We're moving to the Philippines soon, and my husband is retiring and has been really stressed and anxious.. because this will be the first time he's not working or doing anything... me too... I've lived abroad half my life and all these changes are stressful..
If you live in a comfortable Western country and are thinking of moving to the Philippines... I'd tell you to think very carefully. You'll face a few massive changes. The hot, humid weather. The housing standards. A certain lack of politeness in society here. I'm from the UK. I struggled at first. But I love it now. It takes time...
Before you sell the farm, pack everything up and do everything it takes to get set up here, come visit first. Seriously. This isn't the US. You may know that. But trust me, he doesn't. Not if he hasn't lived here for a while. He has every right to be nervous. You shouldn't make such a drastic move all at once, no matter which foreign country. Take your time. Experience it first. Travel around. Figure out where you want to live. There are thousands of places you could live, and they can be very different from one to the next. Yes, there are constants. The noise - the dogs, the chickens, the karaoke at 3am on volume 100. The scams you have to sift through just to get anything done. The lack of goods and services - which differs in every area. Change is good. I applaud you both for your courage. But I'd suggest trying out life in a few different places, in a few different ways, and thinking about what you both want and need for the long term.
I just retired in the Philippines on June 5th and I love it. I was always ready to retire, just waiting for the right time. You have to find things you like doing. I'm easy — gym in the morning, then relax and watch my sports and movies. People make retirement harder than it is. Enjoy the time you've earned.
Many people who retire miss the part about retiring to the next step. It's not just retiring from work. If he finds volunteer groups, men's groups, public speaking or photography groups and keeps busy with other people, he'll find a new life. Take up riding or photography, help out at a school, keep busy and you'll be happy.
Get some roosters, pigs, ducks, chickens, cats, dogs and goats and you'll never be bored. lol The Philippines is awesome.
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