I was fired and given severance. But I was very up front with them about my travel situation. Originally they told me it was ok, but after a few months, they changed their mind.

I wouldn’t budge on going back to the states, so they looped me into a round of layoffs and that was that.

Yes, I don’t need to haggle, I just put in the dates and click book if it meets my criteria…

The reaction of just sticking it out and not going to hospital means you’re from the US like me. It’s rough out there.

Best? I had to get a root canal in Poland. Out of pocket it cost $250 with X-rays. No language barrier as the doctor spoke English as well as Polish. Didn’t hurt a bit.

Worst? Anything in America. Even if you have insurance, expect to get raked over the coals and be thrown head first into bureaucracy. I broke my collarbone and it cost me $5000 with good insurance.

Without insurance it would have been $250,000

This. My best friend had a baby, I feel bad I haven’t been back to support him or meet the baby.

You’re likely going to run into issues down the road if you already haven’t with your company.

I would say there have been times where I’m homesick for sure, but largely the biggest downside is having to put yourself out there and force yourself to meet new people to make new friends.

Do what we do. Book month long airbnbs. Stay 90 days in Schengen, 90 days out, and od the damn thing.

YES. 1000x yes. Selling our car was one of the most satisfying parts when we finally left.

Cape Town is nice.