I have a very stable but stressful job in the IT field here in the Netherlands. I am aware that I am pretty fortunate to get a job like this here in this country where it is so difficult to settle down as a foreigner — especially if you do not speak the language. But that’s another story. To say the least, my husband and I have concluded that this country and I have “irreconcilable differences” and incompatibilities. After more than 2 years of living here we concluded it’s time to move on since he believes his business is now ripe for globalization. And that is where going to the Philippines will make sense.
However, I have always wanted to come back to the U.S., which was my home for almost a decade. On the surface, the U.S. is clearly an attractive place to live. What with all the nice cars, nice houses, countless entertainment and sightseeing opportunities. I could also have a nice paying job in a heartbeat! But living here in Europe, also opened my eyes to how fragile the economic situation is now in the U.S. Everyone seems to be tied up to their mortgage and car payments. Is this what you call freedom? Why do we let ourselves be in this treadmill of hardwork and not even have time to enjoy what we worked for?
One day, while we were in the car, this thought all came to us. With the money I saved up from working here and in the States I think we can have a break — and I think I deserve it! In fact, not just a 2 or 3 week vacation but even a year of doing what I want to do. And at this time, my husband can also explore possibilities of bringing his IT company to the next level. With the much lower cost of living there and the favorable exchange rate we think we could live on much less than what we are paying now and have the rest we deserve as well.
This is the whole theme of this blog. How this idea develops into reality — but of course it can also go the other way. In the end we are still open to the possibility of staying here or moving to the U.S. if we find out that it is not for us.
On the next few posts I will describe the different phases of our plan. The first of which is planning our “Scouting trip” sometime April, 2008. I have already told my manager about our plans to eventually leave by August but we think it is better to actually test the waters first before we give up everything — including this nice apartment of ours.
So sit back and watch how this plan will unfold!
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Francis // Apr 19, 2008 at 7:30 am
Lovely. I am definitely tuned in to your blog to see how this plan unfolds. All the best and keep us updated!
2 MB // Sep 20, 2008 at 6:04 am
Wonderful blog!
I’m a Filipino-American, but I was raised almost completely in the United States. My sister (who was raised both in the Philippines and the US) has a desire for us to go back and start businesses.
My background is in software and web development. I’m hoping to start a facility to train local Filipinos to be top-notch developers, for hire as consultants internationally. I think it’s about time our nation gains some pride, and is chosen because we are the best, not solely because we are cheap (though that’s definitely a business advantage).
By doing this, we can raise rates to more closely match Western ones, and increase the wealth of our country.
I already have four potential students lined up, and I hope more will join them.
Anyhoo, I subscribed to your blog. Keep up the good work!
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