A Step-by-Step Assessment to Determine If You’re Ready to Make Your Move By CJ Li, Author of SOS (Save Our Selves)
HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST This is not a test you pass or fail. This is a mirror—a way to see clearly where you are right now and what you need to prepare for the journey ahead. Go through each section honestly. Check the boxes where you are. Circle the ones that need work. By the end, you’ll know exactly what your next steps are. The Five Pillars of Relocation Readiness: Psychological & Spiritual Preparation – Is your mind ready? Financial Foundation – Do you have the resources? Practical Logistics – Do you know the mechanics? Cultural Competency – Are you prepared for the transition? Community & Support – Do you have your network? Let’s begin.
PILLAR 1: PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL PREPARATION “The internal journey determines whether relocation becomes liberation or just relocation.”
The Awakening – Do you recognize why you need to leave? □ I can articulate specific reasons why staying feels spiritually costly □ I’ve moved beyond “America is hard” to “This specific environment is incompatible with my family’s thriving” □ I can name what I’m moving toward, not just what I’m running from □ I’ve completed a “Soul Audit” – I know the true cost of staying on my mental health, my children, my marriage □ I recognize the difference between temporary frustration and fundamental incompatibility
The Liberation from Guilt □ I’ve processed the “abandonment” accusation and have a clear response □ I understand that geographic relocation can BE the struggle, not abandoning it □ I’ve written or can articulate my “Why I’m Leaving” narrative without shame □ I’ve made peace with the fact that I can’t save everyone—but I can save my lineage □ I’ve given myself permission to want more than survival
The Decolonized Mind □ I’ve identified the colonial programming I internalized (individualism, Western supremacy, scarcity mindset) □ I’m actively working to unlearn white gaze and respectability politics □ I understand that “success” in America often means assimilation, not liberation □ I’m willing to rebuild my definition of “making it” from scratch □ I’ve examined my biases about other Global South countries and peoples of color
The Family Conversation
My partner (if applicable) is aligned on this vision □ We’ve had honest conversations about our children’s future □ I’ve thought through how to discuss this with elderly parents or extended family □ I have a response prepared for family members who will resist □ I’m prepared for relationships to change or end over this decision
YOUR PSYCHOLOGICAL READINESS SCORE: ___/20 If you checked 15+: Your mind is ready. You’ve done the internal work. Move to the practical preparation. If you checked 10-14: You’re getting there. Spend more time on the chapters about decolonizing your mind and processing guilt before you book flights. If you checked fewer than 10: Start here. The psychological foundation must be solid before the logistics matter. Read the book’s first section twice.
PILLAR 2: FINANCIAL FOUNDATION “Freedom isn’t free—but it has a specific price tag. And you can afford it.” The Two Essential Funds □ I understand the difference between the Escape Fund (getting there) and Resettlement Fund (thriving there) □ I’ve calculated my specific Escape Fund target: $________ per person □ I’ve calculated my specific Resettlement Fund target: $________ total □ I have a month-by-month savings plan to reach these targets □ I know my target departure date: ___________
Current Financial Position □ Current savings: $________ □ 401(k)/Retirement accounts: $________ □ Home equity (if applicable): $________ □ Car equity or value: $________ □ High-value possessions I could sell: $________
TOTAL AVAILABLE ASSETS: $________ Monthly Savings Capacity □ Current monthly income (net): $________ □ Current monthly expenses: $________ □ Potential monthly savings with cuts: $________ □ Additional income from side hustles (potential): $________
TOTAL MONTHLY SAVINGS CAPACITY: $________
Financial Literacy □ I understand how US taxes work for expats (FEIE, FBAR, FATCA) □ I know I’ll still file US taxes even if I don’t owe anything □ I have a strategy for maintaining US credit while abroad □ I’ve researched banking options (Wise, Charles Schwab, international accounts) □ I understand currency exchange and how to minimize fees □ I’ve researched cost of living in my top 3 destination countries □ I know the healthcare costs in my target destinations
Debt & Obligations □ Current debt load: $________ (credit cards, student loans, car, mortgage) □ I have a plan to manage this debt while abroad □ I understand I can’t escape US debt by leaving the country □ If I own a home, I’ve decided: ☐ Sell ☐ Rent ☐ Other: __________
YOUR FINANCIAL READINESS SCORE: ___/18 If you checked 15+: You’re financially literate and prepared. Execute your savings plan aggressively. If you checked 10-14: You understand the basics. Spend time building your Ark Fund spreadsheet and creating your asset liquidation timeline. If you checked fewer than 10: Financial education is your next step. Read the Ark Fund chapter carefully and consider consulting with an expat tax specialist.
PILLAR 3: PRACTICAL LOGISTICS “The devil is in the details—and so is your freedom.” Passport & Documentation □ I have a valid US passport (expires after: ________) □ My partner has a valid passport □ My children have valid passports □ I have certified copies of birth certificates for all family members □ I have certified copies of marriage certificate (if applicable) □ I understand what “apostille” means and where to get documents apostilled □ I have digital copies of ALL important documents stored in cloud
Visa Research □ I’ve identified my top 3 destination countries: □ I understand the visa options available for each destination □ I know which visa pathway I qualify for in each country □ I understand the financial requirements for my target visa □ I know the processing timeline (it’s usually __ to __ months) □ I’ve joined Facebook groups for expats in these countries □ I’ve watched at least 10 YouTube videos from Black Americans in each destination
Housing Strategy □ I understand I should NOT buy property immediately upon arrival □ I have a 6-12 month rental strategy for initial landing □ I’ve researched neighborhoods in my target city □ I know the average rental costs in safe areas □ I understand local rental customs (deposits, utilities, contracts) □ I’ve identified temporary housing options for first 2-4 weeks
Healthcare □ I understand healthcare system in target country (public vs private) □ I know approximate costs for health insurance □ I’ve researched quality of hospitals and English-speaking doctors □ I have a plan for any ongoing medical needs or prescriptions □ I understand how to access emergency care
Education (if applicable) □ I’ve researched international schools vs local schools □ I understand the costs (international schools: $____ to $____ annually) □ I know the academic calendar and enrollment periods □ I’ve identified schools in my target neighborhoods □ I have a homeschooling backup plan if needed
Language Preparation □ I’ve started learning the local language (even basics help) □ I understand I can function in English in my target destination: ☐ Yes ☐ Partially ☐ No □ I’ve downloaded language apps (Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur) □ I’m committed to language classes once I arrive
YOUR PRACTICAL READINESS SCORE: ___/30 If you checked 25+: You’ve done your homework. You’re ready to start the visa application process. If you checked 18-24: You’re on the right track. Focus on the gaps—probably visa research and housing strategy. If you checked fewer than 18: Slow down. Research mode is where you need to be. Join the Facebook groups. Watch the videos. Build your knowledge base.
PILLAR 4: CULTURAL COMPETENCY “You’re entering as a guest. Act like it matters.” Self-Awareness □ I’ve examined my own anti-Black biases toward other Black people globally □ I understand that American Blackness ≠ universal Blackness □ I’m aware of colorism and how it operates in my target destination □ I understand I’ll have “American privilege” in some contexts □ I’m prepared to be seen as “rich American” even if I don’t feel rich □ I’ve thought about how my skin tone, gender, and appearance will be read in this new context
Historical Consciousness □ I’ve researched the colonial history of my target country □ I understand that country’s relationship with the US □ I know the racial dynamics and hierarchies there □ I’ve learned about local Black/African diaspora communities there □ I understand current political and social movements
Ubuntu & Community Building □ I understand Ubuntu: “I am because we are” □ I’m committed to learning local customs of respect and greeting □ I’m prepared to listen more than I speak initially □ I understand reciprocity—I can’t just take, I must give □ I have skills or resources I can contribute to the community □ I’m willing to be the student, not the expert
The Guest Mentality □ I understand I’m not “saving” anyone or “bringing development” □ I’ve checked my American exceptionalism at the door □ I’m prepared to adapt to local ways, not expect them to adapt to me □ I understand that “inefficiency” might just be different efficiency □ I’m willing to slow down and observe before judging
Anti-Colonial Practice □ I’m committed to NOT gentrifying neighborhoods □ I’ll pay fair prices, not bargain aggressively □ I’ll hire locally and pay well □ I’ll learn history from local perspectives, not just American/European sources □ I’ll build authentic relationships, not transactional ones
YOUR CULTURAL READINESS SCORE: ___/20 If you checked 16+: You get it. You’re approaching this with humility and awareness. You’ll build authentic community. If you checked 11-15: You’re aware but need deeper work. Spend time reading books by authors FROM your target destination, not just about it. If you checked fewer than 11: This is urgent. Without cultural competency, you’ll be “that American” everyone resents. Do the work.
PILLAR 5: COMMUNITY & SUPPORT “You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you can’t.” Your Digital Tribe □ I’ve joined relevant Facebook groups: ☐ Blaxit Global (50K+ members) ☐ Black Expats in [Target Country] ☐ [Target City] Expat Community ☐ Black Women Thriving Abroad (if applicable) □ I’ve been ACTIVE in these groups (not just lurking)—asking questions, offering value □ I’ve connected with at least 3 people who’ve made the move already □ I have contact info for people in my target city who offered to help □ I follow relevant YouTube channels and have learned from their journeys
Your Ground Crew (People Already There) □ I’ve identified expats in my target city willing to meet for coffee when I visit □ I’ve found at least one person who’s been there 2+ years who can give realistic advice □ I know where the Black expat community gathers (events, restaurants, meetups) □ I have a list of local organizations I can join upon arrival
Your Home Team (Support in the US) □ I have at least 2 people who fully support this decision □ I have someone who can handle US mail/packages for me □ I have someone with power of attorney if needed □ I’ve identified who will be my “bridge” to family who doesn’t understand □ I have a therapist or counselor who supports this journey
Professional Network □ If I’m employed: I’ve determined ☐ I can work remotely ☐ I need new job ☐ I’m self-employed □ I’ve researched professional opportunities in my field at destination □ I’ve connected with professionals in my industry who’ve made similar moves □ I have a LinkedIn strategy for international job searching (if needed) □ I understand visa implications of working remotely for US company
Emergency Plan □ I have $____ set aside as “come back fund” if it doesn’t work out □ I’ve identified what “failure” would look like and I’m okay with that possibility □ I know I have a place to return to if absolutely necessary □ I’ve given myself permission to try this without guarantees □ I understand this is not all-or-nothing—I can always reassess
YOUR COMMUNITY READINESS SCORE: ___/24 If you checked 20+: You’ve built your network. You won’t be alone. You have the safety net and the support system. If you checked 15-19: You’re building community but need to go deeper. Schedule actual conversations, not just digital connections. If you checked fewer than 15: Community building must be your focus. Start commenting in Facebook groups TODAY. Reach out. Connect. This is non-negotiable.
YOUR OVERALL RELOCATION READINESS SCORE Add up your scores from all five pillars: Psychological & Spiritual: ___/20 Financial Foundation: ___/18 Practical Logistics: ___/30 Cultural Competency: ___/20 Community & Support: ___/24 TOTAL SCORE: ___/112
WHAT YOUR SCORE MEANS 90-112 Points: YOU ARE READY TO LAUNCH You’ve done the work—internal and external. Your next steps: Book scouting trip within next 60 days Begin visa application process Activate your savings plan aggressively Set a departure date You’re not waiting for perfect. You’re ready for real.
70-89 Points: YOU’RE IN SOLID PREPARATION MODE You’re on the path. You need focused attention on specific gaps. Your next steps: Identify your lowest-scoring pillar—that’s where you focus Give yourself 3-6 months to strengthen weak areas Join the Facebook groups and get active Read SOS cover to cover, taking notes You’re not ready to book flights, but you’re ready to get ready.
50-69 Points: YOU’RE IN RESEARCH & EDUCATION PHASE This is the beginning, and that’s okay. Your next steps: Immerse yourself in content—YouTube channels, podcasts, books Start financial education and building your Ark Fund Begin the psychological work (journaling, therapy, self-reflection) Give yourself 9-12 months of serious preparation Don’t rush. Build the foundation right.
Below 50 Points: YOU’RE IN DREAM & EXPLORATION PHASE You have the spark, but you need the fuel. Your next steps: Get clear on WHY you want this—is it real or just escape fantasy? Read SOS (Save Our Selves) to understand what this journey actually requires Start following 5-10 Black expat accounts on social media Begin saving $50-100/month as proof of concept to yourself Give yourself 12-18 months to move from dream to plan The journey starts with the first step. You just took it.
YOUR PERSONALIZED 30-DAY ACTION PLAN Based on your scores, here are your next 30 days: If Psychological was your LOWEST score: Week 1: Complete Soul Audit (journal every day—why stay? why go? what’s the cost of each?) Week 2: Write your “Why I’m Leaving” letter to yourself Week 3: Research and read one book on decolonization (recommended: Fanon, hooks, Nyabola) Week 4: Have the hard conversation with your partner/family If Financial was your LOWEST score: Week 1: Calculate exact Escape Fund and Resettlement Fund targets Week 2: Audit current spending—where can you cut? Create month-by-month savings plan Week 3: Research expat tax requirements; consider booking consultation with expat tax specialist Week 4: Open separate “Ark Fund” savings account; make first deposit If Practical was your LOWEST score: Week 1: Ensure all passports are current; get apostilled birth/marriage certificates Week 2: Deep-dive research on visa requirements for top 3 destinations Week 3: Join 5+ Facebook groups; watch 20+ YouTube videos from Black expats Week 4: Create destination comparison spreadsheet (costs, visa options, pros/cons) If Cultural was your LOWEST score: Week 1: Read books BY authors from your target destination (not about them—by them) Week 2: Start language learning (even 10 min/day on Duolingo) Week 3: Research colonial history and current racial dynamics in target country Week 4: Examine your own biases—journal on American exceptionalism and anti-Blackness you’ve internalized If Community was your LOWEST score: Week 1: Join all relevant Facebook groups and introduce yourself using value-based template Week 2: Comment helpfully on 10+ posts; send 3 DMs to people who seem helpful Week 3: Schedule virtual coffee with 1 person already living in target destination Week 4: Create list of local organizations/meetups to join upon arrival
FINAL WORDS This checklist gave you clarity. Now you know exactly where you are and what you need to do next. Remember these truths: ✓ You don’t need to be perfect to start. You need to be honest about where you are and committed to the work. ✓ This is not a race. Some people are ready in 6 months. Some need 2 years. Honor your timeline. ✓ Low scores aren’t failure. They’re roadmaps. They show you exactly what to focus on. ✓ You are not alone. Thousands are on this path. Reach out. Connect. Build. ✓ Your ancestors survived the Middle Passage. You can handle international relocation. You come from people who built entire civilizations from nothing. The door is open. The path is clear. The community is waiting. Your next step: Read SOS (Save Our Selves) for the complete roadmap from where you are to where you want to be. Download your printable tracker at:https://forthefield.com/ Join the community: [Coming Soon]
This checklist is yours. Use it. Share it. Let it guide you home.Let the ancestors guide you on. Blessings, and Love. CJ Li, Author of SOS (Save Our Selves)
BONUS: QUICK-START RESOURCES Essential Facebook Groups: Blaxit Global Black Expats in [Portugal/Ghana/Mexico] Travel Noire Community Must-Follow YouTube Channels: Webnationafrica Tony & Ayo (Ghana) wodemaya Therealsouthafrica Recommended Reading: The Warmth of Other Suns – Isabel Wilkerson Travelling While Black – Nanjala Nyabola How Europe Underdeveloped Africa – Walter Rodney Financial Tools: Wise.com (international money transfers) Numbeo.com (cost of living comparisons) ExpatTaxCPA.com (tax consultation)
