About three months ago, a viral Indonesian hashtag, #KaburAjaDulu, surfaced on social media. It reflected growing frustrations over injustice and a longing for a better life outside Indonesia. While I understand the sentiment behind it, I hesitate when people treat “starting over abroad” as something as simple as packing a suitcase and boarding a plane.

In reality, living abroad is not always beautiful. If your main goal is to escape a problem, chances are you’ll find new ones waiting for you—just in a different language and currency. But if your decision is based on clear goals, preparation, and intention, then yes—I support that. And from my own experience, here’s the real preparation of starting over in a new country—mentally and financially.

🧠 Mental Preparation

Maturity

Starting over requires maturity. This doesn’t mean just age—it’s about owning your decisions. It’s knowing that every choice comes with a consequence, and being prepared to live through that. When you feel in control of your life path, you’re mature enough to take this step.

Resilience

This quality is becoming rarer as modern life becomes more convenient. But resilience is essential—it’s the ability to bounce back after every setback. Not by repeating the same mistakes, but by understanding when it’s time to pivot and try something new, without giving up your core passion.

Adaptability & Creativity

Moving abroad is the very definition of stepping outside your comfort zone. For Indonesians, this could mean no more rice three times a day, or losing access to warm sunlight all year. These shifts require adaptability—and sometimes, a touch of creativity to keep life enjoyable and fulfilling.

Humility

This one is very personal for me. Every time I arrive in a new country, I remind myself that I am a guest. No matter how welcome I may feel, I must respect the local culture, even when it differs from my values. Being humble opens doors to deeper understanding and mutual respect.

Growth Mentality

Starting over should also be about growing. This could be learning a new language, navigating a different healthcare system, or simply adjusting to new social norms. Keep your mind open—there’s always something to learn.

💰 Financial Preparation

Emergency Fund (Your Safety Net)

I’ve written in more detail about our international move budgeting in another post here, but one thing I can’t stress enough is: always have an emergency fund. It gave us peace of mind when everything else felt uncertain.

Adjustment Costs

The early days in a new country can be expensive. Think rent deposits, new furniture, school fees, or even just kitchen essentials. This adjustment period often comes with surprise costs, so plan extra in your budget.

Cost of Living vs. Income

Many influencers share their earnings abroad by converting it to Indonesian Rupiah—which can look impressive. But what matters more is how far that income goes. Ask yourself:

• What percentage of that salary covers daily expenses?
• How much is left for savings, leisure, or long-term goals?
  Understand the reality of your financial life abroad—not just the numbers on paper.

Annual Travel Home

For most Indonesians, family reunions are a must. Whether you plan to visit once a year or every few years, this should be part of your yearly savings plan. International travel isn’t cheap, and it’s one of the hidden costs many forget to include when planning a move abroad.

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Starting over in a new country is not an escape; it’s a commitment—to your personal growth, your family’s well-being, and your long-term vision. It’s challenging, humbling, and yes—rewarding. But only when you’re truly prepared—mentally and financially.

And if you’re preparing for a big move, I’ve created a free International Move Budgeting Checklist you can download to help you plan and stay on track. ✈️📋

So if you’re thinking of making that move, I hope this helps you reflect deeply and plan wisely. 🌍💛