At minimum, I would quadruple my salary if I just moved back to the States and got a regular gig in my industry. Likely much more.

But instead of that, I recently absorbed a huge salary cut. Because my company knows Im not going to do that. And my company knows how hard it is for me to replace this gig as a remote worker. Capitalism 101.

High paying jobs with an extraordinary work/life balance are unicorns, no matter how you cut it.

Always always always have enough resources to get home if shit really turns south.
That was about it for me.

I am currently luxuriating in the brief shadow between the files I sent in last night, and the feedback I’ll have to work on tomorrow morning. lol

Smart way to do it, imo.
Next thing ya know, you’ll be an expat somewhere.
Good living.

This year I have been trying to get out of my job here in Thailand and to get myself plugged into some remote gig with a US company.

I have found it very challenging to seek gigs through the mainstream resume mills.
Maybe somewhat similar to you. Will keep trying though. It’ll definitely be worth the effort when my portfolio lands on the right desk.