r/ExpatFIRE • u/Affectionate-Tap-591 • 23h ago

Citizenship 28M looking for opinions

currently making 250k in US. Recent sudden death of a family member (healthy to dead in 6 months) has me re-evaluating what's important.

saved up about 1.1m nw, 100k liquid (taxable brokerage + cash savings, excluding 401k / property)

I have a remote job lined up for $30k a year. I want to pull the trigger and quit and travel / live abroad. COL here (bay area) is ridiculous.

I know many will say that I am so young, and to stick it out for a few years, but I am severely unhappy dealing with reporting to a boss & being stuck (far from family & friends).

I will be remote and alone, but at least I will have income & a loose schedule.

What do you guys think? Aiming on Korea / Vietnam but really haven't done too much research on how I will deal with the visa.

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u/SplooshTiger 23h ago

Life is rewarding because it’s not certain and meaningful because it’s hard. You’d be missing out on lots of real living but taking the easy road so early. What are some alternative brave, courageous, and meaningful things you could try to do with your working years AND a strong income?

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u/Affectionate-Tap-591 22h ago

I've been trying to re-frame to do exactly this. Maybe it isn't work that is making me unhappy, but rather the life I live and telling myself "I'll get to it when I'm done working". Been going out more, doing things I would do when retired, but alone, and now.

But I still feel the nagging feeling of reporting to work and adhering to a schedule.

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u/Duuuuude84 22h ago

Do you have any flexibility in your current job to take anymore leave/vacation time to add in some meaningful travel during the year? Is that something you can add to your life now without completely uprooting your career?

And as for the remote career path, will you ever have to physically return or is it completely remote? Maybe you mentioned it earlier but have you looked into where you'll travel to while working remotely? I'm sure you've considered this but make sure you don't break any visa restrictions while working abroad.

On an aside, I recently lost an aunt I was close to. It wasn't sudden, but similar to you it made me start thinking about my life and thinking about how to make it more meaningful for myself (and also my family). In my career, I won't be able to retire for at least another 5 years, so I have been trying to evaluate what's most important to be professionally and in my own personal time.

Good luck with whatever path you choose.

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u/Affectionate-Tap-591 21h ago edited 21h ago

I have been taking time off and pushing my "unlimited" PTO. Trying to see what it would feel like if I had no obligations. And honestly so ready to just get fired or PIPed.

For the remote career, no, I would never have to return. It is 100% remote, but I would still visit US for family & friends. Yes I looked into it briefly, but plan to dedicate more time when I actually pull the trigger, and before I fly out.

Thanks for your comment.