New to the board looking for a new start

[Robertf531]

Hello everyone, I have been reading up and doing some research on the kingdom of wonder and I am pondering relocation from the good ol' USA. I have been reading posts/responses on this forum for awhile now appreciating the great responses from vladmir, general m, sir quality etc. I am curious as to what the hardest things about relocating for a 21 year old male would be? Do I just sell my car, moto, misc possessions and get my plane ticket (of course i have done my research and am fully okay with the lifestyle change) or would it be better to stay in the states for awhile and save up a large sum 10,000usd plus then sell everything? What did all of you do? I am looking to start this new life before 2016, any answers to my inquiries, helpful hints, general knowledge or even helping with arrangements when I arrive will be greatly appreciated

[phuketrichard]

dont sell ANYTHING
Don't leave home till you have minimum 6 months worth of cash (say $7,000 or so)

Never burn bridges till ur 100% sure
Cambodia ain't Kansas

[vladimir]

Do you have any sort of degree/qualification/skill? I don't remember.

If not, stay home.

[Robertf531]

I appreciate the quick feedback guys! 1.vladimir, I am about to finish my TEFL course (I read a good portion of people should keep that as a fallback), I am certified by Microsoft for various programs, I am also a skilled mechanic i.e. small engine repair, scooters, cars, anything of the sort really, are mechanical skills valued over there? I also have a decent amount of business skill/experience and exceptional English skills. 2.Phucketrichard I have about 5 grand saved within the 6 months i should be able to have 10,000usd provided I budget correctly without liquidating all of my assets back home, I know it is by no means Kansas over there, but who really stays in Kansas anyway?

[frank lee bent]

English Lang is the only demand skill you have for this market.
MS and Cisco certs - mechanics- nope.
Keep your car like rich says in case you don't like it here.

Go straight for the teaching.

[Kung-fu Hillbilly]

Idle hands are the devil's playground in Cambodia. Keep busy and don't over indulge in the many delights.

[Sailorman]

Don't expect to making any money working here, have a source of income, money in a US bank as there are lots of ATMs here. Have some kind of fall back in the states when you run out of money in Cambodia. (family, friends, job prospect.) You will probably expect to live cheap, but until you get the lie of the land your budget will be more than you expect.

Since your young, expect to hook up with a local girl and that will add expenses. Save as much money as you can as unless you have an income like retirement, stock, bonds, etc, once you get here your finances will all be in the negative side with no additional positive cash flow.

Come over, have a look for a few weeks/month and then go back to the US and sent yourself up financially.

[ExPenhMan]

Most of the significant stuff has been discussed. Clearly, the kid's done his homework. Well done, OP.

You don't need to bring much to SEA. Clothing (the 3 seasons: hot, stinking hot and stinking hot and wet) and medications/supplements. Of the latter, bring a decent supply and in the first week look for sources of said needs.

As others have said, don't sell off everything. Visit. Appearances are very deceiving. There's lots to learn. And last, it's very easy here to fall into the oblivion of drugs, alcohol and hookers. Bring your good habits. Good luck.

[StroppyChops]

I was searching through my 'Australia wallet' the other day for a frequent flyers number and found my Microsoft card - not a single opportunity here for those skills, other than it might look good on a resume.

[ryoon]

And understand that you prospect when/if you want to return will be in all probability less good than when you left.
Having spend many years in Cambodia does not always look good on the CV, teaching English experience will be useless and highly improbable that you learn any useful skill here.
No problem is you stay long term but to raise a family the US beat Cambodia easy.

All this is ok if you understand what you are signing for of course.