You are a free spirit Wayne and that is something money can't buy.

Hey Wayne. I left Australia in 1998 and lived in China for 25 years living in nearly every province. Easily easily easily the best decision I ever made. I love Asia so deeply. Everything. Food. Culture. People. Chinese medicine. Buddhism. The people are so good. Their kindness shines.

Hey Wayne, I left Australia Melbourne 2.5 years ago due to the rising cost of living, also as a newly graduate teacher teaching in Melbourne I left the first opportunity I could. First two years I was in Cambodia, now working in Thailand. I'm only earning 10% less than what I would earn back in Australia but saving way more.... Rent used to take half my paycheck, now it's only 15%... I think more young people will continue to leave Australia in the short-term, it's simply not feasible (Also way more interesting life). Great video as always, Mik.

A brilliant rant, preaching to the converted brother. Absolutely loved the episode. I couldn't agree more. If only my family weren't so judgmental. I've never been one to aspire to the 3 bedroom home in the suburbs sitting in one place like a pot plant for decades. Through the ups and downs you're on the right path Wayne. Always be true to yourself, Cheers!

I really enjoy that you make an effort to chat with the locals, giving us a rare glimpse of daily life.

74 year old Australian here,  Im leaving my country for good late this year,  its a socially overwhelmed financially devastated nation now.

People aren't judging you Wayne, they're judging themselves. Freedom is frightening to most people. I always found the question "what do you do for a living?" quite depressing. I breathe, eat, shit and sleep. Everything else is how I choose to spend my time.

i found that people were so fascinated in my self employed life over the years .. traveling the world and selling stuff we bought across asia in the 90's ..  they were basically jealous .. photography is my passion too .

What I like about your vids Wazza, it's how you value each person for who they are, not what they look like. I sense that people are a little surprised but pleased they are asked about what's important to them. It certainly short circuits any sales pitch

I can relate to it Wayne, I've moved out of London, to a small country village, near the coast in the UK,   and I like it, I'm 70 in 2  days time. They say " when you're tided of London, you're tired of life", no I say, I'm tired of London, there's more to life than London.

I moved with my Dad from NZ to Oz when I was just 10yo and we returned home after 18 months. I never felt I belonged afterwards but it took me 24 years to move back to Brisbane...truly felt like I was home.
20 years later and after a 6 month work contract in the Philippines and a holiday to India last year, all the unsettling feelings came back of needing to be elsewhere came flooding back.
I think I know how you feel!

Nice man who fixed your coffee with a beautiful loving smile when he talked about his family.

16:42 “it’s perfectly fine to be nothing if that’s what you want to do” 🌟💥

I moved from NZ to what I thought was the promised land ( Australia) over 25 years ago, we seem to get punished from the government the harder we work, people on the dole get more privileges than the ones that work. I have private health and pay all the benefits of working yet I cannot get a pension or even access my super. i will be f*&ked when I reach maturity age as the government pronounce it after working my whole life....

Fellow Aussie, feel the same way, not odd at all, packed up and moved to Mexico! The whole 40hr week, paying the mortgage and the promise of a 111 week holiday before your in the dirt is a scam. Live is too short my friend. "Viva la vida loca"🙌😘

Interesting thoughts ... Your life is so different from mine . I do enjoy your way of life however I regard my home as a base safe place. I could not imagine having a weekend of not mowing my lawn , jumping on one of my motorcycles for a pleasure ride and coming back to cook a meal for my family in my own home. Each to their own and I enjoy having a holiday in areas you are visiting. Enjoy your life mate ..Hope to catch up one day

Nice one, Wayne. Can relate. I never wanted to chase all the stuff people feel is so important. For me, it’s no wife, kids, no mortgage, no divorce, no spousal or child support, no debt.
Worked I job I hated until I was finally able to retire, leave the US and move to SE Asia. Got to the PI this past May, but I’ll be giving Thailand a go here pretty soon. I qualify for their retirement visa, so I’ll see if I can set up shop in some peace like Hua Hin.
Yeah, no way will I ever go back to living in the US. Cost of living is just ridiculously expensive. I’ll go back to visit family and friends. But if I wanted to live there again, I’d either be poor, or I’d have to work to not be poor. Neither of those options are the least bit appealing. Would much rather just goof of in SE Asia and never work again. I hated being coerced into having a job, any job. Glad to be rid of it. If I do anything now, it’ll be for fun, or maybe to help someone doing volunteer work. Not because I need the money, ugh.

Left the UK (17 years ago) probably going to run out of money in a few years, but I will have had 20 amazing years when I could still function and spending time with my Wife.

Very thoughtful video and great wisdom much respect. Fell in love with PP back in 2023 and the vibe in Cambodia is unique. The locals are the friendliest in the world

Love your posts. I totally get it. I live in Sydney and it’s gotten way out of control for accommodation and the general cost of living. I backpacked in my 20s and loved it and you’re inspiring me to get out again. I’m 55 and sick of the grind here. It's a tough age, unless you're established and successful, you're forgotten. Australia’s the lucky country, for a few guess, but not for most anymore. Keep doing what you’re doing 👍