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Since we've made the decision to move to Morocco, and made it public, one of the most frequent things I've heard is, “that's so great, I really wish WE could do that.” Not everyone is jumping to go to Morocco but a lot of people are jumping to live somewhere else, whether that's their spouse's native country or simply another destination.
I have to tell you something;
There's nothing special about us.
Honestly, we don't have buckets of money sitting around (I sure wish we did!). We're not anymore adventurous than you, we don't have a magic ball that's letting us know everything will be alright. We hope it will, but it might not. What we do know is that it was now or never. We reached a fork in the road. One fork led us to stay in the US and walk down that path. The other led us back to Morocco. We sat at that intersection for a long time. A. LONG. TIME. We went back and forth for years really. But then we knew if we didn't do it now, if it wasn't this year, it wasn't going to happen until our kids were grown.
Do you know how hard it is to find a Moroccan school to accept a pre-teen that doesn't speak the languages that are taught? Darn near impossible. Not to mention the older our kids get, the more difficult learning other languages becomes. So we knew it had to be now before it was too late. Our goal has always been to have our children speak Arabic and hopefully French and have a relationship with MarocBaba's family. That's why we're moving, I wanted to do more with this post than just explain how we got to our decision. I want to share some practical advice to make it happen.
1. Decide. This was the biggest obstacle and also the greatest thing that happened. Once we firmly decided we were going to move, things started to fall into place. I know how serendipidous that sounds but it's true. We were able to move forward and make plans, and things just started to happen. Before our final decision there were giant obstacles that faced us at every turn, it was one thing after another and that caused us a lot of turmoil. Truly just making a decision and setting a time frame is a crucially important first step.
2. Debt Reduction. Chances are you've got debt, we do too. While we'd love to have none, I have a degree I'm still paying off. We however, do not have any credit card debt, no mortgage, and we will be selling our vehicles. If you want to move abroad at some point, I highly recommend starting now to eliminate any and all debt you have.
3. Research. This is really important. You do need to do some research as you make plans. Determine how much you need to have for your monthly budget in the new country. Also decide if your skills are transferable to the local workforce, or if you would be able to work remotely. This is a real option. Or, will you be living off of savings? Many families make this decision though it's really not viable as a long-term solution.
4. Security Fund. Start building your security fund today. We have a figure that we will take with us that is outside of our monthly budget. This is the money we plan to use to do some traveling, help to buy a car when we're there, and serve as a back up fund should we need it. This is something you can build right now.
Lastly, a lot of people have said they dream about this lifestyle but xyz won't allow them to do it. If this is truly what you want, then you have to make it a priority and just do it. One of the biggest motivators for me was that I don't want to look back and wonder what if. Or to regret that when we had the chance we let it pass us by. Implementing these steps won't set you back – if anything they'll put you financially in a better place – and if you decide not to go that's ok too!
If you're considering moving abroad I hope these tips will kickstart you to start planning your move!
P.S. Don't forget to join me tonight for a free webinar to learn more about Ramadan! Click over here, to sign up and join me at 9pm EST.
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S Susan says
Hi, just found your blog. Brave move. Me and my husband are thinking of moving to Palestine or Jordan. Well, that might never happend, we’ll see. May I ask how old your children are? What are their feelings? My children are 10 and 12 and the 12yr old wouldn’t be happy if we moved. And their Arabic is not very good, their English somewhat better. I am afraid that they wouldn’t manage school. And work is difficult. May I ask if you plan to find work before you leave or will you be looking when you have moved?/ S Susan
Amanda Mouttaki says
Hi – thanks for visiting. My boys are 6 and 9, and the 9 year old is the one who was most hesitant. My husband and I knew if we didn’t go soon it wouldn’t happen. My boys do not have much Arabic – this is our #1 reason for moving. We have found a school that will work with them to offer more support, but it was very, very hard to find. As for work, both my husband and I work from home and our jobs are transportable – another reason we were able to make this happen. Our cost of living will be cut at least in half – making it more manageable. Maybe consider a 3-6 month visit, they would be able to get more language and see if it’s possible for your family more long term. Best of luck with whatever decision you make!
S Susan says
Thank you for your advice! We live in Sweden and life is good here but…/ S Susan
Vanessa, DeSuMama says
I am 100% sending this post to my husband. He’s lived all over the world (played professional basketball) and isn’t as convinced as I am that we need to relocate to South America. But I want to be there SOO bad! You are such an inspiration, Amanda… thank you!
Amanda Mouttaki says
The feeling is mutual dear! We went back and forth for a long time, sometimes my husband was ready to go, and I wasn’t and vice versa. Now we’re knee deep and both looking at each other wondering what we’ve gotten ourselves into. You can totally do this (if you choose!)
Traci says
Amanda….Oh my gosh! What an incredible adventure! I’m so happy for you!!!
OneBrownGirl says
Good for you, Amanda!
The only other thing I would add is to connect with an expat community. Even though you have family there, it is nice to make new friends and have people to talk to when you get homesick.
Looking forward to connecting with you in Morocco or Paris. As you know, I took my first trip to Marrakech last November during a lengthy stay in Paris and am ready to experience Casablanca. The funny thing about moving out of the country sometimes is that you will see some people more AFTER you move than you did on US soil. LOL
Enjoy the journey.
addie | culicurious says
Congrats on your move! It sound so exciting! I look forward to keeping up with your new life! 🙂
Lisa says
I wanted to comment on facebook… but I have not made my plans so public yet. In fact I totally agree with you on this HARD choice, especially with the odd comments that I have received about the topic. The most intense moments is definitely the planning, but the most rewarding and sensational thing to do in ones life is explore and live life to its fullest! Your children will admire your courage and become well acclimated and culturally diverse. Our estimated time of arrival is hopefully in less than 18 months and I just cannot wait to go to our home in Fes.
Dan C says
Wow. Good for you. I think #3 is incredibly important. I was a “trailing spouse” when my now-ex got a position in Japan right after the recession…not the best time to try to find work in my line. My saving grace was being able to do a lot of prep work to find something to tide me over, consulting-wise until a bigger position happened. You could add “Network” to that “Research!”
You’re also lucky to be moving to a country where there is family and that is a great help.
But I agree with Dee Dee…no matter what happens or whatever glitches may come up (and they will), it is an adventure! Enjoy it!
Amanda Mouttaki says
Something tells me this post might have a follow-up…or two! I’m trying to embrace every hiccup and just a little bump on the road to the final destination. In the end you’re right it will be worth it!
Dee Dee Woodard says
I think you missed one topic I would like to add. As your friend I don’t want you to leave at all. But you should not let other people’s wants/needs stop you from doing what you want to do and don’t feel guilty. Do it full force. Enjoy it. Live it. Love it. Dont’ regret it. I love you :0) Just be sure to return home to share this awesome experience with me.
Iman B says
Salaams sis, I relocated to Tunisia, I just packed and left. Best decision for me and mi family 😛 Good for U 😀