On housing

The last two decade saw the invention of the ex-pat lifestyle which advocates a minimalist lifestyle that shuns possessions and a permanent residence. I went full retard on it, hook, line and sinker.

That was when I had no choice because I had to optimize for only one lifestyle from a cost perspective. Also, I knew I was leaving for at least 1 year, so the cost analysis really favors to just sell everything and terminate all ties before going on the adventure. Well, after 5 years of wandering and finally getting a bit wiser, I now favors a hybrid approach.

The reality of long term traveling is that there will always be big issues that require in person meetings back at my home base at the rate of around once every 6 months. Especially so, if someone is sustaining this ex-pat lifestyle with a business that throws off passive income or a remote work gig that doesn’t require the physical presence in the office from 9 to 5.

So from a time and cost perspective, it takes about one month to move out and one month to move in while still expending the time and energy to generate that income. Which means, 2 out of 6 months is basically thrown out of the window to redeploy the previous lifestyle.

The solution I am trying out now is a one bedroom rental at the least expensive option with the inside kitted out in the most outrageously lavish fashion. On site manager, security key fob entry, and maid services on bathroom.

It is also a good place to display the trophies of my travel while simultaneously gave me something I haven’t felt for a long time. Comfort at home. The feeling of a space designed solely for myself and fits perfectly. Which is why I went lavish with the interior. Previously I’ve always thought of it from a cost on investment perspective, so things never fits just right.

We’ll see what happens once I am done with the place and start traveling again.