Research – Research – Research!

After my mom died in October 2022 and my last furbaby, Katie, left me in January 2023, I needed a break.  I was emotionally spent.  My heart was broken, and I wasn’t recovering as fast as I thought I should. I was crying nearly every day, something so foreign to me that I thought I should seek therapy.  I knew the signs of depression, again, something that was very foreign.  I work with clients who feel depressed and know very well the pattern that got me there.  

I channeled my favorite teacher, Sandra, who would have said, “How would you rather feel?”  Believe it or not it took me a couple of minutes to be able to answer. “I would rather feel grateful for having both my mom and Katie for as long as I did and be able to enjoy the memories.” I wasn’t ready to say that I wanted to feel joy because I knew I wouldn’t get there yet, and I didn’t want to lose traction.  I won’t go into all the therapy-speak, but in a nutshell, I had to interrupt my mental patterns of narrative and meaning.  So I asked myself, “If I want to feel grateful for having Mom and Katie and smile at the memories, what can I think or do out of the ordinary that will move me up the emotional scale?”  “Travel!”  Mom was a gypsy.  All one of us would have to say is, “Hey Mom, ya wanna go . . . “ and before they even said the destination, she blurted, “Yes! How much time do I have to pack?”  She would love to know I went traveling somewhere.  And Katie, well, Katie loved going anywhere, too, so I’m taking a little piece of both of them with me.

I booked my flight to Belize and an Airbnb at a ridiculously low price right on the beach for a three-week vacation.  It’s a country settled by African Creole slaves, their official currency is the US dollar, and their official language is English, which made it exotic enough and an easy choice to visit.  

About a month later, I was so excited about taking that first step that I wondered what it would be like to live there.  From there, it snowballed, and everything fell easily and effortlessly into place.  I subscribed and read InternationalLiving.com magazine cover to cover every month and purchased the special current reports on living in Belize and then Panama, which was especially attractive due to the incredible “Pensionado Visa” benefits.  The decision was made, and I immediately made flight and Airbnb reservations to PTY airport.

Although this blog is geared towards those of a certain age, there are many, many, many ex-pats with children who either move for work or who simply want a better (and safer) quality of life for them.  There are many reasons to relocate and just as many different types of visas and paths to residency and citizenship in each country.

Before taking those next steps:

1. Identify your priorities: Start by determining what matters most to you. Consider factors such as job quality of life, cost of living, climate, culture, language, healthcare, education, safety, and economic and political stability. Create a list of your priorities to guide your decision-making process.
2. Research potential destinations: Once you have identified your priorities, research countries that align with those criteria. Look for information about the economy, job market (if you plan to work), social services, infrastructure, visa requirements, and immigration policies. Online resources, government websites, expatriate forums, and travel guides can provide valuable insights.
3. Visit or explore virtually: If possible, visit the countries you are considering to experience them firsthand. Spend time in different cities or regions to get a sense of the local culture and lifestyle. If visiting isn’t feasible, explore virtually through online resources, videos, virtual tours, and groups on the many social media platforms.
4. Consider job opportunities: Determine if there are ample job opportunities in your field of expertise in the countries you are considering. Research industries that are thriving and in demand. Assess the potential for career growth, salary levels, and work-life balance. Additionally, investigate the country’s work visa policies and any restrictions that may apply.
5. Evaluate healthcare and education systems: Research the quality and accessibility of healthcare services and education systems in the countries you are considering. Consider factors such as healthcare infrastructure, availability of specialists, insurance coverage, and educational opportunities for yourself or your family members.
6. Understand the culture and language: Consider the cultural differences and language barriers you may encounter in each country. Assess your willingness to adapt to a different culture and learn a new language. Reflect on your comfort level with potential challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
7. Consider safety and security: Look into the safety and security situation of each country, including crime rates, political stability, and social unrest. Check travel advisories and reports from reputable sources to evaluate the overall safety of the destination.
8. Seek advice and connect with locals: Talk to people who have already moved to the countries you are considering. Join ex-pat forums, online communities, and social media groups to connect with individuals living in those countries. They can provide firsthand insights, advice and help you understand the reality of living there.
9. Trust your instincts: After gathering information and considering all the factors, trust your instincts and make a decision that feels right for you. Remember that moving to a new country is an adventure, and while research is important, there will always be unknowns and surprises along the way.

It’s essential to carefully weigh all these factors and determine which country aligns best with your preferences, goals, and dreams.