I work in tech with 8 years of experience. In the last 5 years, I’ve been through 3 mass layoffs, all happened the same day, no warning despite performing well and having great relationships with the managers and coworkers.
That pretty much killed the idea of “job security” for me. I also wanted to get property in Canada but that will never happen even if I make 100K, and my fam got no wealth or property to pass.
Last year I was job hunting for 5 months and ended up with 2 offers at the same time: $95K CAD, Canadian company, full-time office. OR $45K, Singaporean company, fully remote, flexible hours and work from anywhere in the world.
I took the $45K role. Best decision ever. And I asked them to classify me as an independent contractor (paid WAY less taxes + more flexibility).
I’ve spent the last year living around Southeast Asia. My cost of living dropped, my stress went way down, and I built more real friendships in 1 year than I did in the previous 10 in Canada. Most of my friends in Canada make way more than me but they seem to work 50-60 hours/week to afford living in expensive cities like Toronto or Vancouver.. is that really living? $45K is low in Canada, but it goes a long way in many SEA cities. I’ve been living comfortably in nice apartments and still saving.
It made me realize that salary and “stability” aren’t always worth prioritizing especially if you don’t have long-term responsibilities yet like kids or mortgages.
I get that this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It takes adaptability and discipline. And yeah, I do get judged sometimes, but I’m genuinely happy with my choice. My fam also didn't support it at the beginning because they want me to settle and get married but they are proud of me now and I get to travel them to different cities whenever I can.
Anyone else thinking of making a similar move?