Additional Coverage:
- A Gen Xer quit a $110,000 salary job in DC for one in Germany that pays less than half. He says he’s more financially stable and happier now. (newsbreak.com)
Kobi Smith, a 52-year-old former resident of Washington, DC, relocated to Germany in 2021 in search of a more affordable lifestyle. Leaving behind a career as an attorney with a six-figure income, Smith now works at a Popeyes restaurant, earning $49,000 annually. He expressed satisfaction with his move, citing the lower cost of living in Germany.
Previously serving as a judge advocate general for the US Army in Germany in the early 2000s, Smith’s initial experience abroad profoundly impacted him. In 2021, amid personal challenges including a divorce, Smith remembered his positive experiences in Germany. He sold his home, resigned from his $110,000 job at the Small Business Administration where he oversaw pandemic-era loans, and moved to Nuremberg.
Now employed as a food-service foreman, Smith has no immediate plans for retirement, although he intends to start collecting Social Security within the next decade. He is part of a growing number of Americans who enjoy the quality of life in Europe and prefer to stay abroad; nearly 23,349 American retirees received Social Security benefits in Germany as of the latest reports.
In 2022, Germany ranked as the fifth most popular destination for American retirees living abroad, behind Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the UK. This trend highlights the struggles many Americans face in affording retirement in the US.
Smith, originally from Maryland, has explored various careers, including owning a shoe store and returning to law when he became a father. His international experiences and the desire for a happier life fueled his move. Although his decision to relocate at his age surprised many friends, Smith sought a significant change to improve his mental health.
Living in Nuremberg, Smith finds his environment safer and more affordable than Washington, DC. He feels secure, enjoys efficient transportation, and benefits from lower living costs. His housing expenses in Germany are significantly less than in the US, contributing to a greater sense of financial freedom.
Smith encourages other Americans dissatisfied with their careers to consider moving abroad, highlighting that his $50,000 salary in Germany affords him a comfortable lifestyle, unlike in DC. He remains content with his life in Germany, enjoying the financial and personal benefits of his relocation.
For stories about Americans who have moved abroad and plan to retire there, readers are encouraged to share their experiences.
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