As the end of my fixed term NHS contract approached, I did the sensible thing and started interviewing for my next product manager role. Then something clicked.

I’m 29 with no dependents, have a modest amount of savings, and I’ve been dreaming of my route back to the startup world. I’m not saying this is my last chance, but it feels like a window of opportunity.

There’s a lot of debate on side hustling vs a full time ‘burn the boats’ approach. After a couple of years of the former, I’m ready to try the latter. (Though in my case it’s a ferry, and I don’t think CalMac would appreciate me burning it.)

But the fact is, Edinburgh’s an expensive place to bootstrap a business, and frankly, this city is just too much fun. I will be back, but what I need for now is a focused retreat. Somewhere I can exclusively work, exercise, eat, and sleep. And somewhere that can extend my financial runway.

I grew up visiting the Hebrides and I can’t explain the almost spiritual effect that place has on me. Admittedly I go in the summer when it somehow looks like the Mediterranean. But I don't mind the cold. I just know it’s where I need to be for this.

So, what am I building?

Introducing bother.now, my answer to the poor UX of bloated project management tools that I’ve had the displeasure of using as a PM.

It’s live and you can try it with no account required upfront.

I’ll be sharing occasional updates from the island on X (@kalturnbull). Here’s hoping I have a decent internet connection.