Take a Great Leap [Interview]: Mary, another lass of “a certain age”

Q:  Why on earth did you opt to move lock, stock ‘n barrel to a rice paddy?

A:  It’s “something” that had been percolating in the back of my head for some time. I’d been very fortunate with “career stuff” until 2008. At the time I was working for a major bank and did institutional sales over an 8 state territory. Travel, travel, travel, work, work, work. Then the crunch hit and my entire department was wiped out. So, I got unemployment and that was great because I was so fed up I was going to quit even without another job.

I honestly didn’t realize how serious the financial matters were at the time so I devoted the summer to playing golf. When I decided to look for a job again I was shocked to find that I couldn’t find anything that was even remotely close to my former position. It seemed that companies had decided that it no longer made sense to hire anyone over 40 and I was well past 40.I ultimately accepted a job at a 60% reduction in salary. I could pay my bills but I wasn’t very happy about it. I felt that my “dream” to travel the world was evaporating before my eyes.

I am one that hates “treading water” – I had a nice enough lifestyle, I could pay my bills, but I was spending all of my energy (and time and resources) to stay in one place (hence my phrase “treading water”).So, I started looking for blogs written by single women over 60 who had reinvented themselves. And, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that there are not many out there. I was delighted when I found “TravelnLass”.  I read every single post multiple times and basically internalized the content. I finally had “hard evidence” that someone my age had done what I wanted to do without a huge bankroll. I started putting plans in place, but in reality they were kind of “fuzzy” – kind of like “someday this would be nice to do”. I did the research, asked the questions, kept notes, but hadn’t committed to make it happen.

Then, one of my good friends died of cancer. She had multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, etc. and her efforts plus modern science added about 2 years to her life. At that time I became serious about living my life now instead of putting my dreams on the back burner for “someday when I’ve saved enough money, etc.” When I reached 62, I calculated early withdrawal of my social security pension and I added that to a small pension that I had from my time serving corporate America.Then I went on a fact-finding mission with one goal:  if I can afford to do this, I am going to do this in 2013. I emailed TravelnLass and asked if my monthly amount of $X was enough. She wrote back and supplied enough detail so that I could readily see that I could indeed do this now. And, just because I usually double check almost everything I checked with another couple that has been traveling the world for the past 12 years. And, they also confirmed that I could, and should, do this now.

I prepared a timeline and started researching flights for Jan/Feb 2013 time frame. I discovered a really good one-way flight from Chicago to Ho Chi Minh City for $753. I double checked with TravelnLass who confirmed that this was a good price, but to be careful because prices would start escalating soon. When I checked back on October 8, 2012 there was only 1 seat left (at a reasonable rate and a reasonable connection). I quickly joined Asiana’s frequent flyer program and selected my flight. I sat for 10 minutes with my finger poised above the enter key. I knew it was a moment of truth for me – Was I going to live my dreams or was I going to wait (perhaps forever)? And, I pushed enter. I truly committed on October 8. I hadn’t even applied to the CELTA program, I had no idea if I’d be accepted, my finances weren’t in order, I still had a job, there were a million things to do. But, it didn’t matter, I was going to Vietnam on January 4, 2013.

Q:  How much previous travel/expat experience did you have before your Great Leap?

A:  Fairly extensive travel experience, although I started somewhat older. Tons of business travel – but I really don’t count that. It’s different if some company is paying all your expenses. I had done a 6 month solo trip several years earlier where I visited India, Tibet, Nepal and Thailand. Then, a few years later, I spent 2 months in South America visiting Chile and Peru. I also spent 5 weeks in Belize. Plus, I’ve done the “normal” travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. I’m not convinced that you have to have an extensive travel “resume” though. I think what’s important is that you know that the world is good and that you’re OK. That, coupled with reasonable financial backing, and as much planning as you feel necessary is enough.

Q:  What was the most daunting issue for you in making the Leap?

A:  Once I made the decision it was simply a matter of getting everything done. I had less than 3 months to get into the CELTA, sell all of my possessions, get the paperwork done, and continue to work. I had no fear regarding moving abroad. My only fear was “Can I get it all done in time?”

Q:  Why Vietnam?

A:  TravelnLass helped greatly with this. I was “too old” for Korea, and South America and Thailand didn’t pay enough. Vietnam was hiring English teachers and the pay was reasonable. I don’t have to make lots of money, but as a matter of self respect, I do expect that my teaching support a reasonable lifestyle.

Q:  Clearly rubles matter with such a major move. Can you share the financial details about making such a lifestyle leap? Do you have a pension and/or lump savings to rely on?

A:  Yes I have a pension. I get social security and a small corporate pension. I took both early (that translates to a 25% reduction). I would have to work if I lived in the US on the amount I draw, but I don’t have to in Asia. But, I want to. I fully expect my teaching to fund my living expenses.

Q:  How much did it take to make the move and settle in to your new home in Vietnam?

A:  Costs incurred so far include:One-way air-fare – $754; Documentation – $150 (visas, degree authentication, fingerprinting, etc.); CELTA course – $1600 (plus $50 bank fees); laptop & portabledrives, speakers, etc. – $500; books for CELTA – $75; Guesthouse in HCMC – $270/month; School supplies – $50; Transportation in HCMC – $50/first month; food – $200/month; cheap cellphone and SIM card from Saigon $26.00 (about $5/mo for SIM card – without smartphone capabilities).

Q:  What/How much did you pack/bring with you to Vietnam?

A:  Too much. I brought the “full allowance” – 2 bags can be checked with Asiana Airlines at a maximum of 50 pounds each. So, I checked 100 lbs. I carried on one bag with electronics and papers.

Q:  What do you wish you hadn’t dragged over to Asia?

A:  I brought too many clothes and most of them are inappropriate for where I am. It was hard for me to “think tropical” when I was packing during snowstorms in the midwest.

Q:  What do you wish you’d brought?

A:  More lingerie – I am not “Asian”. I am tall, moderately built with an “ample” chest. Department stores do not carry my size. Shoes – I wear a size 9 (40) narrow shoe – They are not made in Asia (stop at size 39). I walk a lot and I demand that my feet are comfortable – I translate that to brands like Born, Naot, Clarks, etc. When you can find them here, they are very expensive. Electronics – I ran out of time and didn’t buy a second hand iPhone 4 (unlocked).They are available in the states for about $200 (per Ebay). In HCMC, they are $400.

Beauty products – If you have special requirements, bring them. Otherwise, you’ll pay “through the nose” for imported items, if you can even find them. For example, I love virgin coconut oil for my skin, hair and even make my own body scrub. A simple product available for $5/pound in the US, I finally found a product in the Body Shop in HCMC that was $80 for a “pound” (although it wasn’t sold in that size). After about 10 attempts I found it in an Organic store in the suburbs for $7 (close enough for me!) I still haven’t found Shea Oil.

Q:  Why did you opt to take the CELTA?

A:  Because it’s world-recognized as the “gold standard”. In my opinion, the only 2 worth consideration are the Trinity program or the CELTA. And, ILA carries a lot of weight in Vietnam. Because I am a mature female, I believe I need the best credentials – CELTA and ILA experience.

Q:  On a scale of 1-10, how difficult did you find the CELTA? Why? Do you think it was worth it?

A:  On a scale of 1 to 10 – I’d rate it a 12.  Because of the work load: full-day classes, nine 40 minute presentations, 4 written assignments. It’s simply a matter of time – not enough time to adequately prepare. Nonetheless, I definitely think it was worth it.

Q:  What should folks know before choosing to teach English in Asia?

A:  First of all, don’t even think about doing the CELTA unless you’re committed to becoming a very good teacher. It’s just too much work for a “whim”. Today was my second day in Vung Tau and my manager has told me that it’s not uncommon for teachers to save $5000-$6000 annually while living a nice lifestyle. Sure, he was selling me on the position. But, today at lunch, one of my cohorts said that he thinks you can save $10,000 per year and still have a nice lifestyle. I don’t know very many places on the planet where you can work part-time, live in a great environment, make a contribution to humanity, and have $ to support a travel habit.

Q:  What surprised you the most about your Great Leap experience so far?

A:  How easy it has been. Things just seem to fall into place.

Q:  What’s the BEST and what is the WORST thing about your experience?

A:  The worst is the intensity of the CELTA – although I believe it’s necessary for my plans to remain in Asia.

The best is simply the “magic” that can occur so long as I remain open to it. For example, I hopped on a bus to escape to Cambodia following the CELTA. I took my time, saw temples, drank margaritas, had regular massages. I came back and sent an email to the HR manager of ILA (school where I did my CELTA) on Wednesday. She invited me for an interview on Friday afternoon. I had my choice of jobs, but she thought I might like Vung Tau. I had never heard of it. So, I hopped on a ferry the next morning (Sat), had an interview, and was offered a position to start 6 days later. I said “yes” and said “I guess I’d better go find a place to live.” My new manager recommended a few places and I hopped on the back of a motorbike and went exploring. Along the way, a couple of expats called their landlady, showed me their apartment, and bought me a couple of beers. In 5 hours total I had an interview, accepted a job, met 5 expats, saw 4 apartments and rented one of them – all in a resort town that I didn’t even know existed 1.5 day earlier. I call that magic. 😉

Q:  How is living as an expat different from traveling?

A:  Living as an expat implies (at least to me) investing myself and my talents into the community. For example, I get a thrill from going to the local market, eating from stalls in the alley. Traveling is more about me, me, me. What sights can I see, how nice of a hotel can I stay in for an inexpensive price, etc.

Q:  What is your long-range plan now that you’ve made the Great Leap to being an expat in Asia? How do you plan to support yourself, travel, save in the future? Do you plan to ever go back to the U.S. permanently?

A:  My long-range plan is simply to enjoy every day of my life. I’m done with extensive planning. And to support myself, travel and save for the future I plan to rely on multiple streams of income – pension, social security, teaching, side gig of organizing tours for seminar leaders. And as to my plans to go back to the U.S. permanently someday – all I can say is that I’ll know it if and when it’s time for me to make a change.

Q:  Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself/TL readers before embarking on this Great Leap?

A:  Know yourself. Choose what you want to do. Pursue it like there’s no possibility of failure. Know that you have the power to live the life of your dreams.

Q:  Anything thing else you’d like to share about your Great Leap experience so far?

A:  Get your financial stuff taken care of before you get here. I have two ATM cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees (Schwab and INGDirect – now CapitalOne360). Get them early. Link them to your bank account if you’re going to keep it. Link them to your brokerage accounts. I’ve been using www.mint.com to manage money and I’ve just begun to learn the capabilities. What I like is that you can go into mint.com and look at all transactions in all accounts without signing into individual accounts.