This episode is a little bit different than the other episodes because Tom isn’t an immigrant to the United States. He actually was born here, but he’s lived in a few different countries. Tom and I met online through writing. I’ve followed his writing work for a few years, and he has written a little bit about his experience living in the Philippines.
I invited him to be on the show to discuss his experience during the pandemic, as well as to learn about how another country handled the situation. And there were other themes to explore from the perspective of an American living abroad. Let’s get into it.
From Freelance Writer to Global Explorer
Tom’s journey began in Maryland, where he grew up playing sports and attending Christian school. After graduating from college in 2015, he started his career as a freelance writer, quickly discovering his passion for the craft. It was a random encounter on Pinterest that set him on a unique path.
Scrolling through Pinterest, Tom came across the travel blog of Adventurous Kate, a woman who made a living traveling the world and writing about her experiences. He immediately loved the idea of getting paid to visit exotic locations, staying in hotels for free, and partnering with tourism boards. This discovery started a desire to explore the world and share his experiences through writing.
Although Tom never became a full-fledged travel blogger, this initial desire led him down the path of online writing and content creation. He now makes a living blogging online, sharing his insights and experiences with an audience from around the world. This career allows him the flexibility to live and work from anywhere in the world, a freedom he deeply values.
A Childhood Trip to Germany
Tom’s curiosity about the world started during a family trip to Germany when he was 12 years old. Visiting relatives and experiencing a different culture had a profound impact on him. He recalls being fascinated by the language, customs, and food.
He remembers his dad taking the family on the Autobahn. With no speed limits, his dad enjoyed the thrill of driving fast. Tom’s dad wasn’t being reckless, but enjoying the experience. This trip really opened Tom’s eyes and curiosity to explore beyond what’s in front of him.
Tom believes this trip was what pushed him to explore outside of his comfort zone. And it was a pivotal experience that shaped his future decisions and ultimately led him to live abroad.
From Disney World to the Philippines
In 2014, Tom applied for an internship at Disney World, driven by the positive stories he had heard about the experience. He landed the internship. There, he met a Filipino roommate who became his best friend. He also befriended a Filipina coordinator at work. These friendships sparked an interest in Filipino culture.
Inspired to broaden his horizons, Tom embarked on a road trip across the United States. During his travels, he met more people from the Philippines, further deepening his fascination with their culture. His journey eventually led him to the Philippines. He wanted to visit a girl he met in Salt Lake City. This trip marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life.
This series of events highlights Tom’s proactive approach to seeking out new experiences and embracing the unknown. His decision to work at Disney World, embark on a cross-country road trip, and ultimately travel to the Philippines demonstrates his adventurous spirit and willingness to pursue his passions.
Culture Shock and Unexpected Encounters in the Philippines
Arriving in General Santos City, Tom experienced a significant culture shock. The poverty he witnessed was far more pronounced than he had anticipated. It’s one thing to hear about it, but another to experience it. He remembers stray dogs, shanties, and dirt everywhere. Despite the initial shock, Tom found himself drawn to the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.
During his stay, Tom had the unique opportunity to meet Manny Pacquiao, a national icon in the Philippines. His girlfriend arranged the meeting. He found Pacquiao to be a humble and down-to-earth person. This encounter further solidified his positive impression of the Filipino people and their culture.
Tom’s experience highlights the importance of being open to new cultures and perspectives, even when faced with challenging or unexpected situations. Despite the initial culture shock, he took the opportunity to learn and grow.
The Pandemic Lockdown in Manila: A Stark Contrast
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tom found himself locked down in Manila. The experience was surreal. The busy city streets became deserted overnight. The government implemented strict restrictions. Only one person per household was allowed to leave to obtain essential supplies.
Tom recalls the stark contrast between the government’s response in the Philippines and the United States. In the Philippines, the government provided care packages of rice and Spam. In the United States, the government sent out stimulus checks. This difference highlighted the economic disparities between the two countries.
Tom’s experience during the pandemic underscored the importance of appreciating the resources and freedoms available in the United States. It also reinforced his belief in the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.
A Renewed Appreciation for the United States
Living in the Philippines gave Tom a newfound appreciation for the United States. He realized that many of the things Americans take for granted, such as access to resources and infrastructure, are not readily available in other parts of the world. This realization shifted his perspective. He developed a more positive view of his home country.
He acknowledges that the United States has its problems, just like all countries. However, it’s essential to recognize the privileges and opportunities that exist within its borders.
This shift in perspective highlights the value of experiencing different cultures and gaining a broader understanding of the world. Tom’s time in the Philippines allowed him to see his own country in a new light. It fostered a deeper sense of gratitude for the opportunities and freedoms he had always enjoyed.
I hope this may spark an interest in you also – to explore the world and see what’s out there! Or maybe even start living abroad.
Finding Love and New Challenges in Mexico City
After returning to the United States, Tom decided to go on another adventure. He chose Mexico City as his next destination. Drawn to the vibrant culture and the opportunity to learn Spanish, he booked a one-way ticket and set off to explore a new country.
Arriving in Mexico City, Tom faced new challenges. He struggled with the language barrier. He relied heavily on Uber Eats for the first few months. Despite the initial difficulties, he persevered and gradually began to adapt to his new surroundings.
Tom met his wife, Dalia, in Mexico City. Their relationship motivated him to improve his Spanish skills. With dedicated practice, he learned to communicate fluently with her. Dalia’s intelligence and ambition inspired him. He became deeply invested in her success.
Overcoming Misconceptions: Living Abroad and Beyond the Headlines
Living in Mexico City challenged many of Tom’s preconceived notions about the country. He found the city to be safe and vibrant. Tom noted that the media often portrays a skewed image of Mexico, focusing on the dangers of drug cartels, which is definitely not all of Mexico’s story.
He stressed that, while some parts of Mexico are dangerous, Mexico City is generally safe. He feels comfortable riding the metro and exploring different parts of the city. Tom also pointed out that there are a million Americans living in Mexico, more than in any other country in the world.
This experience highlights the importance of challenging stereotypes and seeking out firsthand experiences to form informed opinions. Tom’s time in Mexico City allowed him to see beyond the headlines and discover the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Mexican people.
Watch Now – Living Abroad with Tom!
You can follow Tom’s writing and journey at findingtom.substack.com.
Would you be interested in living abroad? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
With Love, Heidy
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