What's Happening?
Mikayla McGhee, a 29-year-old American, relocated from Atlanta, Georgia to Bahrain, where she works as a senior performance marketing manager for an IT company, earning $140,000 annually. McGhee, who grew up moving between military bases due to her parents' service in the U.S. Navy, decided to settle in Bahrain after visiting in 2020. She was drawn by the positive cultural experiences and lower cost of living compared to the U.S. McGhee lives in a spacious home near Bahrain's capital, Manama, and manages her work remotely, adhering to Eastern Standard Time. Her expenses in Bahrain are significantly lower, with services like hair and nails costing a fraction of U.S. prices. McGhee shares her experiences on social media, aiming to inform Americans
about the benefits of living in Bahrain.
Why It's Important?
McGhee's story underscores the growing trend of Americans seeking opportunities abroad, driven by the desire for a better quality of life and lower living costs. Her experience highlights the potential for remote work to enable such lifestyle changes, as she continues to work for a U.S.-based company while living overseas. This trend could influence U.S. companies to offer more flexible work arrangements to retain talent. Additionally, McGhee's positive portrayal of Bahrain challenges common stereotypes about the Middle East, potentially encouraging more Americans to consider relocating to the region.
What's Next?
As more Americans explore living abroad, there could be increased demand for remote work opportunities and international relocation services. Companies may need to adapt their policies to accommodate employees working from different time zones and countries. McGhee's social media presence could inspire others to share their expatriate experiences, further influencing perceptions of living abroad. Additionally, her story may prompt discussions about the economic and cultural benefits of international living, potentially leading to policy changes that support expatriates.
