Thilini is originally from Sri Lanka. Despite a thriving financial career in her home country and in Australia, she was looking for a change. Today, Thilini lives in Mexico with her partner and is pursuing her dream as a writer and remote entrepreneur. She talks to us about her journey and her struggles to find inner and outer freedom as an expat.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a Sri Lankan Australian currently living in Mexico. I am originally from Sri Lanka, and I later moved to Australia and even later headed out to travel with my partner and chose Mexico as a base. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, we've stayed on in Mexico.
I studied finance and economics and had a financial career for over a decade, which I left behind in 2019 to travel. Later, I commenced my journey as a writer and a remote entrepreneur. I've had several challenges in my childhood and youth which made me realise that I shouldn't postpone dreams. So here I am.
What made you want to leave Australia?
I love Australia, and my partner who was living in Texas at the time was also planning to move to Australia. However, I reached a stage where I realised that over 13 years had passed since I became a full-time employee, and despite a lucrative career, my entrepreneurial dreams were passing by. So were my travel dreams. I was often travelling but within the limitations of a full-time job.
So, my partner, who also agreed with my thoughts, and I, decided to quit our jobs to travel based out of Mexico.
What attracted you to Mexico?
We decided on Mexico as a base to travel from due to its location, the ease of obtaining a temporary residency for myself, and my partner being a citizen (he was born in Mexico). It's almost two years since we moved here. We've lived on the Pacific Coast, and here in the Yucatan Peninsula for the most part.
From a financial professional to a writer and nomadic entrepreneur, how do you explain this career change?
I always wanted to work on a flexible schedule. Writing was simply a hobby that I was able to monetise. I started writing with finance, travel, and other topics that I have experience in.
Many things are new when it comes to the activities that I am doing now, including my blog, so it's very interesting. I've got so much to learn, and I absolutely love it. My former career is actually very helpful when it comes to entrepreneurial activities because I can frequently leverage my financial background. I don't think anything we learn or do along the way goes to waste. Life experiences and knowledge always come in handy, no matter what turns we take in life.
What are the challenges of being an expat entrepreneur?
It was challenging to understand the different laws around work permits and taxes. This is especially challenging for digital nomads and location independent entrepreneurs. To avoid any complications, I obtained tax residency in Mexico and the relevant immigration permit to carry out my activities.
On your blog, you talk about your struggle against anxiety and trying to “figure out life”. How did you overcome it?
I struggled with anxiety since very young, but especially after I lost my only immediate family member (my father), in my early twenties. The anxiety was quite bad just before I left Sydney, surprisingly at a time when my life was comfortable, and after I had overcome the challenges of my younger years.
Meditation has been (and is) a great help. Learning about anxiety, and not trying too hard to get rid of it, were also helpful. The issue was that I was constantly overthinking the past or stressing about the future, and not being where I was. The more I practised being present, the more relaxed I became, over time. Occasionally, even now, I tend to go down the anxiety-path, but I am more aware of it than back then, so that really helps. For the most part, I feel much better and relaxed.
I also learnt to be grateful for this life, including its challenges, and not take anything for granted. To appreciate everything however small. There are times I fail at this, and I have to catch myself. I think appreciation can heal many things.
As for figuring out life – that's ongoing. If I don't get there before the end of life, I am at least enjoying the ride.
What is your definition of inner and outer freedom, and how can expats achieve it?
I believe that inner freedom is the freedom and joy of being here now, in this moment. Freedom from time; the past and the present. In my opinion, the outer freedom is a lifestyle on our own terms, depending on each person's views and requirements.
In terms of achieving inner freedom, I think we can start with being at peace with life as of now, with whatever is going on. We shouldn't “wait” for everything to line up perfectly, to be at peace. In terms of outer freedom, I'd say to consider what type of lifestyle makes you joyful and enthusiastic about life. If it's not possible to achieve that just yet, you can work towards it, and enjoy the steps along the way.
Given your nomadic lifestyle, do you actually feel free in Mexico in spite of travel and health restrictions around the world?
Yes, I do. We haven't left Mexico after February 2020 and were completely restricted for several months in 2020. Once the restrictions eased, we started exploring locally within the safety guidelines, and have been to some beautiful outdoor places that we wouldn't have visited otherwise. I feel free and comfortable here, despite the ongoing restrictions. I love the Yucatan Peninsula (where we live now), and I think that helps.
Did you find it hard to adapt to Mexico? What were the main challenges for you as an expat?
No. But there were challenges, of course!
I started learning Spanish while I lived in Sydney. Although my Spanish was basic when I first got here, the foundation helped me keep progressing further. That really helped with adapting to Mexico.
Some of the main challenges were adapting to how different things were done and learning to be patient when things didn't go as planned, such as attending to administrative work with local organisations.
Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?
As for a particular location – I don't know.
In life: I hope to progress in my entrepreneurial activities, progress in my community work, and be joyful.
Do you have any advice for expats who, like you, are looking to have a meaningful life?
In my humble opinion, I can say three things:
Find what you love to do (if you haven't already) - something that is fulfilling. Even if change isn't possible right now, take steps towards it, and enjoy the journey.
It's important to give back to the world in any little way possible. The world needs it, and there is no greater happiness than to make a difference (however small).
I believe that achievements and “things” are meaningless if there is no inner joy. The more present we are right here (right now), the more joyful we become.
