So You Want to Leave the US?

Thinking about Leaving the US? That's a big step.

So you are an American who is fed up with the current political situation and you are thinking about leaving the US? There's a lot of chatter about this on the blogosphere since the 2024 US election; but before you take this crucial step, there is more to think about than you think. You absolutely should NOT be guided by emotion and your decision should also absolutely not be based on what you are "fleeing". You should also think about what you will be giving up. But, I am not trying to dissuade you! There is a lot to be gained if you have the right mindset and you are honest with yourself about your reasons for the move, and if you are realistic about the realities of life in your chosen destination. I'd like to help you with that and will do so in subsequent posts.

If politics is your motivation, think twice. Politics in the US are cyclical, so what is unpleasant to you now might get better in the future. But remember that the politics of your chosen destination country are also dynamic and what you love about that new country might also change in the long term, for the better or for the worse. We are based in Europe and here there is also a lot of uncertainty. A lot of the same forces and dynamics afflicting the US are happening here as well.

So here briefly, a few of the major points:

The number one reason US expats end up returning home is family. In the passion and excitement of a new adventure abroad, many people forget how much they will miss their family back home. This is especially true for younger people who have their first child whilst abroad. We know so many couples who returned after their first child for the sake of closeness to the grandparents.

Another big reason for a return is unrealistic expectations of what lifestyle is awaiting you in the new country. Many Americans move abroad subconcsiously expect to transport and continue their "American" lifestyle in the new country. This is a guaranteed recipe for failure! Your romantic marvel of the Italian seaside village or French café lifestyle that you experienced when you are on holiday there is definitely not what your life will be like there longer term - I promise you that! You cannot have the romantic lifestyle of that seaside village and still expect to have all the features and conveniences of your US life at the same time. There is no Target with a 2-acre parking lot next to that Italian village!

Remember you will have life's normal challenges wherever you are - family, finances, health, job, etc. (But that is not to say that you won't also enjoy those same things you experienced on holiday - more on that in other posts!)

Yet another reason many head back home is inadequate integration into the new country. I have seen some videos from digital nomad vloggers listing "top countries to move to where you can speak English", and frankly, this disgusts me! If you only intend to stay in a country a short time, then ok. But if you are planning a longer-term move, I absolutely cannot imagine how one can make the most of that without learning the local language, even if this is not absolutely necessary for surival. Besides, you are moving abroad for more than just "survival" (hopefully!).

A life in a new chosen "homeland" is very rewarding, but also daunting and challenging. The majority of people who try it do not succeed: eventually most return home. Those who pesevere, however, are never sorry.

We will publish stories here about the individual challenges and joys. We also invite comment and exchange! If you want us to publish on something specific that interests you, let us know!

Confused about the difference between digital nomad, expat and emigrant? Read this post.

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