I left a corporate job in Canada to spend more time with my family
Brendan Pon’s story
Brendan Pon, 36, wanted to be a hands-on parent who could fully engage in his kids' early years. He and his wife decided to make a change from their comfortable, predictable life in Toronto to prioritize family time.
Career background and motivation
Brendan spent 10 years as a recruiter for senior accounting roles after working as an accountant himself. Although their life was stable, Brendan and his wife were determined to spend more quality time with their two children, both under five.
Reason for moving abroad
In North America, the high cost of living often forces parents to prioritize work over family. Brendan explains that moving abroad allowed them to slow down, work less, and dedicate more time to their children. They chose to take this step sooner rather than later to keep options open in case it didn’t work out.
Initial move to Chiang Mai, Thailand
The family relocated to Chiang Mai in May 2024. Although they had visited before, once settled they found it wasn’t a good fit. Brendan noted:
“It felt like we were living in an expat bubble, and we struggled to integrate into the local community.”
Summary
Brendan and his wife’s journey highlights the challenges and choices involved in prioritizing family life over career stability, with relocation offering new possibilities but also unexpected obstacles.
Author’s note: Brendan’s experience underscores the delicate balance parents face between financial security and being present for their children’s formative years, even if it means uprooting their lives internationally.