I'm Never Going Back — Here's Why

All right, welcome back to Saigon All right, welcome back to Saigon Vietnam. I'm Evan, retired early in Vietnam. I'm Evan, retired early in Vietnam. I'm Evan, retired early in Vietnam. Today I'm going to be answering Vietnam. Today I'm going to be answering Vietnam. Today I'm going to be answering basically your questions. I get a basically your questions. I get a basically your questions. I get a comment, some version of it almost every comment, some version of it almost every comment, some version of it almost every single week. It's usually sort of snide, single week. It's usually sort of snide, single week. It's usually sort of snide, a little bit costic, and it's this a little bit costic, and it's this a little bit costic, and it's this summarization of like, sure, Vietnam's summarization of like, sure, Vietnam's summarization of like, sure, Vietnam's fine. It's great for now, but you'll fine. It's great for now, but you'll fine. It's great for now, but you'll leave eventually. You'll go back. leave eventually. You'll go back. leave eventually. You'll go back. Everyone does. And I understand why Everyone does. And I understand why Everyone does. And I understand why people think that. The assumption built people think that. The assumption built people think that. The assumption built into it is that living abroad is sort of into it is that living abroad is sort of into it is that living abroad is sort of a phase or an escape hatch. It's just a a phase or an escape hatch. It's just a a phase or an escape hatch. It's just a chapter in your life, like a gap year. chapter in your life, like a gap year. chapter in your life, like a gap year. It's a thing you do for a few years It's a thing you do for a few years It's a thing you do for a few years before real life resumes in the country before real life resumes in the country before real life resumes in the country you came from. It's an adventure before you came from. It's an adventure before you came from. It's an adventure before you settle down, right? And for a lot of you settle down, right? And for a lot of you settle down, right? And for a lot of people, that's exactly what it is. They people, that's exactly what it is. They people, that's exactly what it is. They come, they have a few good years, they come, they have a few good years, they come, they have a few good years, they go home, they tell stories at dinner go home, they tell stories at dinner go home, they tell stories at dinner parties for the rest of their lives. parties for the rest of their lives. parties for the rest of their lives. It's great. I'm not knocking it. I in It's great. I'm not knocking it. I in It's great. I'm not knocking it. I in fact did this once a decade ago, but no fact did this once a decade ago, but no fact did this once a decade ago, but no more, friends. We spent the last few more, friends. We spent the last few more, friends. We spent the last few videos in this series diving deep into videos in this series diving deep into videos in this series diving deep into the numbers, the savings rate, the the numbers, the savings rate, the the numbers, the savings rate, the mistakes, the cost of a week of mistakes, the cost of a week of mistakes, the cost of a week of groceries. This video is not about the groceries. This video is not about the groceries. This video is not about the numbers. It's a little bit more numbers. It's a little bit more numbers. It's a little bit more personal. This one's about the thing, personal. This one's about the thing, personal. This one's about the thing, the numbers can actually buy for you, the numbers can actually buy for you, the numbers can actually buy for you, right? Which is the part that actually right? Which is the part that actually right? Which is the part that actually decides for me whether someone stays or decides for me whether someone stays or decides for me whether someone stays or goes. Uh cuz I've watched people with goes. Uh cuz I've watched people with goes. Uh cuz I've watched people with money leave, lose their money, etc.

money leave, lose their money, etc. money leave, lose their money, etc. Money comes and goes. People with barely Money comes and goes. People with barely Money comes and goes. People with barely enough money to build a life have found enough money to build a life have found enough money to build a life have found something they never trade away. The something they never trade away. The something they never trade away. The math can get you hung up in ways that's math can get you hung up in ways that's math can get you hung up in ways that's not really necessary here. And I want to not really necessary here. And I want to not really necessary here. And I want to tell you honestly from my perspective tell you honestly from my perspective tell you honestly from my perspective why something else is going to keep me why something else is going to keep me why something else is going to keep me here. Not because I think my way is the here. Not because I think my way is the here. Not because I think my way is the only way. Not because Canada or the US only way. Not because Canada or the US only way. Not because Canada or the US or wherever is bad. Canada is a or wherever is bad. Canada is a or wherever is bad. Canada is a genuinely great country. I'm genuinely genuinely great country. I'm genuinely genuinely great country. I'm genuinely grateful that I'm Canadian. Not because grateful that I'm Canadian. Not because grateful that I'm Canadian. Not because I didn't enjoy living in the United I didn't enjoy living in the United I didn't enjoy living in the United States or Mexico. I love San Francisco States or Mexico. I love San Francisco States or Mexico. I love San Francisco as well. I had a really great time in as well. I had a really great time in as well. I had a really great time in Brooklyn and Nickerbacher. That for me Brooklyn and Nickerbacher. That for me Brooklyn and Nickerbacher. That for me was a shorter experience. San Francisco was a shorter experience. San Francisco was a shorter experience. San Francisco is probably the most beautiful city I've is probably the most beautiful city I've is probably the most beautiful city I've ever lived in. The whole place looks ever lived in. The whole place looks ever lived in. The whole place looks like a postcard. It's stunning. And like a postcard. It's stunning. And like a postcard. It's stunning. And Mexico City for all its drawbacks, you Mexico City for all its drawbacks, you Mexico City for all its drawbacks, you know, the earthquakes, the narcos, the know, the earthquakes, the narcos, the know, the earthquakes, the narcos, the corruption, is probably my favorite corruption, is probably my favorite corruption, is probably my favorite place on earth to just be for a weekend place on earth to just be for a weekend place on earth to just be for a weekend to eat. But I'm never moving back to to eat. But I'm never moving back to to eat. But I'm never moving back to North America because after 18 years North America because after 18 years North America because after 18 years abroad and 7 years here in Saigon, Ho abroad and 7 years here in Saigon, Ho abroad and 7 years here in Saigon, Ho Chi Min, I built a life here that I Chi Min, I built a life here that I Chi Min, I built a life here that I could just not really reconstruct or could just not really reconstruct or could just not really reconstruct or replicate back home for any price. And replicate back home for any price. And replicate back home for any price. And once you've seen what that life actually once you've seen what that life actually once you've seen what that life actually contains, the idea of trading it back contains, the idea of trading it back contains, the idea of trading it back becomes really hard to imagine, right?

becomes really hard to imagine, right? becomes really hard to imagine, right? It's a sort of irreversible change. So, It's a sort of irreversible change. So, It's a sort of irreversible change. So, let me tell you what I mean. Talk about let me tell you what I mean. Talk about let me tell you what I mean. Talk about the hard parts because a video that only the hard parts because a video that only the hard parts because a video that only tells you the good parts is just a tells you the good parts is just a tells you the good parts is just a brochure. It's just marketing. And I try brochure. It's just marketing. And I try brochure. It's just marketing. And I try to always at least share some of my own to always at least share some of my own to always at least share some of my own personal perspective, my POV, what makes personal perspective, my POV, what makes personal perspective, my POV, what makes my own choices, I think, at least mine my own choices, I think, at least mine my own choices, I think, at least mine if not unique. So, let me start with the if not unique. So, let me start with the if not unique. So, let me start with the thing that's hardest to explain to thing that's hardest to explain to thing that's hardest to explain to someone who hasn't lived here in someone who hasn't lived here in someone who hasn't lived here in Southeast Asia and the tropics. The Southeast Asia and the tropics. The Southeast Asia and the tropics. The entire pace, the cultural choices, entire pace, the cultural choices, entire pace, the cultural choices, everything you do daytoday completely everything you do daytoday completely everything you do daytoday completely shifts and changes. At home, my life had shifts and changes. At home, my life had shifts and changes. At home, my life had a tempo that I never questioned because a tempo that I never questioned because a tempo that I never questioned because everyone around me basically lived at everyone around me basically lived at everyone around me basically lived at that same speed, the same pace. Wake up, that same speed, the same pace. Wake up, that same speed, the same pace. Wake up, commute, go to work, commute, dinner, commute, go to work, commute, dinner, commute, go to work, commute, dinner, collapse, crash, wash, repeat. Right? collapse, crash, wash, repeat. Right? collapse, crash, wash, repeat. Right? The weekend was recovering from the week The weekend was recovering from the week The weekend was recovering from the week and preparing for the next one. that and preparing for the next one. that and preparing for the next one. that whole weekend warrior party hard time is whole weekend warrior party hard time is whole weekend warrior party hard time is something you spend mostly on something you spend mostly on something you spend mostly on obligations. The small amount left over obligations. The small amount left over obligations. The small amount left over is the part you actually lived in or try is the part you actually lived in or try is the part you actually lived in or try to occupy. And I want to be clear here.

to occupy. And I want to be clear here. to occupy. And I want to be clear here. I wasn't miserable. I wasn't unhappy. I I wasn't miserable. I wasn't unhappy. I I wasn't miserable. I wasn't unhappy. I had a good job. I had friends. I had a had a good job. I had friends. I had a had a good job. I had friends. I had a normal life. That tempo, the system is normal life. That tempo, the system is normal life. That tempo, the system is just something I ultimately didn't want just something I ultimately didn't want just something I ultimately didn't want for my entire adult life. So when I for my entire adult life. So when I for my entire adult life. So when I left, I really opted out, right? And left, I really opted out, right? And left, I really opted out, right? And over years of living in different over years of living in different over years of living in different places, the entire pace of my life has places, the entire pace of my life has places, the entire pace of my life has changed. Here in Saigon, it settled into changed. Here in Saigon, it settled into changed. Here in Saigon, it settled into something that I really didn't know was something that I really didn't know was something that I really didn't know was available as a, you know, western man, available as a, you know, western man, available as a, you know, western man, right? My morning is mine. I wake up right? My morning is mine. I wake up right? My morning is mine. I wake up without an alarm clock. I get a coffee, without an alarm clock. I get a coffee, without an alarm clock. I get a coffee, make one myself or from a lady make one myself or from a lady make one myself or from a lady downstairs who, you know, knows my downstairs who, you know, knows my downstairs who, you know, knows my order. Exchanges small pleasantries with order. Exchanges small pleasantries with order. Exchanges small pleasantries with me in my tiny little bit of Vietnamese. me in my tiny little bit of Vietnamese. me in my tiny little bit of Vietnamese. I read, I work on what I want to work I read, I work on what I want to work I read, I work on what I want to work on, I go to the gym, I run, I swim. I'm on, I go to the gym, I run, I swim. I'm on, I go to the gym, I run, I swim. I'm literally not bound by anyone else's literally not bound by anyone else's literally not bound by anyone else's schedule. The day unfolds at a speed schedule. The day unfolds at a speed schedule. The day unfolds at a speed that a human being can actually keep up that a human being can actually keep up that a human being can actually keep up with. Wait, I just realized there's an with. Wait, I just realized there's an with. Wait, I just realized there's an exception. I am bound by my two toddler exception. I am bound by my two toddler exception. I am bound by my two toddler schedules. I have to drop them at school schedules. I have to drop them at school schedules. I have to drop them at school every day. Now, I know what some of you every day. Now, I know what some of you every day. Now, I know what some of you are thinking. That's cuz you're retired. are thinking. That's cuz you're retired. are thinking. That's cuz you're retired. Fine. Anyone who stops working gets Fine. Anyone who stops working gets Fine. Anyone who stops working gets their morning back. That's true. And their morning back. That's true. And their morning back. That's true. And it's it's partly true, but it's not it's it's partly true, but it's not it's it's partly true, but it's not really the thing I'm saying. The pace really the thing I'm saying. The pace really the thing I'm saying. The pace here isn't just my pace. It's the city.

here isn't just my pace. It's the city. here isn't just my pace. It's the city. It's the country's pace. Right? Saigon It's the country's pace. Right? Saigon It's the country's pace. Right? Saigon has over 10 million people in it. And has over 10 million people in it. And has over 10 million people in it. And somehow it's frantic, kinetic, but also somehow it's frantic, kinetic, but also somehow it's frantic, kinetic, but also unhurried. The traffic is chaos, but unhurried. The traffic is chaos, but unhurried. The traffic is chaos, but nobody is freaking out and shooting each nobody is freaking out and shooting each nobody is freaking out and shooting each other. And road rage incidents, right? other. And road rage incidents, right? other. And road rage incidents, right? People sit, people linger over coffee. People sit, people linger over coffee. People sit, people linger over coffee. In the middle of the day, the cafes are In the middle of the day, the cafes are In the middle of the day, the cafes are full. The culture has a relationship full. The culture has a relationship full. The culture has a relationship with time that is just fundamentally with time that is just fundamentally with time that is just fundamentally different from the one I grew up inside different from the one I grew up inside different from the one I grew up inside of in a city like Toronto or New York or of in a city like Toronto or New York or of in a city like Toronto or New York or that sort of East Coast hustle culture, that sort of East Coast hustle culture, that sort of East Coast hustle culture, right? And I don't think I could survive right? And I don't think I could survive right? And I don't think I could survive a move back to that anymore. It's just a move back to that anymore. It's just a move back to that anymore. It's just no longer something that I can relate no longer something that I can relate no longer something that I can relate to. It's no longer a part of my life. to. It's no longer a part of my life. to. It's no longer a part of my life. This second reason might sound really This second reason might sound really This second reason might sound really shallow, but whatever. It is what it is. shallow, but whatever. It is what it is. shallow, but whatever. It is what it is. It's the food and the whole food It's the food and the whole food It's the food and the whole food culture, right? I've been eating in this culture, right? I've been eating in this culture, right? I've been eating in this city for 7 years in Southeast Asia now city for 7 years in Southeast Asia now city for 7 years in Southeast Asia now for 15 years and for 15 years and for 15 years and almost two decades of this kind of food. almost two decades of this kind of food. almost two decades of this kind of food. It's still just genuinely exciting It's still just genuinely exciting It's still just genuinely exciting waking up to a bowl of noodles, whether waking up to a bowl of noodles, whether waking up to a bowl of noodles, whether it's a pad tie or a bumbo, paying a it's a pad tie or a bumbo, paying a it's a pad tie or a bumbo, paying a couple bucks for it, getting a bongi couple bucks for it, getting a bongi couple bucks for it, getting a bongi from a cart or watching someone make you from a cart or watching someone make you from a cart or watching someone make you a bubble tea on the side of the road, a bubble tea on the side of the road, a bubble tea on the side of the road, you know, whether it's comam basi gang you know, whether it's comam basi gang you know, whether it's comam basi gang in Malaysia, all of this food, roti in Malaysia, all of this food, roti in Malaysia, all of this food, roti canal, I mean, it changes my life. It canal, I mean, it changes my life. It canal, I mean, it changes my life. It changes me. It's literally who I am, changes me. It's literally who I am, changes me. It's literally who I am, right? You are what you eat. And it's right? You are what you eat. And it's right? You are what you eat. And it's not just that food is good and cheap, not just that food is good and cheap, not just that food is good and cheap, though it's spectacularly both in this though it's spectacularly both in this though it's spectacularly both in this region, is that the food here is more region, is that the food here is more region, is that the food here is more woven into the culture of daily life.

woven into the culture of daily life. woven into the culture of daily life. You know, going to a grocery store, a You know, going to a grocery store, a You know, going to a grocery store, a Costco, eating out at a fast food chain Costco, eating out at a fast food chain Costco, eating out at a fast food chain is just not human. It's not a human is just not human. It's not a human is just not human. It's not a human connection. Genuinely cheaper and better connection. Genuinely cheaper and better connection. Genuinely cheaper and better here. People eat food. Eating is social. here. People eat food. Eating is social. here. People eat food. Eating is social. People eat on the street. It's a part of People eat on the street. It's a part of People eat on the street. It's a part of the city itself. It isn't regulated out the city itself. It isn't regulated out the city itself. It isn't regulated out of existence. You know, [ __ ] hot dog of existence. You know, [ __ ] hot dog of existence. You know, [ __ ] hot dog carts back home have to pay like carts back home have to pay like carts back home have to pay like $100,000 just to sell a wiener. Like $100,000 just to sell a wiener. Like $100,000 just to sell a wiener. Like that's real. Okay, here Tuesday, the that's real. Okay, here Tuesday, the that's real. Okay, here Tuesday, the cumulative effect, right, of decades of cumulative effect, right, of decades of cumulative effect, right, of decades of eating $2 bowls of noodles, slurping eating $2 bowls of noodles, slurping eating $2 bowls of noodles, slurping something on the sidewalk, living my something on the sidewalk, living my something on the sidewalk, living my version of the Anthony Bourdain dream version of the Anthony Bourdain dream version of the Anthony Bourdain dream life, it's just not something I can ever life, it's just not something I can ever life, it's just not something I can ever give up. You might be laughing at me for give up. You might be laughing at me for give up. You might be laughing at me for drinking a Starbucks when I said this, drinking a Starbucks when I said this, drinking a Starbucks when I said this, but here's the fact. There's two coffee but here's the fact. There's two coffee but here's the fact. There's two coffee shops at Baktang Warf and one of them shops at Baktang Warf and one of them shops at Baktang Warf and one of them the local Vietnamese one I went to their the local Vietnamese one I went to their the local Vietnamese one I went to their espresso machine was broken. So that's espresso machine was broken. So that's espresso machine was broken. So that's real life. Let's get into the third real life. Let's get into the third real life. Let's get into the third reason. I also used to work at reason. I also used to work at reason. I also used to work at Starbucks. Some of you guys might know Starbucks. Some of you guys might know Starbucks. Some of you guys might know that. The third reason is the big one. that. The third reason is the big one. that. The third reason is the big one. It's this whole channel, this whole It's this whole channel, this whole It's this whole channel, this whole thing, this life philosophy. It's what thing, this life philosophy. It's what thing, this life philosophy. It's what I'll do. So I'm going to try and keep it I'll do. So I'm going to try and keep it I'll do. So I'm going to try and keep it tight and specific, but it's the cost tight and specific, but it's the cost tight and specific, but it's the cost structure. It's the geo arbitrage, structure. It's the geo arbitrage, structure. It's the geo arbitrage, right? I live well here. I can live well right? I live well here. I can live well right? I live well here. I can live well anywhere in Southeast Asia. 12 to 1,800 anywhere in Southeast Asia. 12 to 1,800 anywhere in Southeast Asia. 12 to 1,800 a month um for myself, not for my whole a month um for myself, not for my whole a month um for myself, not for my whole family of four, but we live easily on family of four, but we live easily on family of four, but we live easily on less than $1,000 per person. I've done less than $1,000 per person. I've done less than $1,000 per person. I've done the full breakdown multiple times in the full breakdown multiple times in the full breakdown multiple times in multiple videos. I'm not going to repeat multiple videos. I'm not going to repeat multiple videos. I'm not going to repeat it at nauseium here, but the headline is it at nauseium here, but the headline is it at nauseium here, but the headline is real. The life I have in Saigon would real. The life I have in Saigon would real. The life I have in Saigon would cost me five to seven, sometimes 10

cost me five to seven, sometimes 10 cost me five to seven, sometimes 10 times as much. Place like Toronto, god times as much. Place like Toronto, god times as much. Place like Toronto, god forbid, I went back to San Francisco or forbid, I went back to San Francisco or forbid, I went back to San Francisco or New York with my family, I'd be broke New York with my family, I'd be broke New York with my family, I'd be broke tomorrow if I wasn't making a half tomorrow if I wasn't making a half tomorrow if I wasn't making a half million dollars. And what's important to million dollars. And what's important to million dollars. And what's important to me is to emphasize my quality of life me is to emphasize my quality of life me is to emphasize my quality of life here is better too, right? Could I move here is better too, right? Could I move here is better too, right? Could I move back? Maybe in theory, right? But it's back? Maybe in theory, right? But it's back? Maybe in theory, right? But it's not just that Vietnam's cheaper. It's not just that Vietnam's cheaper. It's not just that Vietnam's cheaper. It's that the low cost structure allows my that the low cost structure allows my that the low cost structure allows my freedom. It's what funds my free time, freedom. It's what funds my free time, freedom. It's what funds my free time, right? The reason my mornings are mine right? The reason my mornings are mine right? The reason my mornings are mine is that I don't need to earn as much to is that I don't need to earn as much to is that I don't need to earn as much to sustain this life. My burn rate is sustain this life. My burn rate is sustain this life. My burn rate is lower, which means I do not organize my lower, which means I do not organize my lower, which means I do not organize my days around earning. Means my identity days around earning. Means my identity days around earning. Means my identity isn't built around earning and making isn't built around earning and making isn't built around earning and making money all the [ __ ] time. It means I'm money all the [ __ ] time. It means I'm money all the [ __ ] time. It means I'm not just a job title, right? I'm not not just a job title, right? I'm not not just a job title, right? I'm not just a LinkedIn profile in a tempo of just a LinkedIn profile in a tempo of just a LinkedIn profile in a tempo of earning that eats mornings, eats Mondays earning that eats mornings, eats Mondays earning that eats mornings, eats Mondays to Fridays. You can't linger over a to Fridays. You can't linger over a to Fridays. You can't linger over a coffee, right? You can't enjoy a long coffee, right? You can't enjoy a long coffee, right? You can't enjoy a long lunch. I went out with my buddy Alex lunch. I went out with my buddy Alex lunch. I went out with my buddy Alex from Ninja Teacher the other day and we from Ninja Teacher the other day and we from Ninja Teacher the other day and we literally spent like 3 and 1/2 4 hours literally spent like 3 and 1/2 4 hours literally spent like 3 and 1/2 4 hours in the middle of the day eating snails, in the middle of the day eating snails, in the middle of the day eating snails, talking, filming, making videos, talking, filming, making videos, talking, filming, making videos, wandering around D4. And both of us in wandering around D4. And both of us in wandering around D4. And both of us in our own ways run our own businesses our own ways run our own businesses our own ways run our own businesses here. and yet can have an entire Tuesday here. and yet can have an entire Tuesday here. and yet can have an entire Tuesday afternoon free. You can't separate that.

afternoon free. You can't separate that. afternoon free. You can't separate that. The time, the money thing, the cost of The time, the money thing, the cost of The time, the money thing, the cost of living structure in geo arbitrage, it is living structure in geo arbitrage, it is living structure in geo arbitrage, it is the same, right? Geo arbitrage literally the same, right? Geo arbitrage literally the same, right? Geo arbitrage literally buys you more time, more freedom, more buys you more time, more freedom, more buys you more time, more freedom, more extension of your life. A fourth reason, extension of your life. A fourth reason, extension of your life. A fourth reason, this is one I didn't expect when I got this is one I didn't expect when I got this is one I didn't expect when I got here. I didn't see coming, but it's here. I didn't see coming, but it's here. I didn't see coming, but it's become one of the most important aspects become one of the most important aspects become one of the most important aspects of it for me. It's the community. It's of it for me. It's the community. It's of it for me. It's the community. It's ultimately one of the big reasons why ultimately one of the big reasons why ultimately one of the big reasons why I'm probably happier longterm here in Ho I'm probably happier longterm here in Ho I'm probably happier longterm here in Ho Chi Min than in Daang. Though I love you Chi Min than in Daang. Though I love you Chi Min than in Daang. Though I love you guys in Daang. I miss you. The specific guys in Daang. I miss you. The specific guys in Daang. I miss you. The specific kind of person who ends up living kind of person who ends up living kind of person who ends up living longterm in a place like Saigon. Not the longterm in a place like Saigon. Not the longterm in a place like Saigon. Not the tourists, not the two-year contract tourists, not the two-year contract tourists, not the two-year contract teachers or people who come and do one teachers or people who come and do one teachers or people who come and do one run and then flip. The ones who stay, run and then flip. The ones who stay, run and then flip. The ones who stay, the ones who settle. The thing they have the ones who settle. The thing they have the ones who settle. The thing they have in common is that at some point each in common is that at some point each in common is that at some point each made this strange counterintuitive made this strange counterintuitive made this strange counterintuitive decision, right? They looked at the fork decision, right? They looked at the fork decision, right? They looked at the fork in the road and they didn't take either in the road and they didn't take either in the road and they didn't take either chose. they they literally like made chose. they they literally like made chose. they they literally like made their own path. I really appreciate their own path. I really appreciate their own path. I really appreciate those people and to me that also those people and to me that also those people and to me that also includes VQ people who come back here includes VQ people who come back here includes VQ people who come back here who are a big part of the expat um or who are a big part of the expat um or who are a big part of the expat um or move abroad community in Vietnam and I move abroad community in Vietnam and I move abroad community in Vietnam and I really appreciate them, right? Like I'm really appreciate them, right? Like I'm really appreciate them, right? Like I'm not going to speak for VQ people, but I not going to speak for VQ people, but I not going to speak for VQ people, but I will say all of those people were people will say all of those people were people will say all of those people were people who basically grew up in a home where who basically grew up in a home where who basically grew up in a home where they might have been curious about they might have been curious about they might have been curious about Vietnam, but were probably told negative Vietnam, but were probably told negative Vietnam, but were probably told negative things about Vietnam. uh and they needed things about Vietnam. uh and they needed things about Vietnam. uh and they needed to at least come and see for themselves.

to at least come and see for themselves. to at least come and see for themselves. So, I really enjoy that part of the So, I really enjoy that part of the So, I really enjoy that part of the culture here. Um which is very different culture here. Um which is very different culture here. Um which is very different than my own experience and it's very than my own experience and it's very than my own experience and it's very different than a local viet that's grown different than a local viet that's grown different than a local viet that's grown up. So you end up having a more up. So you end up having a more up. So you end up having a more multicultural multicultural multicultural meshed group of expats in Saigon than meshed group of expats in Saigon than meshed group of expats in Saigon than you do in a place like Daang um which you do in a place like Daang um which you do in a place like Daang um which has a much smaller VQ community because has a much smaller VQ community because has a much smaller VQ community because it's really more of a beach town sort of it's really more of a beach town sort of it's really more of a beach town sort of retirement passing through community and retirement passing through community and retirement passing through community and I think ultimately the shared decision I think ultimately the shared decision I think ultimately the shared decision to live here right back home everyone is to live here right back home everyone is to live here right back home everyone is running the same program so choosing running the same program so choosing running the same program so choosing differently makes you the odd one out it differently makes you the odd one out it differently makes you the odd one out it makes you an outlier here everyone in my makes you an outlier here everyone in my makes you an outlier here everyone in my circle has chosen differently right so circle has chosen differently right so circle has chosen differently right so the thing that made me strange in Canada the thing that made me strange in Canada the thing that made me strange in Canada or in San Francisco is just a baseline or in San Francisco is just a baseline or in San Francisco is just a baseline assumption here, right? We don't have to assumption here, right? We don't have to assumption here, right? We don't have to explain ourselves to each other. explain ourselves to each other. explain ourselves to each other. Everybody gets the whole thing. They get Everybody gets the whole thing. They get Everybody gets the whole thing. They get the GTFO. It's not a decision you need the GTFO. It's not a decision you need the GTFO. It's not a decision you need to think about to opt out cuz we've all to think about to opt out cuz we've all to think about to opt out cuz we've all opted out. Okay? And to me, these are opted out. Okay? And to me, these are opted out. Okay? And to me, these are genuinely interesting, fun people.

genuinely interesting, fun people. genuinely interesting, fun people. People who've lived in a dozen People who've lived in a dozen People who've lived in a dozen countries, people who've traveled all countries, people who've traveled all countries, people who've traveled all over the world, people who can show me over the world, people who can show me over the world, people who can show me things and teach me things. Like that is things and teach me things. Like that is things and teach me things. Like that is why I want to do interviews. It's not why I want to do interviews. It's not why I want to do interviews. It's not just to see cheap apartments. It's to just to see cheap apartments. It's to just to see cheap apartments. It's to hear people's stories, to find out how hear people's stories, to find out how hear people's stories, to find out how they've survived and lived abroad for 10 they've survived and lived abroad for 10 they've survived and lived abroad for 10 years, for 20 years. Um why they thought years, for 20 years. Um why they thought years, for 20 years. Um why they thought about living in a different way instead about living in a different way instead about living in a different way instead of just defaulting into the normal. And of just defaulting into the normal. And of just defaulting into the normal. And those are the conversations that keep me those are the conversations that keep me those are the conversations that keep me going, right? And those are the going, right? And those are the going, right? And those are the friendships um that my foundation and friendships um that my foundation and friendships um that my foundation and community is built on is that unusual community is built on is that unusual community is built on is that unusual choice, right? Yes, there's some choice, right? Yes, there's some choice, right? Yes, there's some turnover which I've accepted. Some turnover which I've accepted. Some turnover which I've accepted. Some friends will leave the way expats do friends will leave the way expats do friends will leave the way expats do especially the teaching community. It especially the teaching community. It especially the teaching community. It reshapes every 3 years, 5 years. It's reshapes every 3 years, 5 years. It's reshapes every 3 years, 5 years. It's real. It has costs of its own. Bye, real. It has costs of its own. Bye, real. It has costs of its own. Bye, Marky boy. I'm going to miss you. Buddy Marky boy. I'm going to miss you. Buddy Marky boy. I'm going to miss you. Buddy of mine who's been here for almost a of mine who's been here for almost a of mine who's been here for almost a decade is going home. He just got decade is going home. He just got decade is going home. He just got married. married. married. You can press a lot of life into the You can press a lot of life into the You can press a lot of life into the years you overlap in a place like that. years you overlap in a place like that. years you overlap in a place like that. And I feel like I'd lose all of it if I And I feel like I'd lose all of it if I And I feel like I'd lose all of it if I moved back. And I wouldn't really ever moved back. And I wouldn't really ever moved back. And I wouldn't really ever be able to rebuild it because home be able to rebuild it because home be able to rebuild it because home almost nobody has made the choice that almost nobody has made the choice that almost nobody has made the choice that this community of outliers, of this community of outliers, of this community of outliers, of expatriated people, of people living expatriated people, of people living expatriated people, of people living abroad have. Now, I promise you the hard abroad have. Now, I promise you the hard abroad have. Now, I promise you the hard parts, too. They're real. If I only gave parts, too. They're real. If I only gave parts, too. They're real. If I only gave you four reasons above, I'd be doing you four reasons above, I'd be doing you four reasons above, I'd be doing exactly the thing I criticize other exactly the thing I criticize other exactly the thing I criticize other YouTube channels and other move abroad YouTube channels and other move abroad YouTube channels and other move abroad things we're doing, which is selling a things we're doing, which is selling a things we're doing, which is selling a dream and hiding the emotional and dream and hiding the emotional and dream and hiding the emotional and psychological costs, which are actually psychological costs, which are actually psychological costs, which are actually the hardest part. The hardest one, the hardest part. The hardest one, the hardest part. The hardest one, family. I'm going to go back and visit family. I'm going to go back and visit family. I'm going to go back and visit my family. I haven't seen any of them in my family. I haven't seen any of them in my family. I haven't seen any of them in about 3 years. My sisters, my nieces, my about 3 years. My sisters, my nieces, my about 3 years. My sisters, my nieces, my nephews. This is real. I'm 22 hours of

nephews. This is real. I'm 22 hours of nephews. This is real. I'm 22 hours of travel away from the people who knew me. travel away from the people who knew me. travel away from the people who knew me. um when I was growing up who know where um when I was growing up who know where um when I was growing up who know where I come from, right? My parents are I come from, right? My parents are I come from, right? My parents are getting older. My dad turned 80. It's getting older. My dad turned 80. It's getting older. My dad turned 80. It's not abstract. It is a clock that I'm not abstract. It is a clock that I'm not abstract. It is a clock that I'm aware of in ways I was not in my 20s aware of in ways I was not in my 20s aware of in ways I was not in my 20s when I lived in Mexico. When something when I lived in Mexico. When something when I lived in Mexico. When something happens at home and over 18 years, many happens at home and over 18 years, many happens at home and over 18 years, many things have happened. I'm a long flight things have happened. I'm a long flight things have happened. I'm a long flight and a lot of money away from being and a lot of money away from being and a lot of money away from being there. I've had to make hard choices, there. I've had to make hard choices, there. I've had to make hard choices, right? Sometimes I have made the flight right? Sometimes I have made the flight right? Sometimes I have made the flight on short notice, other times I haven't. on short notice, other times I haven't. on short notice, other times I haven't. That's a real difference between living That's a real difference between living That's a real difference between living here versus living in Latin America. here versus living in Latin America. here versus living in Latin America. Distance is not free, right? Video calls Distance is not free, right? Video calls Distance is not free, right? Video calls help. They genuinely do. My kids ask to help. They genuinely do. My kids ask to help. They genuinely do. My kids ask to call grandma and grandpa all the time. I call grandma and grandpa all the time. I call grandma and grandpa all the time. I talk to family. I see their faces. I talk to family. I see their faces. I talk to family. I see their faces. I hear their voices. It's not nothing. But hear their voices. It's not nothing. But hear their voices. It's not nothing. But it's definitely not the same as being it's definitely not the same as being it's definitely not the same as being there on Sundays, right? I would love to there on Sundays, right? I would love to there on Sundays, right? I would love to wake up on a Sunday morning to cook all wake up on a Sunday morning to cook all wake up on a Sunday morning to cook all day to watch football with my dad. Uh day to watch football with my dad. Uh day to watch football with my dad. Uh there'd be nothing better in the world there'd be nothing better in the world there'd be nothing better in the world to me than doing that. It's what I grew to me than doing that. It's what I grew to me than doing that. It's what I grew up doing, watching the Buffalo Bills, up doing, watching the Buffalo Bills, up doing, watching the Buffalo Bills, and I miss it. But ultimately, the and I miss it. But ultimately, the and I miss it. But ultimately, the actual substance of relationship, I actual substance of relationship, I actual substance of relationship, I don't miss out on that, right? I still don't miss out on that, right? I still don't miss out on that, right? I still love them. They still love me. Being far love them. They still love me. Being far love them. They still love me. Being far away from them, the distance, that is away from them, the distance, that is away from them, the distance, that is the price I pay knowingly. Uh, and I'm the price I pay knowingly. Uh, and I'm the price I pay knowingly. Uh, and I'm not going to pretend it doesn't cost me not going to pretend it doesn't cost me not going to pretend it doesn't cost me and it doesn't hurt, but it's a real and it doesn't hurt, but it's a real and it doesn't hurt, but it's a real choice. It's a trade-off. So, the choice. It's a trade-off. So, the choice. It's a trade-off. So, the specific version of that that is the specific version of that that is the specific version of that that is the hardest, it's not just the big events, hardest, it's not just the big events, hardest, it's not just the big events, right? It's not just the weddings, it's right? It's not just the weddings, it's right? It's not just the weddings, it's not just the funerals or the surgeries.

not just the funerals or the surgeries. not just the funerals or the surgeries. Those you'll actually fly back for. It's Those you'll actually fly back for. It's Those you'll actually fly back for. It's the ordinary daily erosion of the ordinary daily erosion of the ordinary daily erosion of friendships, of relationships, right? friendships, of relationships, right? friendships, of relationships, right? It's realizing my nieces are 5 years It's realizing my nieces are 5 years It's realizing my nieces are 5 years older than the last time I saw them. older than the last time I saw them. older than the last time I saw them. They're a foot taller, that one is in They're a foot taller, that one is in They're a foot taller, that one is in college now and not in high school, that college now and not in high school, that college now and not in high school, that another one is long finished graduate another one is long finished graduate another one is long finished graduate school, right? Annual jumps instead of school, right? Annual jumps instead of school, right? Annual jumps instead of the dayto-day. You you miss the the dayto-day. You you miss the the dayto-day. You you miss the day-to-day substance of life with day-to-day substance of life with day-to-day substance of life with people. And it turns a continuous people. And it turns a continuous people. And it turns a continuous relationship into like snapshots or relationship into like snapshots or relationship into like snapshots or moments and there's all these gaps and moments and there's all these gaps and moments and there's all these gaps and those gaps are gone for good. So, I've those gaps are gone for good. So, I've those gaps are gone for good. So, I've made my peace with it, but the peace is made my peace with it, but the peace is made my peace with it, but the peace is not the same as liking it as enjoying it not the same as liking it as enjoying it not the same as liking it as enjoying it or accepting it. Right? And the second or accepting it. Right? And the second or accepting it. Right? And the second hard part, which is [ __ ] it's so hard part, which is [ __ ] it's so hard part, which is [ __ ] it's so annoying here. It drives me nuts, is the annoying here. It drives me nuts, is the annoying here. It drives me nuts, is the paperwork and the [ __ ] Don't think paperwork and the [ __ ] Don't think paperwork and the [ __ ] Don't think you're escaping bureaucracy and you're escaping bureaucracy and you're escaping bureaucracy and administration by moving abroad. You administration by moving abroad. You administration by moving abroad. You most definitely are not. It is much most definitely are not. It is much most definitely are not. It is much easier administratively to just stay at easier administratively to just stay at easier administratively to just stay at home and sit on your couch. You know, home and sit on your couch. You know, home and sit on your couch. You know, everyone knows Vietnam doesn't have a everyone knows Vietnam doesn't have a everyone knows Vietnam doesn't have a retirement video. I've said this in retirement video. I've said this in retirement video. I've said this in other videos. I'll keep saying it. Um, other videos. I'll keep saying it. Um, other videos. I'll keep saying it. Um, but also wake up getting a retirement but also wake up getting a retirement but also wake up getting a retirement video, retirement visa is not easy even video, retirement visa is not easy even video, retirement visa is not easy even in those other countries. Sometimes it in those other countries. Sometimes it in those other countries. Sometimes it costs six figures. Sometimes it's a pain costs six figures. Sometimes it's a pain costs six figures. Sometimes it's a pain in the ass. You have to renew in the ass. You have to renew in the ass. You have to renew constantly. You always have to pay constantly. You always have to pay constantly. You always have to pay through the nose. You're often required through the nose. You're often required through the nose. You're often required to put dead money in a bank account. The to put dead money in a bank account. The to put dead money in a bank account. The rules change. The bureaucracy can be rules change. The bureaucracy can be rules change. The bureaucracy can be opaque. It's in a language you don't opaque. It's in a language you don't opaque. It's in a language you don't understand. There's a low but real understand. There's a low but real understand. There's a low but real background hum of like administrative background hum of like administrative background hum of like administrative uncertainty that comes with a permanent uncertainty that comes with a permanent uncertainty that comes with a permanent life abroad that will never go away.

life abroad that will never go away. life abroad that will never go away. Things change, man. Trust me. There was Things change, man. Trust me. There was Things change, man. Trust me. There was a very real time in my life where I a very real time in my life where I a very real time in my life where I thought I would be living in China thought I would be living in China thought I would be living in China forever, for decades and then poof, it forever, for decades and then poof, it forever, for decades and then poof, it was gone. Okay. Would it remove that? I was gone. Okay. Would it remove that? I was gone. Okay. Would it remove that? I don't know. I thought about it how much don't know. I thought about it how much don't know. I thought about it how much easier it is to just live where you're easier it is to just live where you're easier it is to just live where you're from. But it's not for me. Third part, I from. But it's not for me. Third part, I from. But it's not for me. Third part, I address it sometimes. We always have to address it sometimes. We always have to address it sometimes. We always have to address it. It's real. Get help if address it. It's real. Get help if address it. It's real. Get help if you're suffering. Uh it's loneliness. you're suffering. Uh it's loneliness. you're suffering. Uh it's loneliness. Loneliness is not necessarily in the Loneliness is not necessarily in the Loneliness is not necessarily in the sense of having no friends or no sense of having no friends or no sense of having no friends or no community. I do. It's a different kind. community. I do. It's a different kind. community. I do. It's a different kind. the loneliness of being really far from the loneliness of being really far from the loneliness of being really far from your roots, from what you know, right? your roots, from what you know, right? your roots, from what you know, right? From the friends who've known you for 30 From the friends who've known you for 30 From the friends who've known you for 30 years, from the cousins you grew up with years, from the cousins you grew up with years, from the cousins you grew up with as a kid, right? The shortorthhand of as a kid, right? The shortorthhand of as a kid, right? The shortorthhand of people who truly know your history, your people who truly know your history, your people who truly know your history, your references, your sense of humor formed references, your sense of humor formed references, your sense of humor formed in the same place at the same time. Uh in the same place at the same time. Uh in the same place at the same time. Uh you can make wonderful new friends as an you can make wonderful new friends as an you can make wonderful new friends as an adult abroad. For some reason, I'm adult abroad. For some reason, I'm adult abroad. For some reason, I'm thinking of Mike and Muriel. Miss you thinking of Mike and Muriel. Miss you thinking of Mike and Muriel. Miss you guys. But the friendships that go all guys. But the friendships that go all guys. But the friendships that go all the way back, the ones with decades of the way back, the ones with decades of the way back, the ones with decades of shared contacts, those are hard to grow shared contacts, those are hard to grow shared contacts, those are hard to grow uh in your 40s and your 50s, right? I uh in your 40s and your 50s, right? I uh in your 40s and your 50s, right? I have a new community, but I still miss have a new community, but I still miss have a new community, but I still miss my old roads. It's okay to have them my old roads. It's okay to have them my old roads. It's okay to have them both in parallel. It's not a both in parallel. It's not a both in parallel. It's not a contradiction to be pulled in two contradiction to be pulled in two contradiction to be pulled in two directions at the same time. So, why directions at the same time. So, why directions at the same time. So, why with all that said on the table, could I with all that said on the table, could I with all that said on the table, could I actually never move back? Well, because actually never move back? Well, because actually never move back? Well, because when I lay it all out, honestly, the when I lay it all out, honestly, the when I lay it all out, honestly, the four reasons to stay, the pull factors, four reasons to stay, the pull factors, four reasons to stay, the pull factors, and the three costs of staying, the push and the three costs of staying, the push and the three costs of staying, the push factors, the trade-off just isn't really factors, the trade-off just isn't really factors, the trade-off just isn't really close. The costs are real and I feel close. The costs are real and I feel close. The costs are real and I feel that the life here is genuinely, that the life here is genuinely, that the life here is genuinely, specifically better for the person I am, specifically better for the person I am, specifically better for the person I am, for the man that I've become, better in

for the man that I've become, better in for the man that I've become, better in a way that I am happier. I prefer to a way that I am happier. I prefer to a way that I am happier. I prefer to wake up here and be who I am here, wake up here and be who I am here, wake up here and be who I am here, rather than the version of myself at rather than the version of myself at rather than the version of myself at home, uh whether that's in Canada or the home, uh whether that's in Canada or the home, uh whether that's in Canada or the States or wherever there. I just know States or wherever there. I just know States or wherever there. I just know the culture of living back there and I the culture of living back there and I the culture of living back there and I don't want to be a part of it. If I were don't want to be a part of it. If I were don't want to be a part of it. If I were to ever go back, I promise you it would to ever go back, I promise you it would to ever go back, I promise you it would be to Mexico and nowhere south north of be to Mexico and nowhere south north of be to Mexico and nowhere south north of that border. I'm not somebody who's that border. I'm not somebody who's that border. I'm not somebody who's running away from anything. I'm someone running away from anything. I'm someone running away from anything. I'm someone who's adventurous, who wanted new who's adventurous, who wanted new who's adventurous, who wanted new experiences, who wanted to expand my experiences, who wanted to expand my experiences, who wanted to expand my point of view. If you're escaping, I point of view. If you're escaping, I point of view. If you're escaping, I think that's a different thing. I left think that's a different thing. I left think that's a different thing. I left because a different version of life was because a different version of life was because a different version of life was the better version of life for me. And the better version of life for me. And the better version of life for me. And each day I stay here, each day I live each day I stay here, each day I live each day I stay here, each day I live abroad confirms that a little bit more. abroad confirms that a little bit more. abroad confirms that a little bit more. The people who assume I'll move back The people who assume I'll move back The people who assume I'll move back eventually. The people who [ __ ] in the eventually. The people who [ __ ] in the eventually. The people who [ __ ] in the comments think it's some sort of comments think it's some sort of comments think it's some sort of deviation. They just don't know me deviation. They just don't know me deviation. They just don't know me ultimately. Right? I'm not going to come ultimately. Right? I'm not going to come ultimately. Right? I'm not going to come to my senses. I'm not going to put my to my senses. I'm not going to put my to my senses. I'm not going to put my kids back in school there. I understand kids back in school there. I understand kids back in school there. I understand the assumption because for most people the assumption because for most people the assumption because for most people that is true, but that doesn't mean I'm that is true, but that doesn't mean I'm that is true, but that doesn't mean I'm like you, right? I think they have it like you, right? I think they have it like you, right? I think they have it backwards for me. Saigon isn't a backwards for me. Saigon isn't a backwards for me. Saigon isn't a deviation from my real life, right? I deviation from my real life, right? I deviation from my real life, right? I interviewed Jeremy the other day in interviewed Jeremy the other day in interviewed Jeremy the other day in Daang and Jeremy I mentioned something Daang and Jeremy I mentioned something Daang and Jeremy I mentioned something about his home state and he was like, about his home state and he was like, about his home state and he was like, "Man, Daang is home. Daang is my home.

"Man, Daang is home. Daang is my home. "Man, Daang is home. Daang is my home. Saigon is my real life. Ho Chi Min City Saigon is my real life. Ho Chi Min City Saigon is my real life. Ho Chi Min City is where my wife is from, where my kids is where my wife is from, where my kids is where my wife is from, where my kids are from, it's who I've become, I love are from, it's who I've become, I love are from, it's who I've become, I love it here. As much as I do still want to it here. As much as I do still want to it here. As much as I do still want to travel, somewhere buried in here, travel, somewhere buried in here, travel, somewhere buried in here, there's the story of why I did go back there's the story of why I did go back there's the story of why I did go back to Canada for 2 years when I was on a to Canada for 2 years when I was on a to Canada for 2 years when I was on a beach in Kottow, why I took a job in beach in Kottow, why I took a job in beach in Kottow, why I took a job in Calgary, made that mistake, and went Calgary, made that mistake, and went Calgary, made that mistake, and went back. And I've literally done it back. And I've literally done it back. And I've literally done it already. So, I promise you now, I'm already. So, I promise you now, I'm already. So, I promise you now, I'm never going back. Uh, I appreciate all never going back. Uh, I appreciate all never going back. Uh, I appreciate all of you watching. That moment in Canada of you watching. That moment in Canada of you watching. That moment in Canada confirmed the life I built abroad was confirmed the life I built abroad was confirmed the life I built abroad was the right one. And I never have to the right one. And I never have to the right one. And I never have to wonder about it anymore. I never have to wonder about it anymore. I never have to wonder about it anymore. I never have to have decision fatigue. I never have to have decision fatigue. I never have to have decision fatigue. I never have to experiment or lose confidence. When I experiment or lose confidence. When I experiment or lose confidence. When I think about moving, I'm just thinking think about moving, I'm just thinking think about moving, I'm just thinking about Bangkok or Paneang or somewhere about Bangkok or Paneang or somewhere about Bangkok or Paneang or somewhere else an hour and a half away from here. else an hour and a half away from here. else an hour and a half away from here. So, leave me a comment. Let me know how So, leave me a comment. Let me know how So, leave me a comment. Let me know how you feel about this one. Subscribe, you feel about this one. Subscribe, you feel about this one. Subscribe, share, etc. If you want my help, you can share, etc. If you want my help, you can share, etc. If you want my help, you can always jump into the membership or sign always jump into the membership or sign always jump into the membership or sign up for my newsletter, get my courses, up for my newsletter, get my courses, up for my newsletter, get my courses, guides, etc. You can also watch this guides, etc. You can also watch this guides, etc. You can also watch this video up here with some other places. I video up here with some other places. I video up here with some other places. I think you can still start over on think you can still start over on think you can still start over on $10,000 or less a year. Or watch this $10,000 or less a year. Or watch this $10,000 or less a year. Or watch this where I do $1,000 apartment tour in uh where I do $1,000 apartment tour in uh where I do $1,000 apartment tour in uh Taen right up there with my buddy Taen right up there with my buddy Taen right up there with my buddy Stephen. Shout out Stephen. Hi Maya.