There’s a saying that youth is wasted on the young. Well the same could be said for gap years. Why should Millennials have all the fun?
You’ve seen the blogs, read the articles and caught the clips on You Tube. People are taking time out to enjoy life, experience the World, and enrich their souls. And there really is no reason why you cannot do the same.
Yes, there are hurdles to overcome, but with a bit of planning, some flexibility and a burning desire to seize the opportunity, its astonishing how a dream can rapidly turn into a reality.
So lets delve a little deeper into the idea
The Tape Measure Test
Chatting to a client recently we asked him what had prompted his decision to move to South East Asia. Often we hear a response about the cost of living etc…, but his answer was slightly different.
He was visiting the doctor, getting his annual check up, when he was told that whilst physically he was in good shape for his age, mentally he seemed a bit down beat.
The client shrugged his shoulders and merely stated that he just felt emotionally drained after working pretty much not stop for over 40 years.
After a pause, rather than simply send the client on his way, the Doctor then fumbled in his desk drawer and a moment later found a tape measure. He then explained “the average life expectancy of an Australian male is about 82 years”. And he stretched out the measure to 82 cms.
The Doctor then continued, “Ok, you’re 58, which is here on the tape measure” he indicated, the client nodded. “So on average, this is how much time you’ve got left”.
Opportunity awaits
Whether you’re working full time, part time, or retired, there are endless opportunities for you to live out your dreams.
Whilst the focus of this website is all about enjoying the wonders of South East Asia, it could of course be anywhere in the World. And it really doesn’t matter how old you are, you can make more of your life, experience new cultures and cuisines, and meet people who will enrich and inspire you.
Without wanting to come over as all spiritual, this really is food for the soul, and it’s amazing how often our clients tell us that living in South East Asia has changed them as a person.
Overcoming hurdles
We know it’s a cliché, “but if there’s a will, there really is a way”. You don’t need to be wealthy to live (or retire) in South East Asia. The incredible improvements in telecommunications means that you can skpye or facetime loved ones whenever you want, so you never lose touch. The rise of low cost airlines (with a broad range of flight times and routes) means returning to Australia on short notice can be easily achieved. The quality of healthcare in the region is often as good as it is in Australia. And the list goes on.
Of course there are more complex issues to arrange, such as managing finances, visas etc… but with good advice and some planning, these hurdles can also be quickly set aside.
So what are you waiting for?
If you’d like to bounce around some ideas, and find out more about how you could possibly arrange a gap year or retirement in South East Asia, please give us a call, or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you.
If you’d like to keep regularly updated on all matters South East Asia, please visit our facebook page ‘Retire to Asia Community Group’ and join us.
