6 Comments

Fist pump to you for eloquently conveying that message, Rocco! It IS a people thing. To not float with any political, economic, or religious sides is usually met by being ousted all sides. I am from the Midwest, live/work in Northern Cali, and have been all over this nation. The work-ethic and consumer culture is dominant throughout. Acknowledging wanting to experience another culture, that it might be more affordable for personal financial needs and desires, where you could possibly live a longer, healthier, HAPPIER life.. should not be taken as an insult. Your newsletter (for me) is like talking with a friend. Open minded, honest, and reliable, but also open for debate and an exchanging of ideas for all. Well done, Sir!

Expand full comment

One of your best posts, Rocco. Excellent food for thought.

Apart from what you mention above such as the financial equation, quality of life, culture, infrastructure etc....it is equally important to think about what one will do with one's time when living in a foreign country for the long term.

One can get quickly disillusioned/bored once the initial euphoria of the travel, food, culture, lower cost of living etc wears off.

Everyone needs to plan ahead about what they will do with their time once they are settled in their new home country. And the answer is most likely different in each country. e.g. In an African country, I suspect that the opportunities to get involved in non-profit organizations is immense.

Expand full comment

I would take this a step further and note that even talking about retiring (semi or fully) at our age is usually met with shock or disdain. Or both.

“What do you mean semi-retire?! You’re not even 50!”

Expand full comment

FWIW as an elder guy here, do what works for you - what is in your enlightened self-interest. Ignore everything/everyone else. Learn to truly not give a fuck. ‘Nuff said.

Expand full comment

Words of wisdom. I love it.

Expand full comment

For some reason I was born not really giving a crap what other people thought of our choices. Even so, when my husband and I left the U.S. six years ago to become nomads, almost all of our friends and family have been universally supportive.

But we have run into some of the rest online, which of course, who cares?

As for our reasons -- they are varied and changed somewhat over time. But they are very real and concrete and I find it highly unlikely America will be our long-term home again.

Expand full comment