Very good points Gwap Which is why my original question asked how you would fund yourself - work or savings/pension?

Personally, I have no desire to work/own a business in the Phil's, for the reasons you've mentioned above. I'm tired of many things about the UK, but it's still the best place for me to make sufficient money to support my family in the way I want, and to allow me to save sufficient for my retirement.

Even after I retire (age 60) I won't leave the UK full time, I'm too close to my kids and wouldn't want to be too far from them, even after they've flown the nest. 6 months here and 6 months there would suit me. The only way I'm going to fund that dream is by working/saving hard in the UK for another 17 years.