Article Summary
Mike Holp, a computer science graduate, found himself working as a food delivery worker in Austin, Texas, for $15-20 an hour. Feeling disillusioned with the rising cost of living and the relentless cycle of work and rent, he decided to leave for Asia in 2019. After stints in Bali and Singapore, Holp settled in Koh Samui, Thailand, where he found a slower, cheaper island life. He moved to be closer to his now-fiancée and enjoys a lower cost of living, spending between 50,000 and 60,000 Thai baht, or about $1,500 and $1,800, a month.
What This Means for You
- Relocating to a cheaper location can free up time and resources, allowing you to focus on passions and hobbies.
- The lower cost of living in countries like Thailand can lead to a more relaxed lifestyle and less financial stress.
- Moving to a different country can not only provide a fresh start but also open opportunities for new experiences and relationships.
- When planning a move, consider factors like safety, language barriers, and accessibility of international brands and products.
Millennial Moved to Koh Samui for a Slower, Cheaper Island Life
Seven years ago, Mike Holp was riding through the streets of Austin as a food delivery worker, earning between $15 and $20 an hour.
He lived just outside downtown in a shared rental with three roommates.
With a computer science degree, but struggling to find a job in tech due to the competitive market, Holp turned to delivering food on his bike to make ends meet.
Each day blurred into the next as he worked long hours to cover rent, repeating the grind the following month. The lifestyle began to wear him down, leaving him feeling disillusioned and questioning his situation.
His life in Austin didn’t feel sustainable, and he knew he had to find a way out. In 2019, with money saved from delivering food and working real estate photography gigs on the side, Holp bought a one-way ticket to Asia.
Finding home in Thailand
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