Life is short. There is no rewind button. Enjoy the journey. Be thankful for everything you experience. Your life is everything to you regardless of how others choose to live theirs.
I'm older than you so naturally that "life is too short" thoughts are more prevalent for me. Anyone who watches these videos naturally have some kind of desire to be there. I want to add that you can live a full life no matter where you choose to live. I spent a year backpacking through Asia in my mid 20's back in the mid 90's. It was the significant event in my life at that point. The atmosphere was electric. I totally wanted to stay there and be part of that dynamic environment. But I had a serious girlfriend and we were starting out in our careers. We decided to come back to the US and build our lives here. So now, married, kids, mortgage...etc. But I'm fulfilled. I'm also planning the next stage of my life which I hope is slow travel to learn languages and eat good food, all around the world. You don't have to be at a specific place to make the most of your life. You can decide to do that anywhere, which to me is more important.
I believe everyone has these thoughts even myself at 32 lol, like "what if i did so and so" you know. Just live each day as your last and experience the beautiful things in life no matter what path you are on. on another side note love your videos and content, planning in the future to take a trip out to S.Korea and Japan hopefully this year or next year.
I worked for an airline and travelled around the world and have a career, family and it is possible to do both. My kids have been to 50 countries. We live like minimalists. There isn’t only an either/or choice.
Yup it’s possible. Especially with things becoming remote but I am quite certain you can’t do everything I do without a family with a family unless you’re okay just neglecting them
Alan Watts once said something to the effect that life is meant to be a dance and the point of dancing is to not to get to a certain point on the dance floor but to just dance and enjoy doing it.
I'm in a very similar situation as you (Korean Canadian gyopo). I have lived in Korea now for 12 years and dealing with mid-life crisis. Should I try and buy a house? Go back to Canada where I was born? Every night I lay in bed thinking about my life choices, thinking about my future, will I ever get married, have a family? Or will I live the single life and grow old alone? What exactly is my career since I don't really have one (other than I was teaching English for a decade). These are a similar questions I think people who have travelled abroad and worked have to come to terms with eventually. I'd love to find similar people to talk to about this. It's hard making new friends in Korea because it's such a transient community...people come and go, nobody stays around long enough and if you don't live in a major sized city, there aren't as many english-speaking friends or partners to match up with. Korea can also be a very lonely place. I call my experience in Korea as "Lonely in Korea". In fact, I see migrant workers all over my town and they look happier than me. Sure, they might be working DDD jobs, but they are always together with friends and hanging out. I liked being alone for a time...it's my natural instinct to have a lot of privacy and alone time but as you get older, you also realize how lonely life can get. Your parents age and may only be around a little while longer. Your grandparents are all gone. Families don't gather anymore. You don't have any contacts with cousins, and even friends back home. You're stuck in Korea, alone with a bunch of native Koreans living their lives, migrant workers working hard and living together, and the expat community coming and going first with their romanticized period of Korea and then leaving after the phase wears off OR getting married with a Korean and starting a family here. Same story it seems and it's getting tiresome and old.
Hmmm I see one very important difference however and it’s that I don’t see from your statement a conviction and purpose like I do about traveling and having new experiences but it seems you’re longing for companionship which actually I’ve never had problems with. Another vlog but I think this is very important in a man’s life… a purpose more important then companionship as the best companions are found in people who have similar preferences for their passion above all other interests. Even in romantic relationships you’ll find the best couples who have similar interests ie hobbies, sex, raising a family, making money, growing influence etc. although these preferences for people change over their lives and why you can also grow apart
There is no right way to live our lives. I'm confused by your video because it seems like you're insinuating you can't start a family in Asia without actually saying it in the video... and if that is the point you are trying to get at, you don't need to be in America to start a family. You don't need to have a lot of money in this life. That shouldn't be your main focus. The only thing that's truly going to make you happy is friendships and relationships and the people around. Americans have this fucked up idea that they need to live a life to impress people. Why? Why do you care to impress others around you? Especially the people you don't even care about or like. What's wrong with having a simple lifestyle. In the end of the day, you're probably living debt free in Asia. That's already an accomplishment. You can live anywhere in the world and do the same exact thing you would do in America. And there's obviously a reason why you left.
@@eze__95 I did feel that way also lol, I know a few guys that built there lives in Asia in Japan and Korea that are married with children, so it's possible especially when you have little ones that you want to spoil :)
I’m turning 26 this month and have a remote work job. Am thinking about doing the same thing later this year, possibly starting with a few months in Korea since I feel like I have nothing to lose really at this point. My quarter life crisis is hitting strong though haha, but I just want to be out there to see what I can learn about other cultures and myself
Man you got the best of both worlds. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain as even bad new experiences are adeventures in hindsight :)
@@livetravelasia Thanks man! Honestly I’m ready for it to be 80% neutral or stressing experience (ie adjusting and getting things wrong) especially since I am not nearly adventurous (frugal, can’t tread deep water, introverted, don’t go to random bars or talk to random people) or confident as you but anything is better than staying at home with my parents another year. Suffering is learning after all! Liking all your introspective and deeper content since it’s something I can hopefully follow or align with
I’m spending 8:30-6 every day working at a desk. I love your videos because it gives me something to dream for. I want to travel so bad but money is too tight and I’m too scared to make the big moves. Best of luck to you as always!
Hey E , I’m a little older than you . I went with the wife and family . I met a Filipina and we been together for 17 years . I have 2 teenage boys . I still would love to move to Korea when my boys are done with school . That’s the plan anyway . I do plan on some vacations to Asia / Philippines/Korea/Thailand . I think as long as your happy and financially secure than Rock on . I hope you find a great girl to grow old with and go on more adventures together . I alway worried about being alone when I get old . Do you worry about that ?
Haha one thing about being a videographer or photographer is that you never have a shortage of hot girls around you. I do have a girlfriend however and we’ve been together about 7 years now but separated due to Corona. Half the world are women and I think women are even more scared of being alone so the world is good to me when it comes to this
This is a thought provoking video for me. You ask questions that I've wrestled with for nearly two decades. But I realize that these questions really can't be answered by anyone. The only person who can answer is someone who has lived both sides of the scenario you describe, during the same years of their lives. The world and your perspective of it changes. Man, this would be a great topic to discuss over a campfire.
Haha yeah we'll never know I guess... Grass always just seems greener on the other side but I don't see it greener so my reality is clear. I think everyone's reality is different. You'll just have to try traveling cause otherwise the social status quo is just grinding which I am sure you're experiencing now
Sorry I only caught the end of your live stream season. I’m Convinced life is too short and always has been. Enjoy your time in Asia. I haven’t been back since COVID. Maybe this October!
Yeah I think this October most asian countries will be mostly open with little restrictions except maybe China... they still trying to maintain the zero covid policy. Korea definitely tho unless we get a very bad mutation it's definitely endemic for now
My life is going amazing Ethan! In 1 week I will be taking my final exams for my first semester at University. This first semester of 18 credits at college in pursuit of my Bachelors Degree have been amazing. I love this schedule. Wake up at 7 a.m. and go to bed a 9 p.m. I will be going to college all summer for the next 2 summers as well. In 2.5 years I should have my Bachelors degree and move to Thailand to teach English. If I think the pay is to low, I can work in the U.S.A. 3 months and take 3 months off and then work 3 months in the U.S.A. again. Life is a journey and I want the flexibility to change it up whenever I want.
For me life is about balance, I have a professional career, I never did it for material wealth but more for interest and I don't care much about luxury or brands but it is nice to live in middle class comfort where you don't have to constantly watch your finances. I was fortunate that in the last 15 years I had positions that allowed me to take off more time than is usually the case in most workplaces (up to 2 months per year) and I would jump on a plane several times per year and travel in Europe and/or Asia. I only settled down into family life recently, in my mid to late 40s. Now I want to take my children abroad to travel and see the world. So I guess I had a shot at everything to a degree, and think it has worked for me but that doesn't mean it is a recipe for everyone, we are all different.
For me at 62 I am secure w 2 state pensions-liked both careers in education and law enforcement-not too successful w relationships-so retiring in 🇹🇭 -because you never know-no such thing as the american dream like you no regrets-we both are happy now-different paths similar results-look forward to good things-expectations in -🇹🇭 always cool videos
Thank you for your comment and I yes you’ve done the right thing to do what works for you not limited by borders!!! Sounds like you’re living the dream!
In RU-vid, there are many keyboard warriors. Just ignore the white noise and move on according to what you desire. Glad that you and mayu are still holding on.
Thank you so much. Yes I’ve done this long enough to grow a thicker skin. I actually enjoy the trolls now as I realize I need them to help my engagement matrices and help my videos gain a wider following :)
I think what your talking about is your life choices. FYI, there are millions of people in asia that have families, careers, and big fat wallets. That is not limited to the USA or anywhere else. If you're not happy where you are, move on to a different place, maybe check out Africa.
If you have no children means you will be forgotten. Stop Billie 18 and find a wife settle down and have some kids kids then you'll stop thinking about yourself so much.
Agreed, we all move on. I couldn't tell you who my great grandfather is. No point wasting your life just to have some people remember you for a bit time to time
@@livetravelasia Fight the oppression at every turn. Asians rarely disobey it seems. And you are an American so you should no better. What have you to lose? You have no wife and family.