“What are you gonna do?” I was having dinner with my boss and his wife Sunday night, and he asked me this question. I visit the office in LA about four times per year (this time, 8 stops in 10 days), usually blowing into town for a day or two, couple of quick meetings, try to catch up on paperwork (Usually unsuccessfully), deal with errands (Normally involving my bank, passport, and storage unit here), and then off to a few stops for business in the States before moving on. It has become routine. I’ll usually fill up on BBQ, Mexican, and Pizza while here (The stuff that’s not really very good in Asia), get a horrible belly ache from all the grease, and then be ready for Becky’s cooking by the time I get home.
What brought on this question? Well, in 2006 and early 2007, I reached a sort of “burn out” level in my life. Too much travel (300+ days). Too much excess. Not enough exercise. Just not feeling “good” or very happy. I seriously considered moving on, despite career progress. It got to the point where I would sometimes wake up in the morning and not know what continent I was on, much less which country. I even flew from Istanbul to Tokyo, was there six hours for a meeting, and flew back to London immediately for another meeting. I had no idea even what time it was for about two days afterwards.
John Miele
What changed since then? Well, simply put, I became involved with Rebecca and my priorities changed from making money to her as my sole priority… I am happy for the first time in many years. She has changed my focus to a much simpler life. I have pared down my travel as much as possible, but it is still at 200 days per year (My country tally for 2008 is now at 40). I am trying to get it down to no more than 150 days, and that is a goal for 2009.
A bit about my job. I am eight and one half years with the same employer, and I was there when the company started. We have only one product, a computer system for ships, that has many different functions, depending on the customer. I have a single responsibility: I am responsible for worldwide sales and marketing. Our sales are highly technical, and it takes between 6 months to 3 years to conclude a contract, depending on the customer. I am able to take a technical sale and put it into terms that corporate management or military command can understand…. That is what I do and the reason I am paid what I am. My customers include tugboat companies, ferry companies, big shipping companies, oil companies, and the military from many different countries. I don’t play corporate mind games. My company is far too small for that crap. I answer to one person, and am free to do 90% of what I feel needs to be done in order to get my job done, normally without question. Most of our customers are in Asia, with Middle East, Europe, and the States following, in that order. We are growing, and it has taken nearly eight years of very hard work to reach break even, due to a very large capital investment and the fact that we are unique in our market: no competition, so we define the market. We will be opening a full-service Asian office next year due to growth, possibly in Manila or Shanghai, but most likely in Singapore. I have sales managers in Singapore and Germany, and am searching for one in the States and Latin America. I have also developed a worldwide network of agents and dealers, covering every continent except Africa. Since most of our business is in Asia, the Philippines makes a decent base from which to do my job, at least thinking geographically (There are, however, other issues).
So, I am at dinner and this question is asked. I had to think for a minute on how to answer. You see, I have adjusted, somewhat, to living in the Philippines and, as I stated above, my priorities have changed. The travel is starting to wear thin, quite frankly, and, though I have seen many things and experienced many things I would not have otherwise done, I am wanting to stay home more often. The travel just stopped being interesting. For example, on this trip, I had an overnight layover in Japan (I came from Shandong, China). Three or four years ago, I would have played tourist, gone shopping, or eaten native. What did I do? I slept, ordered room service, and watched a Godzilla movie without dubbing… Not real exotic, eh?
Becky and I have a deal: When I am traveling, she visits the province to work the fish ponds, and we meet at home when I return. In 8 months in the Philippines, I have not had to extend my 21-day visa once (Whew!). We are together the entire time that I am in Manila, and we share a home office for our respective businesses (One side of the room for her, and one side for me). We are thinking of moving up to Tuguegarao or Laoag in the next year or two, since life is much quieter up there and both cities have airports nearby. I find myself yearning for a simpler life… Not so complicated. That is possible in the Philippines. Rebecca and I have some ideas for several “retirement” businesses. However, my salary from the States is what makes all of the options possible, so I’ll be working for a few more years, at least. It has taken Rebecca a little time to get used to it… That is why I am glad she goes to the province when I’m gone… She’s not alone and has her family there with her. (My in-laws still don’t really have a clue what I do… They have trouble understanding why I need to traipse around the world… I just tell them that business has to be conducted in person. )
It’s funny: When I return to the States, I almost feel like a foreigner here. This is no longer home. There is no excitement at returning. It has become, as I stated, routine. No emotion, just business. My home is the Philippines and I look forward to returning in a week.
So, the question was asked of me when the boss’ wife said, “You look really happy.” I had to answer that I am happy… Much of the stress is gone. So how did I answer the boss’ question? He stated, “John, I just can’t picture you as a farmer!” I thought for a minute, and responded, “You’re right.” He then stated, “Before you answer, remember that you have been here from the beginning, and you will inherit a company that is global, and running smoothly. Money stops being an issue.” That is true. I told him that living in the Philippines has been good for me and we intend, at present, to stay. I am planning on sticking with what I have started, at least for the next few years. If I inherit, then I’ll deal with that issue when it arises. The company can be run from Asia just as easily as from California. If we “retire”, and that word really isn’t in my vocabulary, I’ll do something else, but sitting around is just not me. I am, however, cutting back on the travel. Since my wedding, I have spent only 7 non-consecutive days in Manila and traveled around 70,000 miles… but I have the last three weeks in December at home. Once our Asian office is open, my goal is one week per month out, three weeks in.
This posting is a bit personal, not really intended to gripe. It is simply my experience as an expat working for a foreign company in the RP.
John Miele is a Citizen of the World, having spent time in many locations around the globe. Currently, he finds himself in Manila, but travels throughout the Philippines. John joined the Live in the Philippines Web Magazine in mid-2008.
About JohnM
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And it's great piece, John. It invites one to question his priorities in life. Getting out of the rat race is also something to think about, if not retirement.
Your company is lucky as it seem not be affected by the recession. Although the US is not your top client, in the scheme of things, how does the US recession affect your business?
What you do for a living reminds me of the movie The Jackal. Does it come close? Maybe if that's how you describe what you do, your in laws might get it.
Hi John, all your articles are great. Thankyou very much.
Hi John,Very interesting article,it appears you have answered your dilemma,to be based in S E Asia.Hopefully, as the company prospers, you should look at delagating more.You will find the older you get,the harder it gets to sustain that Jet Set lifestyle.A few years ago i jumped off the proverbial treadmill myself,more due to circumstances than choice.The first thought was how will i survive on less money.Yes, i had to make adjustments,but found also that my expense's were considerably less than i had imagined.It also made me realise how much money i wasted in my old lifestyle.I also felt that i would get bored having been used to working 70+ hour weeks.However i found new interests and little business interests to occupy my life.I now feel like a new man,(even younger),healthier,happier and more content with life.In addition my diet is much healthier than ever,i have time to cook more,which i love.May not suit everyone,but it suits me,regards Chas.
Hi John Miele, great post. Such a rat race also happened to me in Germany. I was son "sick leave" almost one whole year. That's why we "escaped" to the Philippines. After being overwhelmed with many things also here, I learned to say NO. I don't want a reply of such things happened in the past. My problem is: I can't just sit and stand still. To find a middle path is still very difficult. I will enjoy the christmas season, which gives me/us again some rest days… Take care.
I know what you mean John! I saw this coming and wound up my full time career in art for a casual caregiver role. In the special aboriginal focus disabiltiy field there is a desperate shortage of workers. This means I can give my employer a weeks notice to relieve for a full timer waiting for a break. This relief work is all expenses paid live in so I can save most of the wage.
I can double my wage as an art manager and get cash work quickly so I'm very gratefull to this employer. In 2 months there I can earn enough for 6 months living here.
Hi John,
Some would say you are lucky to travel so much and see the world.
BUT
I remember in my youth travelling with my boyfriend who was the musical director for a famous Jazz musician and we travelled all over the world for 5 months. It was wonderful but I only knew where I was in the middle of the night if I checked the name and place of the hotel printed on the ash tray on the bedside table.
Fun ????….you bet!!!!! Exciting ????…yes absolutely……monotonous???you betcha!!!!
I cannot imagine doing it 200+ days per year….WOW!!!!
I am now at that point in my life where I need to choose ……stay in Canada and stay part of the rat race. (It does have some appeal)
Or start planning on an alternative lifestyle.
I love the RP sooo much that my decision has become easier and easier.
I hope that you put yourself in a place that will allow you to retire early!!!!
I wish the hell that I had done more "estate " planning I would have retired in my late 30's
Good luck!!!!
Oh, John, how right you are to live in the Philippines. I miss my country so much but I'm stuck here in Spain. You have made the right decision. I hope someday
I'd be able to do the same. 28 years living here is a hell of a long time. My English
husband loves it here, if only for the weather. Have a wonderful retirement with
your wife Rebecca. You have found a genuine partner and wife. Take care
and enjoy yourselves. Life is short. God bless, Hill
hi john, i always enjoyed reading your piece here.looking forward to the next one.
Roy: We are somewhat recession resistant… In maritime, ships take years to order and get built, so economic cycles do not have the great impact as much as other industries.
Jonacky: thank you
Chas: it's funny, but the proper diet when I return home always helps me quite a bit.
Klaus: you and I are a lot alike in that regard… If I sit still too long, I get antsy. Also, despite the travel schedule, there are times I love what I do.
Chris: you are lucky to have a flexible alternative… If things get too crazy, you can back off a bit.
Tyleen: I had a friend who worked as a roadie for ARS for around 10 years… He told me that despite the typical rock band excess, the tour schedule became hell after 6 months or so… Not as exciting as it seemed at the time.
Hill: at least you can comfort in the fact that Spain is a pretty nice country. No, it's not the Philippines, but there are always ways to be happy.
Berlin: thank you.
Hi John..Boy I also enjoy travelling but not that way. No offence John, I dont think I envy your job even if it pays very well
I cannot wait to move back to Manila when I opt for an early retirement here in Canada. The Philippines is not that nice compared to western and more prosperous countries but life is so simple there. It has the basics that I will need for my retirement ie. no more winter, fresh tropical fruits and sea foods, no more mortgage/rent, no need for me to have a car cause I can take the public transportation (even if the system is not very efficient and reliable but it still does the work), good entertainment/night life and internet connection of course. That's good enough for me. I dont need so much money to have a good retirement there. Paradise is a state of mind. As long as one is content of what he or she has, debt free, not covetous/materialistic, giver instead of taker, anyone can live anywhere even in the middle of slums.
hello john,
as time goes by, people change their habits, lifestyle and work environment to much less stress and you have come a long way to reach your happiness. live your life happy today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. i wish you all the best and may you always live in a wonderful time.
-happy holiday to you, rebecca and family.
…you need a corporate plane John CitationX would be a good start….let me know if I should email u my pilot resume !!!!!
..I enjoyed your articles too John … It is a lot quieter in the sticks as we call it here hee hee .. Jess and I are looking at a small farm in the stick so I can retire too ….. Phil R.
Eric: I fully agree… I have re-examined money several times the last year.
Emmanuel: thank you! Merry christmas to you too!
Brian: on my wish list, but I doubt the boss will give me the "ok". I always had a little regret that I never became a pilot… Flying still fascinates me, even though I know the physics. I may go for a private pilot license someday, though, if I ever find the time and get the approval from the 5'2" real boss! (I'm not sure what she"l say)
Phil: sometimes I think of abulug like "mayberry"… Good luck to you and Jess with tye farm!
flying fascinates me to John…I'm always fascinated I actually walk away from most of my landings.
I am retired and fortunately well off financially. I have beautiful condo in Toronto, a cabin in Somme- Canada, A waterfront townhome in Florida, a house in Davao, condo in Makati and house in Tagaytay. I also have investment properties around the Philippines. I have a great wife and two wonderful kids and all of this real estate stuff really belongs to them now in case anything happens to me. The best part of all this is I am able to use all these properties throughout the year and take none of them for granted and our lifestyle is relaxed, stress free, simple (we are not into parties, noveau rich, fashion, etc..) and we have great friends wherever we are at whatever time. Just give me a rod and reel, golf club, a weber grill to cook on, my family by my side and I am in like flint!!! My family likes this style of living as well. My son is in boarding school in the states so he is not with us all the time except for Summer (by the way he loves scuba diving and is now teaching me fishing techniques ha ha ha) but he likes it that way as many adolescents tend too do at age 15. Works for him….works for us as long as he is happy. Our daughter is too young and as long as she has her dolls and imaginary friends she is happy as well. I do try and expose her to all the wonders of life whenever possible.
Annual Itinerary
January -April are spent in Manila and Tagaytay .
May – June – Toronto
July – Somme
August – December – Florida
we also spend some time in Europe and Asia as tourists about a month out of the year. The point I am making is you don't have to iron down one place to call home if you can afford it. John, It seems you can afford to live in more than one place. If you like being in the Philippines then stay in the Philippines and organize your business so that it is possible as you seem to be doing. Otherwise live in different parts of the world at different times of the year. You have to do whats right for you. Do those fish ponds require hands on by your wife or can they be managed.
Again this is probably not a difficult decision. Go with your gut and if that changes then do something different. Your business seems to be getting more organized which will allow you more freedom. Never take that for granted cause if you stay married to your business as you are with all your traveling you will miss out on life!!!!
Steven: I know several people who live similar to you… Best of luck to you! Your daughter will truly develop a global perspective on life. She is a very, very lucky young lady!
Hi John . Nice to read some one else living the same. live style as myself .I have been travelling now for 25years . Ispend 200/220days ayear on the move . People who do not travel think that what you and me do to earn a crust of bread is all glory. I have had health problems this year . So ihave had to slow down .Even so in the last few weeks i have been to Singapore, Malaysia, Australia ,Newzealand, Kenya. I had to go to the UK as my father passed away. I am just backbefore dissapearing in a couple of days to The Middle East. People think i have seen the world well all ihave seen are the inside of airplanes. hotels and customers premisis. If i have to spend a week end some where do i go sight seeing . Forget it i just sleep and watch in house moviesand read
The lonelyness of the long distance travellor.
Frank:
Don't get me wrong… I've had some wonderful experiences. It does tend to get old after a while. You know it's really bad when the airline call center people know you by first name!