I was lonely and working 15-hour days in the US. Moving to the Philippines gave me a community.
Britt McAlister said he tried pickleball and church, but found it hard to form genuine friendships in the US.
Britt McAllister, 56, left the United States to retire in the Philippines after struggling to find close friendships and balance work-life in the US. After his divorce and during the pandemic, McAllister found himself working long hours as a sales manager in the roofing industry, feeling lonely and discontent despite his material comforts.
He tried various activities, including pickleball and church, but found it difficult to make genuine connections. McAllister considered several countries for relocation, including Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico, but ultimately decided on the Philippines due to the ability to communicate with locals.
In January 2024, McAllister moved to Cebu City, Philippines, without visiting the country beforehand. Within two weeks, he became friends with other expats through an American YouTuber he had been speaking with. McAllister embraced his new community, becoming involved in the local expat scene and creating a YouTube channel documenting his adventures, which eventually led to hosting meetups for fellow expats and locals alike.
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