The Playdate That Never Happened

This summer has felt like one long, never-ending day. My five-year-old son has been missing his best friend, so I decided to set up a playdate , a small moment of joy in a hot, restless season. I texted his friend’s mom . Let’s call her Jill.

She sent me a voice note, her tone heavy and apologetic. They couldn’t make it. Not this time… maybe not ever. After months of job searching with no success, Jill was facing a hard truth: her lease was ending, school tuition was due, and her finances had run out of breathing room. In just two weeks, she packed up her life in Dubai and left.

Her message broke my heart. It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can shift. One day you’re surviving; the next, you’re calculating how long you can hold on.

The Cost of Staying Afloat

Jill’s story is not rare. It’s real life for so many families living abroad.

She was paying nearly $15,000 (55,000 AED) a year in childcare and another $10,000 (37,000 AED) in rent. That’s $25,000 gone before groceries, school supplies, or a single moment of self-care.

Here in the UAE, childcare is entirely private . No government subsidies for non-citizens. Annual costs can stretch anywhere between $2,200 and $30,000 depending on your child’s age.

Rent? A one-bedroom apartment starts around $1,200 a month, with Dubai now ranking 18th among the most expensive cities to relocate to in the world.

It’s easy to see how even a strong, independent woman like Jill found herself cornered by math that just didn’t add up.

The Art of the Pivot

What Jill did next was nothing short of brave.

She didn’t wait for things to collapse. She didn’t cling to the illusion of “just one more month.” Instead, she pivoted. She faced her numbers, accepted her limits, and made the painful decision to start over somewhere else. That’s not failure. That’s financial self-preservation.

Leaving a place you’ve built a life in isn’t easy. It takes courage to say, “This dream is costing me too much.” It takes humility to walk away from a life that looks good on paper but doesn’t feel sustainable anymore.

I’ve lived in four countries, including Dubai. Each move has tested my adaptability, my goals, and my financial capacity. Every phase has forced me to ask: “If everything changed tomorrow, could I stand on my own?”

The Reality of Life Abroad

We love the idea of the “land of opportunity”…but what happens when opportunity dries up?
When jobs disappear, costs rise, or support networks vanish overnight?

For some of us, “going home” isn’t an option. Maybe home no longer exists, or maybe home doesn’t want us back.

That’s why a financial backup plan isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline.

How to Build Your “Just in Case” Plan

Here’s how to start preparing — not for fear, but for freedom.

1️⃣ Assess Your Financial Capacity

Could you live independently right now if things changed suddenly? Know your cost of living — rent, bills, food, tuition, healthcare.

2️⃣ Build an Emergency Fund

Start with small, consistent savings until you can cover 3–6 months of living expenses.

3️⃣ Diversify Your Income

Even a side hustle or freelance project can become your lifeline when things get tight.

4️⃣ Research Second Residency or Investment Programs

Some countries offer long-term visas or citizenship-by-investment options. Plan early, not when you’re desperate.

5️⃣ Understand Your Legal Landscape

If you live abroad, know how your residency, employment, or sponsorship status affects your finances.

6️⃣ Stay Financially Self-Aware

Map out your financial ecosystem — assets, liabilities, income streams — so you can anticipate changes before they happen.

Resilience Is a Financial Skill

Jill’s decision reminded me that resilience isn’t just emotional — it’s financial. She didn’t “fail.” She protected her child, her sanity, and her long-term security. That’s the kind of financial courage we don’t celebrate enough.

So let me ask you:

Do you have a plan if your “land of opportunity” stops working for you?
Have you mapped your next move — financially and emotionally?
Do you have a support system if the numbers stop adding up?

I’m AfroBudgetinGirl, and this is my Diary — where every story matters because your story matters.

Through real experiences and true lessons, I help you question, plan, and protect your financial journey.
Visit my Digital Shop for exclusive resources, templates, and guides to map your personal finance cycle.

Stay tuned for upcoming Masterclasses designed to equip you with tools for resilience, wealth, and legacy.

Because love, dreams, and opportunities come and go — but financial awareness is the one thing that helps you always land on your feet.

Sources: Morning Brew | NCT UK Charity | Savory & Partners | Numbeo

The Land of Opportunities