When the global recession hit in 2008, there were very few of us who weren’t affected by it.
Everyone took a hit, and while the world’s been slowly on the mend ever since, it doesn’t mean that the price of living has gone down by any means. In fact, due to inflation and fluctuating currencies, it’s only gone up and will continue to do so.
How can you possibly get around the frustratingly high cost of living, especially in western culture? Let’s take a look at one option for getting around this, and why it’s not for everyone.
What is Geoarbritrage?
This term came into prominence after Tim Ferris published the book “The 4 Hour Work Week“.
Geoarbitrage is essentially defined as the relocating of your entire life to another country where the cost of living is cheaper. You will earn your money from another country (perhaps the country you’re from) – remotely.
Sounds good, right?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of geoarbitrage.
The Pros of Geoarbitrage
The beauty of geoarbitrage is that you get to choose your hours and don’t have to answer to a boss. While you’ll have to work hard initially to get your business off the ground, it’s your business. This means that you call the shots and make it work however you’d like it to be.
Moving to another beautiful, cheaper country also means that you can start the business idea of your dreams on a bigger budget. Your cost of living won’t be as high which means you’ll have more capital to get your idea off the ground.
Imagine only having to pay half of the rent each week and a lot less in living expenses. Think of all the money that could go towards your business. Not to mention that because you’re in another country, you’ll be traveling and sight-seeing even if you go for a break and walk down the street.
Geoarbitrage is the perfect opportunity to discover how lucrative it can be working online and remotely. If you’re going to do it, you want to be either all in or not at all. Why quit your 9 to 5 to sit in your garage at home to start your business when you could be out there exploring the world at the same time?
The Cons of Geoarbitrage
One obvious disadvantage to embarking on the geoarbitrage lifestyle is that you won’t hold down a 9 to 5 job.
For a lot of you, a 9 to 5 is comfortable and predictable, giving you financial security. Taking a risk and going out on a limb to live in a cheaper country can come with surprises. Not to mention that you’ll have to work harder initially to be successfully self-employed.
Then, you’ve got everything else outside of your 9 to 5. Like the people that you care about in your life. Leaving your home country either means that you’re single and don’t have any long-term commitments, or you’re prepared to uproot the whole family.
You could potentially convince your partner to start a business with you and homeschool your children for the time being. But it’s a big decision – one that’s easier to make if it’s just you.
Another con to geoarbitrage is that you’ll have to ‘stick it to the man’ to a point and carve your path. If you’re someone who likes routine and the comforts of normal, everyday life, then this might not appeal.
Conclusion
Geoarbitrage isn’t easy, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage, a care-free attitude, a little bit of money saved up, and a hard work ethic.
The amazing thing about geoarbitrage is that you can make your business dreams come true with it, and free yourself up to do the traveling you always dreamed off.
It’s not a walk in the park, though. In the beginning, you’ll have to put your head down and work as much as possible. At least you’ll be able to do this on your own time, and when you take breaks, you’ll be able to do a bit of sight-seeing.
While geoarbitrage isn’t for everyone, it’s a great option for those of you yearning for something more than the regular life.
