Post: #101

(04-08-2016 07:05 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Shit is getting real. And to be perfectly honest, I'm starting to get cold feet. Not saying I'm backing away from going through with it, but feelings of apprehension are starting to creep up.

It's normal. You'll feel a lot of strong emotions as you become an expatriate.

after a few days... typical holiday rush - everything is new. You'll be on a high at this stage, probably not thinking too much about the long term.

a few weeks... strong sense of freedom. You will have proven to yourself that you can strike out on your own; you're no longer dependent on family, friends, the community you grew up in, etc.

a few months... some frustration creeping in. You'll find a lot of simple tasks difficult and time-consuming due to your lack of local knowledge. Try to 'invest' in local and expat friends as soon as possible to reduce the frustration. RVF will likely be very useful at this stage... I wish there were such forums when I first moved away.

after a few years... feels like home. You'll know the system and will have established a base. You'll probably lose interest in US TV and news, and may lose track of the gossip that usually does the rounds amongst groups of friends.
Some people never really reach this stage. They hold on to their home culture, refuse to integrate and often become quite bitter because of it. After 15-20 years abroad, they still import their Doritos, go to extreme lengths to find Budweiser, watch satellite broadcasts from back home, complain about how terrible everything is, and constantly grumble about leaving.


Keep in mind that while it won't be an easy process, it will really make you grow stronger and wiser. I can remember visiting my home town after about five years of living abroad. All I can remember of that trip was thinking was how lame and clueless all my old friends were. It's surprising to see how many people hang off their friends, family, the State, etc.

Post: #102

DaveR, Thanks for giving the run down of what I can expect. Good to know.

Up until now, my energies were spent on "getting the hell out of here" and escaping from the West. But now it is time to start spending energy on "where to go from here" and walking towards the future.

There is a huge difference and a huge mental shift, but it has to be done. I can't keep running away from the West forever. There has to be something I aspire to and walk towards. I don't know what that is yet, and that's the scary part.

Post: #103

(04-06-2016 02:58 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  

(04-05-2016 12:18 PM)Thaitanium Wrote:  Good to see you have got it planned so well. Which countries are you thinking of going? Still going to divide your time between Thailand and the Phils? Or somewhere else?

Thanks. I haven't decided which to go first, but it will be one of those two. I'm still looking into visas and stuff. There are several neighboring countries I want to check out as well.

I'm thinking that once I make my move over there, I might write a datasheet on how to become location independent... not about making money, but more along the lines of the detailed steps from A through Z, including:

- budgeting for overseas living
- picking the right banks
- managing taxes and insurance
- getting proper documentation for visas
- the best apps and programs for your computer and phone (skype, VPN, etc)
- winding your home life down, tying up loose ends, while booking a ticket and finding a place to live in your new destination
- how much it costs to make the move from start to finish

If there is interest in a data sheet like this, I'll try to make one.

This is a great example of the MikeCF writing model:

1. I have a problem
2. Here's how I solved the problem
3. Here's how you can solve the problem

Post: #104

CleanSlate, even if you quit your job today, as an employee, they have to offer you COBRA insurance. You'll have to pay the monthly premium that your company pays, which is often inexpensive, and you can keep paying for COBRA up to 18 months, but quit "anytime". That last part is important if you just need health insurance for a month or two to pay for an expensive item.

You won't need health/travel insurance while you're abroad. Medical is very inexpensive where you're going.

I'm also leaving the States at the end of the summer, so I'm right behind ya!

However, I will be coming back to the States each year in the Spring/Early summer to manage my investment properties for a few months or so before heading out to travel again. I see myself doing this kind of cycle from here on out.

But while I'm abroad, if I find myself needing money or just yearning to work I might look for consulting gigs here in the US while I'm still traveling. With my stuff in permanent storage I can interview for a new gig in the States via Skype while I'm in Asia and when I get hired, just book a ticket to wherever it is in the States and secure a short-term furnished rental for the months I'm working.

Having a skill where you can be a temporary consultant has it's advantages in this respect. Just don't lock yourself into a long-term lease. I mention it because I know you have that kind of skill set too.

Post: #105

^Onto, is it normal to get contract gigs without face to face interviews these days? If not, how do you convince potential employers to skip face to face and offer you a contract based on phone/skype interviews?

Post: #106

(04-10-2016 06:34 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  ^Onto, is it normal to get contract gigs without face to face interviews these days? If not, how do you convince potential employers to skip face to face and offer you a contract based on phone/skype interviews?

Yes, it's becoming much more commonplace. I'm seeing more and more job postings, especially in remote mid-west areas that state Phone/Skype as the interview method.

My current gig I got from phone interview then Skype.

The recruiter originally wanted me to take a 4 hour Amtrak train for a face to face. I said, "Ok, but you pay for the ticket and hotel room, along with a day's pay and I'll come."

Then they said, "Skype will be fine".

The downside is it's much more difficult to connect and charm over Skype than it is in person. But that's where experience in Skyping with Pinay's comes in handy.

Post: #107

(04-10-2016 05:04 PM)Onto Wrote:  You won't need health/travel insurance while you're abroad. Medical is very inexpensive where you're going.

It's not a visit to the doctor with sore throat I'm worried about... serious accidents and hospitalization can be expensive even in third world countries. Granted, not as expensive as in the US, but still can run into the 4-5 figures.

So we'd probably still need insurance. I'm shopping for a high deductible catastrophic plan that covers only accidents and hospitalization, excluding outpatient or dental stuff that can be paid for out of pocket.

Post: #108

(04-10-2016 08:13 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  

(04-10-2016 05:04 PM)Onto Wrote:  You won't need health/travel insurance while you're abroad. Medical is very inexpensive where you're going.

It's not a visit to the doctor with sore throat I'm worried about... serious accidents and hospitalization can be expensive even in third world countries. Granted, not as expensive as in the US, but still can run into the 4-5 figures.

So we'd probably still need insurance. I'm shopping for a high deductible catastrophic plan that covers only accidents and hospitalization, excluding outpatient or dental stuff that can be paid for out of pocket.

You might want to look at expat international health insurers like BUPA Global, Cigna Global, IMG etc.

Post: #109

CS, thanks for mentioning the Mail-Scanning service. I never knew it existed. I can see how having an address in Nevada would be ideal because there is no capital gains or dividend tax at the State level.

Post: #110

Popping back in here to say that I'm most likely going to Thailand and set up a base there.

It will be much more convenient as I can get a multiple entry Thai visa right here where I live. Literally 3 blocks from where I currently work, as opposed to mailing in my passport to a Philippines embassy in Los Angeles and waiting for it to come back. I can always get a visa in the Philippines embassy in Bangkok. Same for traveling to Indonesia, Vietnam, etc etc...

Post: #111

Been a month to the day since my last update. A lot of things are happening:

- Got my annual bonus
- Sent in my notice to vacate my apartment
- Have all the paperwork ready to apply for a visa
- Got everything squared away with insurance regarding my new hearing device
- Booked my flight out of the US
- Already sold 90% of my furniture, except the bed and couch.

I actually gave myself an extra 2 weeks so I will apply for a visa a month from now, and move out the first weekend of July.

Spend a week in DC... then the day I finally expatriate will be on July 10.

I'm writing a journal about this offline, and will use it to post a big datasheet on how to become location independent.

Post: #112

(05-13-2016 01:40 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Been a month to the day since my last update. A lot of things are happening:

- Got my annual bonus
- Sent in my notice to vacate my apartment
- Have all the paperwork ready to apply for a visa
- Got everything squared away with insurance regarding my new hearing device
- Booked my flight out of the US
- Already sold 90% of my furniture, except the bed and couch.

I actually gave myself an extra 2 weeks so I will apply for a visa a month from now, and move out the first weekend of July.

Spend a week in DC... then the day I finally expatriate will be on July 10.

I'm writing a journal about this offline, and will use it to post a big datasheet on how to become location independent.

Awesome man. Hope to see you around these parts soon again!

Post: #113

My family is planning to throw me a going away party in June. I have to say I did not expect this level of support from them. Even my mother is fully on board with it, despite her initial reservations.

Post: #114

^ Hate to be a downer or a conspiracy theorist, but I hope it isn't their ruse for "an intervention." Obviously tough for me to judge across the Internet, your call.

Post: #115

Just had a talk with my mom tonight. We talk via skype once a week or so... tonight was no different, catching up with our news and stuff, as usual.

Then towards the end, she tells me she talked to some people at work... and it turns out that one of her employees is half Thai. She gave my mom a name & contact info of a deaf Thai dude around my age for me to get in touch with... and added that he uses Thai sign language. Now THAT should be interesting...

Then my mom looks a little embarrassed says "Um, CleanSlate, I don't know how to tell you this... but she told me you need to be careful of... uh, you know, sex. Because the girls there LOVE Americans..."

"Yeah Mom, I'll be careful..."

They have no idea

(05-16-2016 04:49 AM)262 Wrote:  ^ Hate to be a downer or a conspiracy theorist, but I hope it isn't their ruse for "an intervention." Obviously tough for me to judge across the Internet, your call.

Nah, they're cool about it. It'll be a nice party flowing with homemade sangria.

Post: #116

Cleanslate: I've been following this thread since inception. I am hopefully following your path in the next 12 months and await the play by play.

Appreciate the updates.

Post: #117

Looks like I ran into a couple of speed bumps.

I had to pay extra taxes because of the house sale last year, but didn't own the house long enough to take advantage of the home sale exemption.

Plus I got a big medical bill that my insurance was supposed to cover but didn't. So I'm filing an appeal and gonna try to fight off the bill. There's a chance I may end up having to pay. While it won't affect my plans, it might impact my financial decision making down the road.

Sorry if its so vague, but I didn't want to post too much of my dirty laundry around here, if that makes any sense.

Anyhow I'll try not to lose sleep over it.

Post: #118

Cracked up at the "be careful, they like teh American sex" bit. Make sure you're extra careful with that stuff, Cleanslate. Rumour has it that Fisto died from too much of that.

Post: #119

(05-20-2016 09:59 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Plus I got a big medical bill that my insurance was supposed to cover but didn't. So I'm filing an appeal and gonna try to fight off the bill. There's a chance I may end up having to pay. While it won't affect my plans, it might impact my financial decision making down the road.

Well that was fast. I won my appeal. That's almost $8,000 I don't have to pay.

I can't believe tomorrow is June already. It's time to buy an international health insurance plan... and start doing a whole bunch of errands between now and the end of June. Sell the remaining furniture, book airbnb and onward flight ticket, get visa, resign, sell the car, cancel bills, etc etc etc.

Post: #120

The family's going away party went great. We all munched on snacks, had a BBQ, played some trivia, and got drunk on sangria and bourbon. I gave a toast thanking everyone for supporting me, and got a little choked up at the end. There's a lot to bash the West on, but there are definitely some things I will miss when I'm gone.

I've collected all the paperwork I need for the visa, got my new health insurance plan, and now just entering the home stretch on my last month here. There's actually not much left to do. I have most of my important files digitized. Almost everything seems to be falling in place, and just a few more loose ends to tie up around here before I say "adios, USA".

If anyone's interested in proofreading my location independent datasheet within the next month or so, PM me and I'll keep you in mind.

Post: #121

CS which health plan did you go with? Thanks champ.

Post: #122

(04-09-2016 12:50 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(04-08-2016 07:05 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Shit is getting real. And to be perfectly honest, I'm starting to get cold feet. Not saying I'm backing away from going through with it, but feelings of apprehension are starting to creep up.

It's normal. You'll feel a lot of strong emotions as you become an expatriate.

after a few days... typical holiday rush - everything is new. You'll be on a high at this stage, probably not thinking too much about the long term.

a few weeks... strong sense of freedom. You will have proven to yourself that you can strike out on your own; you're no longer dependent on family, friends, the community you grew up in, etc.

a few months... some frustration creeping in. You'll find a lot of simple tasks difficult and time-consuming due to your lack of local knowledge. Try to 'invest' in local and expat friends as soon as possible to reduce the frustration. RVF will likely be very useful at this stage... I wish there were such forums when I first moved away.

after a few years... feels like home. You'll know the system and will have established a base. You'll probably lose interest in US TV and news, and may lose track of the gossip that usually does the rounds amongst groups of friends.
Some people never really reach this stage. They hold on to their home culture, refuse to integrate and often become quite bitter because of it. After 15-20 years abroad, they still import their Doritos, go to extreme lengths to find Budweiser, watch satellite broadcasts from back home, complain about how terrible everything is, and constantly grumble about leaving.


Keep in mind that while it won't be an easy process, it will really make you grow stronger and wiser. I can remember visiting my home town after about five years of living abroad. All I can remember of that trip was thinking was how lame and clueless all my old friends were. It's surprising to see how many people hang off their friends, family, the State, etc.

Couldn't have put it any better. Everything you said is exactly what I went through (I'm 3 years in).

Post: #123

(06-06-2016 11:17 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  CS which health plan did you go with? Thanks champ.

I'm curious about that too, since it's almost time for me to renew my plan.

I went with WorldNomads last year, but since it turns out I'll hardly ever visit the US again, I'm thinking I can save a bit of money by going with another provider, since WorldNomads includes muy expensive US coverage 100 miles outside your US address.

Post: #124

I went with IMG Global, which is cheaper and provides more coverage than World Nomad. They have lots of affordable plan options, you get to choose your deductible, and gives optional coverage in the US. For me I pay roughly 1k/yr for a plan with a $500 deductible, and that includes US coverage. Without US coverage, your premiums will be even lower.

Post: #125

(04-12-2016 06:16 PM)Onto Wrote:  CS, thanks for mentioning the Mail-Scanning service. I never knew it existed. I can see how having an address in Nevada would be ideal because there is no capital gains or dividend tax at the State level.

The service I use is Earth Class Mail. Its great even if you move around alot inside the US. It also has mail/package forwarding and a check deposit service. It requires some USPS authorizations to open and so can serve as an official mailing address.

Also, think about your ID/drivers licence when you are gone. If it expires you need a valid proof of residence to get a new one. I remember seeing a vet have a meltdown at the DMV because they wouldn't give him an ID because he lived at his parents after returning from 6 years overseas and didn't have any 'house' bills in his name and so had 'no fixed address'