NEWS/BLOG

“Don’t Pack Your Bags”

That’s the title of an article on Metro, (sorry, the link is just too long) where I was quoted about the difficulty in finding a job overseas. Things are tough all over. Writer Luke O’Neil did a good job of summarizing my ramblings.

I did suggest, however, that some people might do well to wait out the recession in one of the countries with cheaper living costs such as Mexico or Costa Rica, where you can live on less than you’d pay in rent on a New York apartment.

A special welcome, though, to all of you who found your way to our website and signed on as associates because of the article.

If you’re among the many people wondering if an overseas move is right for you, or facing another difficult, life-changing decision, I have a book for you – How We Decide. Author Jonah Lehrer describes which parts of the human brain are involved in various kinds of decisions, how we’re often misled and why rational thinking isn’t always the best way to go. It’s a fascinating read.

A number of books about the brain have appeared lately. Among them is How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman. It’s not offering religion as a solution but it explains which parts of the brain are involved in various religious practices, especially meditation, and offers simple practices or exercises that can improve memory, promote relaxation and relieve stress. After doing just a few of the exercises. I found myself remembering numbers that I hadn’t even tried to memorize and putting my fingers on objects I had misplaced months ago. Power of suggestion perhaps, but that’s good enough for me.

Wishing you all a pleasant summer and hoping you’ll send us tips and suggestions to help other expats and would-be expats.