Knighten and Cordier, two English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers, first met in Vietnam in 2014 while working in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Although the move abroad was a stark contrast to Knighten’s suburban upbringing in Chicago, it was exactly what she needed to satisfy her wanderlust.
After spending a few years in Asia, the couple decided to take teaching jobs in the UAE where they received annual salaries of nearly $70,000. While the increase in income was a significant improvement from what they were earning in Vietnam, Knighten knew they needed to save more if they ever wanted to afford a home in Chicago, where the average price is around $350,000.
Despite the challenges posed by a difficult housing market with low supply, high prices, and high mortgage rates, Knighten and Cordier were determined to save for a down payment on a house in Chicago. However, everything changed for them during a European road trip in 2018.
Instead of going back to the US to pursue their original plans, Knighten and Cordier decided to abandon their savings goals and embrace a life of travel and exploration. The experience of traveling through Europe made them realize that they didn’t want to be tied down to a mortgage and a single location. They wanted to continue living a life of adventure and discovery.
The decision to prioritize experiences over possessions has brought Knighten and Cordier closer together and allowed them to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. While their path may be unconventional, they have found happiness and fulfillment in following their hearts and living life on their own terms.
