There’s no simple way to return to “normal life” after the military. The uniform comes off but the Veteran identity doesn’t. The cost of living only goes up, political tribalism dominates the headlines and it’s easy to fall into isolation. That’s why a lot of Veterans are opting for a life on the beaches in the Dominican Republic, the jungles of Thailand or elsewhere abroad. An increasing number of Veterans are becoming expats, looking for peace, a higher quality of life and healing.
Reimagining Freedom
The biggest draw for Veterans is economic relief, a lot of us retire on a fixed income and going where your dollars stretch further makes sense. Rent is a fraction of the prices in the United States in places like the Philippines and simpler living reduces financial stress. When you aren’t worried about the bills, you can finally enjoy life. My bills in the Dominican Republic total less than $1,000 a month and that enables me to go out to eat more, pursue my passions and forget about the rat race. Veterans can afford to live well here.
The slower pace of life in other countries is a key benefit for Veterans. Your life isn’t ran by your never ending to-do list, you can have slow mornings and you can live at your pace. For Veterans battling PTSD, the slower rhythm of life becomes a new form of medicine and anxiety, stress and depression can fade.
The political noise takes a backseat and you can value connections over conflict. Nobody cares who you voted for, there aren’t protests in the streets and politics aren’t in your face. No one is asking you to pick a side or be outraged about whatever the news of the day is.
Despite those benefits, the biggest benefit for me is mental health. The expat lifestyle, when done right, gives you a lot of peace. Your environment matters deeply for trauma recovery and the military doesn’t take it easy on you, then you emerge into a society that feels like it’s at war with itself. This makes a lot of Veterans mental health challenges even more difficult. In America, military service is often politicized or ignored and here it’s part of your story, not your entire identity. Living overseas provided the space to heal, reflect and forgive myself.
The Drawbacks
Every aspect of my life is better overseas. I have more money, I sleep better, dating is superior and life feels like more of an adventure. Leaving America and moving abroad isn’t without it’s challenges however, culture shock can be tough and visas are annoying. There are unfamiliar systems, language barriers and different laws.
You might miss your favorite restaurant, and your family and friends aren’t all going to move with you. But there are new restaurants, and you can make other friends. Some Veterans struggle with isolation abroad, because you’re going to be alone more than you’re used to. Isolation can often amplify struggles and can lead Veterans to fall into unhealthy behaviors like drinking too much. Holidays might be a little lonelier and at first you might struggle to make friends.
Become Human Again
Becoming a Veteran expat isn’t about abandoning your country, or escapism. After years of fighting for freedom, you can finally claim it. You spent years being told where to go, what to do and what to wear.
Becoming an expat was an evolution for me, I had a fresh start to create a new life for myself. It’s about creating a new type of future, where I wasn’t just surviving but thriving. Home isn’t for me about a zip code, it’s about where I feel whole.
