Had a plan to move - now having second thoughts. Should I?

Posted by vanillakebab@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 9 comments

Hi. I (27F, single, no kids) had a plan to move from Russia to Montenegro in 2025 on my own. There are a lot of reasons for wanting to leave Russia but it all came down to not being able to afford it. In 2024, I finally had the opportunity that would get me close to my goal. I have started a remote job which is enough to sustain modest living, taxes and rent in Montenegro (1000$/month). I've researched all costs for the move and residence permit through opening a company, and I can afford the setup costs with the funds I saved. I made a budget, and it's just enough to make it. Frankly, I'm just scared at this point and having second thoughts. Main point being that I don't have a sense of job security, and while it's fine right now, I realise that I can be fired any time just because and then I'm pretty much fucked. I don't have any substantial savings, and I don't offer anything special to the table in terms of my skill set. I never finished my degree. Everyone's saying I should just take this step, move, and see where that gets me, but to me it feels like I'm in a shaker position that they think it is. I don't even know at this point and I need some outside opinions. The context about being Russian is probably important. Thanks.

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Daidrion@reddit

I moved outside of Russia back in 2019 and have a bunch of friends who moved to Serbia or Montenegro after the war started. I can empathize with your situation, but I also feel like a move wouldn't be such a good idea in your case:

I assume you earn in $?
It looks like you did you research, but 1000$/month is extremely tight (unless you meant 1000$ after all potential expenses), Montenegro is actually not that cheap. On top of that immigrants' expenses tend to be higher than expected, especially early on. You won't save much if at all, which combined with
No job security, limited savings and no in-demand skills puts you in a quite dangerous position.
Add the lack of local language to that (it's possible to live without, but of course more difficult), different laws/rules, etc.
If you're from a милионник (or even smaller), then it'll feel extremely dead. With no friends or family around, it could be quite tough. Immigrating is quite taxing mentally in general.
Getting around without a car could also be tough.

With all that in mind I would unfortunately agree, that at least based on your description it feels shaky. You mentioned your current situation, but do you have a contingency plan once you get there? What would be the "ideal" scenario for you?

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vanillakebab@reddit (OP)

Thank you, you described just my worries with points 1&2. I budgeted it all out and it shows it right there. Just after talking to my friends and colleagues about it, it was starting to feel like I was being too cautious. I do get bonuses but they are nothing to count on as they might be there one month and not the other, and I'd basically be living paycheck to paycheck like I do here, except there I will have no family (even though I don't have much of one) or friends to fall back on. Ideally I want to save up more and get a raise, which is possible but takes time. I do enjoy my job and to clarify I'm not in any trouble to feel shaky there, I just know that I'm not immune to things like lay offs and that scares the crap out of me. If I had a ton of money in savings to back me up I wouldn't even worry. So I should fix that first. Then I'd love to move there for the long term.

Godforsaken-@reddit

Relocation is expensive. Moreover, your forecasted expenses are going, most probably, to be higher. Also, you better earn your income in some stable currency instead of rubbles. Do not rush because of circumstances but save as much. You must have an emergency fund before moving.

Be strong, comrad

I get paid in dollars so that much is covered at least 😣

Thank you

brass427427@reddit

They won't be worth much if things continue.

Pale-Candidate8860@reddit

Thailand is very open to Russians and you can teach there once you have TEFL. I'm not sure of the other requirements, but I would look into it since they don't sanction your citizenship unlike other countries.

GingerSuperPower@reddit

Hey, I worked in Russia when the war broke out and moved away (although I’m not Russian). I loved my life there and my friends are like my second family, so leaving and not coming back was rough. Montenegro is nice, and depending on your job and experience finding online work is not the end of the world. Also consider TEFL if you can. As a childfree woman: get out of Russia. It pains me to say that, but it’s for the best. I was crazy nervous each time I migrated, so is everyone else. It’s totally valid and normal to have these feelings.

Thank you! I will not give up on my plan, but I need a lot more financial security before I make this step

kuldan5853@reddit

I mean you have said it yourself - Russia is not stable, the ruble is not stable, and even being a women will not protect you forever. The economic outlook for Russia is also bleak, to say the least.

It depends a lot on where in Russia you are of course, but I suggest you try to make it work and get out as long as you can - you earning your income in dollars also means the government might come for you sooner or later as they want foreign money under their grasp..

If you can access youtube, I suggest this channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@NatashasAdventures/videos

She lived in the far east of Russia and as a persecuted minority (LGBT) she tried to get out of Russia as soon as this whole mess started - she settled in Georgia, for reference.

I know stability is something to worry about when becoming an expat, but Russia can't offer you stability at the moment either - I'd strongly consider leaving even if it meant becoming near homeless somewhere else.