Category: Living in the U.S.

Location-flexible living in the U.S. — deciding where to live next year

On By Nicole HennigIn Housing, Living in the U.S., Location flexibility, Minimalism2 Comments

Now that I’ve lived in Oaxaca for a few months, I’m starting to think about future locations. I’m glad I came here this year and I haven’t ruled out returning at some point, but I think I’d like to try some U.S. locations in 2014.

For a summary of what it’s been like living here, see my last post: Living in Oaxaca, what it’s like for me.

I now have a renewed appreciation of the convenient infrastructure of the U.S. Here are some things I’m looking forward to:

  • drinkable tap water
  • reliable internet
  • convenient shopping (i.e., Trader Joe’s)
  • speaking in my native language
  • paying for most things with credit cards (so I can earn more frequent flyer points… see my post about “travel hacking“)
  • a good selection of indie films (one of my favorite things to do for fun)
  • discounts on electronics, and being able to have things shipped cheaply from Amazon
  • being able to stream Netflix or Pandora without needing to use a VPN service. (I use and like Tunnel Bear, but it can slow down your connection).

Continue reading “Location-flexible living in the U.S. — deciding where to live next year” →

Books and blogs that inspired me to quit my job, work online, and move to Mexico

On By Nicole HennigIn Living abroad, Living in the U.S., Location flexibility, Mexico, Minimalism, Travel, Work & money1 Comment

Books, simple living
Before I became location-flexible, I spent a few years thinking, dreaming and reading about it. I’ve always loved reading about other people’s experiences for inspiration.

At first it didn’t seem possible to find a way to live without my salary. I had some income from side businesses, but not nearly enough to live on. It looked like I had only two choices: stay in the rat race and continue to earn a good salary and benefits, or quit my job and become a bag lady, struggling to make ends meet. Continue reading “Books and blogs that inspired me to quit my job, work online, and move to Mexico” →

Cheaper than staying home – researching places to live

On By Nicole HennigIn Living abroad, Living in the U.S., Minimalism, Work & money1 Comment

Like many people with professional jobs, I spent most of my salary every year for quite a few years. I saved some money in short-term savings and contributed to my 401K, but I didn’t really save a big portion of my income. I live in the Boston area, where housing costs are high. Continue reading “Cheaper than staying home – researching places to live” →