A Corporate Escape: Turning My Passion Into A New Business After 50

Having the ability to work remotely has afforded me a complete life reinvention and the ability to work in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

My several passports have been stamped with over 40 countries – a life journey that has perfectly equipped this Soviet-born global citizen for the new world of work as an international lifestyle consultant.

So how did I make the switch? Thoughtfully. Strategically. Persistently.

But, even though I currently work happily in remote locations, my commute has not always been just a click away. My career stepping stones included years of living and working in 4 different countries, several immigrations, and changes in professional directions: scientific research and engineering work in the former USSR, banking in Israel, IT Consulting in Canada – just to name a few.

Naturally, after decades of hard work, I found myself looking up from time to time to ponder the “what if”. My daydreams of being surrounded by historical and architectural wonders were a stark contrast to the gray polyester cubicle dividers and endless meetings that I found myself in.

The artificial ficus trees may have been the decorator’s touch in the corporate office, but I also found that they were a constant reminder that there was a real life outside my office.

What if one’s purpose could be realized in another way?

I realized one day that I would like to create a new life chapter full of passion, health, and purpose. Also what was pushing me forward fast was  the realization that my children would soon leave the nest along with the tick-tock of time as I reached my 50th birthday. I realized that I might not have a “better” time and opportunity to do something that I always wanted.

I had always wanted to travel and work in the travel industry, as a travel guide, later travel tours designer. So realizing that time wasn't on my side at this stage of life I decided if not now, then when?

And so I started from getting a travel advisor license and learning about travel from a business perspective.

My company's development started from the idea of promoting medical/dental tourism, and best retirement places to Latin America to retirees in the US and Canada. I also organized the Discovery Lifestyle Tour to Mexico and Europe via a boutique travel company called Travel Passion.

I established dental tourism options based on my extensive research, personal connections with doctors in Costa Rica, Mexico and my own treatment experience.

Discovery Lifestyle Tour was designed to provide authentic local impressions and real life information for those who were considering retirement abroad (full or part-time).

My passion to do this was driven by remembering my own early travel and relocation days. I could only imagine how much faster and better my transitions could have been if I had valuable resources and a reliable advisor. I could have saved so much time and frustration. By planning my first steps in the new country better, it would have been easy to avoid some adjustment and cultural issues for my whole family.

Naturally, this feeling has become my platform for purpose: I feel compelled to share my experiences (and lessons learned) with others, so they can skip or shorten the trials of ensuring the right steps are taken for a seamless transition.

Since I had already lived out the details of overseas relocation and in multiple scenarios, it was a natural step for me, particularly in serving other baby boomers like myself. Plus, working remotely as an entrepreneur added another layer of perspective, connecting me also with other remote workers.

One of my favorite moments in my newly self-employed adventure is seeing the awe on people’s faces when they hear how affordable it can be to live in a selected place, to retire without compromising lifestyle or good medical access. And for millennials and remote workers, seeing their eyes widen when they discover new places and cultures as options for professional plans.

Dreams certainly become more vivid when hope is renewed. New information can open new horizons, paving the way for informed new decisions.

In 2019, my new decision at that time was to launch a Discovery Lifestyle Tour including real estate investments in Riviera Maya, Mexico and a Cultural Discovery Tour to the Central states of Mexico.

The next year, 2020, Discovery Lifestyle Tour was also planned for Portugal and Spain. aiming to help people observe the real life of the local expat communities, to learn about different places.

This tour also provided the experience in a variety of climate zones, cultural specifics, immigration rules, and offered a window into the lifestyle and financial options for different people.

Unfortunately, however, the fear factors of the COVID pandemic disrupted life and business plans for all of us, adding tremendous restrictions on travel and people movement.

Having more free time during the lockdown provided me the opportunity to stop, follow up and observe current economical, employment and political events over the world.

The combination of honed research skills and reliable sources of information drove me to analyze current investments and people migration, global changes and remote work trends. Such a deep data dive revealed the unique pain points of the baby boomers and generation X circa 2020 and beyond brought me to realization that there is a need for the specific consulting services I now provide.

I feel compelled now to share my experiences (and lessons learned) with others, so they can avoid mistakes, save time and energy of ensuring the right steps are taken for a seamless transition. And just as I’ve discovered and learned for myself, I am now a conduit of information to help others live, retire and invest overseas.

Of course, I’m also my own client. My next move? Currently, in Canada, I’m researching and planning to move soon to Mexico, where I am planning to work and retire.

So do you have a dream yet to be realized? Are you still on the hunt for a new experience and life purpose? Wanting to discover new work opportunities or something new in yourself? 

I help others live a life full of passion, health and purpose. Whether you are curious or ready to pursue your next chapter of living overseas, let’s talk.

As I always say, if not now, then when?

About the Author;

Emily Bron was born and received an Engineering degree in the former USSR. She then worked in mutiple disciplines such as scientific research, environmental engineering, financial field and IT consulting. After years of living and working in 4 different countries (3 continents), several immigrations, and changes in professional directions, at the age of 50 she realized that it is time to create a new life chapter full of passion, health, and purpose. The concept of International Lifestyle Consulting came from Emily's desire to help others to work, live, or retire overseas, enjoying life in the full without compromising health and overall well-being. You can find out more details about her business and reach Emily at www.emilybron.com.