Navigating the Global Landscape: A Millennial's Financial Odyssey Across 4 Countries

Moving to a new country can come with its share of financial obstacles, and Chris Oberman knows this better than most. Since 2019, Oberman, his wife, and their two cats have lived in five cities across four countries, experiencing the financial pros and cons of each location. As a millennial with a creative background, Oberman has had to adapt to the varying costs of living and find flexible income streams to support his family's international adventures.

Discovering the Financial Realities of a Global Lifestyle

Adapting to the Costs of Living in South Korea, China, Iraq, and the Netherlands

Since moving to Seoul, South Korea, Oberman has found that groceries and housing are quite expensive, with the couple expecting to pay over $4,000 a month for a three-to-four-bedroom home with outdoor space. However, they were pleasantly surprised by the cost of childcare, which they found to be "really cheap." A full-time day care option for their infant son costs around $400 per month, with the price declining as he gets older.In China, Oberman found ample opportunities to earn income as a DJ, performing shows, working for a Chinese company, producing music, and even judging a DJ contest. He received job offers and other opportunities almost every month, making the most of the country's vibrant entertainment scene. However, the convenience of mobile payments in China also led to a tendency to overspend, as Oberman found the consumer-oriented society made it easy to buy more than intended.Navigating the financial landscape in Iraq presented its own set of challenges. While Oberman found the cost of food to be relatively affordable, and a $20 gas tank lasted them five months, he struggled to find consistent job opportunities. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the quality of certain goods, such as when purchasing a car, as he never felt entirely confident in what he was buying.Returning to Oberman's home country of the Netherlands, he highlighted the benefits of the country's high-quality and affordable healthcare and education system. However, he noted that the costs of rent, groceries, public transportation, and energy have become more expensive in recent years, presenting financial hurdles for those living there.

Balancing Flexible Income Streams and Budgeting Across Borders

With his wife's government job requiring frequent relocations, Oberman has had to adapt his income sources to accommodate their international lifestyle. Over the past few years, he has earned income from a variety of creative pursuits, including DJing, music production, and photography. He has also started a travel blog, which he hopes to turn into a side hustle.Oberman's flexible approach to earning has been crucial in navigating the financial challenges of living in different countries. He acknowledges that budgeting has been a constant challenge, as the costs of essential expenses like food, housing, internet, cell service, electricity, and public transportation have varied significantly from one location to the next.

The Emotional Toll of Living Abroad

While the financial aspects of their global journey have been a mixed bag, Oberman says the toughest part has been being away from friends and family. He notes that when he returns home, the stories he shares don't always resonate with those who haven't experienced the same international adventures.Despite the emotional challenges, Oberman and his wife have embraced the opportunity to explore the world. They chose this lifestyle because they love to travel and experience new cultures, even if it means facing the occasional financial hurdle.

Embracing the Adventure and Considering the Future

Oberman and his wife are committed to continuing their international adventures, even as they welcome their son into the family. They hope that he will share their passion for travel and exploration, but they are also open to the possibility that he may prefer to settle in one place."If he prefers to stay in one place or in our home country, we will definitely consider that, of course," Oberman said. "But we hope he likes traveling just as much as we do."For Oberman, the financial challenges of living abroad have been outweighed by the sense of adventure and the opportunity to experience diverse cultures. As he and his family continue their global odyssey, they remain focused on finding the right balance between financial stability and the thrill of the unknown.