Mindset Shift: Adapting to a Simpler Life in the Philippines

Why Mindset Matters When Shifting to Farm Life

Moving from corporate life to a farm in Palawan means letting go of old metrics of success—deadlines, meetings, and constant hustle—and learning to value patience, sustainability, and presence.

In our old life, success was tied to promotions and productivity. Today, it’s measured in sunrise harvests, giving back to our local community, and sharing laughter with neighbors. This change isn't always easy, especially if you're used to Western comforts. You may not find your favorite snacks or conveniences here—but what you gain is peace, purpose, and perspective.

Embracing Simplicity in the Philippines

Farm life offers a kind of simplicity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Here in Palawan, stress fades into the background. Nature sets the schedule, not a calendar. Every day offers a lesson in slowing down and appreciating what truly matters.

What surprised us most was the deep-rooted value of family in the Philippines. Family is everything here. Coming from the U.S., where family bonds can sometimes stretch thin due to busy schedules and distance, this cultural emphasis was refreshing and healing.

Living simply doesn’t mean living less—it means living deeper. We’ve downsized our worries and upsized our joy.

Learning Patience and Building Resilience

Farming isn’t instant. Livestock take time to grow. Seeds don’t bloom overnight. Weather doesn’t always cooperate. Coming from the U.S., where patience often feels in short supply, this was a big adjustment.

But with each challenge comes growth. Every crop failure taught us something. Every slow season built our resilience. And honestly, we wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Patience, we’ve learned, is not about waiting—it’s about learning to enjoy the process.

Finding Strength in Community

One of the greatest blessings of starting a farm in Palawan has been the incredible sense of community. From the beginning, our neighbors welcomed us with open arms. Local farmers generously shared advice. Fellow expats encouraged us through the learning curve.

Farming can be isolating—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s sharing meals, trading tips, or just offering a listening ear, the support we've found here has been vital.

Adapting Through Continuous Learning

Every day on the farm is a chance to learn something new. We’ve studied sustainable agriculture, experimented with different feed options, and even made a few (okay, many) mistakes along the way.

We often joke that a city boy and a city girl trying to learn farming is like a dog learning Spanish. But the truth is, we’ve grown more through trial and error than we ever did in boardrooms or spreadsheets.

Curiosity is our new compass. And every failure is just another step on the road to self-reliance.

Final Thoughts: A Life of Meaning, Not Just Motion

If you’re dreaming of leaving behind the stress and grind of city life, know this: the journey to a simpler life in the Philippines begins with your mindset.

At RosCole Farms, we didn’t just build a farm—we built a life rooted in purpose, faith, and freedom. It’s not always easy. But it is always worth it.

Let go of what you think life should be—and step into what it can be.