Leaving USA to live abroad
27 y/o single back female with masters of social work & previous work experience in hospitality industry. Interested in leaving the US for multitude of reasons amongst them I identify many countries have a lot to offer in terms of rich cultural experiences, diversity, lifestyle and healthcare access.
I have seen a number of black women expats online make successful transitions out but im trying to figure out how folks do it without having USD as primary currency for income, without cashing out 401K to live off of or having their own business that they make money in USD which gives a financial advantage in many countries.
Of course, I anticipate needing to prepare a substantial savings before leaving the US as many countries have financial requirements for visa approval etc. I am interested in places where I could ultimately apply for permanent residency.
Looking for advice on how to leave the USA to another country and utilize my transferrable skills to find work in the country I relocate to- rather than remote work. I wouldn’t completely rule out remote work. So far, I’m not seeing anything within my wheelhouse that would actually allow for me to work remote & live outside of the USA. I don’t really want to work in hospitality at this stage in my life for various factors & because of how extractive the industry is across the globe to local populations. However, I’d never say never since I know many US based companies have global reach. My current career path has licensures that do not apply to many countries abroad so at this point I’m thinking I may need to get creative and consider roles that I’ve never even thought of.
At this time, leaving my current job to do something like Au Pair or other work/ live exchanges abroad doesn’t seem financially practical or sustainable for a transition abroad. I’ve even considered the teaching English abroad thing too but I’m just not sold on the idea that that pathway could lead to me being in a financial position where I could remain in the country long term. Unfortunately/ fortunately I am the type of person that needs to plan ahead and ensure that my ducks are in a row before making such a leap. I see it’s possible but I’m currently feeling at a loss for how I could actually make the transition with my specific skills. This entire move would be self funded/ there isn’t any family or friends that could support me in this. I also don’t know anyone personally that lives abroad so I don’t have anyone I could look to for advice / support with a transition out.
Currently considering anywhere that has a strong black expat community & favorable weather year round. Willing to learn Spanish or Portuguese if relocating to a country where these are primary languages. Im also willing to learn any other language needed in order to widen the country list/ opportunities for transition outside of USA. I’m aware antiblackness is global so I’m not looking for a racial paradise or escape from racism/xenophobia because I know that’s not realistic in this day and age. I think realistically I would be trying to make the transition out by 30years old - not sure if this is being too conservative or too ambitious.
If anyone has recommendations, career suggestions, personal experiences with relocation as a single black female and/ or resources for black women expats Im all ears!