Section 1.1: The Wealth Gap

One prevalent belief is that corporations have monopolized opportunities in Europe and America, driving up housing costs and outsourcing lucrative jobs, making success in the West seem elusive. However, I argue that accumulating wealth is actually more feasible in the West than in Southeast Asia.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Southeast Asians migrate to the West seeking better job prospects and higher salaries. For example, my friend's tenant, after 15 years of renting, is moving to Ireland with her husband for two years of contract work, each earning $2,000 monthly. Their plan? Save enough to secure a home in Kuala Lumpur after two years of hard work.

Despite their efforts, my friends struggled to buy a home in Malaysia due to low wages and the financial devastation caused by COVID-19. This scenario reflects a larger issue: many Southeast Asians face barriers to wealth accumulation, often struggling to provide basic needs for their families. Most lack access to quality education and high-paying jobs, and many must resort to micro-enterprises just to survive.

This leads to a crucial question: what makes you, an outsider, think you will succeed where countless Southeast Asians have not?

If you're contemplating an extended stay in the region, it's vital to have a reliable online or passive income stream established before you leave your home country. Whether through remote work, freelancing, or running an online business, preparation is key to avoid failure.

Video Description: In "My Long-Term Plan as DIGITAL NOMAD," the creator shares insights and reflections from three years of living as a digital nomad, discussing the challenges and realities of this lifestyle.

Section 1.2: The Reality of Teaching English

If you're not fully committed to teaching English, it's best to reconsider moving to Southeast Asia for this purpose. The compensation is often inadequate, and Southeast Asian students deserve dedicated educators, not those with half-hearted intentions. As my friend Tessa Char eloquently put it:

"We are not your experiment. We are not your easy paradise. If you're not going to take it seriously, stop coming here to teach English. You're not welcome here."

Moreover, aspiring travel bloggers or vloggers should think twice. The region is saturated with self-proclaimed "content creators" who fail to stand out, merely replicating what others have done and wondering why their channels struggle to gain traction.

Section 2.1: The Challenge of Inefficiency

Contrary to the notion that Western life is overly convenient, living in Southeast Asia can reveal its own set of challenges. The region often lacks clear regulations, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. You'll find yourself over-preparing for tasks that would be straightforward in the West, carrying multiple documents due to inconsistent requirements from officials.

Health and safety standards can be shockingly low, leaving you at risk, particularly if you have food allergies. The absence of accountability means vendors may not even understand the implications of allergens.

Eventually, the allure of a "laidback lifestyle" may turn into frustration. A workplace that should close at 5 PM might shut down at 3 PM without notice, leaving you stranded when you need essential services.