When is enough, really enough?

[Monsoon 28,941]

 

 

I assume in Phnom Penh? I will go the next time I am in town. 

 

I assume he's talking about the Cambodiana.

[mikewright 4,260]

Enough is enough when you reach a stage where you have everything you need.

[Willyv2b 119]

Having recently pulled the trigger on retirement at the age of 55. I have been working into retirement by working less and less hours. By working less and less hours I learned how to live on less. The last 9 months several guys told me they would love to retire to the Philippines like I planned to do but they all didn't have the balls. The only reason I found the balls is that I don't want to live with regrets. When I die I won't be saying what if or I should have done this or that. Sometimes you just got to cast off the bowlines and just f$%#n sail.

[Paul 55,114]

Enough is enough when you reach a stage where you have everything you need.

 

That is the problem. Some guys - a LOT of guys, tend to never have "everything" they need. They keep saying, "maybe next year," but never do it. They keep thinking they will have more time, more time - but don't realize the time is slowly ticking away from them. For many guys, they come up with just about any excuse not to retire, pack their stuff, and move across the ocean. 

 

Sad, really. I know so many who have said they would - yet ended up dying before ever making that dream come true. 

[mikewright 4,260]

Having recently pulled the trigger on retirement at the age of 55. I have been working into retirement by working less and less hours. By working less and less hours I learned how to live on less. The last 9 months several guys told me they would love to retire to the Philippines like I planned to do but they all didn't have the balls. The only reason I found the balls is that I don't want to live with regrets. When I die I won't be saying what if or I should have done this or that. Sometimes you just got to cast off the bowlines and just f$%#n sail.

 

I have a similar philosophy; didn't want to live with regrets. But also didn't want to live on less. It's a compromise. Took the gamble, worked 'till age 63, no regrets, enough's enough. Won that bet.

[mikewright 4,260]

That is the problem. Some guys - a LOT of guys, tend to never have "everything" they need. They keep saying, "maybe next year," but never do it. They keep thinking they will have more time, more time - but don't realize the time is slowly ticking away from them. For many guys, they come up with just about any excuse not to retire, pack their stuff, and move across the ocean. 

 

Sad, really. I know so many who have said they would - yet ended up dying before ever making that dream come true. 

 

Think the problem is some people confuse what they need with what they want.

[Paul 55,114]

Think the problem is some people confuse what they need with what they want.

 

That may be very well true as well. 

 

In many cases I personally know of, they were simply scared to take that first step. They could say otherwise, but that is the truth. 

[rainymike 4,374]

 

 

That is the problem. Some guys - a LOT of guys, tend to never have "everything" they need. They keep saying, "maybe next year," but never do it. They keep thinking they will have more time, more time - but don't realize the time is slowly ticking away from them. For many guys, they come up with just about any excuse not to retire, pack their stuff, and move across the ocean. 

 

Looking back, I think it's hard to walk away from daily routines and perceived security. Took a real kick in the pants for me to take the plunge. But you know, it didn't take me long to settle into a new routine and find security on a lot less. Just need to be able to adapt and have an open mind. LOL ... who would have thought I'd have my first kid at age 60. Retiring was the best thing I ever did. And no regrets about coming out here to Asia - despite what some see as a lot of turmoil. In some respects, am finding the old American Dream on some foreign shore.  

[mikewright 4,260]

That may be very well true as well. 

 

In many cases I personally know of, they were simply scared to take that first step. They could say otherwise, but that is the truth. 

 

It works for some people, bu not for others. I know some young kids who took the great leap, bought bars (and gold}  in Pataya in the 70s, sold in the '90s,  did well.  But have also met a few expats couldn't afford a San Mig at a fiesta.

[mikewright 4,260]

Looking back, I think it's hard to walk away from daily routines and perceived security. Took a real kick in the pants for me to take the plunge. But you know, it didn't take me long to settle into a new routine and find security on a lot less. Just need to be able to adapt and have an open mind. LOL ... who would have thought I'd have my first kid at age 60. Retiring was the best thing I ever did. And no regrets about coming out here to Asia - despite what some see as a lot of turmoil. In some respects, am finding the old American Dream on some foreign shore.  

 

Mike, would you recommend a first-timer to any Asian country do what you have done? Seems to me it works for a small percentage, but not for all.

Edited September 21, 2016 by mikewright

[b7335920 441]

Mike, would you recommend a first-timer to any Asian country do have you have done? Seems to me it works for a small percentage, but not for all.

I believe  guys that come here to the philippines and dont like it......or go broke.....divorce...fail miserably.........anything short of dieing....at least dont have to spend the rest of their days wondering "what if".....i dont think ill be in the philippines more than a few years max but at this point im sure glad i took the plunge and feel better because of it, regardless how long i stay

[mikewright 4,260]

 

 

I believe guys that come here to the philippines and dont like it......or go broke.....divorce...fail miserably.........anything short of dieing....at least dont have to spend the rest of their days wondering "what if"....

 

true, but I don't believe guys have to come here to the Philippines to not like their life.....or go broke.....or divorce...or fail miserably...before wondering "what if".

[ckfm 717]

Think the problem is some people confuse what they need with what they want.

 

 

I was forced, which category is that?

 

Old age labor?

 

.

[mikewright 4,260]

I was forced, which category is that?

 

 

Forced to what?

[rainymike 4,374]

 

 

Mike, would you recommend a first-timer to any Asian country do what you have done? Seems to me it works for a small percentage, but not for all.

 

I think it depends on the individual. Change works for some. Change doesn't work for many. Retirement, moving overseas, finding a companion are all major changes in life.

 

I can only speak for myself. It was a great move for me. But, I know it would be utter disaster for many of my old friends back home. Let's face it, some will find a dream come true in the Philippines. For others, it probably it will be nothing more than some pipe dream.

 

On the other hand, those that take the plunge are probably looking for something that they aren't finding back home. When you're older and life is starting to slip away, it might be worth the gamble to try to find what it is that you're looking for.  Need to test the waters though. I think many might find a trip to Las Vegas or a world cruise to be the better choice - and all the excitement they really need.