What’s Really Stopping You? Overcoming the Excuses Holding You Back from Retiring Overseas
Break free from fear, ditch the doubts, and start living the life you’ve always dreamed of—sooner than you think!
Ever find yourself thinking, "I’d love to retire overseas, but I just can’t right now…”? If so, you’re not alone. In our community, I hear this all the time. People dream of lowering their cost of living, exploring new cultures, and finally having the freedom they’ve worked so hard for—yet something holds them back.
But here’s the truth: most of these “obstacles” aren’t actual roadblocks. They’re just walls we build ourselves. And once you start questioning them, you’ll realize that plenty of people have overcome the exact same issue.
Let’s break down three of the most common reasons people say they can’t retire overseas—and why those reasons might not be as solid as they seem.
"A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." – John A. Shedd
1. "I Have Young Kids, So I Can’t Move Overseas"
I read this one ALL THE TIME in the GEO Facebook Community!!!
Absolutely, kids are a priority. No one’s suggesting you uproot your family without careful thought. But here’s the thing—kids are far more adaptable than we give them credit for.
Think about it: children move schools all the time, even within the same country. They adjust, make new friends, and thrive. Now imagine the game changing gift you’d be giving them by raising them abroad:
Learning a new language effortlessly
Experiencing different cultures firsthand instead of through a textbook
Developing stronger social skills by making friends from all backgrounds
Gaining a global perspective that most adults never get
Instead of asking, "Will my kids be okay?", ask:
"Would I rather they learn about the world from a textbook or by actually living in it?"
If you choose to frame the question in the second way, then maybe your kids aren’t the reason to stay—maybe they’re the reason to go.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." – Mark Twain
2. "I Have an Elderly Parent Who Needs Me"
Wanting to be there for aging parents is completely understandable and I feel this too. Many of us want to spend more time with our folks as they get older. But does that mean your dream of retiring overseas is impossible? Not necessarily.
Instead of assuming you have to stay put, consider: Bringing them with you. Renting a spacious home in places like Thailand, Malaysia, or Mexico is often far cheaper than maintaining a house in Australia, the US, or the UK.
Affordable in-home care – A live-in maid, home help, or even a private nurse can be shockingly affordable in many countries—far cheaper than nursing homes or in-home care in Western nations.
Spending part of the year abroad – You don’t have to be away permanently. You could split your time between your new home and visits back to see them.
A better quality of life for them, too – Many retirees have moved overseas with their aging parents and actually improved their quality of life together. Slower-paced lifestyles, warmer climates, and lower healthcare costs can make day-to-day living easier and more enjoyable for them.
Added bonus? If you have kids, they now get to spend more time with grandma and grandpa. Instead of short, rushed visits a couple of times a year, they can build deep, meaningful relationships. Imagine the impact—bedtime stories, shared meals, and the kind of bond that only comes from real quality time. A move abroad could bring your family closer than ever.
"One day, all you’ll have are memories—make sure they’re filled with time well spent, laughter shared, and moments that truly mattered." Anonymous
3. "I’m Not Sure If Moving Overseas Is Right for Me"
Doubts are natural. The idea of leaving your comfort zone can feel overwhelming. But let’s zoom out for a second—what’s really holding you back?
If you never try, you’ll always wonder. Do you really want to be on your deathbed thinking, "What if I had just gone for it?"
Luckily, for those of us with commitment issues, you don’t have to commit forever. Take a test run.
The Mini-Retirement Experiment
Instead of making a huge, permanent decision, set a one-year trial period:
Put your stuff in storage
Rent out your house
Move overseas for 12 months…
What’s the worst that could happen?
Worst case scenario: You don’t love it, so you move back home. No harm done, but now you know instead of wondering.
Best case scenario: You discover an entirely new world with new cultures, languages, friendships, foods, and experiences. You realise that the life you once thought was “impossible” was actually waiting for you all along.
Interested in Mini-Retirement but not sure how? Check out my book, The Ultimate Guide: A Step by Step Plan for Living Abroad. Click here.
"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine—it’s lethal." – Paulo Coelho
So, What’s Really Holding You Back?
If you feel stuck thinking about moving overseas but never taking action, take a step back. Ask yourself:
Is this a real obstacle or just a wall I’ve built in my mind?
Have others faced the same issue—and found a way through?
Will I regret not trying?
The world is full of people who once thought they couldn’t do it either. But they challenged their own beliefs, took a leap, and never looked back.
The only question now is—will you?
Cheers
Andy
Medellin, Colombia
Xmas with the old man in New Zealand - Making the most of our time together.