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A few weeks ago we celebrated us both having full-time jobs, and what our fears and dream were with two incomes.

But, two weeks after Max started, Hana got laid off from the job she’s been at for almost two years.

(She actually recorded a YouTube episode about it, since you know, she has just a bit more free-time now).

Isn’t it funny?

Now, it’s Hana talking.

It’s like, the universe was there for me when I needed that job most. But, as the saying goes, it wasn’t serving me anymore, so, it was time to leave.

To be honest — and I probably mentioned this — as soon as I knew Max got hired, I was thinking about quitting. Not because I didn’t like my job or I didn’t love the idea of two incomes, but because I wasn’t really going anywhere with it. (Though, building out our entire marketing strategy with $0 budget was definitely a challenge). I liked the flexibility and freedom I had in the job, I liked that it was in the travel industry, and I liked my team.

But, I also NEVER really had a break in my life. Since we moved to South Korea 13 years ago, I have never stopped working.

And, even though I launched my freelance career a few years after we started teaching abroad, I still had to take my laptip with my everywhere.

I was excited about having a full-time remote job finally, and I probably still will go back to that (for now).

But, since having kids, not having a break in sight was getting hard for me. I wanted even just a little time to just relax, focus on my passions, my next step, whatever. And, I didn’t ever see when that was going to happen.

When it actually became a possibility once Max got hired with a healthy salary, I couldn’t stop thikning about it. But, I knew I couldn’t quit my job. The money was too hard to say no to right now, especially since we don’t have any major travel plans right now.

Having this sort of income abroad was always the dream, and we had accomplished it.

So, then the universe said “You know what? You need this. You must take advantage. You’re not going to quit? Okay, we’ll make sure you’re laid off instead.”

It still very much came as a shock, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was a little bit exciting, in a risky sort of way.

Like, when we moved to Korea and had no idea what to expect.

Or, when we moved to Portugal.

And, then to Colombia.

In all of these instances, things weren’t always perfect, but somehow, someway, they worked out in the end.

And, this will, too.

Since I’m still a mom of a 4-year old and a 9-month old abroad, it’s not like this is a real break. I still have shit to do, all day, every day. I have to use my Spanish more now that Max doesn’t have that much time to make phone calls and do the things he normally is in charge of.

But, the other day, I got coffee with a friend, and even though I’m still working for the next month and a half, I didn’t have to stress about glancing over at her and my laptop while getting my work done. (I still had to get it done later on, but you get my point). I was able to be present.

I also went to my first exercise class in FOREVER. Between work, moving, the idiosyncrasies of living abroad, and the kids, I just haven’t had the time.

I’ve been working on my book(s), my YouTube channel, applying to jobs, and I’m super excited about finally expanding on Roammies, and reflecting on my career for the last ten years, and what I want the next ten years to look like. (I’m not into 5-year/10-year plans, but you get what I mean.)

Oh, and I’m going to be traveling soon. My first solo trip without the kids. My cousin is coming to visit this summer, and we’re heading to Eje Cafeteria together. We went in 2024 with Mika and before I was pregnant, and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. I was debating bringing one of the kids, but how often do I get to do this? And, again, the beauty of living in Colombia and having help means Max will have all his bases covered so he can work while he has both kids.

I think we owe it to you to send an update.

So, we’ve been writing this newsletter every week and we occasionally get new subscribers, but it’s nothing earth-shattering. Still, we enjoy doing it, so if you enjoy something, you should continue it, no?

Interviews: We still have a lot of families lined up that we want to talk to, and we’re eager to share those stories with you.

Video/podcasting: Now that I’ve figured out how to do some basic video/podcast recording and editing, I hope to finally start doing the podcast/video interviews with some families we’ve already spoken to, and those we plan to speak to going forward. I think that’s really where the heart of this all lies — just getting know and shining light on families that are already doing this, and hearing their stories.

The Roammies Database: Lastly, coding apps like Claude have gotten increasingly more advanced. At this moment, when I want to upload a new place to the Roammies Directory, it’s extremely easey to do, even in bulk. I can’t believe we used to manually do all of this not even two years ago.

I am aware that there are other similar apps and concepts out there, many of which are simply moving faster than us. But, for once in my life, I’m not going to let it bother me. We have all of you dedicated subscribers, and though the community is small right now, it’s brought us some beautiful connections, and that’s why we do this.

The Roammies Circle/Forum: We’d like to finally create the Roammies Circle, building an application/forum/community that keeps all of this in one easy, accessible place. In the Circle, you can access the Directory (and, add your own!), connect with other families, write and share your own experiences, ask questions about places, and utilize the Roammies Babysitting Network.

Hubs & Retreats: We hope to highlight hubs and retreats catered to families with small kids like ours, and who knows, maybe we’ll even start our own (even if it’s virtual for now!) We may also explore adding a space where you can build your own traveling village, and find your own teacher to travel with you.

Partnerships: We also hope to start partnering with brands that are creating things that we know will be useful for members of this community. (And, maybe even creating some Roammies swag?!…)

Anyway, we’re thankful to you for sticking with us as we ride all these waves of change. We’re still committed to building this community and are grateful for your support!

As always, we’d love to hear from you if you have a story to share or just want to connect!