I agree 100% with her article about how you feel more freedom in Panama as a foreigner than in the US as a citizen.Ā The few times I’ve been back to the USA (twice for five days each time) it felt totally strange.
Read Alice’s article below.
Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are not based upon the legal system of either the U.S or Panama, but rather my (Alice’s)Ā lifestyle experiences. So donāt get yourself arrested and blame it on me, chief.
āAre you ever coming back to the U.S?ā
Itās a question Iāve been hearing for nearly two years.
At first, my answer had a built-in pause. āI donāt knowā¦ā I would mutter. āMaybe.ā
These days, itās shifted to a steady: āWhy would I do that?ā
The sentiment is further rooted during my annual visits to the U.S.Ā It seems that Panama has spoiled me. With its advantageous atmosphere and empowering sense of freedom, I feel suffocated when I return āhome.ā
Itās the little things, as well as a few major shifts in mindset and lifestyle. There are things I do in Panama that I just canāt do in the states. At least- not without fighting an uphill battle.
The Little Things
The little things are the hardest to explain. When we fall in love, whether with a person or a country, itās often thanks to the ālittle thingsā that we can barely pinpoint yet refuse to live without.
So, what are Panamaās little things? Iāll do my best to describe.
- Itās the freedom to drive onto the beach to reach that faraway surf break, with no one to yell at you and (barely) any people to hit.
- Itās the freedom to build a bonfire, pitch a tent, let your dog off the leash, or bring a flask to that same beach (or other public space) with no one to tell you off for it. The police drive by and wave- why would they care? āHope youāve got 4Ć4,ā they say, ācall us if you get stuck.ā
- Itās being able to walk into a store and have your smartphone unlocked, because you donāt want a 2-year contract, thank you very much. $15 a month, pay-as-you-go, sure beats that monthly $89 bill.
- Itās affording a weekly manicure, because for $8, why the hell not? Youāll use that time to practice your Spanish, anyway- two services for the price of one.
- Itās bringing your non-service dog on a public ferry, itās riding a horse wherever the hell you want, because who are you to tell me I canāt?
- Sure, buy a freshly-killed chicken from the farmer two houses down. Sell kabobs by the side of the road. Permit? Bah. The FDA wonāt bother you.
The U.S is suffocating, with its pussyfooting philosophy. No dogs allowed. No beers on the beach. No sneaking snacks in the theater, and absolutely no monkey bars on the playground. Donāt you dare start that bonfire. And you! Youāre trespassing. Get out of thisā¦uhā¦.forest. Youāre up to no good.
Land of the free. Home of the brave.
Except everyone is terrified of lawsuits to the point that the country is idiot-padded and accident-proof.
Nevermind the fact that the 9 out of 10 casualty-free scenarios are stripped away from us. Nevermind the concept of, oh, I donāt know, doing what you want so long as youāre not hurting anybody else.
Life Changers
Little freedoms are nice. Itās only when combined with life-changers that a fun place to visit becomes a better place to live.
Living in Panama has enabled me to have a conscious control over my career, the direction it goes, and the rate at which it progresses. Iām not hungrily grabbing at whatever opportunity comes my way. With so many opportunities, I get to pick and choose.
I neednāt operate at the mercy of the economy, the market, and all its fluctuations. I operate according to me.
At 23, Iām in the initial stretch of my freelance career- but you wouldnāt know it by my portfolio.Ā I spearhead projects that most people canāt touch before years of climbing the corporate ladder. The U.S is saturated with bureaucratic bullshit. Bide your time, pay your dues, wait for that promotion, your moment will come.
In Panama, you opt for the grab-what-you-want-by-the-cajones path instead.
The economy has grown dizzyingly fast. Businesses are racing to keep up, to expand, to offer more, make more, and maximize on this historical period. They donāt care how many notches are on your belt. They care that youāre able to grab the reins, bring something new to the table, and produce results.
Read also: Why Panama is like Disney World for Entrepreneurs
Iām sure some would say the same about the States- and I donāt doubt them. But I also donāt envy freelancers or job seekers in the U.S- particularly those who are still earning their stripes, or competing against more people for less openings. Fighting to burst their head through a sea of contenders, just to grab the attention of some company whoās probably not hiring, anyway.
My life in Panama has afforded me a level of autonomy, both personally and professionally, that Iāve never had in the States. My no-handcuff, high-profit lifestyle has become my definition of freedom- and itās given me little reason to ever look back.
By Alice.