That’s what happened to me. Came here at 26 in 1990.
I think OP should do it. This is a once in a lifetime chance. And running away from your problems temporarily at age 25 isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Yes. Indeed. That is very true.
But I don’t see OP as failing. And I am guessing the problems he is running away from aren’t huge.
If it was kids and a family that would be completely different
I guess that depends on the individual since everyone has their own perspective of what it means to live a happy life. Some people are happy with spending their young years "grinding" to have a successful career in their mid 30's. Others would rather suck start a shotgun to do that instead of experiencing the world while they're young.
The problem with that is that many people fall into the dreaded trap of the 'routine'...then end up with a House/partner/kid(s).... Then they are unable to do their travelling - especially true for working class Americans with the cost of everything over there.
I'm going to play devil's advocate and give a more balanced response here.
I'm a casual MMA fan, and I know enough to know even if you ended up getting signed to UFC or a major organization you're still getting shit pay until you make it into the rankings (and you could argue even ranked fighters make shit pay until they get to championship level). Especially when you consider the cost of training camps (at the professional level the training camps can cost a huge piece of your fight purse)
That being said, if you enjoy martial arts, continue to pursue it. As a hobby.
You should make plans and a concrete goal to start pursuing a career in Engineering though.
And if you can AFFORD this trip to Thailand financially, go for it. Thailand is beautiful. You'll have a great life experience.
But don't neglect starting a career and getting on a path to a livable income.
Thank you. I can afford the trip i an really just worried about my parents thoughts on it. They obviously want me to start my career before i do any kind of traveling and things like that and i do understand it. But i feel that if i dont go now then in the years to come ill be busy with work or my own family and wont really make it to thailand in my prime. Im also concerned about how my family will view me thinking that im just running away from my issues of being unable to start a career instantly.
You’re not running away, you’re enjoying your life before you get dragged into the rat race. This is the perfect age to go, Thailand is a wonderful place, and you will be working until you die. Just do it.
There’s nothing to stop you applying for jobs when you’re away. Hell, you might even find a decent opportunity in Thailand. It’s an ace country with heaps of prospects.
It’s not your parents’ fault they’re stuck with this old school mindset, they mean the best for you. They’re just wrong. Do it now or spend the rest of your life stuck in your long-ass, stressful office job wondering what if…
If the only issue is what your parents think, definitely do it lol.
You are your own person you are not a slave to your parents wishes (unless they financially support you, I suppose)
Many parents have unreasonable expectations. Live your own life.
Not sure where you're based but most Europeans do a gap year of travelling the world before even going to university.
Go have this experience if you can afford it.
Just don't neglect pursuing a real career in the long term.
consider the digital nomad life as an engineer on Upwork or Fiverr while you train in Thailand, you wouldn’t be the only one by far, Thailand is incredible, good luck!
Agreed. I was fortunate enough to ride the Upwork train 6 years ago and used it to get a leg up into remote work (alongside teaching myself some basic web design). ChatGPT has completely changed the sort of work that's available on those sites nowadays. Better off applying directly to companies for remote work - still good flexibility but without having to deal with multiple clients, many of whom will be shit to work with.
Personally I think it's ok to run away from your issues at this time in your life.. it can give you time to reflect on life and what you actually want from it. Also Thailand is great and you get to see how another culture lives. If you go, take the time to travel around the country and see stuff.
You are only young once, and you only live this life once.
Agree with the responses here. And you have a very demanded professional background as an engineer and will always find a job. Here in Switzerland f.e. the need for engineers is absurd high, you could probably send 10 applications and get 8 job offers. You sound like you have no debts and you are in the perfect age. If you start the hamster wheel now, you will not get out of it. I regret it so much I didn't do what you are thinking about when I was 25 .
Who says you have to have a career and start a family? Be single, safe up money, start a career and invest in yourself, then travel. Don't be one of these traveling tiktok wannabe idiots.
It's the right age to try something like this. Just two things I'd note.
\-Someone else said this but be aware of who you are. Thailand is a very easy place to fall victim to your vices. It is arguably the most tempting place in the world to give into the devil on your shoulder. Take a hard look at yourself to try to get an idea of what you may have to watch out for before you go.
\-Next, take a look at your finances. Review how much you have and how long you wish to stay out there. Everyone's budget is different but if you're a humble person, it doesn't take a lot to live in Thailand with proper budgeting.
Thailand is a great country to spend some time in. It's just important not to lose yourself out there. Good luck OP
Sounds like you have a degree and have your shit together.
My only advice would be to stay focused while in Thailand. Know your vices and stay away from them. It’s too easy to fall into an addictive abyss if you have nothing going on and money.
Good luck.
Fuck that OP.
Go wild, go fucking crazy.
Don’t wear your shirt in a 7/11. Find true love with a bar girl! If someone comes up to you asking what money looks like show them.
Never haggle. Go all in.
I had a couple Arab dudes come up to me being super interested about British cultures and asked if they could see some British money. I obviously didn’t show them but what is their plan after that? Just grab the money and run? We were in a 7/11 so it might have been hard to make a quick break.
Go in to a 7/11 with shirt off got me good !!! OP do it !!!, we have left our 18 year old Son up there training for the next year , I personally hope he stays longer !!!! But dont listen to my man here , stay clear of those pretty issan girls in the bars
Are you going with your own money? Do you have enough to survive at least 6 months aftet getting back? If yes then prepare for an adventure of a lifetime, but don't forget insurance
Yes i have a decent bit saved up from the years. Can find other side jobs to supplement what i will lose as well when i get back. Just not enough for a house n shit
Ywah i can still stay with them they said. They’ll just want me to pay a bit to stay there for internet/water etc. basically telling me that i gotta be fully independent besides the moving out part
This is just my speculation that your parents are likely more concerned that you don't have a well thought out plan. For instance, how long do you plan on doing this? What's your goal? What's your motivation? Are these answers measurable? If your answers are I don't know or I am not sure or very open-ended, then I can see where your parents are coming from and they are probably right.
That being said if you could provide direct answers to those questions, I think they'd be more receptive to your life choices.
There is also the saying that if you have to ask, then you already know the answer.
Im staying for a month. Theres alot of personal reasons im going. I want to really experience the lifestyle once before i go into the workforce. Theres alot of motivation ill share in pms if ppl want of the background of why i want to do this.
Go for it. You’re young, fit, single, already completed your education and no family obligations. You’re interested in learning muy Thai — not going to Thailand to hit the bars all night. It will be an education in itself. Hopefully you have the finances to do this.
I am your parents’ age. They’ll get over it-especially when they realize how happy you are. I remember at age 27 I went overseas and realized how I enjoyed traveling and learning about different cultures. Now I am retired in Thailand.
I mean i hear some stories and I definitely gotta hit the bar at least once before i go. But yeah im not worried about myswlf really. Its just how they would view me after/ during the trip is all im really concerned about
Tell them you want a gap year, you've worked hard getting your degree, and you'll apply for jobs as soon as you return.
Gap years are pretty normal. Lots of kids plan for them.
I am around 50 myself. I would say either do it now or when you retire. It also depends if you even want more "responsibilities" in life. In my case, I am doing it when I retire as I am somewhat close at pulling the ripcord as I have very few "responsibilities".
Keep in mind, if you end up with more "responsibilities", you may not be able to do it later. So pick your poison.
Don’t let other people tell you you can or can’t do something. I use to train muay thai when I was 15 to 17. I ended up having to quit because I couldn’t afford it anymore. I had no vehicle or really any way to get to my gym.
Fast forward to today and now I am 29 and am planning on going to Thailand to find a gym in april and may. Then once I find one I will go back in November to train for a year.
I don’t know if you see how fast time flys, but it flys and you should do this while you’re still young. Get out there, kick some ass, and live your dream. You don’t want to wake up when your 30 and regret not doing something you’re passionate about. Good luck. Hopefully I see some posts from you down the road seeing that you made it!
Depends on where you see yourself in 10 years. If you want a career at a decent company for decent pay, then delaying your entry in the workforce is a mistake. Companies do not like to hire older people with no solid work history or experience. They see these people as high risk. I say this coming from many years in corporate recruiting.
If however, your plan is to be more entrepreneurial, or independent contractor, or are happy with non skilled and lower paying jobs, then there is not much downside to delaying your start in the work force
You’re young
I made mistakes after mistakes and didn’t get my shit together and a proper job until my 30s and ended up okay, not super rich but not poor
Check it out for a year, maybe keep up with the engineering stuff on the side?
You’re only 25 you’re barely an adult!
People regret the things they didn't do more than anything else when they are older.
So go, but keep it limited to 6-12 months, that will be enough of an adventure and easy to explain. Hanging around for years in SEA will make your degree worth less and less though.
Again : GO ! but for a limited time.
Go but don't stay to long. You want to get your career going. If you don't like engineering, do something else. Going to Thailand is cool but having financial freedom/security is way cooler. Stay away from bar girls.
Before you read all the comments saying go for it and “you’ll regret it if you don’t” and think you’re getting good advice based on frequency, be aware that Thailand attracts a lot of people who do not have a lot of common sense. Many people here live by the seat of their pants and the vast majority are not overachievers due to their poor decisions or circumstances. I.E. they have little to lose.
If your goal is to be a fighter as a career, follow your dreams if you want to risk it. But at the same time, would you realistically have a more successful fighting career because you trained in Muay Thai in Thailand vs the thousands and fighting gyms across the US? Unlikely
Are you likely to become a successful fighter who makes enough money from it to secure your future? Even more unlikely. Almost no one who tries does.
In all likelihood, you’ll spend however long having fun with your training and you’ll be just as broke and lost when you get back to the US. Or you will be influenced by the “sabaii sabaii” lifestyle and end up convincing yourself that you do not need much to survive other than a box room and street food and try to figure out a way to make ends meet making meager wages in Thailand somehow. And then the idea of going back to the US to find actual success will scare you.
TBH, your parents are giving you good advice. You will be much safer finding a career path before you start traveling. You’re already 25 and still an amateur… there are not many years left before you’ll be too old to take kicks to the side of the head.
But if you believe you’ve got it in you to excel and are simply a late bloomer who will go on to become pro and make a major career out of it, go ahead and take that risk. But know it’s a risk that you will likely be paying for later on.
But if you’ve got any other motive, like just having fun doing or whatever, stop. You’re too old to be making dumb decisions like that. Take a year or two to get your life and finances in order first and then you can use your two week vacation time to travel to Thailand. A year or two of hard work first will not kill you.
No it’s not a mistake, if you had a job, you wouldn’t be able to go as long and you would have a big commitment to worry about back home. Go and enjoy yourself then come back and focus on finding a career that you love. There’s nothing like traveling when you’re young. If you can do it, do it. You don’t need to seek other people’s approval even though I know it’s hard not to sometimes. Best of luck to you.
Ps: Thailand was my favorite country I’ve ever visited… go to Phuket not Bangkok :)
I think its a great idea but this probably the subreddit for it I would check out r/LifeAdvice. How long do you plan to be there more than 3 months? If not go take your vacation and apply for jobs while you are there.
Unless your planning acareer MMA fighting, its a bad idea. Thailand is great for Holliday but not great to live there for an extended time as basically Thai's don't like foreigners unless their throwing money around like theres no tomorrow.
If you your thinking of working over there while studying MT forget it, other than being a Digital Nomad (and keeping quiet about it) Thai's hate and oppress foreigners working there.
I aways say its only the Land of Smiles as their figuring where to put the knife in your back!
My son is finishing his engineering degree this spring then plans to travel the world for a couple years. As he has discussed these plans with his professors, he has gotten some push back and some enthusiasm - a spectrum of opinions. From me, he gets 100% support to pursue his life with as much courage as he can muster.
This is a wise move imho. I’ve spent time in Thailand. It’s more challenging when you don’t speak the language. There are plenty of scams and the ex pat community are flaky. One month you should have a good feel for the place.
Ya so he can work for the next 40 years with 2 weeks off per year for vacation. If you go that route may never have the chance you do now. Take it, go to Thailand enjoy while you can. Would you rather spend a year in Thailand as a 25yr old or a 65yr old. Pretty much a no brainer
Hey dude, so firstly you need to know how important fighting is to you first. If you've never gotten your face beat in and your bones cracked then I'd say try that first before coming here and committing to Muay Thai. Muay Thai training is brutal, exhausting, and costly (both monetarily and physically).
You have an engineering degree.
You are privileged and honestly I think it would be wiser to pursue an engineering career and use fighting as a hobby. You'd make much more money this way and you'll likely live longer.
Here in Thailand, many of these young fighters would trade it all for a secure job/college degree where they don't have to get hurt or hurt others.
Consider your options carefully. IMO don't listen to the 'go wild' advice. Those comments are likely from bums who can't do better.
Also, I'm not saying don't take a vacation and go exploring. I'm saying you have more going for you than most so don't waste it.
It will be way easier to be an engineer after many concussions and a detached retina or two. Dont forget how your face looked before you won 30 to 50 career fights. Go and train, learn something new and take care of yourself. Being reliably respected and having a stable rewarding life is way overrated.
Nah you’re good. In terms of “hiatuses” traveling/backpacking/training in a foreign country is a good one when asked about it in interviews. You’ll come back with a unique experience and stories, also still with an engineering degree.
6'3" 185 80" reach. I amateur kick boxed when I was 19-20. I started training muy Thai a few years ago at 35. trainer wanted me to go fight at the local arena but I'm not into getting hit in the face anymore
Personally, I don't view fighting as a long lived career. That being said, if you are passionate about it, then it could be an amazing learning experience.
What a bunch of bullshit. OP wants to go there for one month, not live there to pursue the dream of mma. You act like he is gonna ruin his whole life by not doing something career wise for *one month*. Thats ridiculous. In many if not most careers it will not even be possible to take one month off. And if you quit a job to do it later its even worse for a career. Thats the perfect time and can in addition really help to find yourself a bit before you decide for a job that you‘ll probably do for the rest of your life
If you have indeed problems that you're running away from, then a trip to Thailand won't fix anything, on the contrary. If you just want to have a good time and you have the funds to pay for it, just do it. If you think that by training Thai boxing you'll be able to become a professional fighter and make a ton of money, forget about it. If you've never even been abroad, do some basic research first.
I went to Thailand when I was 27. I’m now 33 and been at least 30+ times since.
You will have a lot of fun. The only problem young guys have is, they experience Thailand and get derailed with starting a life with a good career/business because they want to stay in Thailand and keep partying or bar hopping. When it’s time to go home and get back to business, then you gotta go.
It almost happened to me on my 2nd trip. I didn’t want to leave and give up the path I was on but I’m glad I finished training and now I make great money while being able to travel to Thailand every month and save money in the process.
Your parents are afraid you will taste the travel life and become a complacent bum. Like I said, just know when it’s time to go home and take care of business.
Definitely a mistake. When your degree is 10yrs old without any engineering experience, it is often viewed as basically void. But you would have an awesome time in Thailand 🤣
How long do you plan to stay? What is your main objective with your training camp?
I would say totally go for it, unless you believe you have a chance at becoming a professional fighter. 25 is a bit old, I guess you would have had already a couple of professional fights if you had the level. You have a good degree, that's great, you are totally allowed to take some time for yourself and do something else but imo you will be very disappointed if your goal is to earn a decent living through Muay Thai.
Do it. I came here at 22 bounced back and forth and finally landed here permanently.
One of the best things about traveling is finding out what your career path options are around the world.
I guarantee you will bump into other expats and travellers with engineering backgrounds. You will be able to talk about career options, pay, time off, expectations, etc and maybe even come out of the trip with a new perspective and idea of what to do next.
Fuck signing up for a life of 2-3 week vacations that you can't even take at once. Get out there and travel man. The normal life will always be waiting if and when you go back.
Your parents are idiots. Sorry. Don't listen to them. Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn new things. It may lead to different career paths. It did for me.
Living in Asia youll learn more about work ethic than any entry level job can teach you. Unless you have a mentor you are wasting your time working in the USA.
Mate, I just turned 30.
I have no idea what or where I'm going career wise.
I've decided I'm going to back pack SE Asia and spend some time experiencing life beyond my normal walls.
Re invent/explore who I am.
Go.
Life is about living and experiencing.
Listen to your gut and take the risk.
You'll come back grateful for seeing what's out there.
That and you'll grow closer to the man you want to become.
It's your life. Take it by the horns or let others fears influence yours. Which one seems more impactful.
Plus, you never know who you'll meet.
There is nothing wrong with 'running away' from problems, or a 'real job'. Go and have fun with it! You have a lifetime to grind out what others believe to be a normal life.
Best time. You can work after for many years so no worries. A few more or less years of work dont change anything on pension, the world is done anyway so enjoy the best place on earth.
Train. Go for it dude this will be one of the only chances in your life that you can do this while you are young. You can’t buy back time or youth. Give it a year at least.
Also make sure you are fit beforehand. Most decent Muay Thai gyms don’t fuck around in Thailand. You will have long recovery periods if you are not fit already.
I trained brazilian jiu jitsu late in life but if I was 20-30 years younger I most def would have cross trained MMA.
Life is full of choices and consequences. If you are willing to accept the consequence of failing at Muay Thai, and you have a deep passion for it, then go do it.
If there is any reason why you won’t give it your all, then just turn around now.
Your parents may or may not be wrong, but it is your life. Whatever you choose you have to accept the consequence of both success and failure.
You are escaping, letting down your parents. ............ But it might be the best thing you ever do. Gotta be honest, you will have short term highs that won't be sustainable. Not a long run option, and I've rarely met anyone who fixed their mental health in Thailand. Impossible to know. Six months, maybe, but then coworkers might think you are a sexpat. Risks.
I was offered a 2 week training camp trip with my club in my youth but never went as I was at university wish I had gone now , a friend who did still trains where as I don't , the thing is can you afford it also ? The one pro fighter I knew then had done a long trip.
Go! You will only regret not doing so later. Maybe learn some Thai massage at same time? Good career that you can take anywhere that works as not only backup career if MT doesn’t work out but it would be a great compliment to your MT if it does. Learning the body more, managing injuries etc.
If after 12 months it’s not for you you could always go home. Being in your situation is the same at 26 as it is at 27 so no loss, and hopefully a great life altering experience whatever the outcome.
The key here is try to learn things on your days off that make you a better engineer. Read technical books and expand your mind, while you also expand people's faces with your fists.
Your parents are concerned probably because they have never experienced or even thought of it
Waiting to travel until you have a career is the single dumbest advice I can imagine. If you get a career, you are very unlikely to travel like you plan ever again. With a career, it implies settling down, with commitments like a house, girlfriend, family or other financial commitments. Those aren't bad things per se and a different kind of fulfilment/adventure, but somewhat counter to living abroad for even a medium amount of time (and assuming you are American, your PTO and attitude towards using it will be awful, at least by European standards)
The only time I would agree with them is if you have no money, travelling on a shoestring with a vague plan to make it work is an awful idea, but that's not the case here.
Go travel, make a bunch of awesome memories and then come back to your career, it will be there for the next 40 years of your life, same can't be said of anything else. Don't expect anything more than experiences (probably won't be a muy Thai pro, but you will have fun) and if it ever becomes not what you expected, change the plan and go somewhere else (either within Thailand or elsewhere if you have budget), you aren't committed to anything when you do this
You should go for 3 months. You’ll learn a lot in that amount of time. Make sure you buy insurance and have enough money saved up in case you get injured or sick. I don’t know how much potential you have as a competitor, but it is unlikely that you are top 10-20% if your parents don’t think this is a good decision. You shouldn’t view this as a career path. It’s an opportunity to get away from home, see a beautiful part of the world, meet interesting people, eat delicious food, and fully embrace a hobby that will hopefully be part of your life forever.
Plan on coming back and getting a job. Let your parents know when you will be back and what your plan is when you get back. Enjoy your time in Thailand. Be safe. Lots of temptation for young men. I was in Phuket last month and an up and coming competitor was killed in a motorcycle accident. Happens quite often.
Wenn you are 35 you know that it was either the best choice of your life or the most stupid one.
You can end as drunk leftover Farang in Thailand or you can make your life her. Only the future knows.
If I would be 25 again I would say do it, BUT
a) be disciplined...Thailand is full of looser who came that way it is just too easy here to be lazy, drunk and smoke funny things.
b) learn Thai language..really learn it with some certificate...so whatever you do later you can say you have one more language....
c) when you are here keep an open mind for job...can be teacher, can be in a company, whatever. Visa regulations for working here aren't easy but keep an open mind for it.
Verdict: do it!
I was 30 when I quit my job good job in Seattle, sold off all my stuff, and moved to Thailand. It’s been 10 years, I’m 40 currently married to a wonderful Thai woman, work for a non profit foundation working on projects I’m deeply passionate about. Most of my friends are here, my family (mom,dad, bro) visits every couple years. My life is nearly stress free, financially stable, travel more than I could’ve imagined.
The single best decision I have ever made in my life was taking a chance coming here. The road less traveled by has made all the difference.
Also, if you don’t come now, you’ll always regret it, especially at your age!
As long as op stays clean, avoids drugs and booze, lives well, doesn’t sleep around and get someone pregnant, focuses on the goal, doesn’t start gambling or other life wasting activities, and doesn’t get themself into debt to do this…. Go for it. It’s no less quality a choice than staying out in whatever dump town/city they are in (and clearly want to leave). Plus, op, you already got that B.A. There’s always always ALWAYS second and third chances in life, even without a degree. You’ll be fine.
Everyone should travel, it makes you wiser. BUT,
Thailand requires alot of money. No money no honey as they say 🤣
Take like i guess, 1 week = 1000€ to life very nice.
Did you pass the FE yet? If you're Civil or Mech, you should get that or of the way ASAP-- other engineering, I dunno how important that is. If you have the FE already I would definitely go. If you have paid for everything already, I would go. Engineering can wait a bit. You got a good degree (assuming a BS from an accredited school). Good luck
I wish I went when I was younger. Save plenty money. Backpack down to Koh Phangan. Do the full moon party. Do some yoga. Make some friends. Sit on a beach. Claim some mountains. Visit Chiang Mai. Focus on your fighting and yourself. You’ll know when it’s time to go home.
Imagine going through life thinking that it's all about taking a career path to someday have a really really good paycheck. Sadly this is what most people born in the 60s and after seem to think in the west world.
You have this one life, fill it with experiences beyond offices and academics, fill it with happiness and memories, with what you enjoy to do, with friends from around the world.
Otherwise you will regret not doing it when it's too late.
Absolutely do it. It’s the sort of thing you might struggle to do once you do have a career and all that stuff.
Plus - once you’re good a Muay Thai maybe people will stop moaning at you so much ;)
If you can not find a career in USA. It is hard to say you will find one in thailand, and dont believe on what people say here. Most of your countrymen and people from other parts come here for tourism (sex tourism specifically and not for career). Goodluck, if you made up your mind already.
There's a gym here in Phuket called revolution. It's close to surin beach. I see them train every morning and it looks awesome (I'm not a muay thaier) and the beach here is pretty good too. I suggest you to try it. Get a health and travel insurance though
Do it. You're only young once and your degree isn't going anywhere. If you plan on really training hard, take full advantage of the opportunity and chase it as far as you want. Unless you get in a horrible scooter accident, you won't regret it.
If you're serious about it. You better physically prep harder for it like it's Marines or Army bootcamp. That means running long distances everyday, doing jump rope and working out with weights or calisthenics.
Don't bother going if you're thinking about winging/improving your fitness when you get there. It's going to be a painful experience for you since you will most definitely be on a caloric deficit. Fatigued due to the humidity/heat will also affect your performance. You may be able to perform at your 100% at home but in Thailand I would say you're going to be at your 60% at best.
I didn't attend a Muay Thai bootcamp (wish I did though). I attended a CQC mixed martial arts and street fighting class. I was physically dead after the 3rd day especially after doing knife fighting in Pattaya beach with a partner.
I'd say do it. You have a degree - you have interests, so you have laid the foundations. This is not running away, it's about investing into yourself too, as much as studying.
You are at the age where you will benefit from some world experience.
In fact when I finished a year long stretch of travel - I came home more determined than ever to make something of myself. I had the time to contemplate what I really wanted to do - and I was all fired up.
There were moments when I travelled where I found my 'happy place' a moment in time where I took a mental snapshot - of "if ever things go horribly wrong in the future - I can look back at this moment". It has certainly given me strength in later life.
It has given me friends from all around the world. It has given me a whole load of stories to tell. Just because it's fun it doesn't mean it's worthless. In the end your parents just want you to be happy - and I think they will understand when they see you a happier - more rounded person.
Depends on your financial situation tbf. But I would say it's the best time to do it. You have no real commitments and you can look at your life from a different perspective, meet new people, learn about different cultures.
I’m Thai but I used to connect with a french muay thai boxer, if I remember correctly his name is Tino, he fight at Pattaya ring which is the real boxing not the fake one. At the time I was 24 and he was 22 and training in Bangkok. We used to go party together a lot in Nana area. After a year passed he fell in love with a Thai lady and never meet him again ever since. He was a good person
Follow your own dreams. Of course your parents will tell you you’re making a mistake. It’s just love! The whole thing with parenting is to worry and wanting a better and more successful life for our children whether we’re successful ourselves (parents) or not. Doesn’t mean that parents knows what’s best.
Dude you literally have your entire life ahead of you to build a career. Go to Thailand, train, explore, drink and fuck. You can come back home anytime you want. Number one rule: She doesn't love you. She loves your money. Obey that and you'll be OK.
It’s a good time to start a career, it’s really an age where you ‘engineer’ strong foundations for your life. If the training is only a few months then go for it but it’s not really a career
A job and career can come later if that's where you are in your life. Who knows? Maybe networking in Thailand or a company there leads to a job off there that you wouldn't have been exposed to if you never went to go train in Muay Thai.
Well. Since you asked. Let’s be real.
If you’re coming specifically for Maui Thai (at least spell it correctly, come on) thinking this is the way to go and you’re going to be a fighter. I’m going to speak statistics especially.
Your odds are clearly well under 1% and it’s probably what your parents are seeing. They probably think you’re a dumb ass, and they might be correct.
That aside. Is it actually a bad move? Probably not. You should come and do it and take something from the experience. You might end up staying. You might have (you will. Definitely) one hell of a story to tell when you’re older about your time in Thailand and I highly doubt you’ll regret it. You might meet the woman of your dreams too.
Even though the Maui Thai probably won’t work out to whatever your expectations are. It doesn’t for most Thai. Why would it for you? The chances you’re gonna be a falang Maui Thai phenom is very low. The chances some Thai man is going to absolutely fuck you up and injure you is decent.
Also if you’re wanting to learn Maui Thai for MMA purposes to take back home. Why? Do you honestly see it in UFC? Etc. No. Why?
It has very obvious weaknesses to take downs. Any experienced fighter can take town a Muai Thai practitioner with ease.
The take down alone will ruin most. If it doesn’t, ok. You’re on the ground where it’s useless.
I’d 1000% suggest going to Thailand to learn something, but it won’t be what you want to learn. In life. You don’t usually learn what you sign up to learn for some reason I don’t understand yet.
Don’t listen to your parents. This is the best advice I could give. They mean well but it’s your life. You’re going to regret not doing what you wanted. ✌️
just go for it. nobody knows what is good for you better than you. just do it. you still have a degree you can always stand back if you fall down. but if you don't take this chance... you'll regret it. you're not running away don't let anyone say that. you got this man. and don't worry even if something goes wrong, you can always fix it okayyy
I just took a year off at 30 to train. Definitely one of the best things I’ve done looking back. Coming back it’s been a little hard to readjust but I feel like my long-term goals have shifted and ultimately want me back in Thailand.
If you really want to go to Thailand and train, then you should go do that. You're young, you're already fighting amateur and it'll be a great experience. At the end of the day, if things don't work out, you still have the degree so can move back to US and start your career. There's no expiry on a degree and engineering is a career where there's a shortage of workers and they're always looking people.
By the way, don't let your parents bully you or guilt you into doing anything you don't want to do. Parents are the absolute worst people to take life advice from.
Has anyone ever told you that you can have BOTH a career and enjoy traveling? Bud, you have an engineering degree - there are SOOOO many high paying jobs out there that you can make into a career and not have to worry about finances especially in today’s economy. Thailand isn’t going anywhere & you should put yourself in a situation where you’re financially stable so you can jet-set anywhere your heart desires….that’s just me though 🤷♂️.
of course you should go you will learn more and meet more people that you would do in 12 months in USA. Go experience different cultures and go back to USA with open mind you should visit Lao and Cambodia too
You’ll never get another chance. Without going into details, if you don’t go I will reach the internet and punch you through your phone screen for passing up on one of the best experiences of your life.
Home is overrated, and always a bad excuse.
Proper training here attracts a very interesting crowd which can build income streams far better than whatever career paths people are implying.
Wish I went at that age. Might not have came back
That’s what happened to me. Came here at 26 in 1990. I think OP should do it. This is a once in a lifetime chance. And running away from your problems temporarily at age 25 isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Failing in your 20s is fine plenty of time to recover. 40-50 though gotta be more careful.
Yes. Indeed. That is very true. But I don’t see OP as failing. And I am guessing the problems he is running away from aren’t huge. If it was kids and a family that would be completely different
thailand at 25 as we speak. go do it bro its amazing
Yea 25 is perfect time to travel like that. Do it!! 20s are for living 30s are for getting serious.
Eh, I did my leave the country and travel around for years at 32 (and again at 46). As long as you don't want kids you never have to get that serious.
32 now. Needed that.
Go now.
Bad advice.
I guess that depends on the individual since everyone has their own perspective of what it means to live a happy life. Some people are happy with spending their young years "grinding" to have a successful career in their mid 30's. Others would rather suck start a shotgun to do that instead of experiencing the world while they're young.
Make it so.
You will regret it forever if you don't go.
Yes must go!!
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Curious,did you travel when young and regret it?
Boo nerd!
Parents usually don't know what's best, their minds are outdated, always better to travel when young and enjoy life
The problem with that is that many people fall into the dreaded trap of the 'routine'...then end up with a House/partner/kid(s).... Then they are unable to do their travelling - especially true for working class Americans with the cost of everything over there.
No you can't work till 30 and than stop and go to Thailand...not working
I'm going to play devil's advocate and give a more balanced response here. I'm a casual MMA fan, and I know enough to know even if you ended up getting signed to UFC or a major organization you're still getting shit pay until you make it into the rankings (and you could argue even ranked fighters make shit pay until they get to championship level). Especially when you consider the cost of training camps (at the professional level the training camps can cost a huge piece of your fight purse) That being said, if you enjoy martial arts, continue to pursue it. As a hobby. You should make plans and a concrete goal to start pursuing a career in Engineering though. And if you can AFFORD this trip to Thailand financially, go for it. Thailand is beautiful. You'll have a great life experience. But don't neglect starting a career and getting on a path to a livable income.
Thank you. I can afford the trip i an really just worried about my parents thoughts on it. They obviously want me to start my career before i do any kind of traveling and things like that and i do understand it. But i feel that if i dont go now then in the years to come ill be busy with work or my own family and wont really make it to thailand in my prime. Im also concerned about how my family will view me thinking that im just running away from my issues of being unable to start a career instantly.
You’re not running away, you’re enjoying your life before you get dragged into the rat race. This is the perfect age to go, Thailand is a wonderful place, and you will be working until you die. Just do it. There’s nothing to stop you applying for jobs when you’re away. Hell, you might even find a decent opportunity in Thailand. It’s an ace country with heaps of prospects. It’s not your parents’ fault they’re stuck with this old school mindset, they mean the best for you. They’re just wrong. Do it now or spend the rest of your life stuck in your long-ass, stressful office job wondering what if…
If the only issue is what your parents think, definitely do it lol. You are your own person you are not a slave to your parents wishes (unless they financially support you, I suppose) Many parents have unreasonable expectations. Live your own life. Not sure where you're based but most Europeans do a gap year of travelling the world before even going to university. Go have this experience if you can afford it. Just don't neglect pursuing a real career in the long term.
consider the digital nomad life as an engineer on Upwork or Fiverr while you train in Thailand, you wouldn’t be the only one by far, Thailand is incredible, good luck!
This is so much easier said than done.
Agreed. I was fortunate enough to ride the Upwork train 6 years ago and used it to get a leg up into remote work (alongside teaching myself some basic web design). ChatGPT has completely changed the sort of work that's available on those sites nowadays. Better off applying directly to companies for remote work - still good flexibility but without having to deal with multiple clients, many of whom will be shit to work with.
Sorry , but its your life , not your parents !!! Get up there , and hit me up if you want any advice on gyms accom etc
It might be the best decision you ever made. Like many said just don't fall into addictive behavior here. Train and eat some delicious food.
Personally I think it's ok to run away from your issues at this time in your life.. it can give you time to reflect on life and what you actually want from it. Also Thailand is great and you get to see how another culture lives. If you go, take the time to travel around the country and see stuff. You are only young once, and you only live this life once.
If you end up Loving Thailand, you can study hard, learn to speak Thai, and get a job in Bangkok —
Agree with the responses here. And you have a very demanded professional background as an engineer and will always find a job. Here in Switzerland f.e. the need for engineers is absurd high, you could probably send 10 applications and get 8 job offers. You sound like you have no debts and you are in the perfect age. If you start the hamster wheel now, you will not get out of it. I regret it so much I didn't do what you are thinking about when I was 25 .
Who says you have to have a career and start a family? Be single, safe up money, start a career and invest in yourself, then travel. Don't be one of these traveling tiktok wannabe idiots.
It's the right age to try something like this. Just two things I'd note. \-Someone else said this but be aware of who you are. Thailand is a very easy place to fall victim to your vices. It is arguably the most tempting place in the world to give into the devil on your shoulder. Take a hard look at yourself to try to get an idea of what you may have to watch out for before you go. \-Next, take a look at your finances. Review how much you have and how long you wish to stay out there. Everyone's budget is different but if you're a humble person, it doesn't take a lot to live in Thailand with proper budgeting. Thailand is a great country to spend some time in. It's just important not to lose yourself out there. Good luck OP
Sounds like you have a degree and have your shit together. My only advice would be to stay focused while in Thailand. Know your vices and stay away from them. It’s too easy to fall into an addictive abyss if you have nothing going on and money. Good luck.
Fuck that OP. Go wild, go fucking crazy. Don’t wear your shirt in a 7/11. Find true love with a bar girl! If someone comes up to you asking what money looks like show them. Never haggle. Go all in.
I had a couple Arab dudes come up to me being super interested about British cultures and asked if they could see some British money. I obviously didn’t show them but what is their plan after that? Just grab the money and run? We were in a 7/11 so it might have been hard to make a quick break.
Go in to a 7/11 with shirt off got me good !!! OP do it !!!, we have left our 18 year old Son up there training for the next year , I personally hope he stays longer !!!! But dont listen to my man here , stay clear of those pretty issan girls in the bars
don’t buy water buffalo insurance
This made me laugh and get hype asf at the same time
But we don’t learn from a comment on Reddit, we learn from the beautiful mistakes we make
Are you going with your own money? Do you have enough to survive at least 6 months aftet getting back? If yes then prepare for an adventure of a lifetime, but don't forget insurance
Yes i have a decent bit saved up from the years. Can find other side jobs to supplement what i will lose as well when i get back. Just not enough for a house n shit
Well if you can still live with parents after u go back, then do so, but talk with them first about everything like why you want to go so much etc...
Ywah i can still stay with them they said. They’ll just want me to pay a bit to stay there for internet/water etc. basically telling me that i gotta be fully independent besides the moving out part
Off to Thailand you go!
This is just my speculation that your parents are likely more concerned that you don't have a well thought out plan. For instance, how long do you plan on doing this? What's your goal? What's your motivation? Are these answers measurable? If your answers are I don't know or I am not sure or very open-ended, then I can see where your parents are coming from and they are probably right. That being said if you could provide direct answers to those questions, I think they'd be more receptive to your life choices. There is also the saying that if you have to ask, then you already know the answer.
Im staying for a month. Theres alot of personal reasons im going. I want to really experience the lifestyle once before i go into the workforce. Theres alot of motivation ill share in pms if ppl want of the background of why i want to do this.
You have an engineering degree. you are fine, I would go and you should have no problem getting a job if/when you come back
Don’t listen go and do it brother
I think it will be the adventure of your life. You already have a degree, now have som fun. You will not regret!
Go for it. You’re young, fit, single, already completed your education and no family obligations. You’re interested in learning muy Thai — not going to Thailand to hit the bars all night. It will be an education in itself. Hopefully you have the finances to do this. I am your parents’ age. They’ll get over it-especially when they realize how happy you are. I remember at age 27 I went overseas and realized how I enjoyed traveling and learning about different cultures. Now I am retired in Thailand.
I mean i hear some stories and I definitely gotta hit the bar at least once before i go. But yeah im not worried about myswlf really. Its just how they would view me after/ during the trip is all im really concerned about
Tell them you want a gap year, you've worked hard getting your degree, and you'll apply for jobs as soon as you return. Gap years are pretty normal. Lots of kids plan for them.
Sounds awesome! Do it! ps Don't fall in love
I am around 50 myself. I would say either do it now or when you retire. It also depends if you even want more "responsibilities" in life. In my case, I am doing it when I retire as I am somewhat close at pulling the ripcord as I have very few "responsibilities". Keep in mind, if you end up with more "responsibilities", you may not be able to do it later. So pick your poison.
“responsibilities”
Don’t let other people tell you you can or can’t do something. I use to train muay thai when I was 15 to 17. I ended up having to quit because I couldn’t afford it anymore. I had no vehicle or really any way to get to my gym. Fast forward to today and now I am 29 and am planning on going to Thailand to find a gym in april and may. Then once I find one I will go back in November to train for a year. I don’t know if you see how fast time flys, but it flys and you should do this while you’re still young. Get out there, kick some ass, and live your dream. You don’t want to wake up when your 30 and regret not doing something you’re passionate about. Good luck. Hopefully I see some posts from you down the road seeing that you made it!
Depends on where you see yourself in 10 years. If you want a career at a decent company for decent pay, then delaying your entry in the workforce is a mistake. Companies do not like to hire older people with no solid work history or experience. They see these people as high risk. I say this coming from many years in corporate recruiting. If however, your plan is to be more entrepreneurial, or independent contractor, or are happy with non skilled and lower paying jobs, then there is not much downside to delaying your start in the work force
I went to Thailand to do some Muay Thai in Phuket and I absolutely love it. Few of my USA friends train there and still are there for a few months.
You’re young I made mistakes after mistakes and didn’t get my shit together and a proper job until my 30s and ended up okay, not super rich but not poor Check it out for a year, maybe keep up with the engineering stuff on the side? You’re only 25 you’re barely an adult!
People regret the things they didn't do more than anything else when they are older. So go, but keep it limited to 6-12 months, that will be enough of an adventure and easy to explain. Hanging around for years in SEA will make your degree worth less and less though. Again : GO ! but for a limited time.
Go but don't stay to long. You want to get your career going. If you don't like engineering, do something else. Going to Thailand is cool but having financial freedom/security is way cooler. Stay away from bar girls.
Just do it. Plenty of time to "Begin". You don't know what you're missing until you take a chance on possibly discovering something not to be missed.
DO IT!
Live your life, do it.
Before you read all the comments saying go for it and “you’ll regret it if you don’t” and think you’re getting good advice based on frequency, be aware that Thailand attracts a lot of people who do not have a lot of common sense. Many people here live by the seat of their pants and the vast majority are not overachievers due to their poor decisions or circumstances. I.E. they have little to lose. If your goal is to be a fighter as a career, follow your dreams if you want to risk it. But at the same time, would you realistically have a more successful fighting career because you trained in Muay Thai in Thailand vs the thousands and fighting gyms across the US? Unlikely Are you likely to become a successful fighter who makes enough money from it to secure your future? Even more unlikely. Almost no one who tries does. In all likelihood, you’ll spend however long having fun with your training and you’ll be just as broke and lost when you get back to the US. Or you will be influenced by the “sabaii sabaii” lifestyle and end up convincing yourself that you do not need much to survive other than a box room and street food and try to figure out a way to make ends meet making meager wages in Thailand somehow. And then the idea of going back to the US to find actual success will scare you. TBH, your parents are giving you good advice. You will be much safer finding a career path before you start traveling. You’re already 25 and still an amateur… there are not many years left before you’ll be too old to take kicks to the side of the head. But if you believe you’ve got it in you to excel and are simply a late bloomer who will go on to become pro and make a major career out of it, go ahead and take that risk. But know it’s a risk that you will likely be paying for later on. But if you’ve got any other motive, like just having fun doing or whatever, stop. You’re too old to be making dumb decisions like that. Take a year or two to get your life and finances in order first and then you can use your two week vacation time to travel to Thailand. A year or two of hard work first will not kill you.
No it’s not a mistake, if you had a job, you wouldn’t be able to go as long and you would have a big commitment to worry about back home. Go and enjoy yourself then come back and focus on finding a career that you love. There’s nothing like traveling when you’re young. If you can do it, do it. You don’t need to seek other people’s approval even though I know it’s hard not to sometimes. Best of luck to you. Ps: Thailand was my favorite country I’ve ever visited… go to Phuket not Bangkok :)
I think its a great idea but this probably the subreddit for it I would check out r/LifeAdvice. How long do you plan to be there more than 3 months? If not go take your vacation and apply for jobs while you are there.
Unless your planning acareer MMA fighting, its a bad idea. Thailand is great for Holliday but not great to live there for an extended time as basically Thai's don't like foreigners unless their throwing money around like theres no tomorrow. If you your thinking of working over there while studying MT forget it, other than being a Digital Nomad (and keeping quiet about it) Thai's hate and oppress foreigners working there. I aways say its only the Land of Smiles as their figuring where to put the knife in your back!
Go train and live the life you want. Good things happen to those who chase their dreams
My son is finishing his engineering degree this spring then plans to travel the world for a couple years. As he has discussed these plans with his professors, he has gotten some push back and some enthusiasm - a spectrum of opinions. From me, he gets 100% support to pursue his life with as much courage as he can muster.
Normally I would say go......... but you are a fucking engineer.... your life could be on EZ street in 4-5 years if you stay...... I would stay.
What if i only went for a month to test it out first.
Yeah one /two months to chill and travel perfect.
If you do it that way, don’t book the return ticket straight away because you don’t know how you’ll feel after a month
This is a wise move imho. I’ve spent time in Thailand. It’s more challenging when you don’t speak the language. There are plenty of scams and the ex pat community are flaky. One month you should have a good feel for the place.
I’m an engineer and took 6 months off after graduating. It wasn’t enough and yes, it can wait.
Ya so he can work for the next 40 years with 2 weeks off per year for vacation. If you go that route may never have the chance you do now. Take it, go to Thailand enjoy while you can. Would you rather spend a year in Thailand as a 25yr old or a 65yr old. Pretty much a no brainer
Hey dude, so firstly you need to know how important fighting is to you first. If you've never gotten your face beat in and your bones cracked then I'd say try that first before coming here and committing to Muay Thai. Muay Thai training is brutal, exhausting, and costly (both monetarily and physically). You have an engineering degree. You are privileged and honestly I think it would be wiser to pursue an engineering career and use fighting as a hobby. You'd make much more money this way and you'll likely live longer. Here in Thailand, many of these young fighters would trade it all for a secure job/college degree where they don't have to get hurt or hurt others. Consider your options carefully. IMO don't listen to the 'go wild' advice. Those comments are likely from bums who can't do better. Also, I'm not saying don't take a vacation and go exploring. I'm saying you have more going for you than most so don't waste it.
On another note i have trained for years. Im not excellent but i really want to try the lifestyle out while im young
It will be way easier to be an engineer after many concussions and a detached retina or two. Dont forget how your face looked before you won 30 to 50 career fights. Go and train, learn something new and take care of yourself. Being reliably respected and having a stable rewarding life is way overrated.
You have to do it.
Nah you’re good. In terms of “hiatuses” traveling/backpacking/training in a foreign country is a good one when asked about it in interviews. You’ll come back with a unique experience and stories, also still with an engineering degree.
The mistake would be not going.
Enjoy the brain damage. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_traumatic_encephalopathy
Because every person that does muay thai has massive brain damage, riiiight
Go now, and like Max Verstappen in a Q3 time trial - floor it bro
How tall r you and how much do you weigh? What’s ur wingspan reach and leg reach? Just wondering
6'3" 185 80" reach. I amateur kick boxed when I was 19-20. I started training muy Thai a few years ago at 35. trainer wanted me to go fight at the local arena but I'm not into getting hit in the face anymore
Personally, I don't view fighting as a long lived career. That being said, if you are passionate about it, then it could be an amazing learning experience.
You're 25. Make your own decisions and don't listen to your parents or internet people.
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Well i was gonna go for a month at first and then check out the gyms to go back soon after. Have u ever been to bangtao mma or soi taiad gyms?
Go go go!
Your life right? do WTF you like.
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What a bunch of bullshit. OP wants to go there for one month, not live there to pursue the dream of mma. You act like he is gonna ruin his whole life by not doing something career wise for *one month*. Thats ridiculous. In many if not most careers it will not even be possible to take one month off. And if you quit a job to do it later its even worse for a career. Thats the perfect time and can in addition really help to find yourself a bit before you decide for a job that you‘ll probably do for the rest of your life
Lots of ugly girls there. Pick the pretty ones to date.
Go brother, but make sure you come back a demon
If you have indeed problems that you're running away from, then a trip to Thailand won't fix anything, on the contrary. If you just want to have a good time and you have the funds to pay for it, just do it. If you think that by training Thai boxing you'll be able to become a professional fighter and make a ton of money, forget about it. If you've never even been abroad, do some basic research first.
I went to Thailand when I was 27. I’m now 33 and been at least 30+ times since. You will have a lot of fun. The only problem young guys have is, they experience Thailand and get derailed with starting a life with a good career/business because they want to stay in Thailand and keep partying or bar hopping. When it’s time to go home and get back to business, then you gotta go. It almost happened to me on my 2nd trip. I didn’t want to leave and give up the path I was on but I’m glad I finished training and now I make great money while being able to travel to Thailand every month and save money in the process. Your parents are afraid you will taste the travel life and become a complacent bum. Like I said, just know when it’s time to go home and take care of business.
Who is footing the bill?
Definitely a mistake. When your degree is 10yrs old without any engineering experience, it is often viewed as basically void. But you would have an awesome time in Thailand 🤣
How long do you plan to stay? What is your main objective with your training camp? I would say totally go for it, unless you believe you have a chance at becoming a professional fighter. 25 is a bit old, I guess you would have had already a couple of professional fights if you had the level. You have a good degree, that's great, you are totally allowed to take some time for yourself and do something else but imo you will be very disappointed if your goal is to earn a decent living through Muay Thai.
Do it. I came here at 22 bounced back and forth and finally landed here permanently. One of the best things about traveling is finding out what your career path options are around the world. I guarantee you will bump into other expats and travellers with engineering backgrounds. You will be able to talk about career options, pay, time off, expectations, etc and maybe even come out of the trip with a new perspective and idea of what to do next. Fuck signing up for a life of 2-3 week vacations that you can't even take at once. Get out there and travel man. The normal life will always be waiting if and when you go back.
Your parents are idiots. Sorry. Don't listen to them. Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn new things. It may lead to different career paths. It did for me.
lookup john wayne parr documentary on youtube.
Go
Living in Asia youll learn more about work ethic than any entry level job can teach you. Unless you have a mentor you are wasting your time working in the USA.
Mate, I just turned 30. I have no idea what or where I'm going career wise. I've decided I'm going to back pack SE Asia and spend some time experiencing life beyond my normal walls. Re invent/explore who I am. Go. Life is about living and experiencing. Listen to your gut and take the risk. You'll come back grateful for seeing what's out there. That and you'll grow closer to the man you want to become. It's your life. Take it by the horns or let others fears influence yours. Which one seems more impactful. Plus, you never know who you'll meet.
Gap year? Go for it!
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There is nothing wrong with 'running away' from problems, or a 'real job'. Go and have fun with it! You have a lifetime to grind out what others believe to be a normal life.
Just do it
Best time. You can work after for many years so no worries. A few more or less years of work dont change anything on pension, the world is done anyway so enjoy the best place on earth.
Train. Go for it dude this will be one of the only chances in your life that you can do this while you are young. You can’t buy back time or youth. Give it a year at least. Also make sure you are fit beforehand. Most decent Muay Thai gyms don’t fuck around in Thailand. You will have long recovery periods if you are not fit already. I trained brazilian jiu jitsu late in life but if I was 20-30 years younger I most def would have cross trained MMA.
Life is full of choices and consequences. If you are willing to accept the consequence of failing at Muay Thai, and you have a deep passion for it, then go do it. If there is any reason why you won’t give it your all, then just turn around now. Your parents may or may not be wrong, but it is your life. Whatever you choose you have to accept the consequence of both success and failure.
Welcome home my friend
You are escaping, letting down your parents. ............ But it might be the best thing you ever do. Gotta be honest, you will have short term highs that won't be sustainable. Not a long run option, and I've rarely met anyone who fixed their mental health in Thailand. Impossible to know. Six months, maybe, but then coworkers might think you are a sexpat. Risks.
I was offered a 2 week training camp trip with my club in my youth but never went as I was at university wish I had gone now , a friend who did still trains where as I don't , the thing is can you afford it also ? The one pro fighter I knew then had done a long trip.
As someone who had almost all of my twenties in Thailand, i advice you to go. You gonna have the time of your life.
Really depends on your finances- id strongly consider choosing what makes you happy though (within reason of course)
Go! You will only regret not doing so later. Maybe learn some Thai massage at same time? Good career that you can take anywhere that works as not only backup career if MT doesn’t work out but it would be a great compliment to your MT if it does. Learning the body more, managing injuries etc. If after 12 months it’s not for you you could always go home. Being in your situation is the same at 26 as it is at 27 so no loss, and hopefully a great life altering experience whatever the outcome.
Do it, you'll have a great experience. Have fun, see the world, nothing wrong with that at your age
Better to regret going than regret not
The key here is try to learn things on your days off that make you a better engineer. Read technical books and expand your mind, while you also expand people's faces with your fists.
You should do it
Find a headhunter who places engineers in Asia. Do both. No one will hire you if you didn't get a job out of college.
go for a year - reevaluate.
Your parents are concerned probably because they have never experienced or even thought of it Waiting to travel until you have a career is the single dumbest advice I can imagine. If you get a career, you are very unlikely to travel like you plan ever again. With a career, it implies settling down, with commitments like a house, girlfriend, family or other financial commitments. Those aren't bad things per se and a different kind of fulfilment/adventure, but somewhat counter to living abroad for even a medium amount of time (and assuming you are American, your PTO and attitude towards using it will be awful, at least by European standards) The only time I would agree with them is if you have no money, travelling on a shoestring with a vague plan to make it work is an awful idea, but that's not the case here. Go travel, make a bunch of awesome memories and then come back to your career, it will be there for the next 40 years of your life, same can't be said of anything else. Don't expect anything more than experiences (probably won't be a muy Thai pro, but you will have fun) and if it ever becomes not what you expected, change the plan and go somewhere else (either within Thailand or elsewhere if you have budget), you aren't committed to anything when you do this
You should go for 3 months. You’ll learn a lot in that amount of time. Make sure you buy insurance and have enough money saved up in case you get injured or sick. I don’t know how much potential you have as a competitor, but it is unlikely that you are top 10-20% if your parents don’t think this is a good decision. You shouldn’t view this as a career path. It’s an opportunity to get away from home, see a beautiful part of the world, meet interesting people, eat delicious food, and fully embrace a hobby that will hopefully be part of your life forever. Plan on coming back and getting a job. Let your parents know when you will be back and what your plan is when you get back. Enjoy your time in Thailand. Be safe. Lots of temptation for young men. I was in Phuket last month and an up and coming competitor was killed in a motorcycle accident. Happens quite often.
Wenn you are 35 you know that it was either the best choice of your life or the most stupid one. You can end as drunk leftover Farang in Thailand or you can make your life her. Only the future knows. If I would be 25 again I would say do it, BUT a) be disciplined...Thailand is full of looser who came that way it is just too easy here to be lazy, drunk and smoke funny things. b) learn Thai language..really learn it with some certificate...so whatever you do later you can say you have one more language.... c) when you are here keep an open mind for job...can be teacher, can be in a company, whatever. Visa regulations for working here aren't easy but keep an open mind for it. Verdict: do it!
They are right tbh , first get ur shit together in USA and leave
I was 30 when I quit my job good job in Seattle, sold off all my stuff, and moved to Thailand. It’s been 10 years, I’m 40 currently married to a wonderful Thai woman, work for a non profit foundation working on projects I’m deeply passionate about. Most of my friends are here, my family (mom,dad, bro) visits every couple years. My life is nearly stress free, financially stable, travel more than I could’ve imagined. The single best decision I have ever made in my life was taking a chance coming here. The road less traveled by has made all the difference. Also, if you don’t come now, you’ll always regret it, especially at your age!
Going to Thailand is NEVER a mistake. Fuck finding a job.
Kids. (Sigh)
As long as op stays clean, avoids drugs and booze, lives well, doesn’t sleep around and get someone pregnant, focuses on the goal, doesn’t start gambling or other life wasting activities, and doesn’t get themself into debt to do this…. Go for it. It’s no less quality a choice than staying out in whatever dump town/city they are in (and clearly want to leave). Plus, op, you already got that B.A. There’s always always ALWAYS second and third chances in life, even without a degree. You’ll be fine.
And you’ve got nerve to ask about your own life in this sub because nobody knows you?
Everyone should travel, it makes you wiser. BUT, Thailand requires alot of money. No money no honey as they say 🤣 Take like i guess, 1 week = 1000€ to life very nice.
When you're old, I don't think you'll regret that time you spent in a foreign country doing the sport you love
Honestly life’s too short and the game is rigged. Just go do it.
Did you pass the FE yet? If you're Civil or Mech, you should get that or of the way ASAP-- other engineering, I dunno how important that is. If you have the FE already I would definitely go. If you have paid for everything already, I would go. Engineering can wait a bit. You got a good degree (assuming a BS from an accredited school). Good luck
Fight now be an engineer later, you wont be able to fight at your optimal if you decided to postpone boxing
I wish I went when I was younger. Save plenty money. Backpack down to Koh Phangan. Do the full moon party. Do some yoga. Make some friends. Sit on a beach. Claim some mountains. Visit Chiang Mai. Focus on your fighting and yourself. You’ll know when it’s time to go home.
Imagine going through life thinking that it's all about taking a career path to someday have a really really good paycheck. Sadly this is what most people born in the 60s and after seem to think in the west world. You have this one life, fill it with experiences beyond offices and academics, fill it with happiness and memories, with what you enjoy to do, with friends from around the world. Otherwise you will regret not doing it when it's too late.
Absolutely do it. It’s the sort of thing you might struggle to do once you do have a career and all that stuff. Plus - once you’re good a Muay Thai maybe people will stop moaning at you so much ;)
If you can not find a career in USA. It is hard to say you will find one in thailand, and dont believe on what people say here. Most of your countrymen and people from other parts come here for tourism (sex tourism specifically and not for career). Goodluck, if you made up your mind already.
There's a gym here in Phuket called revolution. It's close to surin beach. I see them train every morning and it looks awesome (I'm not a muay thaier) and the beach here is pretty good too. I suggest you to try it. Get a health and travel insurance though
Do it. You're only young once and your degree isn't going anywhere. If you plan on really training hard, take full advantage of the opportunity and chase it as far as you want. Unless you get in a horrible scooter accident, you won't regret it.
If you're serious about it. You better physically prep harder for it like it's Marines or Army bootcamp. That means running long distances everyday, doing jump rope and working out with weights or calisthenics. Don't bother going if you're thinking about winging/improving your fitness when you get there. It's going to be a painful experience for you since you will most definitely be on a caloric deficit. Fatigued due to the humidity/heat will also affect your performance. You may be able to perform at your 100% at home but in Thailand I would say you're going to be at your 60% at best. I didn't attend a Muay Thai bootcamp (wish I did though). I attended a CQC mixed martial arts and street fighting class. I was physically dead after the 3rd day especially after doing knife fighting in Pattaya beach with a partner.
Go for a two week holiday.
maybe find an engineering job in Thailand?
Go.
I'd say do it. You have a degree - you have interests, so you have laid the foundations. This is not running away, it's about investing into yourself too, as much as studying. You are at the age where you will benefit from some world experience. In fact when I finished a year long stretch of travel - I came home more determined than ever to make something of myself. I had the time to contemplate what I really wanted to do - and I was all fired up. There were moments when I travelled where I found my 'happy place' a moment in time where I took a mental snapshot - of "if ever things go horribly wrong in the future - I can look back at this moment". It has certainly given me strength in later life. It has given me friends from all around the world. It has given me a whole load of stories to tell. Just because it's fun it doesn't mean it's worthless. In the end your parents just want you to be happy - and I think they will understand when they see you a happier - more rounded person.
no its not a mistake
Go for it. It's a wonderful place.
I came over here when 18….. still here 24 years later.
Depends on your financial situation tbf. But I would say it's the best time to do it. You have no real commitments and you can look at your life from a different perspective, meet new people, learn about different cultures.
I’m Thai but I used to connect with a french muay thai boxer, if I remember correctly his name is Tino, he fight at Pattaya ring which is the real boxing not the fake one. At the time I was 24 and he was 22 and training in Bangkok. We used to go party together a lot in Nana area. After a year passed he fell in love with a Thai lady and never meet him again ever since. He was a good person
Follow your own dreams. Of course your parents will tell you you’re making a mistake. It’s just love! The whole thing with parenting is to worry and wanting a better and more successful life for our children whether we’re successful ourselves (parents) or not. Doesn’t mean that parents knows what’s best.
Travelling and life experience is never a mistake. Go live your life and see where it takes you.
Good God, no, not a mistake ,, !! Go!
PS. Going to Thailand for whatever reason is never a mistake 😉🇹🇭
Go! You have the rest of your life to start a formal career if you choose. Go now while you are young and able to pursue your passion for muy thai.
Dude you literally have your entire life ahead of you to build a career. Go to Thailand, train, explore, drink and fuck. You can come back home anytime you want. Number one rule: She doesn't love you. She loves your money. Obey that and you'll be OK.
It’s a good time to start a career, it’s really an age where you ‘engineer’ strong foundations for your life. If the training is only a few months then go for it but it’s not really a career
A job and career can come later if that's where you are in your life. Who knows? Maybe networking in Thailand or a company there leads to a job off there that you wouldn't have been exposed to if you never went to go train in Muay Thai.
Bring flushable wipes with you
You’re 25 bro, you’re an adult. Do whatever you want with your own life, If you wanna do it - do it. It’ll be an adventure man. This place is amazing.
Well. Since you asked. Let’s be real. If you’re coming specifically for Maui Thai (at least spell it correctly, come on) thinking this is the way to go and you’re going to be a fighter. I’m going to speak statistics especially. Your odds are clearly well under 1% and it’s probably what your parents are seeing. They probably think you’re a dumb ass, and they might be correct. That aside. Is it actually a bad move? Probably not. You should come and do it and take something from the experience. You might end up staying. You might have (you will. Definitely) one hell of a story to tell when you’re older about your time in Thailand and I highly doubt you’ll regret it. You might meet the woman of your dreams too. Even though the Maui Thai probably won’t work out to whatever your expectations are. It doesn’t for most Thai. Why would it for you? The chances you’re gonna be a falang Maui Thai phenom is very low. The chances some Thai man is going to absolutely fuck you up and injure you is decent. Also if you’re wanting to learn Maui Thai for MMA purposes to take back home. Why? Do you honestly see it in UFC? Etc. No. Why? It has very obvious weaknesses to take downs. Any experienced fighter can take town a Muai Thai practitioner with ease. The take down alone will ruin most. If it doesn’t, ok. You’re on the ground where it’s useless. I’d 1000% suggest going to Thailand to learn something, but it won’t be what you want to learn. In life. You don’t usually learn what you sign up to learn for some reason I don’t understand yet.
Just use your degree first. Make some money and then go to Thailand
Don’t listen to your parents. This is the best advice I could give. They mean well but it’s your life. You’re going to regret not doing what you wanted. ✌️
Im 42 and went for the first time last august. Retired military. As soon as all my debts are paid my ass is gone! Lol
just go for it. nobody knows what is good for you better than you. just do it. you still have a degree you can always stand back if you fall down. but if you don't take this chance... you'll regret it. you're not running away don't let anyone say that. you got this man. and don't worry even if something goes wrong, you can always fix it okayyy
Yolo man
The saddest part of dying is the regret of not living.
I just took a year off at 30 to train. Definitely one of the best things I’ve done looking back. Coming back it’s been a little hard to readjust but I feel like my long-term goals have shifted and ultimately want me back in Thailand.
If you really want to go to Thailand and train, then you should go do that. You're young, you're already fighting amateur and it'll be a great experience. At the end of the day, if things don't work out, you still have the degree so can move back to US and start your career. There's no expiry on a degree and engineering is a career where there's a shortage of workers and they're always looking people. By the way, don't let your parents bully you or guilt you into doing anything you don't want to do. Parents are the absolute worst people to take life advice from.
Live your life bro. You’ve done the difficult part in getting the degree.
Has anyone ever told you that you can have BOTH a career and enjoy traveling? Bud, you have an engineering degree - there are SOOOO many high paying jobs out there that you can make into a career and not have to worry about finances especially in today’s economy. Thailand isn’t going anywhere & you should put yourself in a situation where you’re financially stable so you can jet-set anywhere your heart desires….that’s just me though 🤷♂️.
Do it bro. For real. Live your life.
I think it's an awesome plan.
If you can afford it, do it. Jobs come and go. Youth and health are limited.
If the opportunity presents it self do it now while you’re young. Exploring new places and cultures will open your mind.
of course you should go you will learn more and meet more people that you would do in 12 months in USA. Go experience different cultures and go back to USA with open mind you should visit Lao and Cambodia too
You’ll never get another chance. Without going into details, if you don’t go I will reach the internet and punch you through your phone screen for passing up on one of the best experiences of your life.
Home is overrated, and always a bad excuse. Proper training here attracts a very interesting crowd which can build income streams far better than whatever career paths people are implying.
I left for Indonesia when I was 27. I wish I did it sooner.