During the day, I’m quite happy with my decisions.

I live in a van. I travel. I train. I build things. I spend an unreasonable amount of time looking for showers.

Life is good.

At approximately 4 a.m., however, a committee convenes.

Nobody invited them.

First on the agenda: money. Lovely that we’re enjoying Portugal, but perhaps we could also invoice someone?

Next: the projects. A website, an app, a podcast, videos. Would we like to finish something before starting another thing?

And finally, the committee’s favourite question:

What exactly is the plan?

I explain that there is a plan. Find work that fits, build something of my own, see where this takes me.

The committee requests a spreadsheet.

Annoyingly, they’re not entirely wrong. A website isn’t a business just because I’ve spent six hours choosing fonts. And sunsets, while excellent, remain difficult to monetise.

But I don’t regret leaving. I like this life. I liked the previous one too. I’m just curious what else is possible.

Apparently, curiosity is not an acceptable financial forecast.

By morning, the committee has adjourned.

No decisions. No solutions. Another meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 4 a.m.

The committee has reviewed every possible risk, mistake and disaster.

Not once has it asked whether I’m happy.

Petal has reviewed the minutes.

“And who appointed them, exactly?”