Escaping the Rat Race: Why I Moved to an Island

- and how it was the toughest but the best decision

Maria Alcantara
5 min readJul 22, 2022
Photo by Daniel Jurin

You’re stuck in a job you hate, day after day, month after month. You feel like you’re going nowhere and your dreams are slipping through your fingers. You’ve had enough. It’s time for a change.

So you sell everything you own, pack your bags, and move to an island. That’s what I did with my family and yes, my beloved dog.

Island life is not for everyone, but it’s definitely for some. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of island living and why it might be the perfect escape for you.

The Importance of Quality of Life

You might be wondering why in the world I would move to an island. Isn’t that a bit drastic?

Well, for me, it was all about the importance of quality of life. I was sick of feeling like I was in a race I could never win. I was tired of sacrificing my time and my happiness for a job that didn’t bring me fulfillment.

And so, I made the decision to move to an island where life is a little slower-paced and the focus is on enjoying the simple things. There’s no doubt that it was a big change, but it’s one that has definitely paid off for me.

The High Cost of Living

The cost of living in the city can be downright prohibitive. Between sky-high rent prices, groceries, and transportation, it’s no wonder so many people are struggling to make ends meet.

That’s why I made the decision to move to an island. The cost of living is a fraction of what it is in the city, and I can finally breathe easy knowing that I don’t have to worry about making rent every month. Sure, there are some trade-offs (like the fact that there’s no subway system), but for me, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Don’t get it wrong, it ain’t cheap to live in paradise, real estate can be less but cost of goods is usually higher. Is it worth it? Personally, it is 100% worth it.

The Fast Pace of Life

You may be wondering why I would choose to move to an island, of all places. It’s simple, really. I was tired of living in a city that’s fueled by the rat race. Hustling and bustling from one place to another, always feeling like I needed to be somewhere else. It was exhausting.

While you can get energized from the hustle vibe, It’s a culture I just couldn’t live with anymore, it was draining every ounce of energy I had left after working and taking care of my kids.

Island life is the complete opposite. There’s no rush here, no sense of urgency. The pace is slow and relaxed, and that’s exactly what I needed. I’m able to take my time with things, relax and enjoy life without feeling constantly stressed out. If that’s not paradise, I don’t know what is!

True, sometimes it is a bit too slow… it took me over a week to get a water dispenser and no, tap water won’t cut it. But like most things in life, it’s all about a trade-off.

Yearning for a Simpler Life

Was I running away from something? Or looking for a simpler life? The answer is a bit of both. Maybe you are too.

For years, I’d been feeling more and more suffocated by city life. The constant noise, pollution, and stress were taking their toll. I was longing for a slower-paced, simpler life where I could relax and breathe easily.

So when the opportunity came up to move to an island, I didn’t hesitate. And I’m so glad I made the move! The island life is exactly what I needed — peaceful, relaxing, and surrounded by nature. If you’re feeling bogged down by city life and are longing for a change, I urge you to consider moving to an island too!

Finding Peace on an Island

For many people, the thought of moving to an island is nothing more than a dream. But for me, it was a much-needed escape from the hectic vibe of city life.

When I was growing up, I always loved visiting my grandparents on their small island off the coast of Brazil. As an adult, I decided it was time to follow my dream and move to an island of my own. And it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Needless to say, there’s something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by water and living in close proximity to nature. I’ve never felt so connected to my surroundings, and I’ve never been happier.

Living the Island Life

So, you’re thinking of moving to an island? Well, let me tell you why that’s a great idea!

For starters, living on an island is a great way to escape the rat race. There’s something about the island life that just seems to slow down time. You can relax on the beach, go for walks through the jungle, and enjoy the company of friendly locals.

Island life is also a great way to get back to basics. You’ll need to learn how to live off the land, catch your own fish, and collect your own fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be a fun challenge, and it’s a great way to connect with nature.

Finally, I think that island life is a great way to learn about yourself. You’ll need to be resourceful and adaptable if you want to survive on an island, and this can teach you a lot about yourself. Are you up for the challenge?

Conclusion

You sit at your desk, scrolling through Facebook when you see a post from a friend who just moved to an island. They’re taking a break from the rat race, and you can’t help but think: that sounds amazing.

You’ve been stuck in the same rut for years, and the idea of escaping to a place where you can finally relax and recharge sounds incredibly tempting. So, you start toying with the idea of moving to an island yourself.

There are a few things to consider before making the jump, but if you’re ready to leave your stress behind, an island could be the perfect place to call home.

It took me over a decade to make the move, but it was totally worth it. So if you’re toying with this idea, this is your wake-up call! Go live your best life!

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Maria Alcantara

Personal finance enthusiast and professional inspiring you to create your dream life — get my free book and guide at https://moneyletsbereal.gr8.com