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Ukraine Expat Forum

Leap of faith

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extremevx
4/26/2016 18:07 EST

Ok. For those of you in the states still scared to take the first step and move here, let me go into depth on my situation. Bare in mind that what I did was my choice and I'm sure others may have done it different. If so, please chime in. I know it's very difficult to want to leave the plush protection of the USA. The unknown is always difficult but some times if you want something bad enough you just have to grab your nuts and take the plunge "like a boss"
I had been skypin with my woman for a year before I made my first visit to ukraine. I visited 2 more times over a 6 month period. During that 6 month period I made all the changes in my life that I would need to move out of the US and move to ukraine. I knew after I moved that I most likely would never come back except for visits.
After I was divorced on 2001 and lost our 250,000 home to my ex as well as a 40,000 vehice, I had been renting. So I didn't own a house I could sell and use the money for ukraine. I haf a job working as a field tech for a Caterpillar dealer making almost 100,000 a year. I wasn't able to really save money during that 6 months because I was using all extra I had to go back and forth to ukraine those 3 times. Before that it was hard to save being that I was paying 1200 a month in child support which ended about a year before I moved to ukraine since my son turned 18.
It will probably look stupid to most of you to make a decision like this and have very little money, but I wanted this woman and I was going to do what it took. She was counting on me, she put her life on hold waiting for me and there was no way I was going to break her heart. So many men promise these girls here that they will come and most never do. This is why a ukrainian girl will never take this relationship serious until they can finally see your face in the flesh.
Unless you have a lot of money saved or a good bussiness or investments to live off, or a job that allows you to live most of your time overseas. Your going to need some sort of fixed income from the states unless you can find a job in ukraine that pays enough which is very unlikely. I get 1200 a month and it's enough for me. Can you live off less, yes. Just ask russiofile.
Since I was in the army 8 years with stints in panama, Mogadishu and irag, I filed for va compensation. That's how I get the 1200 a.month. I had managed to save about 5000 and also buy my last plane ticked to ukraine which I bought as a round trip.because it's cheaper.
One of the things that made it easier was that I knew I would have a place to live when I got here as I knew olga ans I were getting married.
I arrived in kiev with 5000 in my pocket. Olga got us an apartment at the very place to revolution happened. I week for 100 bucks. We used this week to go to the embassy and get a letter of impediment for marriage which I found out you don't need anymore. And go get my divorce, birth certificate, passport notarized and translated into ukrainian because we were getting married ans this was a requirement. Cost 600 uah. After a week we traveled to nikolaev by train and I moved into olga's apartment with just a suitcase. Everything else of importance was mailed later. I still have a truck in america that needs to sell and I will have that money too. Out of the 5000, we got married and I spent 1000 on her ring. I used some of this money to buy a new wardrobe because dressed as an American was not in my wife's liking. So I had to buy the kind of clothes she likes so I look ukrainian. I hate it, but it's less arguments that way. Also spent money on things that I felt my wife needed to make her life easier such as a microwave etc and then put money away for a car for us.
All in all I moved to ukraine with the clothes on my back and 5 grand. Probably not very smart buy it worked. For those that don't have a woman yet, don't be discouraged. You can move here. There are plenty of us americans here that have a wife or friends that can find you an apartment cheap or a cheap hotel until you get an apartment. If you have a fixed income you can move here with 5grand. Everyday just go out and walk around and talk to women, meet friends. We in america are used ro doing everything ourselves for the most part, but for ukrainians it's important to build a network of friends because this is how you get anything done in this country. It's house you get a job, it's how you find housing etc. Word of mouth is the life blood. People in ukraine have many friends that they have known all their lives ans they will do anything to help them.
So if your hesitant about the unknown of moving here ans being able to survive, don't be. It will be the best decision you ever made. You will be amazed at how easy it is, how beautiful the woman are inside and out. How friendly people are and their willingness to help you. Once you marry a woman here, her family will take you on as one of them. They will watch out for you and make sure nobody does you wrong.
Just come over here even if you don't have a woman yet. Believe me, if you go out and start talking and meeting people, you will find a good woman in no time. Ukrainian women love men that are outgoing and have much energy and have no trouble making friends in any situation. Men who are comfortable in their own skin.
I know alot of america man are a little over weight and they wonder what a ukrainian woman thinks. It's like this. Yes, Ukrainian woman like a man with a nice body and a full head of hair. But it's not the main priority in their search for a man. American woman are very hung up.on this issue. To a ukrainian woman, she is more concerned about the man you are first, looks come second. She wants to know if your a man with ambition and leadership. She wants guidance and a rock to lean on. She wants a man that can keep a level head under stress.
Ok. Got of the subject.
So get over here and start living and quit worrying about if you have enough money or how you will live. To me it easier and less stressful than america.

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TexBrown
4/26/2016 18:58 EST

Thanks for posting down-to-earth, Ukraine/expat relevant and helpful information.

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sir2you
4/27/2016 02:32 EST

I've been here five years, and need composite dental work, and Veneers. Help!

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hsvgto
4/27/2016 07:36 EST

Times have changed for the better it seems.There was a time when those who had succeeded at some arduous task would sit back and giggle at the mistakes made by those who dared follow them....it's great to see some inspirational messages here from extremevx,russophile . kkmail to name but a few. Cheers

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TexBrown
4/27/2016 07:50 EST

Yes, thanks to the guys there.

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NA67
4/27/2016 13:59 EST

Really good post Extreme, I'm glad you posted your experience in moving to Ukraine. You have helped ease my mind a bit about retiring early from the Government !! I am on the down hill slid to my retirement here in Utah with the DOD/USAF. I worry all the time if I will have enough money to retire on. I know if I live in the States I am screwed, I will need to work till 65-67 to receive my better Social Security $$. IF SS STILL EVEN EXISTS THEN. If I come to Ukraine with my wife when I hit 56 1/2, I will have 30 years of Government Service, qualify for Early full retirement. With working for the GOV, we have a SS supplement that will give me 75% of what I would get at 62, at the age 56-57. And I am currently putting 30% into my 401K. I am hoping to do this 30% for the next 8 years when I hit 56 1/2. With all that I should receive, barring any BS from the Government, I should get about $3500 minimum cash in hand. This amount here in the USA is ok-live able. But in Ukraine I would have no worries, no stress in life!! And be able to walk away from a very stressful job 10 years early !!! Thanks again for your post !!

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MichaelTryn
4/27/2016 14:29 EST

Good for you Nate stashing away 30% in th kitty. You have 8 yrs to go with your "sentence" unfortunately. I remember when I was awaiting my 25, time went by slow. I suspected you were an independent contractor, working out there. This morning I was looking @ vineyard property in Argentina 40 acres for ex. with grapes, peaches, apples, figs @ reasonable prices. I don't know what DOD is, I know DOA. I didn't know you have stress with your work.

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extremevx
4/27/2016 15:20 EST

Department of Defense.

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sir2you
4/27/2016 15:37 EST

I live in Mogliv-Podilskyi, south of Vinnytsia...

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