Ohio Family Quits Jobs, Saves $60,000 for Year-Long Stay in Taiwan to Reconnect with Relatives

In July 2024, Jason and Katie Lee, both 34, left their jobs and relocated from Columbus, Ohio, to Taipei, Taiwan, with their six-year-old son Forrest, fulfilling a long-held dream to spend extended time with Jason’s parents and immerse their child in his heritage. The move followed five years of disciplined saving, during which the couple accumulated $60,000 to fund a 13-month sabbatical abroad.

The idea took shape after the Lees visited Jason’s parents in Taiwan shortly after Forrest’s birth. Jason, who was born in Taiwan and moved to the United States at age nine, recalled the emotional farewell at the airport. “I just thought to myself, if I could make something happen where we could gift to [my parents] the extended amount of time that they could spend with this child, what a special moment that would be,” he said.

Initially, Jason considered moving his career overseas but decided against entering Taiwan’s demanding work culture. Instead, the couple planned for a complete career break, aligning their stay with Forrest’s kindergarten year and summer vacation to return in time for first grade.

Skyline of Taipei, Taiwan | Source: Pexels

Financial and Logistical Preparation

The Lees treated the sabbatical savings goal like a major household project. They used the You Need a Budget app to track progress and reduce ongoing U.S. expenses. Their mortgage and cars were paid off, and they arranged for a friend to rent their house and lease one of their vehicles during their absence. In Taiwan, they secured an apartment and prepared travel documents: Jason and Forrest traveled on Taiwanese passports, while Katie obtained a spousal visa.

By the summer of 2024, Jason resigned from his sales position, and Katie left her role at a nonprofit. The couple stressed the importance of timing, particularly for the benefit of Jason’s parents and Forrest. “This is not something that can afford to wait,” Jason said. “If I don’t do this now, I will forever lose my 30s.”

Life in Taiwan

During the sabbatical, Jason focused on physical and mental health, utilizing Taiwan’s universal health care to access gym facilities, meditation, and psychiatric support. This period also led to career reflection. “The whole last 10 years, I’ve been dictating my career next steps not based on what I want, but based on what the world or LinkedIn tells me I should want,” he said. By March, the couple agreed they did not need to match their previous U.S. incomes to maintain their happiness. “We are so happy right now, the happiest we’ve been as a family,” Jason noted.

Katie used the time to develop two business concepts: a vending machine venture and a play cafe for families. Both ideas are intended for future development in the United States.

Skyline of Taipei, Taiwan | Source: Pexels

A New Addition and Plans to Return

On arrival, one of their first priorities will be securing health insurance coverage. Jason is open to a lower-paying role that allows flexibility, potentially enabling summers spent working remotely from Taiwan. Katie aims to continue developing her business plans alongside family responsibilities.

Reflecting on their decision, Jason described the year abroad as “absolutely worth it” for the memories and time shared with loved ones. “It’s just been so transformative for the family,” he said.