Confused and Dazed

[Dave Hounddriver]

1 hour ago, mogo51 said:

The advice about going to the Philippines for at least 6 but preferably 12 months, is the best advice you have probably been given in a long time.

When I first came to the Philippines, I came on an 8 week holiday from work.  I went full speed into the different cultures (expat, local, city, province etc) and became infatuated with Philippines.

Then I went back to work.  I couldn't do it.  After a couple of weeks working I realized that Philippines was where I wanted to spend (at least) the next 5 years of my life and I would worry about the rest later.  I was 52.  So I quit work and called it being retired and within 2 months I had sold everything and was headed back to Philippines where I have been for almost 9 years now.

I haven't looked back.  Its not for everyone.  I have seen a lot come and go.  Many said they were here for the rest of their life but are now back in their original country or on the way.  A former admin of this site is a great example (you reading this MikeB?)

So do what you want to do but don't burn any more bridges than you have to.

[Nephi]

50 minutes ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

When I first came to the Philippines, I came on an 8 week holiday from work.  I went full speed into the different cultures (expat, local, city, province etc) and became infatuated with Philippines.

Then I went back to work.  I couldn't do it.  After a couple of weeks working I realized that Philippines was where I wanted to spend (at least) the next 5 years of my life and I would worry about the rest later.  I was 52.  So I quit work and called it being retired and within 2 months I had sold everything and was headed back to Philippines where I have been for almost 9 years now.

I haven't looked back.  Its not for everyone.  I have seen a lot come and go.  Many said they were here for the rest of their life but are now back in their original country or on the way.  A former admin of this site is a great example (you reading this MikeB?)

So do what you want to do but don't burn any more bridges than you have to.

Just about the same for me as well. Came here in 96 and stayed for three years. Returned to the states for an additional 3 years and then came back here to the islands and have been married and here ever since. At the same time I've seen many come and go. Four or five returned home, two got themselves killed (murder), and several died of natural causes by not taking care of themselves. I even know one expat who even now is suffering from prostate and bladder cancer. Trying like crazy to sell his house so he can go home for treatment before it's too late. Can't get the thing sold so due to poor financial planning, he will quite likely go without the needed surgeries and treatment and will die here. It's okay to try living in new and different places but coming here to live, one needs to be careful and if nothing else, leave a financial way out no matter what.

Nephi