5 YEARS?

[Queenie O.]

On 11/19/2017 at 10:56 AM, Jeff R Us said:

A few days ago I read a quote on this forum that's been stuck in my head. I can't remember who quoted it so I am unable to paste it. He stated that, on average, Expats leave the Philippines after 5 years. I have never heard or read this before.  I am really curious as to the reason. Can someone please elaborate. Thanks.

Hi Jeff,

I think that MikeB mentioned that, in thinking about ideas on learning the local language or not here,(that Bows posted about), and I was a little surprised by that too. I think that it might be a popular gauge or milestone marker for some, not knowing how many,  that might might cause some expats to  gradually find contentment over time, or call it quits for the many reasons Dave,  Jack and he mentioned. 

For myself at almost the four year mark, and can track the personal changes and happenings that I've gone through each that have gotten me to where I am now. Finding contentment and comfort in many areas has been a gradual process, along with many personal changes that have gotten me to more happiness and contentment. On any given day though, I can be unhappy or frustrated or blue for a particular reason, or for no tangible reason that I can pinpoint.  Other days I'm happy and excited for different reasons. For the most part I can have strings of days that I'm chill and just sailing along. The weather can affect me measurably too. Overall although, not five years for me yet, I'm not gauging or expecting anything special when that mark arrives. I know in my heart though, that there isn't any other place that I would rather or will be.

Maybe this is a little off topic--maybe good for a new thread instead...

Edited November 20, 2017 by Queenie O.

[JDDavao II]

On 11/19/2017 at 10:56 AM, Jeff R Us said:

A few days ago I read a quote on this forum that's been stuck in my head. I can't remember who quoted it so I am unable to paste it. He stated that, on average, Expats leave the Philippines after 5 years. I have never heard or read this before.  I am really curious as to the reason. Can someone please elaborate. Thanks.

I've heard similar things said about Hawaii, that the average person only lasts a year after they move there. I agree with others here who have said that the 5-year timeframe is "common knowledge" (in this case, also known as "a guess").

[MikeB]

A big factor that I haven't seen touched on is how much more expensive it is to move back from the Phils than it is to move over.

I came single in 2011 with a couple of suitcases and a balikbayan box or 2 following in a couple months. It was relatively very inexpensive to get started with an apt, furniture, etc. Transportation is cheap, didn't buy a car for a year. Barely touched my savings the entire time I was there.

When I came back last year I had 2 dependents along (couldn't get rid of em), several suitcases and a dog. Starting over from scratch, no family assistance. All the costs of the Spousal visa, down payment for house, reliable car (a necessity), furniture, medical insurance (you don't want to be w/o it), child school,  and so many other things costs so much more here. Many many $thousands.

I wonder how many would like to go back (for whatever reasons) and can't afford to?

[Jack Peterson]

51 minutes ago, MikeB said:

I wonder how many would like to go back (for whatever reasons) and can't afford to?

 A lot of truth in that but for me  a Big NO