80% of it is state of mind. If you don't like working, not working is really quite easy. To fill the void you just need to find a way to put in 18 hours a day. Everything here moves slowly so a simple trip to the bank can cost you an hour where at home only 15 minutes was needed.
I found that a daily routine is helpful. Suggestions:
- Wake up, make cafe and spend a couple hours socializing with all your friends on DR1. Type slowly, usually no reason to hurry.
- Before it gets too hot, clean the pool, and do any other daily chores that need to be done. Get a couple of dogs-then there are always land mines to pickup while you work on your shirtless tan.
- When the chores are done and you are hot & sweaty, go for a swim in the pool to cool down.
- Check DR1 again for potential new friends.
- If you live close to a grocery store, resist the NA urge to buy everything all at once. Shopping for food every couple of days is a good way to put in time and you don't lose a lot of food if the power system implodes for a day or two.
- Put the groceries away, surf the internet for porn, movies, TV shows, whatever turns your crank.
- Rest of the day is yours-ask the wife, significant other what they would like to do. You probably won't like doing what they suggest, but it adds a bit of variety.
- Head to your favourite watering hole and commiserate with other like minded potentially bored and in a rut expats.
- Go home, have dinner, watch TV go to bed.
- Repeat as often as necessary.
- Once every now and then, host a BBQ, pool party, Euchre party and invite everyone you know. It's a good way to restock the bar so that you are able to liberally self medicate between chores and activities suggested by the wife.
When you need a long term project, apply for a driver's license, anything else that requires dealing with the Govt or contract a local to perform electrical work, or other upgrades at your casa.
Plan an excursion to a different town, city or part of the Island.
Start your "get to know and love Santo Domingo" program. All roads and most tasks eventually lead to this city.
Over time, the days start to blend together and you wonder how you ever coped with more than 2 things on your to-do list.