A man spends decades planning the perfect retirement. He builds the spreadsheets, saves diligently, and dreams of travel. Then, eleven months after he finally stops working, he’s gone, without ever booking that trip to New Zealand.
This isn’t rare. It’s a pattern I see again and again with men over 50 preparing to move abroad or retire overseas. They defer living until “later”, and sometimes later never comes.
In this week’s video, I break down why “once I retire” is one of the most dangerous phrases for expats and soon-to-be expats, and how to balance smart planning with actually living your life now.
The Maths Most Men Ignore
Take your current age and subtract it from 75. That’s roughly the number of years you have left in good physical health; the years where you can travel easily, explore new countries, and enjoy an active expat life in places like the Philippines.
Now multiply that by 52. That’s your remaining weekends.
For a 55-year-old, it’s around 1,000. For a 65-year-old, it’s closer to 500. Write it down. It hits differently when you see the number.
Most men over 50 live as if they have unlimited time. They don’t. The habit of deferral, built during decades of career, mortgage, and family responsibilities doesn’t automatically switch off at retirement.
Planning vs Postponing: The Real Difference
I’m not telling you to abandon planning. On this channel, I constantly stress the importance of pensions, healthcare, visas, and financial protection when moving abroad. Those things matter.
The trap is postponing life until the plan feels perfect. There’s always another box to tick, another 5% more savings, or one more year of “getting ready.”
The men who thrive as expats, especially in Southeast Asia, do both:
- They plan responsibly.
- They live in the present.
They book the trip this year. They invest in relationships now. They enjoy today instead of waiting for ideal conditions.
Practical Steps to Break the Deferral Habit
- Pick one thing you’ve been saying “once I…” about.
- Set a firm date in the next 90 days, not “someday this year.”
- Book it, commit to it, or start it this week.
Living in the Philippines has taught me something valuable. The local mindset (best captured in “bahala na” at its healthiest) encourages being present and enjoying what’s in front of you. A good meal with friends isn’t a distraction from life. It is life.
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment
That man with the retirement spreadsheets never got to enjoy the life he planned so carefully. Don’t let that be you.
Watch the full video here for the complete breakdown, real data, and the exact mindset shift that changes everything:
Action step for this week: In the comments, tell me the one thing you’ve been postponing. What’s your “once I” goal? I read every comment and reply to as many as I can.
If you want more direct guidance on building a life abroad that you actually enjoy, consider becoming a channel member for early access, exclusive content, and coaching.
- How to Tell Your Kids You’re Moving Abroad
- The Brutal Truth About Expat Life in the Philippines
- UK State Pension When Living Overseas: What You Must Know
Don’t just plan for retirement abroad. Start living it.
Leave a Reply