The Honest Reason I Left for Vietnam (And Stayed Forever)

Welcome back to Saigon Vietnam. Can I Welcome back to Saigon Vietnam. Can I address a weird question? People ask me address a weird question? People ask me address a weird question? People ask me all the time why I left Canada. Today I all the time why I left Canada. Today I all the time why I left Canada. Today I thought I'd just show you. Show you how thought I'd just show you. Show you how thought I'd just show you. Show you how beautiful Vietnam is, where I used to beautiful Vietnam is, where I used to beautiful Vietnam is, where I used to live is, and basically tell you my live is, and basically tell you my live is, and basically tell you my story. So, this is the first real home I story. So, this is the first real home I story. So, this is the first real home I had in Vietnam. had in Vietnam. had in Vietnam. I lived by this park Nam Bien for almost I lived by this park Nam Bien for almost I lived by this park Nam Bien for almost 5 years. So, I tend when people ask me 5 years. So, I tend when people ask me 5 years. So, I tend when people ask me that question to give them a polished that question to give them a polished that question to give them a polished version, you know, the recession, the version, you know, the recession, the version, you know, the recession, the job market, the opportunity in Mexico, job market, the opportunity in Mexico, job market, the opportunity in Mexico, uh the expat path that I followed. uh the expat path that I followed. uh the expat path that I followed. Sounds very deliberate, it sounds like a Sounds very deliberate, it sounds like a Sounds very deliberate, it sounds like a plan. The real answer is much messier plan. The real answer is much messier plan. The real answer is much messier than that, but I think the messier than that, but I think the messier than that, but I think the messier version is useful, too, because if the version is useful, too, because if the version is useful, too, because if the clean version's true, um it's only going clean version's true, um it's only going clean version's true, um it's only going to apply to people who are exactly like to apply to people who are exactly like to apply to people who are exactly like me, right? The messy version applies to me, right? The messy version applies to me, right? The messy version applies to everyone, to you, to all the watchers, everyone, to you, to all the watchers, everyone, to you, to all the watchers, all the audience. Uh so, today I'm going all the audience. Uh so, today I'm going all the audience. Uh so, today I'm going to try and give you the real breakdown, to try and give you the real breakdown, to try and give you the real breakdown, right? I graduated university 2009. You right? I graduated university 2009. You right? I graduated university 2009. You know what happened in 2008? Massive know what happened in 2008? Massive know what happened in 2008? Massive financial crash. The whole graduation financial crash. The whole graduation financial crash. The whole graduation year was [ __ ] The job market was year was [ __ ] The job market was year was [ __ ] The job market was done. The sectors that were supposed to done. The sectors that were supposed to done. The sectors that were supposed to absorb new graduates like myself were absorb new graduates like myself were absorb new graduates like myself were laying people off, they were not hiring.

laying people off, they were not hiring. laying people off, they were not hiring. The thing that was supposed to happen The thing that was supposed to happen The thing that was supposed to happen next, right? You finish school, you find next, right? You finish school, you find next, right? You finish school, you find a job, uh the plan moves forward, uh was a job, uh the plan moves forward, uh was a job, uh the plan moves forward, uh was just not happening at all for a lot of just not happening at all for a lot of just not happening at all for a lot of millennials, a lot of people my age, millennials, a lot of people my age, millennials, a lot of people my age, guess Gen X cuspers. So, I want to be guess Gen X cuspers. So, I want to be guess Gen X cuspers. So, I want to be specific about what that moment really specific about what that moment really specific about what that moment really felt like for me, um because it's the felt like for me, um because it's the felt like for me, um because it's the moment that sort of like is a big hinge moment that sort of like is a big hinge moment that sort of like is a big hinge for my life. It's the reason I left, for my life. It's the reason I left, for my life. It's the reason I left, right? You've done everything right. You right? You've done everything right. You right? You've done everything right. You went to school, you got a degree. I went to school, you got a degree. I went to school, you got a degree. I mean, I graduated with distinction, mean, I graduated with distinction, mean, I graduated with distinction, right? You followed the sequence you right? You followed the sequence you right? You followed the sequence you were told was the correct path. Uh and were told was the correct path. Uh and were told was the correct path. Uh and then you arrive at the end of the then you arrive at the end of the then you arrive at the end of the sequence, the door just doesn't open for sequence, the door just doesn't open for sequence, the door just doesn't open for you, right? You're standing there, you you, right? You're standing there, you you, right? You're standing there, you got a degree, no job, very specific kind got a degree, no job, very specific kind got a degree, no job, very specific kind of humiliation. I had a bunch of student of humiliation. I had a bunch of student of humiliation. I had a bunch of student debt. I'd followed the instructions, but debt. I'd followed the instructions, but debt. I'd followed the instructions, but somewhere along the line it stopped somewhere along the line it stopped somewhere along the line it stopped working. I think there's a parallel working. I think there's a parallel working. I think there's a parallel thing happening now with AI. Most people thing happening now with AI. Most people thing happening now with AI. Most people in that situation are going to do one of in that situation are going to do one of in that situation are going to do one of a couple things, right? Either they're a couple things, right? Either they're a couple things, right? Either they're going to wait, or they're going to find going to wait, or they're going to find going to wait, or they're going to find some other version of the expected path some other version of the expected path some other version of the expected path they've been told they have to take. Uh they've been told they have to take. Uh they've been told they have to take. Uh they're going to update their resume, they're going to update their resume, they're going to update their resume, they're going to do networking, right? they're going to do networking, right? they're going to do networking, right? They're going to apply and apply and They're going to apply and apply and They're going to apply and apply and apply and just sort of hope and pray the apply and just sort of hope and pray the apply and just sort of hope and pray the market turns. But ultimately, I didn't market turns. But ultimately, I didn't market turns. But ultimately, I didn't do those things. I chose to leave. I do those things. I chose to leave. I do those things. I chose to leave. I moved to Mexico. So, that's the real moved to Mexico. So, that's the real moved to Mexico. So, that's the real pivot for my whole life, that moment pivot for my whole life, that moment pivot for my whole life, that moment when I decided to go. Uh not because I when I decided to go. Uh not because I when I decided to go. Uh not because I had a plan, right? Not because had a plan, right? Not because had a plan, right? Not because Guanajuato, Mexico City was on some Guanajuato, Mexico City was on some Guanajuato, Mexico City was on some place of or list I'd seen on YouTube. I place of or list I'd seen on YouTube. I place of or list I'd seen on YouTube. I don't think there was a YouTube. Maybe don't think there was a YouTube. Maybe don't think there was a YouTube. Maybe there was YouTube then. I'd never been there was YouTube then. I'd never been there was YouTube then. I'd never been there. I had no idea what kind of life, there. I had no idea what kind of life, there. I had no idea what kind of life, what kind of city, what was happening. I what kind of city, what was happening. I what kind of city, what was happening. I just knew it was sort of cheaper and just knew it was sort of cheaper and just knew it was sort of cheaper and more exciting. I knew you could teach more exciting. I knew you could teach more exciting. I knew you could teach English abroad there without needing English abroad there without needing English abroad there without needing anything too special, you know? That was anything too special, you know? That was anything too special, you know? That was my entire logic. The whole decision took

my entire logic. The whole decision took my entire logic. The whole decision took maybe maybe maybe 7 days to formulate in my head. Um and 7 days to formulate in my head. Um and 7 days to formulate in my head. Um and then to book a train ticket. I went then to book a train ticket. I went then to book a train ticket. I went overland, south. What that decision overland, south. What that decision overland, south. What that decision actually was, cuz I misunderstood it at actually was, cuz I misunderstood it at actually was, cuz I misunderstood it at the time, I thought it was a practical the time, I thought it was a practical the time, I thought it was a practical response to a job market. I thought I response to a job market. I thought I response to a job market. I thought I was going to Mexico temporarily and then was going to Mexico temporarily and then was going to Mexico temporarily and then when the Canadian economy recovered, I'd when the Canadian economy recovered, I'd when the Canadian economy recovered, I'd go back and and you know, sort of go back and and you know, sort of go back and and you know, sort of resume the path, the place I was resume the path, the place I was resume the path, the place I was supposed to be going towards. supposed to be going towards. supposed to be going towards. Be back on the the progression, the Be back on the the progression, the Be back on the the progression, the natural progression. What it was though natural progression. What it was though natural progression. What it was though is I really didn't have the language for is I really didn't have the language for is I really didn't have the language for it at the time. it at the time. it at the time. It was the first time I actually chose It was the first time I actually chose It was the first time I actually chose to to make my own story, right? To to to make my own story, right? To to to make my own story, right? To choose my own answer instead of just choose my own answer instead of just choose my own answer instead of just accepting the one I've been given. The accepting the one I've been given. The accepting the one I've been given. The job market was closed, the market was job market was closed, the market was job market was closed, the market was bad, the path wasn't available. Um bad, the path wasn't available. Um bad, the path wasn't available. Um instead of trying to like bang on that instead of trying to like bang on that instead of trying to like bang on that door and get through a closed door, door and get through a closed door, door and get through a closed door, I chose to leave, to opt out, right? And I chose to leave, to opt out, right? And I chose to leave, to opt out, right? And it sounds really simple when you say it it sounds really simple when you say it it sounds really simple when you say it past tense. But it took me years to past tense. But it took me years to past tense. But it took me years to understand what I'd actually done. And understand what I'd actually done. And understand what I'd actually done. And every subsequent good decision in my every subsequent good decision in my every subsequent good decision in my life has really been a version of that life has really been a version of that life has really been a version of that same original decision. Instead of same original decision. Instead of same original decision. Instead of turning left or turning right, what is turning left or turning right, what is turning left or turning right, what is it you know, the fork in the road thing?

it you know, the fork in the road thing? it you know, the fork in the road thing? It's really about like, yeah, or you can It's really about like, yeah, or you can It's really about like, yeah, or you can just literally make your own path. just literally make your own path. just literally make your own path. Mexico, 2009, 26 years old, teaching Mexico, 2009, 26 years old, teaching Mexico, 2009, 26 years old, teaching English, ended up at the Universidad de English, ended up at the Universidad de English, ended up at the Universidad de Guanajuato, made about $4 an hour, but I Guanajuato, made about $4 an hour, but I Guanajuato, made about $4 an hour, but I could actually live on that because cost could actually live on that because cost could actually live on that because cost of living relative to Canada was of living relative to Canada was of living relative to Canada was dramatically lower. And keep in mind, dramatically lower. And keep in mind, dramatically lower. And keep in mind, too, too, too, whatever I was leaving, the Starbucks whatever I was leaving, the Starbucks whatever I was leaving, the Starbucks job, was job, was job, was it probably only paid me 8 or 10 dollars it probably only paid me 8 or 10 dollars it probably only paid me 8 or 10 dollars an hour back then. It was, you know, in an hour back then. It was, you know, in an hour back then. It was, you know, in other words, like my salary only got other words, like my salary only got other words, like my salary only got halved, but my cost of living became halved, but my cost of living became halved, but my cost of living became fractional fractional fractional um compared to what it would have been um compared to what it would have been um compared to what it would have been in Toronto. My food cost almost nothing, in Toronto. My food cost almost nothing, in Toronto. My food cost almost nothing, you know, I can still remember buying you know, I can still remember buying you know, I can still remember buying gorditas for like 10 pesos, which is gorditas for like 10 pesos, which is gorditas for like 10 pesos, which is about 40 cents for breakfast on my way about 40 cents for breakfast on my way about 40 cents for breakfast on my way up the steps to the big university. My up the steps to the big university. My up the steps to the big university. My social life was free, right? The beers social life was free, right? The beers social life was free, right? The beers cost nothing. Cervezas were so cheap. I cost nothing. Cervezas were so cheap. I cost nothing. Cervezas were so cheap. I was basically saving for the first time was basically saving for the first time was basically saving for the first time in my life, not because I was in my life, not because I was in my life, not because I was disciplined, but because the gap between disciplined, but because the gap between disciplined, but because the gap between what I earned and what I needed to spend what I earned and what I needed to spend what I earned and what I needed to spend uh was just built into the geography, uh was just built into the geography, uh was just built into the geography, into the choice I'd made. I didn't into the choice I'd made. I didn't into the choice I'd made. I didn't understand it at the time that this was understand it at the time that this was understand it at the time that this was the foundational insight um that would the foundational insight um that would the foundational insight um that would eventually make everything I've done, eventually make everything I've done, eventually make everything I've done, including retirement at 40, possible. I including retirement at 40, possible. I including retirement at 40, possible. I just knew that the numbers were better just knew that the numbers were better just knew that the numbers were better than they had any right to, and that the than they had any right to, and that the than they had any right to, and that the life was genuinely good. My quality of life was genuinely good. My quality of life was genuinely good. My quality of life was raised. Guanajuato's a special life was raised. Guanajuato's a special life was raised. Guanajuato's a special place. It's a smaller colonial city, place. It's a smaller colonial city, place. It's a smaller colonial city, Pueblo Magico.

Pueblo Magico. Pueblo Magico. It's a few hours northwest of Mexico It's a few hours northwest of Mexico It's a few hours northwest of Mexico City. It's quieter, it's slower, um City. It's quieter, it's slower, um City. It's quieter, it's slower, um beautifully painted colored buildings in beautifully painted colored buildings in beautifully painted colored buildings in the valleys. You know, the car traffic the valleys. You know, the car traffic the valleys. You know, the car traffic all goes underneath the streets, so it's all goes underneath the streets, so it's all goes underneath the streets, so it's quiet. It's gorgeous, right? It's got quiet. It's gorgeous, right? It's got quiet. It's gorgeous, right? It's got this sort of Romeo and Juliet vibe. The this sort of Romeo and Juliet vibe. The this sort of Romeo and Juliet vibe. The architecture is a very European quality. architecture is a very European quality. architecture is a very European quality. The churches and cathedrals are The churches and cathedrals are The churches and cathedrals are literally plated in silver and gold literally plated in silver and gold literally plated in silver and gold because of the mines. because of the mines. because of the mines. Um hundreds of years of Spanish colonial Um hundreds of years of Spanish colonial Um hundreds of years of Spanish colonial influence, and yet, and yet, a quarter, influence, and yet, and yet, a quarter, influence, and yet, and yet, a quarter, a fifth of what life was costing me back a fifth of what life was costing me back a fifth of what life was costing me back home in Toronto. So, I was earning home in Toronto. So, I was earning home in Toronto. So, I was earning enough to live well, enough to live well, enough to live well, save a little bit. I wasn't paying my save a little bit. I wasn't paying my save a little bit. I wasn't paying my student debt. You know, but I was about student debt. You know, but I was about student debt. You know, but I was about little over 25 years old, and I just little over 25 years old, and I just little over 25 years old, and I just realized, "Oh my god, there's this whole realized, "Oh my god, there's this whole realized, "Oh my god, there's this whole other place, this whole other world out other place, this whole other world out other place, this whole other world out there. [ __ ] it. I'm not going home. No there. [ __ ] it. I'm not going home. No there. [ __ ] it. I'm not going home. No way. I'm never going back. You know, way. I'm never going back. You know, way. I'm never going back. You know, then I lived in New York, I lived in San then I lived in New York, I lived in San then I lived in New York, I lived in San Francisco. Eventually I partly did that. Francisco. Eventually I partly did that. Francisco. Eventually I partly did that. I did get a real teaching degree. I I did get a real teaching degree. I I did get a real teaching degree. I moved to Melbourne in Australia, Vic. moved to Melbourne in Australia, Vic. moved to Melbourne in Australia, Vic. Spent time in China, Shanghai, Chengdu. Spent time in China, Shanghai, Chengdu. Spent time in China, Shanghai, Chengdu. You know, this whole teaching career You know, this whole teaching career You know, this whole teaching career that evolved from that original TEFL that evolved from that original TEFL that evolved from that original TEFL decision decision decision um ended up at colleges and um ended up at colleges and um ended up at colleges and international schools which pay international schools which pay international schools which pay significantly better, offer benefits, significantly better, offer benefits, significantly better, offer benefits, include housing. And that changes the include housing. And that changes the include housing. And that changes the income to expenses ratio uh in ways that income to expenses ratio uh in ways that income to expenses ratio uh in ways that I'll talk about in a different video.

I'll talk about in a different video. I'll talk about in a different video. But, you know, it changes my whole life But, you know, it changes my whole life But, you know, it changes my whole life path, right? 17 years path, right? 17 years path, right? 17 years about a dozen cities about a dozen cities about a dozen cities three continents. It's just the life of three continents. It's just the life of three continents. It's just the life of living abroad, of being living abroad, of being living abroad, of being expatriated, right? Cuz I'm still expatriated, right? Cuz I'm still expatriated, right? Cuz I'm still Canadian. I still have a Canadian Canadian. I still have a Canadian Canadian. I still have a Canadian passport. People often call, "Hey, passport. People often call, "Hey, passport. People often call, "Hey, you're Why aren't you an immigrant? Why you're Why aren't you an immigrant? Why you're Why aren't you an immigrant? Why do you say expat?" Well, cuz I'm do you say expat?" Well, cuz I'm do you say expat?" Well, cuz I'm Canadian, right? I'm I'm not a Canadian, right? I'm I'm not a Canadian, right? I'm I'm not a Vietnamese citizen. I didn't become Vietnamese citizen. I didn't become Vietnamese citizen. I didn't become Chinese citizen or a Mexican. Chinese citizen or a Mexican. Chinese citizen or a Mexican. I have a Canadian passport, which means I have a Canadian passport, which means I have a Canadian passport, which means I'm an expatriated Canadian living I'm an expatriated Canadian living I'm an expatriated Canadian living abroad. This part of the story, it's not abroad. This part of the story, it's not abroad. This part of the story, it's not a clean ascending line, right? It's a a clean ascending line, right? It's a a clean ascending line, right? It's a detour, a real one. And it's the most detour, a real one. And it's the most detour, a real one. And it's the most important part of the whole story for important part of the whole story for important part of the whole story for anyone sitting on a similar decision anyone sitting on a similar decision anyone sitting on a similar decision uh right now. Cuz the detour isn't uh right now. Cuz the detour isn't uh right now. Cuz the detour isn't really about where I went, it's about really about where I went, it's about really about where I went, it's about what happens when you know what you want what happens when you know what you want what happens when you know what you want uh and you choose something else uh and you choose something else uh and you choose something else anyways. Basically, I want to tell you a anyways. Basically, I want to tell you a anyways. Basically, I want to tell you a story about something that happened story about something that happened story about something that happened along the way. I was living in Thailand, along the way. I was living in Thailand, along the way. I was living in Thailand, seasonal nomadic uh which is what the seasonal nomadic uh which is what the seasonal nomadic uh which is what the teaching career allowed during the gaps teaching career allowed during the gaps teaching career allowed during the gaps between contracts. I was in Koh Tao, between contracts. I was in Koh Tao, between contracts. I was in Koh Tao, little island. If you don't know it, little island. If you don't know it, little island. If you don't know it, it's small in the Gulf of Thailand, it's small in the Gulf of Thailand, it's small in the Gulf of Thailand, beautiful, near Koh Phangan and Koh beautiful, near Koh Phangan and Koh beautiful, near Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, clear water, dive schools, the Samui, clear water, dive schools, the Samui, clear water, dive schools, the kind of place that makes it very obvious kind of place that makes it very obvious kind of place that makes it very obvious uh that the world contains more good uh that the world contains more good uh that the world contains more good options than you were really told about options than you were really told about options than you were really told about growing up. I think back in the day it growing up. I think back in the day it growing up. I think back in the day it was actually on the cover of the was actually on the cover of the was actually on the cover of the guidebook to Thailand. Anyways, I was guidebook to Thailand. Anyways, I was guidebook to Thailand. Anyways, I was sitting on the beach and I had a Zoom sitting on the beach and I had a Zoom sitting on the beach and I had a Zoom call scheduled and lined up. Well, why call scheduled and lined up. Well, why call scheduled and lined up. Well, why did I have that? For a job, right? A did I have that? For a job, right? A did I have that? For a job, right? A school district in Calgary, Alberta had school district in Calgary, Alberta had school district in Calgary, Alberta had reached out about a teaching position, reached out about a teaching position, reached out about a teaching position, public school Canada. The job had public school Canada. The job had public school Canada. The job had pensions, benefits,

pensions, benefits, pensions, benefits, proximity to family. Sounded very proximity to family. Sounded very proximity to family. Sounded very stable, responsible, like the correct stable, responsible, like the correct stable, responsible, like the correct choice that I should have been doing. I choice that I should have been doing. I choice that I should have been doing. I was in my 30s by now, right? I've been was in my 30s by now, right? I've been was in my 30s by now, right? I've been abroad for almost a decade. Hang abroad for almost a decade. Hang abroad for almost a decade. Hang literally like hanging out in a hammock literally like hanging out in a hammock literally like hanging out in a hammock in Thailand. But I had this Zoom call, in Thailand. But I had this Zoom call, in Thailand. But I had this Zoom call, and somewhere in the middle of that call and somewhere in the middle of that call and somewhere in the middle of that call I knew, not suspected, not fun uh felt I knew, not suspected, not fun uh felt I knew, not suspected, not fun uh felt off. I knew really clearly that it was off. I knew really clearly that it was off. I knew really clearly that it was the wrong move for me, right? That the the wrong move for me, right? That the the wrong move for me, right? That the life I was living, the one I was doing life I was living, the one I was doing life I was living, the one I was doing working abroad, traveling, had been working abroad, traveling, had been working abroad, traveling, had been compounding in the right direction for compounding in the right direction for compounding in the right direction for years. And I was being asked to stop years. And I was being asked to stop years. And I was being asked to stop that, to go back to proximity to family, that, to go back to proximity to family, that, to go back to proximity to family, girlfriend, safety, jobs, right? I've girlfriend, safety, jobs, right? I've girlfriend, safety, jobs, right? I've been traveling with a Canadian woman for been traveling with a Canadian woman for been traveling with a Canadian woman for the whole time, pretty much. So, I took the whole time, pretty much. So, I took the whole time, pretty much. So, I took the job. I went back home. Uh it's about the job. I went back home. Uh it's about the job. I went back home. Uh it's about I think 2016, and it was a mistake. It I think 2016, and it was a mistake. It I think 2016, and it was a mistake. It was a huge [ __ ] up. I thought about the was a huge [ __ ] up. I thought about the was a huge [ __ ] up. I thought about the decision a lot in the years since then, decision a lot in the years since then, decision a lot in the years since then, and the most honest thing I can say and the most honest thing I can say and the most honest thing I can say about it is about it is about it is that I just knew and I went anyways that I just knew and I went anyways that I just knew and I went anyways because I was afraid, right? Not because because I was afraid, right? Not because because I was afraid, right? Not because the job was good, not because Calgary's the job was good, not because Calgary's the job was good, not because Calgary's bad. Calgary's a great city. Because I bad. Calgary's a great city. Because I bad. Calgary's a great city. Because I was not yet fully ready to claim what I was not yet fully ready to claim what I was not yet fully ready to claim what I was doing, right? Because going back was doing, right? Because going back was doing, right? Because going back felt like the responsible choice, and felt like the responsible choice, and felt like the responsible choice, and like the responsible choice had social like the responsible choice had social like the responsible choice had social legitimacy that sort of permanently legitimacy that sort of permanently legitimacy that sort of permanently living on a beach in Thailand didn't, living on a beach in Thailand didn't, living on a beach in Thailand didn't, right? There was pension, benefits, right? There was pension, benefits, right? There was pension, benefits, proximity to family, real things. I'm proximity to family, real things. I'm proximity to family, real things. I'm not dismissing them, but they were the not dismissing them, but they were the not dismissing them, but they were the reasons I gave to other people, right?

reasons I gave to other people, right? reasons I gave to other people, right? Not the reasons I gave myself at 2:00 in Not the reasons I gave myself at 2:00 in Not the reasons I gave myself at 2:00 in the morning when the guard came down. the morning when the guard came down. the morning when the guard came down. We're talking about buying a house, We're talking about buying a house, We're talking about buying a house, getting married, having kids, doing that getting married, having kids, doing that getting married, having kids, doing that whole thing. And the real reason I took whole thing. And the real reason I took whole thing. And the real reason I took that job was that I wasn't ready to say that job was that I wasn't ready to say that job was that I wasn't ready to say it aloud, including to myself, that I it aloud, including to myself, that I it aloud, including to myself, that I had chosen a completely different life had chosen a completely different life had chosen a completely different life path and was not interested in going path and was not interested in going path and was not interested in going back to normal. So, I did Calgary. I did back to normal. So, I did Calgary. I did back to normal. So, I did Calgary. I did 2 years public school teaching, uh then 2 years public school teaching, uh then 2 years public school teaching, uh then a year of graduate school in Canada, a year of graduate school in Canada, a year of graduate school in Canada, which wasn't wrong as a choice, but it which wasn't wrong as a choice, but it which wasn't wrong as a choice, but it really weighed heavily against what I'd really weighed heavily against what I'd really weighed heavily against what I'd left behind, against all the other left behind, against all the other left behind, against all the other movement I'd made. The winters were movement I'd made. The winters were movement I'd made. The winters were real, it was like [ __ ] 40 below. My real, it was like [ __ ] 40 below. My real, it was like [ __ ] 40 below. My savings rate disappeared. The cost of savings rate disappeared. The cost of savings rate disappeared. The cost of living was dramatically higher than living was dramatically higher than living was dramatically higher than anywhere I'd been 7 or 8 years before anywhere I'd been 7 or 8 years before anywhere I'd been 7 or 8 years before that, and the lifestyle without any that, and the lifestyle without any that, and the lifestyle without any drama drama drama was worse. Not bad, just worse. Every was worse. Not bad, just worse. Every was worse. Not bad, just worse. Every morning I knew I had to get up, get morning I knew I had to get up, get morning I knew I had to get up, get ready for work, commute, do that whole ready for work, commute, do that whole ready for work, commute, do that whole thing, and I knew that I didn't want any thing, and I knew that I didn't want any thing, and I knew that I didn't want any part of it cuz I'd already seen part of it cuz I'd already seen part of it cuz I'd already seen the promised land. You know, I'd seen the promised land. You know, I'd seen the promised land. You know, I'd seen Zihuatanejo. Returned to Asia, 2018, Zihuatanejo. Returned to Asia, 2018, Zihuatanejo. Returned to Asia, 2018, China, then 2019 here, Ho Chi Minh City, China, then 2019 here, Ho Chi Minh City, China, then 2019 here, Ho Chi Minh City, at a school literally a couple blocks at a school literally a couple blocks at a school literally a couple blocks from here. And I knew within the first 6 from here. And I knew within the first 6 from here. And I knew within the first 6 months when I got here um that that was months when I got here um that that was months when I got here um that that was it, that my story was going to it, that my story was going to it, that my story was going to crystallize. Not because Vietnam's crystallize. Not because Vietnam's crystallize. Not because Vietnam's perfect, it's not. I have plenty of perfect, it's not. I have plenty of perfect, it's not. I have plenty of videos where I talk about that, but videos where I talk about that, but videos where I talk about that, but because the combination of income, cost because the combination of income, cost because the combination of income, cost structure, quality of life, the structure, quality of life, the structure, quality of life, the geographic fit produced something I'd geographic fit produced something I'd geographic fit produced something I'd really been moving towards uh for a full really been moving towards uh for a full really been moving towards uh for a full decade between 2009 and 2019. You know, decade between 2009 and 2019. You know, decade between 2009 and 2019. You know, my savings rate here in Vietnam my savings rate here in Vietnam my savings rate here in Vietnam eventually hit 70 or 80%. Not a typo. 70 eventually hit 70 or 80%. Not a typo. 70 eventually hit 70 or 80%. Not a typo. 70 to 80% of my income went into a

to 80% of my income went into a to 80% of my income went into a portfolio or savings. My monthly portfolio or savings. My monthly portfolio or savings. My monthly expenses really easily stayed under expenses really easily stayed under expenses really easily stayed under 1,200 a month. Sometimes they were down 1,200 a month. Sometimes they were down 1,200 a month. Sometimes they were down at 4 or 500 a month cuz I was having my at 4 or 500 a month cuz I was having my at 4 or 500 a month cuz I was having my housing paid for. You maintain that rate housing paid for. You maintain that rate housing paid for. You maintain that rate for several years, and it puts you in a for several years, and it puts you in a for several years, and it puts you in a financial position where early financial position where early financial position where early retirement is just possible, right? I'll retirement is just possible, right? I'll retirement is just possible, right? I'll do a full breakdown of how the savings do a full breakdown of how the savings do a full breakdown of how the savings rate was achieved in a separate, more rate was achieved in a separate, more rate was achieved in a separate, more financial-based video, but it's not financial-based video, but it's not financial-based video, but it's not magic, it's arithmetic. Three specific magic, it's arithmetic. Three specific magic, it's arithmetic. Three specific mechanics. You just apply the same mechanics. You just apply the same mechanics. You just apply the same things over and over again. The short things over and over again. The short things over and over again. The short version is international school salary version is international school salary version is international school salary with structural advantages boosts your with structural advantages boosts your with structural advantages boosts your effective income. You hold your expenses effective income. You hold your expenses effective income. You hold your expenses deliberately flat income grows, and deliberately flat income grows, and deliberately flat income grows, and every dollar gap increases your savings every dollar gap increases your savings every dollar gap increases your savings rate, and it goes into the portfolio. rate, and it goes into the portfolio. rate, and it goes into the portfolio. During COVID, I went home once briefly, During COVID, I went home once briefly, During COVID, I went home once briefly, but I also started a teaching-focused but I also started a teaching-focused but I also started a teaching-focused YouTube channel that led to online YouTube channel that led to online YouTube channel that led to online tutoring income. That income also went tutoring income. That income also went tutoring income. That income also went up, expenses stayed flat, savings rate up, expenses stayed flat, savings rate up, expenses stayed flat, savings rate increased, portfolio increased. You increased, portfolio increased. You increased, portfolio increased. You know, by 2024 it crossed a threshold know, by 2024 it crossed a threshold know, by 2024 it crossed a threshold where I knew it was small. I'm talking where I knew it was small. I'm talking where I knew it was small. I'm talking about, you know, barely six-figure about, you know, barely six-figure about, you know, barely six-figure portfolio, but I knew portfolio, but I knew portfolio, but I knew if I maximize the yield I could get a if I maximize the yield I could get a if I maximize the yield I could get a thousand bucks a month off that.

thousand bucks a month off that. thousand bucks a month off that. Which is all you need. I've seen others Which is all you need. I've seen others Which is all you need. I've seen others There's a guy named Dividid Dividend There's a guy named Dividid Dividend There's a guy named Dividid Dividend Nomad. He He has a like 80 or 90 Nomad. He He has a like 80 or 90 Nomad. He He has a like 80 or 90 thousand-dollar portfolio that spits off thousand-dollar portfolio that spits off thousand-dollar portfolio that spits off 800 or a thousand a month. Like this is 800 or a thousand a month. Like this is 800 or a thousand a month. Like this is doable. It's a real number. And that's doable. It's a real number. And that's doable. It's a real number. And that's what we're talking about. We're not what we're talking about. We're not what we're talking about. We're not talking about a million bucks. So, I talking about a million bucks. So, I talking about a million bucks. So, I retired in 2024 when I was 40. I'm 42 retired in 2024 when I was 40. I'm 42 retired in 2024 when I was 40. I'm 42 now, in the exact place where I now, in the exact place where I now, in the exact place where I basically decided I was never going to basically decided I was never going to basically decided I was never going to go home. And I want to tell you the real go home. And I want to tell you the real go home. And I want to tell you the real reason I actually left Canada was not reason I actually left Canada was not reason I actually left Canada was not the recession, right? The recession was the recession, right? The recession was the recession, right? The recession was just a single push factor. But I would just a single push factor. But I would just a single push factor. But I would eventually I would have found something eventually I would have found something eventually I would have found something else. People who need to leave find the else. People who need to leave find the else. People who need to leave find the thing pulling them. The recession just thing pulling them. The recession just thing pulling them. The recession just provides a financial incentive to get provides a financial incentive to get provides a financial incentive to get out now. So, in other words, if you're out now. So, in other words, if you're out now. So, in other words, if you're in a bad financial position now, it in a bad financial position now, it in a bad financial position now, it might actually be a real incentive to might actually be a real incentive to might actually be a real incentive to leave sooner. But it's not just the leave sooner. But it's not just the leave sooner. But it's not just the money, right? I wasn't rich in Canada. I money, right? I wasn't rich in Canada. I money, right? I wasn't rich in Canada. I wasn't going to be rich in Mexico. I'm wasn't going to be rich in Mexico. I'm wasn't going to be rich in Mexico. I'm not rich here. The money follows from not rich here. The money follows from not rich here. The money follows from the decisions, it did not cause it. Some the decisions, it did not cause it. Some the decisions, it did not cause it. Some of you in the comments will say, "You of you in the comments will say, "You of you in the comments will say, "You are rich. Blah blah blah. You brought are rich. Blah blah blah. You brought are rich. Blah blah blah. You brought all your money from Canada." People say all your money from Canada." People say all your money from Canada." People say that. No, no. Okay. That's rich. Yeah? that. No, no. Okay. That's rich. Yeah? that. No, no. Okay. That's rich. Yeah? You see these villas? That's rich. You see these villas? That's rich. You see these villas? That's rich. That's rich. That's rich. That's rich.

That's rich. That's rich. That's rich. That's rich. That's rich. That's rich. That's rich. Okay? I've never lived in a That's rich. Okay? I've never lived in a That's rich. Okay? I've never lived in a place like that. I lived over here in place like that. I lived over here in place like that. I lived over here in this building, yeah? With normal this building, yeah? With normal this building, yeah? With normal middle-class working people. Most of middle-class working people. Most of middle-class working people. Most of them Vietnamese, some of them Korean, them Vietnamese, some of them Korean, them Vietnamese, some of them Korean, some of them Tai- Taiwanese. The real some of them Tai- Taiwanese. The real some of them Tai- Taiwanese. The real reason I left Canada though is that I reason I left Canada though is that I reason I left Canada though is that I had a moment at 25 years old, 26 years had a moment at 25 years old, 26 years had a moment at 25 years old, 26 years old, with a degree in hand, no job old, with a degree in hand, no job old, with a degree in hand, no job available where the expected path was available where the expected path was available where the expected path was wrong. So, I had to look for my own wrong. So, I had to look for my own wrong. So, I had to look for my own path, and I knew that. I I could see path, and I knew that. I I could see path, and I knew that. I I could see clearly as soon as I left, after I went, clearly as soon as I left, after I went, clearly as soon as I left, after I went, the thing that you've been told to do the thing that you've been told to do the thing that you've been told to do your whole life isn't the only option. your whole life isn't the only option. your whole life isn't the only option. And then basically I spent the next 15, And then basically I spent the next 15, And then basically I spent the next 15, 16 years playing out that decision over 16 years playing out that decision over 16 years playing out that decision over and over again. Different cities, and over again. Different cities, and over again. Different cities, different countries. Um through different countries. Um through different countries. Um through everything that pulled me back to the everything that pulled me back to the everything that pulled me back to the mistake, the 2 years which I regret mistake, the 2 years which I regret mistake, the 2 years which I regret going back to Canada. And I paid a heavy going back to Canada. And I paid a heavy going back to Canada. And I paid a heavy cost for that, you know? The like cost for that, you know? The like cost for that, you know? The like financially, it cost a huge amount of financially, it cost a huge amount of financially, it cost a huge amount of money to move back to Canada for 3 money to move back to Canada for 3 money to move back to Canada for 3 years. And the Koh Tao woman is not a years. And the Koh Tao woman is not a years. And the Koh Tao woman is not a story about a bad job interview or bad story about a bad job interview or bad story about a bad job interview or bad job per se. It's about me, right? I job per se. It's about me, right? I job per se. It's about me, right? I finally closed the gap when I left in finally closed the gap when I left in finally closed the gap when I left in 2018 with a plan to move to China 2018 with a plan to move to China 2018 with a plan to move to China forever. And the version of story where forever. And the version of story where forever. And the version of story where I closed it sooner, where the beach in I closed it sooner, where the beach in I closed it sooner, where the beach in Thailand didn't end with me taking the Thailand didn't end with me taking the Thailand didn't end with me taking the wrong job and going back to winters and wrong job and going back to winters and wrong job and going back to winters and back to the place that didn't suit my back to the place that didn't suit my back to the place that didn't suit my lifestyle. Ultimately, my portfolio lifestyle. Ultimately, my portfolio lifestyle. Ultimately, my portfolio probably would have been two, three probably would have been two, three probably would have been two, three times bigger, right? Talking about huge times bigger, right? Talking about huge times bigger, right? Talking about huge amounts of money when your savings rate amounts of money when your savings rate amounts of money when your savings rate goes from zero to 70 or 80%. If you're goes from zero to 70 or 80%. If you're goes from zero to 70 or 80%. If you're watching this channel, you probably have

watching this channel, you probably have watching this channel, you probably have a version of that same financial gap a version of that same financial gap a version of that same financial gap that you're worried about. Something you that you're worried about. Something you that you're worried about. Something you know and haven't fully claimed who's know and haven't fully claimed who's know and haven't fully claimed who's claimed yet, right? A zoom call on a claimed yet, right? A zoom call on a claimed yet, right? A zoom call on a beach. Maybe it doesn't take that for beach. Maybe it doesn't take that for beach. Maybe it doesn't take that for you, but you already know the answer. you, but you already know the answer. you, but you already know the answer. So, I'm not going to tell you to quit So, I'm not going to tell you to quit So, I'm not going to tell you to quit your job on Monday. That isn't what this your job on Monday. That isn't what this your job on Monday. That isn't what this is. I'm going to tell you that the gap is. I'm going to tell you that the gap is. I'm going to tell you that the gap has a real cost and the cost is has a real cost and the cost is has a real cost and the cost is measurable. And the sooner you close it measurable. And the sooner you close it measurable. And the sooner you close it by leaving, by being in the place where by leaving, by being in the place where by leaving, by being in the place where you should be, the math gets simpler, you should be, the math gets simpler, you should be, the math gets simpler, right? I broke every number in the story right? I broke every number in the story right? I broke every number in the story down in detail uh in my courses and down in detail uh in my courses and down in detail uh in my courses and guides on the cost of living abroad.com. guides on the cost of living abroad.com. guides on the cost of living abroad.com. Explain actual savings rates, retirement Explain actual savings rates, retirement Explain actual savings rates, retirement income, net worth, all of that, how it income, net worth, all of that, how it income, net worth, all of that, how it works. If you want the framework, the works. If you want the framework, the works. If you want the framework, the specific financial and geographic path I specific financial and geographic path I specific financial and geographic path I walked, uh it's inside my membership and walked, uh it's inside my membership and walked, uh it's inside my membership and it's also available one of the courses it's also available one of the courses it's also available one of the courses there, my 10-year early retirement there, my 10-year early retirement there, my 10-year early retirement abroad plan. Again, it's not theory. abroad plan. Again, it's not theory. abroad plan. Again, it's not theory. This is what I actually did. Structured This is what I actually did. Structured This is what I actually did. Structured so you can map it onto your own so you can map it onto your own so you can map it onto your own situation. And the membership start at situation. And the membership start at situation. And the membership start at about 70 or 80 bucks a month. You You about 70 or 80 bucks a month. You You about 70 or 80 bucks a month. You You also get a call consult with me. We can also get a call consult with me. We can also get a call consult with me. We can talk about how we sort that out, put it talk about how we sort that out, put it talk about how we sort that out, put it into effect, make you a real real into effect, make you a real real into effect, make you a real real relocation plan and action plan to relocation plan and action plan to relocation plan and action plan to change your life. Thanks so much for change your life. Thanks so much for change your life. Thanks so much for watching. I'm Evan A, retired early in watching. I'm Evan A, retired early in watching. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. You can watch uh house tour of Vietnam. You can watch uh house tour of Vietnam. You can watch uh house tour of a $1,000 apartment here in Ho Chi Minh a $1,000 apartment here in Ho Chi Minh a $1,000 apartment here in Ho Chi Minh City here or another video about some of City here or another video about some of City here or another video about some of the things I love about living in the things I love about living in the things I love about living in Vietnam right here.