Welcome to our Escape the Rat Race Blog
Getting Away
as told by Mitzie Ruffles
How a Crazy Dream Became a Reality
– A Memoir
Welcome to Our Escape the Rat Race Blog
Getting Away
as told by Mitzie Ruffles
How a Crazy Dream Became a Reality – A Memoir
Welcome to Our Escape the Rat Race Blog
The phrase “escape the rat race” has become increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced world. But what does it really mean? Is it just a catchy slogan, or does it hold a more profound significance in our lives? Let’s delve into the meaning behind this popular expression and explore why so many people aspire to break free from the relentless cycle of the rat race.
The rat race, a term that vividly captures the relentless struggle for success and financial gain in modern society, is a metaphorical representation of the daily grind. In a ceaseless pursuit of material wealth, societal status, or career advancement, it’s a world where individuals toil away long hours, often at jobs they despise. This race, with its focus on accumulation rather than fulfilment, often leaves many feeling trapped, unfulfilled, and yearning for a way out. In stark contrast, a fulfilling life is one where individuals have control over their time, energy, and priorities, leading to a more meaningful and satisfying existence.
Escaping the rat race is not just a dream; it’s a tangible goal that can bring about a profound change in your life. It’s about regaining control over your time, energy, and priorities to lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. This concept is about financial independence and personal growth, work-life balance, and overall well-being. It’s a personal journey that can significantly enhance your quality.
However, many believe escaping the rat race in the UK is difficult to achieve; however, in my opinion, this belief is a misconception. It assumes that escaping requires ‘huge sums of money’— lottery winner type of money. In reality, it’s about making conscious choices and prioritising what truly matters to you.
Embarking on the journey to escape the rat race is a transformative experience; when you look around this blog, you’ll read about how Ann and I escaped the rat race. It’s been a path of personal growth and self-discovery. It’s a journey that demands introspection, courage, and a willingness to challenge societal norms and expectations. It’s about redefining success on your own terms and aligning your actions with your values, passions, and aspirations, a journey that can lead you to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, “escape the rat race” is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a profound call to break free from the relentless pursuit of external validation and materialism. It’s about reclaiming your autonomy, pursuing fulfilment, and living life on your own terms.
Whether you aspire to escape or are just checking what others have done, escaping the rat race is ultimately a quest for freedom, purpose, and authenticity in a world that often prioritises conformity and following the forty-year plan that society wants you to follow. My blog aims to show you that it is possible to escape the rat race in the UK or elsewhere. Please have a look around, explore, comment or get in touch with me via WhatsApp or Messenger by clicking on the speech bubble hovering somewhere on the bottom right of your screen.
Check Out Our Sailing Years Blog Posts
Check Out Our Motorhome Years Blog Posts
Fox and Goose Pub Stopover Review
When Ann phoned the Crown Inn in Catcott, they advised that they were closed for a week. However, they did recommend the Fox and Goose
Voyage to the Jurassic Coast
The start of our planned ‘voyage’ to the Jurassic Coast was slightly hampered by Ann catching Covid. Our plan was to leave on Saturday morning head
Jurassic Coast – East Fleet Farm
I would describe the East Fleet Farm Touring Park as a picturesque site, nestled on the stunning Jurassic Coast. Spanning over 50 acres of lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the Fleet Lagoon and the Chesil Beach, although the latter can only be viewed from the side not facing the sea.
About the Authors
Ann and Mike were full-time liveaboards and junk rig Yachties for 22 years. They escaped the rat race in the UK in 2002. They have cruised the Mediterranean extensively over 15 years, from 2002 to 2017. They have now swallowed the anchor and are back in the UK to spend time with the grandchildren; they talk about their cruising life on Ruffles Spray, a 13.4-meter steel Bruce Roberts Spray Sailing Yacht, a yacht built by Mike and Ann over five years from 1996 to 2001. They now continue ‘cruising’ in their Motorhome in the UK and Europe and hope to inspire you to live the lifestyle you dream about and escape that dull rate race.
Ruffles Spray Build: The Complete Story
Hull Steel Work
Over the next four months we made our payments at the dates specified and the
Hull Plating
Next came the bottom plating. These plates went on without any problems both sides were
Round Bilge Section
Next came the round bilge section and what a nightmare it was to be.Steel Kit
Deck & Superstructure Plating
Next on the list was the deck plating and the superstructure. This was started in
Welding
Ruffles Spray was beginning to take shape although the plated hull was only tack welded
“Quick” Fabrication Jobs
Steel tube was purchased and fabricated into stanchions and railings. Lazarette lockers and chain locker
Hatches & Which Rig
Next the question of the companionway hatch. The drawing stated that it should be in
Shotblast & Prime
Now it was time to shot blast and prime the boat. I searched round for
A Sad Day
Unfortunately Ann’s Mum died on the 14 February 2001. She was a wonderful woman who
Painting Disasters
Then it was time to paint the boat. So I telephoned Blakes Paint and was
Hydraulic Steering Fiasco
After all this was finished I fitted the hydraulic steering and the rudder. Ann and
Engine System
Once the cabin sole was in and the foam insulation sprayed I next turned my
Launch Day 31 July 2001
Ann’s daughter Kathryn, my sister Karen, my mother Ilse, Roly and Rowan, Wendy & Franc,
