The Reality of Living Overseas That No One Really Talks About

You Are Constantly Adapting to a New Reality

Adaptation never fully ends. Even in places where English is common and daily life feels accessible, you are still navigating unfamiliar social norms, humor, bureaucracy, and expectations. Unless you have deep roots in a culture, full integration is rare, and the emotional cost of always adjusting adds up over time.

Moving Overseas Does Not Automatically Improve Your Life

A new country gives you different scenery, not a different identity. If you struggle with loneliness, direction, or stability, those feelings often follow you. Overseas life also adds new pressures like visas, income instability, and the absence of a support system.

Community Determines Whether It Works or Not

When I first moved to Berlin, everything fell apart. Winter hit, money was tight, and I returned to Australia feeling defeated. What changed later wasn’t the city itself, it was community. In Berlin, joining the busking scene created purpose and belonging. In Hanoi, community forms differently and takes time, but it still defines whether life feels sustainable.

The Digital Nomad Income Story Is Often Oversimplified

Online income is usually years of slow progress, not instant freedom. My revenue comes from multiple YouTube channels, stock footage, affiliates, and a small SaaS product. None of it arrived quickly. Many people who travel with online income either built skills years earlier or earn by teaching others the same path.

Living Costs Are Higher Than Influencers Admit

Hanoi can be affordable, but lifestyle determines the real number. Local food keeps costs low. Western meals, taxis, and regular nights out push a realistic monthly budget closer to 2,000 AUD. That’s still good value, but far from the fantasy of luxury on a tiny budget.

Daily Life Can Be Overstimulating

Cities like Hanoi are loud and intense. Traffic noise, crowds, and constant movement can be energizing or overwhelming depending on the day. Quiet becomes something you actively seek rather than something you assume will be there.

Loneliness Is More Common Than People Admit

Even in social places, loneliness can be a recurring part of overseas life. Friendships form slowly, people move on quickly, and long-term relationships are harder when everyone is transient. It’s normal, but rarely shown online.

Why People Still Choose This Life

Despite the downsides, many people stay overseas for the trade-offs. The freedom to control your time, step away from rigid routines, and reshape daily life can be worth the uncertainty. Progress is slow, money can be modest, but time feels like your own.

The Honest Summary

Living overseas is challenging, unpredictable, and often uncomfortable. You will question your decisions, struggle socially at times, and face uneven finances. But it can also be deeply formative if you approach it realistically and prepare well.

If you are considering a move abroad, ask yourself: Do you have a way to support yourself? Are you comfortable with uncertainty? Are you willing to rebuild your life slowly? If the answer is yes, it can be worth it.

If you have questions about loneliness, finances, work, or adjusting to life in another country, ask them openly. These conversations matter more than the dream being sold online.