On Monday, Hear From Some Ordinary-Turned-Extraordinary People
(Without Leaving Your Armchair) October 5, 2007
Panama City, Panama
| This is the view from Suzan's desk. Not a bad place to work, huh? |
My boss works in Mexico. From her desk, she looks across the terrace to the backyard where the sun shines brightly and pink bougainvillea tumble over the swimming pool. Even though she's working, she says she feels like the luckiest person in the world. My boss is Suzan Haskins-IL's chief Latin America Editor. And if you wonder how we work together with her in Mexico and me here in Panama, I'll say that for the most part, it's very easy. Technology is a wonderful thing. The truth is that either of us can work from anywhere…that's what being a "portable professional" is all about. We send instant messages and talk instantaneously-any time, anywhere-via the Internet. Suzan loves her job, although she tells me that hasn't always been the case. Just a few years ago, she was working away in Omaha, Nebraska-bored, restless, and more than ready for a change. Then, about eight years ago, she started reading International Living's daily postcards. She started daydreaming about doing exactly what she is doing today…traveling and writing about exotic locations. And living in one of them-in a place where…in her words… she never has to see a snowflake or put up with a human flake if she doesn't want to. (Hey, that must mean I'm okay…) Six years ago, Suzan decided to make her daydreams her reality. She sold her house, her cars, most of her belongings, and headed south to Ecuador, and eventually to Panama, Nicaragua, and Mexico, where she now lives. She pestered International Living for a job. And today she works, travels, and lives in Latin America-exactly where she has always wanted to be, and where she enjoys fantastic weather and a very comfortable lifestyle. Suzan's story isn't unique, though. Lots of people have said "to heck with it" and found new lives in foreign countries. Some are retirees, but most are still working… they've found unique and fulfilling ways to make a living-in Croatia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paris, Panama, Australia… A big part of Suzan's job is helping others do what she did: pull up stakes, head for greener pastures, and figure out a fun way to pay for it all. Everyone has a different reason for moving overseas, of course, but it's mostly about adventure, they tell us. It's about becoming the person you want to be, living the life you want to lead. And all it takes is a little confidence… So where can you find the motivation to even think about this kind of thing? You can bet I'm about to tell you. You don't have to buy any airline tickets or pack a suitcase. In fact, you don't have to leave the comfort of your home or office. On Monday, October 8, at noon EST, Suzan Haskins will host a special hour-long discussion with some friends-four other ordinary-turned-extraordinary people with fascinating, non-traditional lives. They'll talk about how they gave up the traditional (and stressful) workaday world for a far more rewarding one. And they'll tell you how you can, too. "I really believe that there are tremendous opportunities out there beyond U.S. shores," Suzan says, "and anyone who has the desire to do so can find them." She and her cohorts will talk you through that when you join the teleconference on Monday. Let this teleconference be the first step to the most rewarding chapter of your life. Best of all, you don't have to comb your hair, brush your teeth, or dress up to join in. Learn more here. Best Regards, Jessica Ramesch
Editor, Panama Insider
International Living P.S. To make it even more worth your while to participate in Monday's teleconference, a huge discount (for those of you on the teleconference) will be announced for our upcoming Global Business Opportunities conference in Denver, November 12-14. (Suzan will be the emcee for the Denver event, too.) Sign up for the teleconference here. And if your schedule won't allow you to join the call on Monday, but you'd like to join the group in Denver, please call 1-866-381-8446 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) or e-mail Events@InternationalLiving.com and ask if you can qualify for the special discount. Find out about more about the Global Business Opportunities conference here. | 
