Knighten and Cordier, a couple who first met while teaching English as a second language in Vietnam in 2014, decided to take the leap and move to the UAE in 2016. With salaries close to $70,000 per year, they were excited to experience new cultures and satisfy their wanderlust. However, after spending a few years teaching in Asia, they realized that making only $1,500 a month was not sustainable for their future plans.
Determined to make their dream of owning a home a reality, Knighten and Cordier set their sights on saving for a down payment on a house in Chicago where the average home price is around $350,000. Despite the challenges young Americans face in the tough housing market with low supply, high prices, and relatively high mortgage rates, they remained committed to their goal.
However, during a road trip through Europe in 2018, the couple had a change of heart. They reevaluated their plans and made a life-changing decision to abandon their dream of owning a home in Chicago and instead focus on building a fulfilling life together through travel and adventure. Knighten grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but found the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh to be a stark contrast to her childhood surroundings. Cordier was also drawn to new experiences and saw this move as an opportunity to explore new cultures while earning well at the same time.
Now that they have chosen this new path for themselves, Knighten and Cordier are excited about what the future holds for them as they continue their journey through life together.
