Dear 170to5:
I do understand we all have different expectations but;
Do you need:
£420K house, private education for your kids, two cars and exotic holidays.
That is far more than "a decent life" that is "a jolly good life"
I'm UK based, live in a modest £200K flat on the south coast, my kids were all state educated & I have a 11yr old Merc. I use the coach to get to work (LGW) and my wife has a job in an office that she enjoys, and which provides a little extra cash. We do enjoy the odd overseas holiday.
I have lived in the ME & FE, but I am very happy living in the UK, with my modest income, and modest lifestyle.
Life is not all about £££. It is possible to be very fulfilled with a lot less.
BRGDS