From Perth to Panama: the man who sold his life on eBay

Redwing · 20th Aug, 2023

A Life Sold

In July 2008, Perth man Ian Usher made international headlines when he decided to sell his entire life – including his house, job, car and friends – on eBay, following the breakdown of his marriage.

Almost four years on WAtoday tracked him down, living on a Caribbean island, to find out where the journey took him - and if it was worth it.
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It's a dream many of us have – to throw in the job, sell the house and set off into the great unknown with just a passport and a thirst for adventure.

Usually, reality gets in the way. But not for Ian Usher, the Perth man who made international headlines when, during a midlife crisis, he decided to auction his entire life – including his house, job, car and even friends - on eBay.
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A heartbroken Mr Usher made the drastic move after his wife left him, six years after they emigrated from England to WA.

In August 2008 he farewelled his friends and left his Wellard home (which eventually sold for $399,000 the traditional way after the winning eBay bidder withdrew at the last minute) bound for Dubai.

Guiding him was a list of 100 goals he wanted to complete in 100 weeks.
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He wrote lengthy blogs during his travels and has since also self-published a book, A Life Sold ,which was also on his list of goals.

With the last of the money raised from the sale of his house, Mr Usher bought a 2.2 acre island in the Bocas Del Toro off the coast of Panama and has spent the past few months building a house there.

"The journey here was a little random. I just happened to be reading an article on the cheapest places in the world to live, and Panama came up," he said.

"I really didn't want to live somewhere where I'd have to work to be able to afford to live - at least for a year or two. I was only doing some initial property research, but made an offer on a small island, which was accepted. It's very laid back and relaxed."
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From Perth to Panama: the man who sold his life on eBay

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From Perth to Panama: the man who sold his life on eBay

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