Understanding Retirement Through the Eyes of an Expat
Retirement is often envisioned as a final destination, a time to kick back and relax after years of hard work. However, Jamal Robinson, an American expat retiree living in Dubai, challenges this notion. He describes retirement not as an endpoint, but as a vibrant new phase of life filled with opportunities for adventure and exploration.
At just 17 years old, Robinson began a journey that would ultimately lead to retiring earlier than he ever anticipated. Working at Taco Bell, he observed the dissatisfaction of those around him in the job market. This realization set him on a path toward financial independence, with a goal to retire by the age of 45. Achieving that goal six years ahead of schedule, he now spends his days exploring new cultures and indulging in his passions.
Robinson has traveled to nine countries and 15 cities, immersing himself in different settings and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. He has found that Dubai caters to retirees with various services and activities, making it an ideal place for him to live out his post-work life.
Robinson shares that he lives comfortably on an annual budget of approximately $185,000. This equates to a monthly allowance of about $15,400, with an average monthly expenditure around $9,000. He allocates significant funds for food, opting for quality dining experiences and frequent entertaining—a budget of $2,000 per month primarily for dining out.
His living situation reflects his lifestyle choices. Residing in a two-bedroom apartment near the beach, he pays around $5,000 each month. In addition, his transportation costs—averaging $400 to $600 monthly—stem from utilizing a personal driver rather than owning a car.
Robinson acknowledges a transformation in his relationship with money over time. Growing up in a lower middle-class household, he developed a scarcity mindset that influenced his spending habits. Early in his career, as he ascended the corporate ladder, his income climbed significantly, yet he remained cautious about expenditures, often reluctant to spend even modest amounts.
He highlights moments of personal growth where his earlier frugality began to give way to a more relaxed and fulfilling approach to spending. The change allowed him to appreciate life more fully, shifting his focus from hoarding wealth to enjoying his hard-earned resources. Now, he reflects on past monetary goals, which once seemed insurmountable—as high as $20 million—ultimately settling on a figure around $4 million as sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle.
Retirement, for Robinson, is also about exploring personal passions and hobbies. Music has always been a significant part of his life; he now spends time DJing and producing music, integrating creative outlets into his retirement experience. This reflects a broader desire to maximize life’s experiences rather than simply accumulating savings—a realization that drives his current philosophy towards life after work.
Choosing Dubai as his home was a deliberate decision informed by various factors, including safety, cultural diversity, and personal acceptance. Robinson appreciates Dubai's cosmopolitan atmosphere, where people from all walks of life coexist and thrive. As a black American expat, he notes the refreshing shift in identity perception; rather than being primarily identified by his race as often experienced in the United States, he feels embraced as an American first.
Looking ahead, Robinson has plans to travel to Amsterdam, Bangkok, and possibly South Africa. Instead of adhering to traditional notions of “what’s next,” he embraces an open-ended approach to life, prioritizing emotional well-being and valuing connections with others. His journey reflects a commitment to not only self-discovery but also contributing positively to the world around him.
Conclusion: Redefining Retirement
Through his experiences, Jamal Robinson redefines the traditional concept of retirement. It is not an end, but rather a rich, textured phase of life full of exploration, creativity, and connection. His story serves as a reminder that retirement can be an opportunity to redefine one’s identity and priorities in a world where happiness and fulfillment matter most.
Part 1/8:
Understanding Retirement Through the Eyes of an Expat
Retirement is often envisioned as a final destination, a time to kick back and relax after years of hard work. However, Jamal Robinson, an American expat retiree living in Dubai, challenges this notion. He describes retirement not as an endpoint, but as a vibrant new phase of life filled with opportunities for adventure and exploration.
The Journey to Early Retirement
Part 2/8:
At just 17 years old, Robinson began a journey that would ultimately lead to retiring earlier than he ever anticipated. Working at Taco Bell, he observed the dissatisfaction of those around him in the job market. This realization set him on a path toward financial independence, with a goal to retire by the age of 45. Achieving that goal six years ahead of schedule, he now spends his days exploring new cultures and indulging in his passions.
Robinson has traveled to nine countries and 15 cities, immersing himself in different settings and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. He has found that Dubai caters to retirees with various services and activities, making it an ideal place for him to live out his post-work life.
Cost of Living and Spending Habits
Part 3/8:
Robinson shares that he lives comfortably on an annual budget of approximately $185,000. This equates to a monthly allowance of about $15,400, with an average monthly expenditure around $9,000. He allocates significant funds for food, opting for quality dining experiences and frequent entertaining—a budget of $2,000 per month primarily for dining out.
His living situation reflects his lifestyle choices. Residing in a two-bedroom apartment near the beach, he pays around $5,000 each month. In addition, his transportation costs—averaging $400 to $600 monthly—stem from utilizing a personal driver rather than owning a car.
Evolving Perspectives on Money
Part 4/8:
Robinson acknowledges a transformation in his relationship with money over time. Growing up in a lower middle-class household, he developed a scarcity mindset that influenced his spending habits. Early in his career, as he ascended the corporate ladder, his income climbed significantly, yet he remained cautious about expenditures, often reluctant to spend even modest amounts.
Part 5/8:
He highlights moments of personal growth where his earlier frugality began to give way to a more relaxed and fulfilling approach to spending. The change allowed him to appreciate life more fully, shifting his focus from hoarding wealth to enjoying his hard-earned resources. Now, he reflects on past monetary goals, which once seemed insurmountable—as high as $20 million—ultimately settling on a figure around $4 million as sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle.
Embracing Creativity and Hobbies
Part 6/8:
Retirement, for Robinson, is also about exploring personal passions and hobbies. Music has always been a significant part of his life; he now spends time DJing and producing music, integrating creative outlets into his retirement experience. This reflects a broader desire to maximize life’s experiences rather than simply accumulating savings—a realization that drives his current philosophy towards life after work.
Life in Dubai: Safety, Diversity, and Acceptance
Part 7/8:
Choosing Dubai as his home was a deliberate decision informed by various factors, including safety, cultural diversity, and personal acceptance. Robinson appreciates Dubai's cosmopolitan atmosphere, where people from all walks of life coexist and thrive. As a black American expat, he notes the refreshing shift in identity perception; rather than being primarily identified by his race as often experienced in the United States, he feels embraced as an American first.
Future Plans and Personal Values
Part 8/8:
Looking ahead, Robinson has plans to travel to Amsterdam, Bangkok, and possibly South Africa. Instead of adhering to traditional notions of “what’s next,” he embraces an open-ended approach to life, prioritizing emotional well-being and valuing connections with others. His journey reflects a commitment to not only self-discovery but also contributing positively to the world around him.
Conclusion: Redefining Retirement
Through his experiences, Jamal Robinson redefines the traditional concept of retirement. It is not an end, but rather a rich, textured phase of life full of exploration, creativity, and connection. His story serves as a reminder that retirement can be an opportunity to redefine one’s identity and priorities in a world where happiness and fulfillment matter most.