Starting over at 60

I never thought I would do it. When I actually did it, I was in disbelief. Even now, almost 2 months later, I am still finding it hard to believe that on June 12, I made the move to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I had about $15K and 2 suitcases, along with my backpack, and that is all I own to my name anymore. I sold my car. I gave away pretty much everything else that I own, bought a one-way plane ticket, and here I am.

So what is it like to basically start over with nothing at age 60? Well, let me tell you about it.

Starting over

I didn't know what to do. I was facing another day of waking up to the same day with a different date and different name, but ultimately, the exact same day. I didn't want to keep living that day over and over as I had for the last nearly 40 years. I needed a change. I had a friend who had made the move to Southeast Asia (SEA) in October of 2025. She had started out in Thailand and in December had moved to Cambodia. It was in June that I finally got over being a scaredy-cat and bought my ticket, said my goodbyes, and boarded the first of the 3 flights to get to Cambodia and arrived on June 12.

But what was I going to do for money? Even though it was less expensive to live in Cambodia, it was still going to take money to get set up with any kind of business, and $15K wouldn't last me very long.

Above is me at the gym at the high-rise condo that I now call home with my friend Sydney and her son Colton. We also have a very nice swimming pool. Behind me, from the windows, you can see part of the sprawling city of Phnom Penh.

There are about 2.5 million people who live in the city. I come from a small town of 680 people. There are more than 680 people who live in the high-rise I live in. We are on the 24th floor. There are 34 floors total.

I figured I would start working out and swimming because if I was starting over, I may as well start my physical health ventures over, too.

Writing

I put myself more into my writing. I am not necessarily writing what I want to write. I am actually writing clean and sweet, small-town romance novels under a pen name. I am not making enough to live on yet, but I am still hopeful!

The above image is from one of the sweet and clean romances that I am writing. I didn't include the book name or my pen name.

I'm actually kind of enjoying writing these stories and am on my 6th book now. (I am writing the 6th book right now.)

Network and Affiliate Marketing

I am still running my network marketing business. I am doing two right now.

And I am still doing affiliate marketing. My plate is pretty full these days, but one thing I can say is that I don't wake up to the same day every day anymore! Every day is a new adventure, whether I am writing or actually going out and exploring.

Pictured above is Chaktomuk Walk Street, which takes you along the riverside. There are hundreds upon hundreds of vendors here, too. On a couple of nights a week, they close this street off to vehicles, and it literally becomes a "walk street". It is a few miles long. We went down to the end and took a boat ride, which was beautiful at night.

Tonight we went to an authentic Ethiopian restaurant. It was quite good.

Earlier today we went to the huge Central Market, which has hundreds and hundreds of vendors located in this huge open-air and some enclosed market space. Before that, we went to a pressed flower art class. We are doing a lot of things and learning a lot of new skills.

Who would have thought it? Not me.

I am glad I tried something new. I needed to. I am still nervous about things, but I am still trying new things. I am encouraging everyone I know to try new things.

What new thing or things are you going to try? You might just surprise yourself.

Have a great week!

Karin