefully a sign of a better year to come.
ZedLeg wrote: Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:56 pm
Apparently I wasn’t posting here last new year.
Any plans I had for the year were curtailed by being made redundant right at the start.
After losing a job that I was very good and successful at, I struggled to find anything at a similar level, presumably due to my lack of formal quals and quite broad skill set.
I ended up taking a job doing similar to some of the stuff I had been doing at a lower level along with a hefty pay cut.
Job’s starting to get better as I’m working on quite a large project now but I’m really struggling to make ends meet.
Main focus in the new year will be more money, whether that’s a promotion/pay rise or a move remains to be seen.
Apart from that we’ve been ticking along ok.
I’m studiously ignoring some health issues as I just don’t have the head space for them just now . My mental health has been up and down this year, mostly due to the aforementioned job issues. The christmas break has been just the ticket though, feeling pretty refreshed for going back.
Oh and I passed 5 years sober last week, which I’m pretty chuffed with.
Still at the shite job that doesn’t pay enough, had an interesting interview last week though. Smaller company and logistics manager role so more money. I felt like the interview went well (even though I was on my christmas break so had festive glittery nails ) and should hopefully here from them next week.
It would be a good start to the year if I got it.
Generally feeling in a better place than last year. My partner and I are doing alright, just ticked over 15 years together and I’m now 6 years sober. Another year is always a little thrill
Next year if I get this job is to try and get back above water financially and if not keep looking I guess.
Got the job, hopefully a sign of a better year to come.
I like the idea of having something in the garage when I'm going somewhere nice, or to a car show...but otherwise, driving something nice seems to stress me out as I've got older, as more and more people seem to be inconsiderate fucks - it's just easier to use a small car that I'm happy to park anywhere without worring about it. I've looked at cheaper stuff (MX5's, early Elises) or going to a single more exciting car (Yaris GR) but there's not enough appeal there. So I don't know....given how fucked the economy seems to be at the moment, maybe it's worth waiting a bit anyway.
.. stepson starting the BA pilot scheme this week, so he’s sorted, but looking at moving out my old house where he is definitely a source of stability. 
. My mental health has been up and down this year, mostly due to the aforementioned job issues. The christmas break has been just the ticket though, feeling pretty refreshed for going back.
