Making The Move Overseas
June 10, 2009
"This thought came to me as I read your posting this morning, Kathleen," writes France Correspondent Lucy Culpepper.
"I think many people are scared of making The Move, because they build up a picture in their minds of massive disruption, of never seeing friends and family again, of lists and lists of unpleasant things to do. All this ends, I think, in paralysis and frustration for many.
"If you feel that way and are stuck, take a small bite off the overseas retirement cookie. Think about renting out or closing up your current home (while packing away your really important possessions) and taking a two- to six-month 'sabbatical.'
"Go to the country where you think you would like to live and rent something small and easy to manage with easy to access buses, taxis, etc. Then get to work on getting under the skin of the place. Don't worry about making your first rental the perfect one. You just need it as a base.
"Many locations seem like paradise at first because you feel like you're on vacation. But after a few weeks or perhaps a couple of months, then you will begin to see whether a place will work for you long-term. This is why you need two to six months. Most places can be visited for that length of time without a special visa.
"Some people might say that if you keep your home back home, then you're never going to commit to a new place. That depends on your personality. I think it's better to go and try someplace on for size with the secure feeling that all is not lost if you return home than it is not to go at all and to live to regret it.
"I think you will also find that your family might not be so panicked by your leaving under these circumstances. It's easier to say to friends and family, "We're taking a sabbatical" than, "Goodbye. We're retiring to Timbuktu. Hope to see you again sometime."
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