moving out of the us?

Dude, leaving the US is the best decision you can possibly make. I also left when I was 20 with only 300 dollars or so in my pocket. I went to Germany, found a job at a company which I still work for 15 years later! In the meanwhile I've relocated several times for that company and currently reside in Manila.

After I left the US I actually became rich - not financially, but my mind opened up to the world. I saw that there was so much more to life than taking out loans for crap, buying everything on credit and keeping up with the Jones'. The average American's view of the world is very narrow. In many other countries not only are the salaries better, but so are the working conditions and general quality of life.

My worst fear is having to go back to work for some hire-and-fire company that only gives me two weeks off of work. I enjoy my 35 hour work weeks and 30 days paid leave!

5k certainly isn't enough to live off of, but you know that. Just head out and look for a job once you get to where you are. If you want to hang out a bit longer on the 5k, you should try the Philippines. You can get beers for about 50 cents and a meal is about a dollar. Throw in USD 150 / mo rent and you can hang out on the beach here for a while.

if i had a choice and was younger i would move to Canada.i would never consider Mexico myself.I've been to Ontario many times for deliveries(I'm a former truck driver)and i always enjoyed driving in that province.it was always a pain to re-enter the USA,even before 9-11.

maybe costa rica, mexico, unfortunately, you might get rob and left with nothing, just be careful.... good luck

You will be broke when you get there.