Sometimes, as parents, we raise our children with the hope that they will grow strong, independent, and brave enough to follow their dreams—even if those dreams take them far away from home. Recently, my son came to me with one of those dreams. After growing his TikTok channel and finding a sense of direction and purpose in his work, he shared with me his desire to live abroad for an extended period—maybe six months, maybe longer.
At first, I listened carefully, not knowing exactly where the conversation was headed. But the more he spoke, the more I could see how much thought he had already put into this. He wasn’t simply fantasizing about travel or taking a long vacation—he was talking about immersing himself in another culture, embracing a completely different way of life, and stepping outside his comfort zone.
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He’s especially drawn to Southeast Asia, with Thailand and Bali, Indonesia, high on his list. He’s also open to exploring other places where the U.S. dollar holds high value, giving him more freedom to live well without spending a fortune. But what impressed me most was not just where he wanted to go—it was why.
He told me:
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The cost of living is significantly lower. In many of these locations, he could rent a comfortable apartment or studio for only $600–700 a month.
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Food is affordable and fresh. He estimated spending about $20 a day for all three meals, often enjoying healthy, local dishes.
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The environment is beautiful and peaceful, with tropical weather, beaches, and a slower pace of life—something that feels like paradise compared to the hustle and bustle of the U.S.
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And most importantly, these places are perfect for remote work. With fast internet and a growing community of content creators, freelancers, and digital nomads, it’s an ideal setting for someone in his field.
We had an open, honest, and heartfelt conversation. We talked through the logistics, like what he should do with his belongings while he’s away. One idea we both liked was having him rent a small storage-friendly studio apartment in the U.S. so he wouldn’t feel like he’s “giving everything up,” and he’d have a place to return to when he comes back. We also agreed that this kind of experience is best done before settling down or starting a family—while you’re still young, flexible, and free to explore the world without too many ties or obligations.
What moved me the most was his vulnerability. He looked at me and said, “I wish I had done this sooner.” And I could feel the weight of that thought in his voice. As a mother, hearing your child express regret is never easy—but I smiled and told him, from the depths of my heart, “It’s not too late. In fact, this is the perfect time.”
I reminded him that life doesn’t always follow a fixed timeline. There’s no rulebook that says dreams have to be pursued at a certain age or stage. He’s still young, he’s learning every day, and he has the freedom and means to do something truly bold and transformative. Why not embrace it?
We also reflected on other alternative lifestyles—like the story we recently heard about a woman who sold her house and belongings to go on a 13-month cruise around the world. It sounded like a dream come true. But when the cruise was unexpectedly canceled, she found herself in a heartbreaking situation: no home, no cruise, and no clear plan. That story stuck with us. It was a sobering reminder of how important it is to have backup plans, even for the most exciting decisions. Freedom is beautiful, but preparation is power.
Through it all, I felt proud—not just of what he wanted to do, but of who he is becoming. He’s not chasing this dream blindly. He’s thinking it through, preparing himself emotionally and practically, and seeking guidance from people he trusts. That takes maturity. That takes courage.
As his mother, I support him 100%. I believe these experiences—meeting people from different walks of life, navigating unfamiliar places, living simply but intentionally—will give him wisdom and resilience that no textbook or classroom could offer. He will come back changed. More worldly. More grounded. More aware of who he is and what he wants from life.
I know that one day he’ll settle down, build a home, and maybe start a family of his own. But before that chapter begins, I want him to live fully, freely, and without regrets. I want him to explore, to question, to grow. And I’m grateful that I can be a part of that journey—not by holding him back, but by cheering him on as he moves forward.
Watching your child chase a dream across the ocean is both a little scary and incredibly beautiful. But when you know it’s part of their path to becoming the best version of themselves, how can you not support it with your whole heart?
