I’m a former registered nurse from the United States, and after 28 years of that work I was desperate for a change.

One mysterious morning last January, after I had been dreaming of moving to Mexico (and had even downloaded the application for temporary residency), I was caught completely off guard when I was laid off at work!

This sent me into a spiral of dread and fear. I would have to learn a new hospital system? I would have to get another awful job? The last few very unhappy years forced me into thinking outside the box.

After a careful look at my finances, I decided to do what I wanted instead of what I dreaded. I sold or gave away most of my possessions, packed up my little car, and drove my two dogs and I to Mexico!

This was not without risk!

I had taken time off from work before, months away sailing or exploring in my airstream, but this was different. I did not want to come back. My plan had to be for indefinite time, as far as I could see into the distance.