Why I Moved Halfway Around The World In Retirement

Oct.8.2022

Retirement Snapshot

Kevan on his boat in La Paz, Mexico
Photo credit: Kevan Draper

Location: La Paz, Mexico
Age: 64
Retired At: 59
Marital Status: Divorced
Profession: Telecommunications

After spending most of his career in management roles working overseas in Asia and the Middle East, Kevan spent the final years of his professional life as the CEO of a company headquartered in Dubai. At first, he semi-retired and ran a few small businesses. When he finally decided to retire, he bought a sailboat and now calls the waters off the coast of Mexico home. We talked to Kevan about his retirement.

Retirement Reality

Retirement Awaits: What does a day in retirement look like for you?

Kevan D: Since I decided to spice up my retirement by buying and living on a sailboat in Mexico, I am either upgrading or fixing broken equipment. I also started a Youtube sailing channel and the filming and editing take a bit of time. As they say, learn by doing and reading the manuals. I thoroughly enjoy it.

Your Retirement Plan

Retirement Awaits: Did you have a solid plan going into retirement?

Kevan D: Yes. I started preparing years ago by investing in rental property. I did not go down the private pension route and it has paid off well. Plus, I live quite cheaply without the normal household bills.

Best Part About Retirement

Retirement Awaits: What’s the best part about retirement?

Kevan D: Actually making friends. People who are retired or cruisers have more time to be friendly. I’ve made some excellent new friendships and enjoy the camaraderie.

Challenges In Retirement

Retirement Awaits: What’s the biggest challenge in retirement?

Kevan D: Staying in touch with family as I live a long way from my mother and brother in the U.K. and my daughters in Australia and New Zealand.

Cost Of Retirement

Retirement Awaits: We want people to understand how much retirement really costs. How do you manage your money now? Do you have a budget, meet with your advisor on a regular basis, etc?

Kevan D: I budgeted for what one could classify as normal retirement and that was about right until COVID, then my costs went down. Since moving to more of a nomad lifestyle on my sailboat, costs have shrunk as Mexico is so cheap. Plus, when you are anchored in most of the anchorages in the Baja, there’s nowhere to spend your money. I did not engage an advisor at any time.

Retirement Advice

Retirement Awaits: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give someone about to retire?

Kevan D: Ease yourself into it. I found in the early stages I felt I still had something to offer in the business world and wondered whether retiring early was a sound decision, but after time, I’m glad I did it.

Things I Wish I Would Have Known

Retirement Awaits: What are a few things you wish someone would have told you about retirement/this season of life/transition?

Kevan D: The work-life-to-retirement transition was more difficult than I expected. I threw myself into a property renovation project which took a year and that helped a lot. So give yourself some goals.