Making the Decision
In retrospect, I am very happy with the way the move unfolded. I might have waited a little longer from decision to actual move, but as I have mentioned on FB, I looked in the bathroom mirror, slapped sink with both hands and challenged the woman looking back at me with “What the *hell* are you waiting for?” I might have used a stronger word. . .
I had already turned over my Center of Universal Light now “The Gathering” to the new kids on the block; my beloved Mom and my 4-legged companion Katie, had passed the previous October and January, respectively; so the the two main things weighing on my mind was finding a replacement for my work at the Old Town Center for the Arts and my apartment. The concert season was coming to a close in May, so my initial thought was that this will give me the summer to travel, and, if it works out, I can move in the first quarter of 2024, maybe March . . . . HAH!
I needed a break from a broken heart (losing Mom and Katie) so I booked a 3 week trip to Belize and followed that up with 2 weeks in Panama. I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Panama City and felt safe and comfortable there, but once I got to “the beaches,” it was a done deal. All I needed was a place to live which I found on the last day there!
August 1st, after 10 days of contract negotiations, all I had to do was sign the lease, but the owners were only willing to hold it until November 1st!
The Moving Process
November 1st … I was back in Florida by then and I looked at the photos of the condo, the beach, the area, the comps and said, “I can do that!” I immediately booked a one way ticket to Panama leaving on October 25th.
After visiting my grandson, his wife and my new great granddaughter, in Florida, the last leg of my trip was to Northern Virginia/Washington DC to visit my “Alt” Daughter, Shealah, meaning my ex’s daughter and her mom. While chatting one day, we were thinking of ways to “label” me to introduce me to her friends without saying “ex-step mom.” So, the first time we got to use it nearly brought down the house. Shea introduced her mom and I to a new friend at a restaurant, “This is my mom Cathy and my other mom Kimberly” . . . I’ll let that sink in for a moment . . . The woman raised her eyebrows and her mouth formed in an “oh”. Immediately realizing the implication of that introduction, we looked at each other and cracked up! Back to the drawing board. I am now “Alt” Mom and she is “Alt” Daughter or the more preferred label – “friends”.
This meant that by the time I returned to Cottonwood, I had just two months to sell everything I own, pack only the necessities in two large suitcases, one carryon and one backpack and get on the plane. Because the condo is fully furnished, including a 48″ TV in the living room, cookware, flatware, towels, sheets, pillows, literally everything, I needed only clothes and a few personal items.
I signed the lease and began planning my time back in Cottonwood, making a list of everything I was going to sell, giveaway or throw away. I had thrown away a BUNCH of stuff when HATT left, so I was already living light.
It was a bit hectic and it might have made more sense to make a couple of more trips, but that’s just not my style.
Considerations for Moving Overseas
Deciding to move overseas is a big decision based on many considerations. Here are some of the high-level things you will want to consider:
- Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in the prospective country. This includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs. Understanding this helps you create a potential budget and decide if you can afford a comfortable lifestyle there.
- Employment Opportunities: Consider the job market if you want to work there full or even part time. This will also come into play when deciding on the type of visa you apply for. Research employment opportunities and understand the work culture, typical salaries, and the process for foreigners to secure work.
- Visa and Legal Requirements: Understand the visa requirements and the process for obtaining residency or citizenship. Some countries may have more stringent requirements than others.
- Healthcare System: Evaluate the quality of healthcare and whether it’s affordable or covered by insurance. Understanding the healthcare system is crucial, especially if you have specific medical needs.
- Safety and Political Climate: Research the safety of the country, including crime rates and political stability. Living in a politically unstable country can be risky.
- Language and Cultural Differences: Consider language barriers and cultural differences. Learning a new language or adapting to a different culture can create a much richer experience.
- Education System: If you have children, research the local education system. Look into schools, educational standards, and whether there’s a need for international schooling.
- Climate and Geography: Seriously consider the climate and geographical location. Whether you prefer warm, cold, or temperate climates can significantly impact your experience.
- Social Life and Community: Consider the social aspects, such as the presence of an expat community, social norms, and opportunities to engage in hobbies or activities you enjoy.
- Long-term Prospects: Reflect on your long-term goals and how moving to this country aligns with them. Consider factors like career growth, family considerations, and opportunities for permanent residency or citizenship.
The only type of condo/house, I was interested in was a 2 br/2 ba on the beach. For me much of the rest was somewhat negotiable.
On a scale of 1 to 10; 1 being not important and 10 being highly important, it really helped to rank what was most important to me and what didn’t matter at all. So, identify your “non-negotiables”, your “I could go either ways,” and your “not a consideration”. For example because I am retired and have no minor children, education didn’t matter so I ranked it a 1; and since I’m very healthy I ranked healthcare at a 4. I kept it on my radar because, well, let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger, but I do expect to stay healthy and happy and active. Ranking these considerations depends largely on your priorities, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
I hope this helps. “The Moving Process”, and “Considerations for Moving Overseas”,
Kimberly Kelley 