h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I,ve just started selling Ireland's version of The Big Issue. I'm not exactly homeless, but that is simply because i am staying with a lovely person, who gives me free board and lodging.

I am not entitled to any Social Welfare benefits until i can prove i have lived here for two years, despite the fact my father was Irish and i have worked professionally in several countries, paid taxes and am registered disabled.

I've gone from being Head of Science in a Kuwait school, to being invaded, escaping and being homeless, waitng 12 years for compensation, to managing restaurants in Pakistan, ordered out with 24 hours notice due to political coup, left with one way ticket to Athens and a guitar....busked and slept in a cave.

Yes, the reasons for this sort of situation are usually beyond the persons own control.

The magazine here sells for 3 euro, seller gets half of that. I didn't have to do any sort of interview or training, applied by email, follow up by phone, sent photo and letter, got ID badge and mags two days later.

zdt