Are you looking to retire abroad?

Imagine after you get that silver watch, if you were to spend the rest of your days in some exotic location reserved for beautiful resorts, sandy beaches and the like. Interested? Retiring abroad is more common than you may think. Many Canadians are planning their retirement years in just such a locale. If you are making plans for your life after work, one thing to keep in mind before you jump on this latest trend: your retirement is not a long vacation – it is your life!

A few things to think about from someone who has taken his retirement abroad:

Retiring overseas is not a vacation.

With life comes bills, chores, and the regular stress of daily life. It is not all lying on the beach and long walks in the sunset. Many people plan for their financial needs for retirement but neglect their psychological and emotional needs. Therein lays the concern.  If you have the mindset and the plan for the rest of your life – as you would like to live it – then you will be fine. It may not be a vacation, but it is a great time to discover and explore your life passions.

Comfort and happiness are not the same thing.

Sure, living near the ocean is comfort. Average winter temperatures well above zero is comfort. Having enough money is comfort. But are you happy? Patterns show that as people age, they tend to play things safe, sometimes sacrificing happiness. A better solution – use your retirement abroad as an opportunity to push those comfort zones, find out new things about yourself and the world, discover what it is you want…and get it!

No place is perfect.

We have all seen the resort shots, the clear water, the white beaches, everyone smiling in groups. Chances all you will love this place – as long as you are looking for an amazing place – but not a perfect place.

Everywhere you go, there is bad weather, mysterious bugs and ‘dodgy parts of town’. If you are out there looking for perfection, you will be disappointed. Those who are mentally prepared for dealing with things that are less than perfect will thrive.

The world isn’t that scary.

If you watch CNN on a regular basis, you may have a little fear of some areas in this big world. However, despite the headlines and media hype, there are far more places to live abroad that are full of wonderful people, thrilling adventures and experiences that are out of this world – just waiting for you.

If you are considering this type of lifestyle when you retire, do your research, know what you want out of the rest of your life and speak to others that have done the same; you will certainly be prepared for a life full of permanent summers, exciting adventures and more!

Source: The Globe and Mail