A U.S. Air Force veteran, Markeiz Ryan, has discovered a new sense of peace and purpose in Vietnam, a world away from the financial struggles he faced in America. After a difficult period following the 2008 financial crisis, which impacted his family, Ryan joined the Air Force in 2010 to build stability.
During his service, which took him to various countries, a disciplinary issue led to a period of depression. However, a subsequent trip to Vietnam during this time proved to be a turning point. The experience was so positive that it helped him overcome his depression and ultimately led him to move to Vietnam permanently after his honorable discharge in 2019.
Now residing in Ho Chi Minh City, Ryan lives comfortably on approximately $4,000 per month. This income is derived from multiple sources, including Veterans Affairs disability benefits ($1,500), the GI Bill for his master’s degree ($1,000), and teaching English ($1,300), supplemented by voiceover work and day trading. He notes that this income, while modest by American standards, provides a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in Vietnam.
Ryan rents a two-bedroom apartment for $850 monthly, with utilities around $130. His other living expenses are also manageable, contributing to his overall financial ease. He describes Vietnam as the safest and most peaceful place he’s lived, appreciating the calmer pace of life and reduced focus on political pressures.
Reflecting on his journey, Ryan emphasizes that Vietnam has helped him find balance and motivation. He feels that in America, despite hard work, he was stuck in poverty, whereas in Vietnam, he can focus on personal growth and happiness, escaping the survival mode that had previously dominated his life.