I was lonely and working 15-hour days in the US. Moving to the Philippines gave me a community.
After struggling with loneliness and an intense work-life balance in the United States, a 56-year-old man moved to the Philippines to retire. He reports finding a stronger sense of community and social connection in his new home.
Why it matters
The story reflects a growing trend of individuals seeking better quality of life and social support systems by relocating abroad.
Britt McAllister said he struggled to find close friendships in the US. After moving to the Philippines, he found the sense of community he'd been missing. Provided by Britt McAlister. After his divorce and the pandemic, Britt McAlister struggled to make close friends in the US. Long workdays left him little room for hobbies or the life he wanted, so he decided to make a change. He moved to the Philippines to retire and found the community he had been missing. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Britt McAlister, 56, who left the US to retire in the Philippines. It's been edited for length and clarity. I realized I wasn't happy with my life in the US . After my divorce, I was working 12 to 15 hours a day as a sales manager in the roofing industry.
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