The Turning Point

In 2019, I spent over a year working grueling 60–80 hour weeks in a challenging job that left me feeling unappreciated. Despite my substantial income of over $7,000 monthly, I was barely able to save anything after taxes and living costs in expensive Vancouver. After countless hours of exhausting work, I managed to scrape together enough for a brief trip back to NYC, one of the priciest cities in the world. The realization hit me hard: I was trapped in a draining job and a toxic relationship, and something had to change.

When I finally broke free by confronting my boss, I found myself without a job but armed with newfound knowledge about entrepreneurship and online work. Friends had been discussing the rising trend of digital nomadism, which initially seemed absurd to me. However, the idea of self-employment was appealing. I began exploring various online ventures—building shops, freelance writing, and more. Slowly but surely, I started to generate an income. Though I wasn’t wealthy, I was finally making ends meet without the oppressive oversight of a boss.

A Sudden Shift

March 6, 2020, began like any other day until my doctor called with alarming news about my high-risk status for Covid-19. I found myself under a medical quarantine order, leading to a stark reality: for the next two-and-a-half years, I would isolate, interacting only with a small circle of people. During this time, I underwent stressful surgeries and spent hours at home, diversifying my online ventures as I tried to anticipate the world’s needs.

The world around me was unraveling—Covid, political unrest, and social injustice dominated the headlines. As a person of mixed race, I felt increasingly unsafe in North America, compounded by a relationship that had become toxic. With the support of friends, I made a bold decision: it was time to leave.

Destination: Costa Rica

You might wonder why I chose Costa Rica. This beautiful country is home to some of the most remarkable people I've ever met. It boasts no military and is known for its rich biodiversity. Most importantly, I appreciated that it isn’t dominated by capitalistic agendas. While challenges do exist, Costa Rica offers a welcoming environment for those eager to embrace its culture, language, and way of life.

Life in Paradise

My existence today stands in stark contrast to the life I left behind four months ago. Living expenses are considerably lower, and I find joy in the simplicity of my new surroundings. My home costs less than what I once paid for a combined cell phone and internet package. Groceries are affordable, especially if you know where to shop and how to navigate the local language. The internet connection may fluctuate, but it’s generally reliable.

What I cherish most is the newfound freedom. While my work responsibilities remain, they are far more manageable due to the lower cost of living. This flexibility allows me to focus on self-improvement and healing from the past. Here, I can redefine my identity and explore endless possibilities.

The Minimalist Traveler's Guide to Globetrotting

This video explores how to embrace a minimalistic approach to travel, focusing on freedom and flexibility.

Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Work, Travel, and Thrive!

A comprehensive guide on how to thrive as a digital nomad, blending work with the joys of travel.

Author's Reflection

As someone with a family history of immigration, I prefer to identify with the term "immigrant" rather than "expat." I believe in honoring the legacy of those who paved the way for us.

Thank you for following along on my journey. This has been Day 17 of my Full Steam Ahead February series, aimed at improving ourselves as writers and small business owners. If you enjoyed this piece, please consider applauding. I welcome your thoughts and comments, and feel free to connect with me on social media through my Linktree!