Family of Five Relocates to Mexico for Life-Changing Adventure
BREAKING: Daniel Dulebohn, a former scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has relocated his family of five from Montana to Sayulita, Mexico, seeking a transformative career break. This bold move, driven by uncertainty over his contract renewal, underscores the urgent need for families to embrace life-changing opportunities.
Dulebohn, 45, faced a stressful period last winter as his NIH contract renewal hung in the balance. With three small children and limited job prospects in Montana, he proposed a radical change to his wife: a year-long adventure in Mexico. “Life is too short not to take risks,” Dulebohn stated, reflecting the urgency behind their decision.
The family leveraged passive income from rental properties to fund their relocation, enabling them to explore new horizons. They began researching potential destinations in February, ultimately choosing Sayulita for its cultural richness and family-friendly environment, particularly its bilingual schools and surf-friendly beaches.
In March, they visited Sayulita during spring break, connecting with local educators and scouting housing options. Dulebohn emphasized thorough financial planning, noting, “We added 25% to each cost to ensure we stayed under budget.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding his job, they recognized their financial viability, which made the leap possible.
Tragically, the death of Dulebohn’s father in April intensified his reflections on life’s brevity. Shortly after, he received confirmation of his contract renewal but chose not to let that deter them from pursuing this unique opportunity. “It had been a really hard time in my life, and we could afford to take the year off,” he explained.
The family successfully applied for temporary residency, allowing them to stay in Mexico for up to 10 years, bypassing the limitations of tourist visas. With their conversational Spanish still improving, they sought help from local facilitators to navigate the residency process.
As they settle into their new life, Dulebohn is excited about the experiences awaiting his children, from learning Spanish to immersing in a vibrant culture. With both parents temporarily stepping back from work, they are embracing the chance to reflect on their priorities and family dynamics.
Dulebohn stated, “The biggest challenge has been mentally admitting I needed to take a break and not knowing what the future holds.” However, he remains optimistic about his career prospects, hinting at potential shifts toward real estate after this adventure.
As families worldwide consider similar paths, Dulebohn’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the rewards that come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. With the world opening up around them, the Dulebohn family is ready to embrace this life-changing chapter.
For anyone contemplating a career break, Dulebohn advises starting early and planning meticulously. His journey highlights the importance of seizing opportunities, no matter how daunting they may seem.
This developing story resonates with many as the Dulebohn family embarks on their adventure, offering hope and inspiration to those yearning for change in uncertain times.
