I left the United States and I'm NEVER going back!

Summary

The speaker candidly shares their experience of living in Southeast Asia after quitting their job and leaving the US. They highlight the lower cost of living, friendliness of people, and sense of safety as stark contrasts to their life in the US, expressing a reluctance to return due to these improved quality of life factors.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The speaker expresses a strong desire to not return to living in the United States, despite acknowledging the potential backlash.
• 🏠 They quit their job in January and have been traveling since February, currently in Southeast Asia, experiencing the region's affordability and hospitality.
• 💵 The cost of living in the United States is criticized for being excessively high, with the speaker noting the stark contrast in prices for everyday items like groceries.
• 🍉 Specific examples are given, such as the price difference between a watermelon in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, highlighting perceived economic disparities.
• 🏰 The speaker recounts a family trip to the zoo, noting the significantly lower costs compared to similar outings in the U.S., and the reasonable pricing of food and souvenirs.
• 🏖️ Personal experiences in Southeast Asia have led the speaker to believe that people are generally nicer and more welcoming, contrasting with their perception of the U.S.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker observes that children are treated more warmly in Southeast Asia, receiving compliments and gifts from strangers, unlike in the U.S. where they feel children are often seen as a nuisance.
• 🚫 The speaker mentions concerns about safety and cleanliness in the U.S., such as finding drugs or needles in public places, which they have not encountered in Southeast Asia.
• 🏙️ Despite acknowledging the presence of poverty and trash in Southeast Asia, the speaker notes a sense of cleanliness and order, with daily sweeping of sidewalks and a general lack of littering.
• 🌱 The speaker reflects on the absence of visible homelessness and drug addiction in Southeast Asia, contrasting it with the severe issues in the U.S.
• 🔒 The overall sense of safety in Southeast Asia is emphasized, with the speaker feeling more secure and less worried about potential threats compared to their experiences in the U.S.

Q & A

Why does the speaker express a reluctance to live in the United States again?

The speaker feels that the cost of living in the U.S. is too high, people are not as friendly, and there are issues with homelessness and drug use that make them feel unsafe.

What was the speaker's initial skepticism about before traveling to Southeast Asia?

The speaker was initially skeptical about the claims of how cheap and safe Southeast Asia is, as well as the friendliness of the people.

How long has the speaker been traveling in Southeast Asia?

The speaker has been traveling in Southeast Asia for about a month and a half.

Which countries in Southeast Asia has the speaker visited?

The speaker has visited Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and is currently in Bali, with plans to go to Malaysia.

What is the speaker's main concern about the cost of living in the United States?

The speaker is concerned about the high cost of groceries, food, and housing in the U.S., and questions why things are so expensive compared to Southeast Asia.

How does the speaker compare the cost of visiting a zoo in the U.S. versus Southeast Asia?

The speaker finds that the cost of visiting a zoo in Southeast Asia is significantly lower than in the U.S., both in terms of entrance fees and food and beverage expenses.

What is the speaker's observation about the friendliness of people in the U.S. versus Southeast Asia?

The speaker observes that people in Southeast Asia are generally more friendly and welcoming, especially towards children, compared to the U.S.

How does the speaker describe the cleanliness and safety in Southeast Asia compared to the U.S.?

The speaker finds Southeast Asia to be cleaner and safer than the U.S., with less visible drug use and homelessness, and a greater sense of community care.

What is the speaker's experience with feeling safe in Southeast Asia?

The speaker feels much safer in Southeast Asia, noting that they have not felt the need to worry about issues like pickpocketing or mass shootings.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the cultural differences between the U.S. and Southeast Asia?

The speaker believes that the cultural differences, such as the friendliness of people and the sense of community, contribute to a higher quality of life in Southeast Asia.

Why does the speaker feel that their money goes further in Southeast Asia?

The speaker attributes this to the lower prices for goods and services, as well as the stronger purchasing power of the U.S. dollar in these countries.

What are the speaker's concerns about the environment in the U.S., particularly regarding plastic waste?

The speaker is concerned about the high levels of plastic waste and littering in the U.S., despite the country's wealth and resources.