CNBC Make It - I Moved To Oman 12 Years Ago And I Am Never Going Back To The U.S.
Nicole Brewer, an English teacher and travel advisor, describes her life in Oman as relaxed and welcoming. She initially considered moving to Dubai but found a job in Oman by chance. Living in a fully furnished apartment for about 650 USD per month, including utilities, she finds the cost of living affordable. Her main expenses are food and taxis, as she doesn't drive. Nicole emphasizes the travel opportunities from Oman, having visited places like Bali and African countries, which are more accessible from the Middle East. She appreciates the safety and peacefulness of Oman, contrasting it with the stress and political climate in the U.S. Despite cultural differences, she has adapted well and values the expat community. Nicole advises aspiring expats not to be deterred by fear or misconceptions and to seek advice from those already living abroad.
Key Points:
- Living in Oman is affordable, with rent and utilities costing around 650 USD monthly.
- Nicole's main expenses are food and taxis, spending about 400 USD monthly on food.
- Oman's location offers great travel opportunities to places like Bali and African countries.
- Nicole finds Oman safe and peaceful, contrasting with the stress in the U.S.
- She advises aspiring expats to overcome fear and seek guidance from current expats.
Details:
1. 🇴🇲 Embracing a New Life in Oman
- Nicole Brewer, a 43-year-old English teacher, travel advisor, and writer, has found a stress-free and welcoming environment in Oman, contributing to her decision to stay long-term.
- Omani locals embrace her as part of the community, enhancing her experience and quality of life, which is a testament to the country's hospitable culture.
- Specific examples of cultural integration include participating in local festivals and developing close friendships with Omani families, which have enriched her understanding and appreciation of the local culture.
- Nicole highlights the safety and tranquility of Oman as key factors in her decision to remain, which contrasts with her previous experiences in more stressful environments.
2. 🌍 A Serendipitous Move to the Middle East
- The decision to move to the Middle East initially focused on Dubai due to its prominence as a relocation choice, highlighting its appeal for expatriates and businesses.
- The eventual choice of Oman was serendipitous, emphasizing the importance of openness to unexpected opportunities in decision-making processes.
- Factors influencing the choice of Oman included its unique cultural offerings, lifestyle benefits, and potentially lower cost of living compared to Dubai, providing a strategic advantage for relocation.
3. 💼 Managing Finances and Living Comfortably
3.1. 🏠 Housing Costs
3.2. 💰 Other Living Expenses
4. ✈️ The Joy of Travel and Adventure
- Traveling has been a lifelong passion, with curiosity sparked at a young age, illustrating a deep-rooted interest in exploring new places.
- Living in the Middle East provides strategic access to various destinations, particularly African countries, which are typically expensive to reach from the United States, offering a cost-effective travel advantage.
- Leveraged the winter break in January for a week-long trip to Bali, showcasing strategic planning in aligning travel with available personal time to maximize experiences.
- Typically embarks on 2 to 3 major trips annually, complemented by occasional weekend trips, such as to Dubai, indicating a balanced approach to travel frequency and work commitments.
- Utilizes strategic planning and budgeting techniques to manage travel expenses effectively, ensuring that travel goals are met without financial strain.
5. 💳 Achieving Financial Freedom
- Paid credit cards down to zero, achieving complete debt elimination.
- Managed to travel to Bali without accumulating lasting debt by paying off expenses immediately.
- Reported zero credit card debt following disciplined financial management.
6. 🌏 From Job Uncertainty to Expatriate Success
- Faced with a recession, the speaker was unemployed for five months, close to exhausting six months of unemployment benefits.
- Desperation led the speaker to consider expatriation, initially planning to return after one or two years when the economy improved.
- Fifteen years later, the speaker remains abroad, highlighting a long-term expatriate success beyond initial expectations.
7. 🇰🇷 From Korea to Oman: A Journey of Discovery
- The speaker's passion for travel is a driving force, demonstrating an intrinsic motivation to explore diverse cultures.
- A minimalist approach to relocation was adopted, as evidenced by moving to Korea with only two suitcases, suggesting a focus on adaptability and efficiency.
- The speaker was recruited by Korea's education department, which provided comprehensive relocation assistance, highlighting effective expatriate support systems.
- A job posting on SeriousTeachers.com unexpectedly led to the speaker's interest in Oman, showcasing the importance of being open to new opportunities.
- Research into Oman revealed its beauty, sparking the speaker's decision to pursue a new opportunity there, emphasizing the value of thorough research in decision-making.
8. 🕌 Adapting to and Growing with Omani Culture
- Living in Oman is described as a very safe and peaceful experience, which has positively influenced the speaker's lifestyle.
- Initially experiencing culture shock, the speaker adapted by embracing the local philosophy of 'inshallah' (what will be, will be), which reflects a common attitude in the culture.
- The speaker notes a significant decrease in stress and anger compared to their time in the United States, attributing this change to the influence of Omani culture, which emphasizes patience and acceptance.
9. 🌍 Building Community and Feeling Safe
- Universities in the city foster a vibrant expat community, providing numerous social opportunities for residents.
- For leisure activities and nightlife, residents often travel to nearby cities like Muscat or Dubai, typically once or twice a month.
- The speaker, a Black woman, feels notably safer living in this country compared to the current political climate in the U.S., highlighting the importance of personal safety.
- The sense of safety is particularly valued considering concerns about the well-being of friends and family in the U.S.
10. 🌏 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Expat Life
10.1. Family Separation Challenges
10.2. Cultural Adjustment
10.3. Strategies for Successful Expat Living
11. 🏡 Dreaming of Retirement and Encouraging Others
- The speaker plans to retire in Portugal, highlighting a desire to buy property and potentially run a hostel for income. They stress the importance of pursuing dreams despite external discouragement and fear.
- Having lived in Oman, noted as one of the safest countries globally, the speaker underscores positive expat experiences to inspire others.
- They urge individuals to connect with expats through social media and online forums, offering help and advice as they themselves were supported, emphasizing a 'pay it forward' mindset.