I Asked 30 American Men Why They Would Ditch The US For Life Abroad

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Every great journey begins with a powerful 'why'

In his book “Start with Why,” Simon Sinek taught us that understanding this foundational principle can ignite transformative actions and shape destinies.

I paused to reflect on this as I ran a poll among 30 American men about why they thought men would trade the conventional path for a life of digital nomadism in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Their responses revealed there is something bigger going on beyond just seeking freedom and adventure

First off, don´t shoot the messenger, okay?

Before I reveal the results, I want to give you my “why," both for why I paid for this poll and why I chose to walk away and embark on the uncharted road.

The latter is because when I chose this path, I was at my lowest point in life ever, in 2021. I had just lost my company to the pandemic and left the country I had lived in for over 21 years. There was nothing left and there was nothing else to lose.

So I thought I might as well start over from zero elsewhere

Secondly, I created this poll because I'm building an educational platform for guys who are unhappy with their current situation and want to take advantage of the chances that globalization brings but need some help getting started.

We just finished our first mini-cohort with Francisco Mesquida.

The title is “How to Increase Muscle Mass with an Unstable Routine." Group coaching and personalized training plans are included.

Start a 7-day Day Trail here for free

The goal is to build a community of mentors with mini-cohorts for nomads who are interested in various topics such as mental health, fitness on the go, and making money online.

So understanding my target audience as to why they do what they do and the hidden motivators is key to developing effective messaging.

First, The Expected Answers: Cost of Living and Seeking Freedom

So, here’s what everyone would expect: the responses confirmed that inflation, high living costs, and political turmoil in the US are significant factors. Many men cited the high cost of living as a primary reason for leaving.

As one respondent put it, "Western countries are expensive." The prospect of making their money go further in countries with a lower cost of living was a major draw.

Additionally, the allure of freedom and adventure plays a crucial role. The digital age has made remote work more accessible, allowing men to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind.

One respondent mentioned, "Digital/remote work is more commonly accepted now, and people can work from anywhere," highlighting the flexibility that digital nomadism offers.

The Controversial Truth: Opting Out of Dating Western Women

Beyond these expected reasons, the survey unveiled more controversial motivations. A significant number of men are choosing to leave due to dissatisfaction with modern dating dynamics.

They perceive that women in Southeast Asia and Latin America have different, more traditional values.

One respondent bluntly stated, "American women are too spoiled and demanding," while another said, "Foreign women have better values in most cases." This sentiment reflects a desire for relationships that align more closely with traditional gender roles, which they believe are more prevalent in other cultures.

Whether you have strong opinions on that topic or even become angry towards men or women, it is undeniable that this is a problem because the result will be a population collapse in the West in a very new future.

Figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have talked extensively about this problem, and Musk actually believes this to be a bigger threat to humanity than climate change

Diving Deeper: Social Dynamics and Personal Fulfillment

While economic and social factors are prominent, there are deeper motivations at play. Most men's motivations include a sense of adventure and a desire to leave the "rat race" of modern life.

They are just searching for purpose and fulfillment that they feel are lacking in their current environments and there is a deep-seated sentiment of not being able to live up to their full potential.

One man described this as filling "a hole they feel since their everyday lives are boring."

Social media influences others by glamorizing the digital nomad lifestyle and inspiring a desire to lead a life that is "cool and gets them women."

The allure of showcasing a life of travel and adventure on social platforms is powerful.

Conclusion: A Complex Mix of Factors

The decision to leave the West for a life abroad is multifaceted. It is not just about cheaper living or better dating prospects; it's about seeking a better quality of life, exploring new cultures, and finding personal fulfillment.

As we continue to see this trend grow, it’s essential to understand the underlying motivations and the broader implications it has for society.

The quest for a more satisfying life is leading many to pack their bags and embrace the unknown, highlighting a significant shift in what young men today value and prioritize.

In the end, people vote with their feet.

Survey Statistics Summary

• High Cost of Living: 70%

• Freedom and Adventure: 60%

• Dissatisfaction with Modern Dating: 50%

• Seeking Traditional Values: 45%

• Personal Fulfillment: 40%

• Social Media Influence: 35%

you can also check the original survey here

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