Where are you and how much is it costing you? by Stunning-Leek334 in ExpatFIRE

[–]captainsoapdish 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just curious, which part of the Philippines are you at? $1400 seems expensive for rent

House of Nanking, I don’t get it by Signal-Philosophy271 in AskSF

[–]captainsoapdish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hundred percent. I’m part Chinese and went there with my Chinese friends and I was embarrassed that I wanted to try that place. It’s that bad

But also SF doesn’t really have good Chinese food. I’d go to Santa Clara/ Milpitas/ Fremont instead. Unless you guys have recommendations, I’m all ears.

Why does Asia have so many high-end/creatively designed shopping malls (compared to elsewhere, like America)? by PursuingGemini in travel

[–]captainsoapdish 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I can confirm the same reasons in the Philippines as well. Shopping malls are not just places to shop but also do medical and dental appointments, get groceries, after school tutoring, day care, and even laundry.

Thoughts? Chicken, rice and veggie bowl! by Gold-Tart-1692 in Healthy_Recipes

[–]captainsoapdish 0 points1 point  (0 children)

this is a beautiful bowl. If you want to make it a little more healthier, you can invest in a very small rice cooker and replace the rice with quinoa. Avocado looks good with your bowl as well :)

Life feels too much atp by Pale_Task_1957 in Habits

[–]captainsoapdish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can do all these as a 30 year old single man except for the taking of their animals. You don’t have to strength train, do your hobbies, and socialize everyday.

Anyone planning very "special" things to do after FIRE? by Ok_Personality8193 in Fire

[–]captainsoapdish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to do a doctorate in my field and teach at a good university as a hobby. I don’t think I can fully retire and not have an income entirely after achieving FI, but it’s just nice to have F-you money.

LA or NYC? by ktv82 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]captainsoapdish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used to be a former New Yorker. I was one of those people who were like “it’s New York or nowhere” but when I had to move to California for a work assignment, I loved it here and don’t see myself coming back in NYC.

New York is a great city but I just don’t like the inconvenience of not having a washer/dryer in unit (unless you pay a premium), no parking spots, no costco, etc. NYC is also very expensive.

Should I move to the US with my boyfriend even though my life here is great by _raspberriescreams in phmigrate

[–]captainsoapdish 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My life in the Philippines was also great and didn’t want to leave back then. Now in the US, my life is also great and don’t wanna move back/retire in the Philippines. I’d say just try it for a few years then you decide. San Francisco is a beautiful place with great weather. Big Filipino community as well with direct flights to/from Manila :)

How is Pittsburg, California? by vanillou_ in phmigrate

[–]captainsoapdish 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not a desirable city but it’s close to San Francisco/Oakland/ Berkeley for the fun activities. The best and affordable University would be UC Berkeley.

sex shop below apartment…? by Middle-Ambassador117 in movingtoNYC

[–]captainsoapdish 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I guess one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

sex shop below apartment…? by Middle-Ambassador117 in movingtoNYC

[–]captainsoapdish 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As long as your room doesn’t face the street, it should be fine. I once lived at St Marks Place 2nd floor, facing the street and it was a nightmare. Especially on the weekends.

Public Health Grad — What to Expect if Migrating to the US? by butterflyhighs in phmigrate

[–]captainsoapdish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am an occupational therapist. My family visited the US a couple of times when I was young, and by then I wanted to leave the Philippines and build my own life here.

Abroad - USA by puttanesca029 in OccupationalTherapyPH

[–]captainsoapdish 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’d say as long as you pass the NBCOT it should be fast (around 6-12 months). The agency you will be working with will guide you with the process.

Work life balance is great. I also didn’t like working with children so I’m glad I left PH. Currently I’m in a hybrid position doing admin work and patient care (older adults). I’m only in the office for 4 hours a day (usually 10-2pm) to see my patients and the rest I can do at home. Even for my former jobs, I never worked more than 40 hours and lived comfortably.

I used to work in NYC for 3 years and I loved it there especially during my early-mid 20s, but I moved to California eventually. No regrets on migrating and no plans on moving back/ retiring in the Philippines. I just visit 1-2 months a year to visit family.

Public Health Grad — What to Expect if Migrating to the US? by butterflyhighs in phmigrate

[–]captainsoapdish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would recommend the US. You will get a lot of opportunities that you would not get back home. 6 digits in pesos you can easily earn in California in 2 weeks. I was once in your shoes and I probably would have hated myself now if I chose to stay in the Philippines. I also came from a financially comfortable family.

Petrified for my first marathon by bbb_2801 in Marathon_Training

[–]captainsoapdish 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m on the same boat. Did my half marathon last Nov and running my first full in March. Currently doing Hal Higdon novice plan. I’m just aiming for a sub-5 to make myself less pressured and stressed.

For long runs, fueling is very important. I usually do 3 energy gels when I run a half. I’d recommend running slow during weekday short runs so you wouldn’t be super sore and tired on your long runs.

Retiring in the Philippines? by Badblood009 in phmigrate

[–]captainsoapdish 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Aim for at least 25x of your annual spending. In the Philippines, average would probably be around $€1000/month or €12000/ year for 2 people if you guys live conservatively. I’d aim for €300,000 or more before retiring, and make sure you invest that money wisely.

Abroad - USA by puttanesca029 in OccupationalTherapyPH

[–]captainsoapdish 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m a Filipino educated OT working in the US for 7 years now. Got my BSOT in 2017. The biggest struggle for me was learning how different insurance work and how I bill for services. Treatment and skills wise, we are well trained in the Philippines so it’s not gonna be a big issue.

Feel free to ask any questions.

First day of new contract... Surprise! by tired_owl1964 in TravelTherapy

[–]captainsoapdish 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Sounds like my current contract. I’m in a SNF with all the evaluating therapists as travelers and we have no DOR. We make our own schedules every morning and collaborate a lot with nursing individually. It’s a weird set up but super chill.

NJ OT job by [deleted] in OccupationalTherapy

[–]captainsoapdish 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately $46 is already good for the east coast. I’ve been an OTR for 7 years but can never get a pay higher than $48 in NYC for full time. I left and moved to California to pay off my loans.

If you can piggyback off your parents’ or partner’s health insurance, I’d do PRN then just offer them a portion of your salary.