When I first started marching toward financial freedom back in 2010, my goal was basically just to quit my job by 40 and live off of passive dividend income.
It was that simple.
Things worked out a little bit better than I originally planned.
Actually, a lot better.
My FIRE Fund currently generates the five-figure and growing passive dividend income I need to pay essential expenses in life.
The thing is, I accomplished that feat much earlier than I originally thought I would.
I quit my job at 32. And I became financially free at 33.
FIRE is amazing. I’m enjoying every single day now.
However, much of that enjoyment stretches beyond the basic parameters of covering expenses with passive income.
What was originally a goal to simply become financially free, has transformed into an all-encompassing lifestyle.
I’ve grown and learned. As a result of that growth and experience, I now aim to be holistically free in all aspects of my life. I want to be physically free, mentally free, geographically free, financially free, etc.
It’s more than just paying bills with passive income; it’s about being free to be the real you, from your head to your toes.
Do what you want, when you want, where you want, why you want, with whom you want. Build a customized lifestyle with no limitations.
Make the rules as you go. Or have no rules at all.
No judgement.
Just total freedom.
What’s super interesting about this for me personally is, my move abroad has opened up a whole new world of freedom as it relates to the rest of my life.
This realization was bolstered by an interesting tidbit I picked up on a while ago.
The word “Thai” means “free”.
USA: Land Of The Free?
It’s right in the national anthem of the United States of America.
“O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
Now, the US is a fantastic place for a number of reasons. I would never state otherwise. And I’m very, very lucky that I was born there. Not only was I born in the US, I was born there white, male, and in 1982. That’s just plain good luck.
But how free is the average American, really?
Sure. We’re not talking subjugation here. It’s an independent democracy that operates under capitalism.
So there’s a lot of freedom built right into that.
But I’m saying we need to look deeper than the surface.
Certainly from a financial angle, the average American isn’t very free at all. Most Americans can’t even cover a $1,000 emergency.
You may as well forget about financial freedom. Quitting your job means you’ll soon be homeless in that kind of scenario.
Even Americans who make a ton of money, like Johnny Depp, aren’t financially free.
In the most advanced and wealthy society that’s ever existed in the history of humanity, the average citizen is still very much chained to their job, their paychecks, their quotas, their stuff. It’s not subjugation, but it’s definitely wage slavery.
Physically free?
The vast majority of adult Americans are overweight or outright obese.
Mentally free?
When you’re overworked, overweight, and overextended, you’re naturally going to become overstressed.
And when talking about being the real you, it’s not all that possible or even fun in the US.
You’re expected to march to the beat of the big drum. You swim in the same direction as the rest of the fish. You get in line, do your work, fulfill your quota, and don’t ask questions.
The moment you fail to fit in is the moment you feel like an outcast.
I experienced this myself once I started to free myself of all of this. I faced resentment and bewilderment.
You see, I openly wondered about a different and better way of life. But if you’re not with them, you’re against them.
A buddy of mine here in Chiang Mai said “Land of the Free” is a marketing scheme. Read the fine print. Then you see what’s really going on.
Thailand: Free Land
Whereas the US has a song about being the land of the free, Thailand literally translates as “Free Land”.
The word “Thai” means “free”, relating to the fact that they’re the only country in the region to never have been colonized by Europeans. This was backed up by my Thai girlfriend. She states the word means to be independent as a country and as a people. So it’s a land of free and independent people.
And after living here for more than a year now, I can see just how free life actually is over here.
In the US, I was financially free. I could, with careful lifestyle management, cover my expenses with my passive investment income.
And I could have continued to do that, had I stayed living in the US.
That’s all fine and dandy, but the problem is that I’m still an outcast over there.
How could I not want a job? What do I do all day without a boss giving me instructions? How can I not be bored without workplace drama, quotas to fill, and repetitive tasks to perform that were chosen for me by someone else?
Why wouldn’t I want to be overworked, overstressed, overweight, and overextended like everyone else?
Sure, I was free in the US… to get a job, fall in line, eat too much, and buy a bunch of stuff I don’t need.
This omnipresent and unquestioned loyalty to conformity weighs on you. There’s pressure to conform and perform.
Success in the US is measured by the size of one’s paycheck, not the breadth of their happiness.
And leaving the herd of sheeple ends up leaving you looking like a wolf.
Meanwhile, there’s a sense of total openness, gregariousness, innocence, and happiness in Thailand that was completely lacking in the US.
Likewise, Thailand features a lack of judgement, finger pointing, divisiveness, violence, and anger that I found most of America consumed by.
This BBC piece completely captures how having fun is a way of life over here in Thailand.
Sanuk – the Thai word for fun – offers a lot of insight into how Thai people approach life.
Joy is built right into the culture!
It’s a positive feedback loop that encourages having fun for the sake of having fun. Fun is not something to escape to (because you’re so wound up from life). There’s intrinsic value in fun.
The attitudes I’ve experienced over here are like this:
Don’t want a job?
Great.
You’re gay?
You do you.
Want to hustle and make a lot of money?
Awesome.
You own a nice car?
Good for you.
You don’t own a car?
Good for you.
Want to get married and have children?
Okay.
Don’t want to get married or have children?
Okay.
It’s all sabai sabai. I love it.
I’ve written about the fundamental lifestyle differences between Thailand and the US, which has led to a massive dose of reverse culture shock on the part of yours truly.
However, it wasn’t until just recently that I discovered that these differences are right out in the open.
One country advertises itself as free.
Another country literally is free.
Conclusion
The US is a fine, fine place to live. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have been born there and done all that I’ve done.
But I wouldn’t say it’s a totally “free land”. In fact, I’d argue it’s almost the complete opposite of that in many ways.
Indeed, becoming geographically free (something almost every single American is not) has completely freed my mind in ways I didn’t even know was possible before. And it’s a chain reaction that has led to numerous other aspects of my life being more free than ever before.
I’m in better physical, financial, and mental condition than I ever was while I lived in the US. I’m more free across the board.
This is in large part due to geographic arbitrage, especially in terms of moving to the right place.
Using geographic arbitrage to advantageously speed along true freedom is something I discuss more of in my newest best-selling book: 5 Steps To Retire In 5 Years.
Living a life that’s as free as possible is extremely appealing. A place that offers the best chance of accomplishing that is, in my opinion, the only logical place to live.
The best place that I know of, currently, is the place that literally translates to “Free Land”: Thailand.
What do you think? Is the US as free as it makes itself out to be? Why or why not? Do you think you could be even more free elsewhere?
Thanks for reading.
Image courtesy of: josphos at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
P.S. If you’re looking to be truly free across all aspects of your life, which would first require financial freedom, check out some amazing resources that helped me reach financial freedom at just 33 years old!
Sounds like you’re really loving life over there Jason. Keep up the great work mate. Love your stuff.
BHL,
Hard to not love life over here. I’m super blessed! 🙂
Appreciate the support. Glad you’re enjoying the content.
Best regards.
You have passive and active (writing, coaching, etc) American income. That income allows you to live a wonderful life over there. You’ve never complained about the lack of political freedom. I gather that the laws against criticizing the Monarchy, ineligibility to vote, etc., do not bother you. Indeed understanding the mechanics of money relegates politics to a secondary consideration for many of us.
I picture myself not caring about the lost political freedom, but I can’t be sure till I’ve experienced it. I’d like to read your reflections on that topic someday.
I’ve always been curios about the life of an average Thai. They enjoy a non judgmental society to be sure. But do they not they work long hours for low wages? The wealthy Westerner pops into the restaurant for a decent, inexpensive meal. Then heads out to enjoy a fabulous beach, or museum etc. The cook remains in the kitchen all day, everyday.
Much of my Thai info is from the utopian perspective of well off American expats. I’d like to read about the life of an average Thai worker. That’s not a criticism of Americans enjoying the wealth they earned. I’d just like to compare the life of an American worker to a Thai worker. You’re not a tourist, and you are a gifted. thoughtful writer. I value your reflections on just about any topic.
Fred,
I’d recommend you come and visit and actually talk to Thais. It sounds like you’re not really aware of what life is like over here. But that’s not uncommon over in America. Most Americans I’ve met are kind of ignorant about other cultures. I think I read some stat about something like 2/3 of Americans not even having a passport. And the majority that have a passport use them to go to close neighbors (like Mexico). So they’re just eating up the media’s spoon-fed version of outside cultures.
All that said, this is only my perspective. So I can only tell you (via my writing) what I’ve personally experienced. One of my more recent articles was about a negative experience here (regarding “digital nomads”). This one is more positive (about Thais). So I do attempt to balance it.
This article was written with the help of my girlfriend, who is a professional Thai nurse. She’s the one who told me more about what the word “Thai” means and how they view that within their history. They’re very proud of their culture, as they should be. If you follow me over on Facebook, you’ll notice she was the first person to “like” the article, so that should tell you something about what a Thai person thinks about my thoughts. 🙂
Cheers!
From the outside at least, the US is a mix of countries, some fairly liberal, some almost theocracies, some borderline police states, some with shocking poverty and lack of education, some with more money than god.
I love Thailand, but I am somewhat wary of their judicial system and current political situation.
sendaiben,
Yeah, the US has its good and bad parts. Pros and cons. Just like anywhere else. It’s simply up to the individual to decide if that dynamic of pros and cons is suited for them. For me, the answer is a clear no. I prefer the pros and cons here in Thailand. 🙂
The political situation isn’t something that affects my day-to-day life in even the slightest way, which can’t be said in the US.
Best regards.
Jason,
The Johnny Depp tale is one of caution. It also makes me laugh a bit; for example he was accused of spending $30k / month in wine – he was offended by that, because it was way higher…
The discussion of financial freedom, regardless of location, I have found is a hard one to have. Most people just causally blow off the possibility up front, and that is where it ends. Which is sad, but that is their choice.
– Gremlin
DG,
It’s very different over here, re: the discussion of financial freedom. It might not be something your average Thai can relate to in even the slightest way, but there’s such a non-judgmental way about their culture. The US, by contrast, is a very judgmental and antagonistic place to live. I found it stressful to live there, even with (or because of) no job.
Plus, you have an entrepreneurial spirit here. It seems like every Thai person I’ve met has some kind of business they’re running. Oh’s former co-worker (a nurse) just recently opened up her own pharmacy shop. You have new businesses sprouting up left and right. And then you have the “digital nomad” set, which obviously gets that entrepreneurial drive (even if they mostly exaggerate their own success).
Best wishes!
Hi Jason,
This is a nice article and I would agree that compared to the USA Thailand is a ‘freer’ place to reside. I say that as a resident of the country for more than 12 years, in spite of being born and raised in the USA and only coming over to Thailand at just before when you did age-wise.
You are a foreigner and fit outside the general realm of Thai culture. Thai’s try to understand your social status by whatever cues they pick up- you are fit and well groomed and well spoken and this is a plus. You are polite and are generally respectful, another plus. And you do your own projects and don’t need to work, a plus again. It’s all very tolerant. Quite different than a lager lout that is picking a fight- you can see guys like that on Youtube and see what happens to them, it’s not pretty nor recommended.
But for a Thai in the society they are being sized up to determine the relative status based on the the family they come from, their age, their education and how wealthy they are nor aren’t. Try and bring your girlfriend to a high society function in Bangkok (if you ever had to move in those circles based on you becoming more socially recognized in Thailand, for example) and you’ll see what I mean. Oh may pick up on that and respond in her own way based on the situation.
Thai’s who are part of the society have some freedoms but there are limits too. The ladyboys or men who dress up as women? They are tolerated yes, but look how they are portrayed in all Thai movies and on TV- as the buffoon and character for comic relief. You simply don’t see them in a big company or political position. Age is another big factor- it is very impolite to challenge elders and many older Thai’s I know are quite stubborn and set in their ways – it comes from not being challenged as you get older and I think that is an anathema personally as I wouldn’t want that on myself as I age. And for those born into low social economic levels- it’s very hard to climb out, social mobility is much lower than the USA.
The normal cycle to an expat in Thailand is a feeling of optimism for the first phase that can last months to several years followed by disenchantment then finally a more of a zen like state where you see both sides and just accept it. That last state is often better achieved when traveling in and out of Thailand as the grinding aspects (stray soi dogs, uneven pavement, belching pollution of vehicles, unsafe driving and acts, the Mai Pen Rai culture) wear on you less and the charming side of the Thai’s dominate the perception.
Not sure where you are on that spectrum but those are my thoughts.
I won’t talk about the monarchy or top institutions here as that is totally out of the scope of this discussion but suffice to say that every nation and culture has the untouchable areas (in the US it may well be casting criticism on the military for example) so it’s best not to go there, especially as a foreigner.
-Mike
Mike,
Well, I’m not saying that living in Thailand is some kind of drawback-free, perfect existence, nor am I saying that living in Thailand means you’re 100% free to do whatever you feel like at any given time. There are still rules. Still issues. I’m only saying that living here, for me, is far more freeing on a day-to-day basis relative to living in the US. And I think the average Thai person is far more free on a day-to-day basis, too. The reasoning is cited above. I’m also saying I’m far more financially, physically, and mentally free than I ever was living in the States. My “before and after” proves all of that out.
As for the ladyboy thing, that’s actually one of the best examples of just how free and accepting life is over here. Maybe they’re “comic relief” in some of the dramas, but that’s a hell of a lot better than it’s ever been in the US. Oh is actually friends with a couple of transgender people. When I told her how unaccepted transgender people generally are in the States, she was surprised and saddened by that. She couldn’t believe it. It’s just totally different over here.
The “moving through social circles” is also worse than the US, in my view. You live in Bangkok. I live in Chiang Mai. It’s night and day. Your closest comparison in the US is NYC. Wanna talk about social circles, education, hierarchy, social mobility, and using money as status and power? I mean, case closed. I do get that “rat race” type of vibe down in BKK, which is one reason I don’t live there. Still, I think it’s greatly magnified in the US by a significant long shot. And that’s probably because the US has numerous major economic centers where all of those social qualms exist. BKK, on the other hand, is this huge epicenter of Thailand. You don’t have a Chicago, LA, or Houston over here (all of which have everything you’re talking about, in spades).
Thailand has pros and cons. I’ve been probably writing more about the cons lately, but this piece balances it out. Overall, choosing between the unique pros and cons between the US and Thailand is a no-brainer for me. It’s simply a more advantageous spread here. But I don’t hope any other Americans feel that way. It’s not my intention to convince anyone to move over here. I’m only sharing my perspective and experiences, for better or worse. If I wanted to be surrounded by Americans, I’d be back in America. 😂
Cheers!
Great article Jason. Thailand sounds like a wonderful place to live.
jh,
Thanks so much. It’s not too shabby over here. 🙂
Best regards.
I think you’re seeing it as an outsider, but I’m an outsider too so what do I know. Oh probably knows best.
Thailand really isn’t that free especially on the political side. You can’t criticize the people in power or else you’ll be in a heap of trouble. That’s a lot less freedom than in the US.
You’re have a lot of personal freedom because you don’t have families and other ties to criticize you. If you’re a local person, I’m sure there will be plenty of pressure to earn a steady paycheck and conform. Families and social circle makes a big difference. Middle class and well off families pressure their kids a lot more. I think poor Thai people are less judgmental, but I don’t really know. My families are mostly middle class.
Joe,
Perhaps as an outsider. But I was just as much an “outsider” in the States, which is really the crux of the matter. I was free. Most others weren’t. And that creates an unfortunate dynamic.
As for Oh knowing best, she actually had a lot to do with the concepts here. She’s the one who filled me in on what the word “Thai” means for her culture, how Sanuk fits into everyday life, and why the Thai people are generally not so judgmental. So it’s thanks to her that I even wrote this one. 🙂
The Sanuk thing, in particular, is really wonderful. I remember working out of coffee shops in the States. It was a very professional environment. Hi, what can I get you, please pay, etc. Everyone’s very serious and doing their job. The baristas at my local shop (the one I met you at), meanwhile, are constantly goofing around and having fun. It’s just a very fun place to be. It might not be the most polished place around. Businesses don’t always keep to their published hours. Stuff might not get fixed right away. It’s not perfect. But I’ll take that trade-off any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
As for the political stuff, I think it’s the States that has more than enough on their hands to worry about. At least, when your government opens back up.
Thanks for dropping by!
Best wishes.
Hi Jason great article one quick thing … America is not a democracy America is a Republic ( and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands ) that has nothing to do with a party affiliation. There are big differences between a republic and a demicracy.
Im 58 and have seen many freedoms slowly dwindle away here in the land of the free. I was very blessed to travel while working as an engineer mostly to Europe. I didnt care much for Germany but the rest was quite nice. I became attached to South Ireland and took any opportunity to work there.
Most people here in the US actually dont even travel far from were they live. I am suprised how many people here in florida have never even seen snow ! So who would they be to tell anyone what travel or life somewhere else may be like ?
Thanks for all you do. Enjoy
Bob,
Here’s the Washington Post’s view on the democracy/republic thing:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/05/13/is-the-united-states-of-america-a-republic-or-a-democracy/?utm_term=.138caaa0e732
That piece states it’s a false dichotomy, and you can read why. Regardless, it’s not at all what I’m talking about here.
Yeah, most Americans don’t travel much. I’m not saying that’s a good or a bad thing. I’m not criticizing it at all. Frankly, I’m not big on travel myself. But even before I traveled, I was always very interested in other cultures. The idea of moving abroad struck me as appealing many, many years ago. It’s an idea that only gained steam for me as time went on. Went from an interesting idea to the only idea that made sense. But gaining interest in this and learning about new cultures only made me realize just how ignorant Americans tend to be about other cultures. I find that disappointing. You don’t have to travel to have a bigger worldview. One FIRE blogger (who I won’t mention by name) was surprised I was traveling to “China” when I was talking about going to Bangkok for NYE. They didn’t know Bangkok is located in (and the capital of) Thailand. Pretty sad, especially considering BKK is the most visited city in the whole world. It’s not some backwater town in the middle of nowhere.
The US is a great place for many, many people. It’s just not a great place for me. Have to find your happy place in this world. 🙂
Best regards!
Nicely written article as always and your perspectives are always interesting.
I had a recent experience where I had sent a 5 minute clip to a friend that a popular “YouTuber” who lives in Kamala posted. The theme of it was how he “quit” (lists things he quit while walking on the beach) many of the negatives in the US and had moved to Thailand. Like yourself, now feels like he is truly home and is where he should be, he fits in perfectly for the last 5 years and has never been happier. (condensed explanation)
For me the video was very powerful and sent a strong message, one that appeals to me personally. (one of many from him) For the friend I sent it to, he viewed it in complete other way. At first i disagreed, but i have to admit he does possibly have a valid point. He immediately felt that the individual was running from all his problems afraid to face and overcome them, and in a way, simply gave up trying to solve his life’s puzzle in the US, and went for an easy way out. I have to wonder if some of the euphoric effect some have when deciding to move elsewhere in the world, is simply because you see so many new things and have new experiences and leave some baggage so far behind? Everything is new again, like a new love. Couple that with financial freedom and you have a powerful mix.
I have to admit where i live, i have little desire to explore anymore locally, but when I go away somewhere, I want to see everything. Ironically Florida is one such place. Why will i travel and enjoy everything from St. Pete’s down to Key West, but ignore my own local geography? So from this, I question myself if am I really giving the place i am at now a fair shake? Do people come where I reside and say, “wow this is the greatest place ever”? Have i partly created an image of rather being somewhere else in my head as being better, when it’s just possibly “different” and too familiar? Just some thoughts I wanted to share.
Some of the above comments (like Fred’s last paragraph or Mikes comments) also seem to support facets of that view. Having the freedom and ability to support oneself on passive income in a strange land, you can look at everything quite differently then a local resident. It’s like your a permanently funded tourist that can pick and choose the best of any new location, sort of have a reset of your life, and have free time to do whatever you desire within your budget.
Great stuff as usual Jason. Your writing style, observations and ideas are something to look forward to each week on my desktop.
Paul,
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoy the content! 🙂
I think it should be said that most of the lifestyle choices I’ve made aren’t for even a small sliver of Americans. FIRE, moving abroad, having no children, etc. I’m a very atypical person. I quite like being unique, but the rules that apply to most of society don’t always translate all that well for me. I don’t think or act like almost anyone else. That said, I think this unique lifestyle is still inspirational and interesting for people. So it’s always a pleasure for me to share my perspective and experiences.
However, when I hear something about “euphoria and newness”, it’s just like hearing all the stuff back when I first started chasing after FIRE. It’s the usual skepticism from those that don’t understand something different. Sure, most people moving abroad will probably not experience it like I have. They’ll go through the phases. I actually wrote about this not too long ago, noting that a lot of the older expats that are retired over here don’t seem all that happy to me. Moreover, many expats are the dregs of Western civilization. That old adage about you still being you wherever you go applies. You can’t run from your problems. You have to change who you are. However, I took a very thoughtful and fleshed-out life in the US, then simply installed into a very advantageous and low-cost locale. I have yet to meet anyone else who’s done something like that, at my age, which I talked about on the digital nomad post. If you know of anyone who did just like me over here, please let me know. I’ll drop them a line.
A lot of people have wildly different ideas on what it’s like to live abroad. I remember someone commenting a while ago that living abroad wouldn’t be great for them because they’re a homebody. I mentioned that you can sit in your apartment anywhere in the world. They never responded. People are funny sometimes. In that same vein, I’m not out “exploring” every day. 99% of my life here in Chiang Mai is lived within two square kilometers. I live a very regular life here. And I’m comparing a very regular life in the US to a very regular life over here. I think the latter is far better than the former. If you’re comparing some crazy lifestyle where you’re going nuts for six months in a new place, it’s not a valid comparison.
Your friend’s reaction toward the video you sent him could be said for a lot of people’s reaction toward FIRE, no? Running away from responsibilities and a job in favor of “an easy way out”. It’s the same old stuff. Of course, we all know that FIRE isn’t easy, just the same as picking up and starting life in a new country isn’t easy. Frankly speaking, your friend’s judgmental reaction to someone else’s video about making their dreams come true is precisely what I’m talking about here (crab mentality everywhere in the US). If I showed Oh a video like that, she’d just say something along the lines of: “Wow. Good for him.” Likewise, if I showed her a video of some guy who seems to be ecstatic about his new Ferrari, she’d go: “Wow. Good for him.” Your friend sounds exactly like the type of person I don’t care for.
Now, I’m not saying Thailand is some kind of Utopia. If that’s your measuring stick, it will fail miserably. I’m only comparing it to the US. On that basis, life over here is much more fun and free. Check out the BBC piece for more on Sanuk. I think that article only got, like, 10 outbound clicks from my site, so that tells me that people aren’t even taking the time to read through some of these concepts.
The infrastructure might not be perfect and things might not always run as smoothly or as quickly as you’d like, but that’s what you get when you’re in a very laid-back place. It’s like Thailand (ex-BKK) runs on “island time” – we call it “Thai time”. Likewise, however, living on an island isn’t for everyone. Gotta do what’s right for you. I’m doing what I believe is right for me, and I share the results. I don’t always make the right call (such as moving back to Michigan in 2014), but I have a pretty decent track record over the last 10 years or so. Thus far, moving here is my best call of all. But that’s not to say it’d be a great call for anyone else. I don’t believe moving abroad would work for most Americans, which obviously benefits me.
Cheers!
Mr Thai at 33
Best regards
petrusko
petrusko,
That’s too funny. Oh calls me her “Thai guy”. It’s hilarious when I show her some new hole-in-the-wall market she never knew about and order everything in Thai. She loves it. 😂
Best wishes!
Haha, that sounds great. Sounds like the time of your life.
BR
petrusko
Jason,
The bottom line is you’re doing what makes you happy, and that is what matters. No two people are the exact same. We all try to find what makes us happy and at peace in this life, and many never find it. You have; that is huge.
Tim
Tim,
Thanks!!
Totally agree with you. Gotta find what makes you happy – then actually execute on it. A lot of people have problems with both of those concepts, which is why those surveys and studies show so many disgruntled and unhappy Americans. It’s sad, but I do what I can to inspire and illuminate one potential path. 🙂
Best wishes!