Does anyone else just have an inexplicable desire to live abroad?
Posted by CoVegGirl@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 116 comments
I've tried putting my desire to live abroad into words. "Desire to see the world", "Desire to broaden my horizons", etc.
Those things aren't false. It's just that the reality is that my mind constantly comes back to this idea of living abroad for reasons I don't understand. I've gone through all the reasons why moving abroad would be a bad idea, and yet that drive is still there.
So at a certain point, I've decided that I should start listening to that drive. But it's an overwhelming, anxiety-inducing undertaking, and it feels kind of weird to shrug my shoulders and say "I don't really know why I want to do this".
So I'm curious: can anyone relate? How has acting on this drive turned out for you?
OkTax444@reddit
OP, where do you live?
I'm American, living in the UK about to move to Australia.
If you have a desire, follow that. Please follow it.
BudgetTemperature414@reddit
Youre right, life is too short im working towards getting out
wildsoda@reddit
Welcome to Aus! I moved here from the U.S. 20 years ago, then moved back to the U.S. (family reasons) 10 years ago, and finally just moved back a year ago. Very relieved to be out again.
(I actually had always wanted to live in the UK but when I consider what the Tories have done to it over the past 14 years I’m kind of glad that I didn’t end up living there.)
SMEinBeSci@reddit
Given their immigration policies, what was the method you took to move to Australia? E.g.,
-Local (AUS) employment? -US- based employer with location in AUS? -Independently wealthy?
wildsoda@reddit
Originally I came here to do a masters degree, which gave me a 2-year student visa. I applied for a job after I graduated and they hired me and sponsored me for a 457 business visa. When that was up for renewal four years later I applied for permanent residency instead, and a year after that I applied for citizenship, which came through about six months later.
OkTax444@reddit
Thats exciting! I'm moving to Aus in March - soooo pumped to get out of England. I've been here 12 years and have seen exactly what you mention unfold. Especially lately with the racially motivated riots. Its embarrassing
wildsoda@reddit
Uhhhh Australia isn't really that much better on that count, unfortunately (cf "Cronulla Riots"). But at least Medicare is still basically intact, though clinics that bulk-bill are becoming more and more scarce. Where are you moving to? Feel free to drop me a DM if you want to talk about settling in here at all.
OkTax444@reddit
Oh I'm fully aware! It feels more on-your-doorstep here because England is tiny and every city is rioting this week.
Moving to a SMALL little town on the outskirts of Perth to live with some friends as a start.
wildsoda@reddit
Oh good, glad you have friends to help get you orientated! Don’t miss Rottnest Island and a visit with the quokkas :)
MD90__@reddit
That's pretty awesome! Due to family reasons I'm pretty much stuck in the US and with 0 years career experience in anything meaningful, I have no job way of doing it. Hopefully nothing crazy happens here. For me, I always wanted to live in the UK, but now I'm not so sure. How was UK since you're changing countries? Australia sounds awesome!
OkTax444@reddit
No job way of doing it doesn't mean it's ever too late!!
I moved here was I was 13 (now almost 25) and overall it's been better than living anywhere else. I moved around the US and in Canada growing up before me and my mom moved to England.
Its been the longest place I've lived, and overallbit's not been terrible, but the cost of living is astronomical. I went back home to NH this summer and was shocked at how affordable the US is compared to the UK. And the clothes are so cheap in the US omggggg!
I'm leaving England because of circumstance, honestly. My boyfriend and I have been presented with a very incredible opportunity to move to Perth, and because he's a wanted tradie and I have a Masters degree (and a job I could do anywhere), we decided to say fuck it!
£1 = $2 AUD so our money will go FAR too!
Bottom line: life presented me with an opportunity that I earned, so I'm taking it!
MD90__@reddit
That's awesome :). I'm hoping for opportunity but sadly my mom needs me here after my dad passed away. I gave up a lot opportunities for jobs here in the US after college after my dad became wheelchair bound until his passing in 2023. Sadly, mom couldn't handle his care alone and needed me here which kinda ended my career. Like they say the choices we make have consequences, and even then it bothers me but I felt family mattered more. Now into my mid 30s, future looks too bleak might as well just try to have a life here I guess. During college, I loved reading about studying abroad and eventually living in a country like for me UK, Ireland, Australia, Italy, and Germany looked the best minus language barriers with the last two. Japan sounded cool too given interests and I liked their work culture and ethics for dedicated and professional they are in their respective occupations.
Those areas could've been great but sadly opportunity never came and I didn't come from a wealthy family to have more opportunities to try. It is cool though you got to experience different cultures and find things you liked in others to experience them as well! I didn't know how bad the economy was in UK but then again hasn't been great everywhere. Be safe on your adventures!
OkTax444@reddit
Thank you for sharing with me! I hope you can find adventure even near your doorstep.
Thank you <3
cookiesandginge@reddit
Hope UK treated you well 🫡
OkTax444@reddit
Honestly, it's not been terrible in my own experience. I gained 2 degrees here (BA and MA landing me only with £75k of debt total), have an incredible boyfriend, and work my dream job. Personal circumstances, I am very lucky.
Wider scale, this country is a shit tip. Politically, economically, and especially housing wise. I'm feeling very lucky to be leaving next year before it really gets volatile and uninhabitable due to CoL and housing
cookiesandginge@reddit
Please take me
Fun_Organization7591@reddit
Yo tambien estaba como tú ,pero yo si tenía claro mis razones me fui a vivir sola a marruecos y estuve muy feliz con ganas de volver halli soy feliz con mucha paz en mi interior descanso que es lo más importante que allí duermo hasta 10 horas y aquí en mi país 5
Ok-Pomegranate7744@reddit
I would love to live abroad so bad but I just don’t understand how I would support myself or anything, I work a decent corporate job and I’m getting my mba but I feel like it doesn’t really even help.
wh0re4nickelback@reddit
Yep! Ever since I was a little kid. We're in the US. My parents are looking to relocate to Italy next year. My son is 18 and leaving the nest this year. My husband and I don't have any other ties here, so we met with a financial advisor and we're working towards early retirement and living abroad. It won't happen for 5 -10 years, but by the time we make the leap, we won't have the worries that most folks expatriating do.
I'm really tired of the consumerism and rat race that is the US. I don't want to keep up with the Jones'. I just want to live and breathe a culture that prioritizes health, family and just enjoying the simple things in life. We don't get to do that in the US.
JokeAggressive617@reddit
Very well explained
RadiantInteraction32@reddit
Well I kinda moved abroad in that I moved to Hawaii for 15 years. I sometimes think I want to move abroad, but I am currently living in Chicago and enjoying it and I want to be close to family. Also, I love other cultures but living somewhere where English is not the first language no longer interests me.
SophiaHC28@reddit
I did have it and moved to europe. I explain here how this desicion changed my life in many aspects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6z4Vhm6vDE&t=37s
Icy_Animal_6834@reddit
I can definitely relate, it's a constant feeling, I can't shake it off. I am game for taking a trip to Scotland, Ireland and anywhere else in Europe if a group of solo travelers are up for it:) we can at least visit and get a feel before moving permanently
Gullible_Thing34@reddit
Yeah, i wanna try to move to either philippines or singapore
Level_Perspective_21@reddit
I'm late to the party, did you move? I've been thinking hard about noving there.
squeezedeez@reddit
Yes! If it weren't for the extreme difficulty procuring a visa, we'd have been in the UK years ago. It's still and always will be on my mind and to do list, and I'm looking for any feasible way to get there, but who knows if I'll ever be able to make it a reality.
I've poured over the pros and cons and fully realize that, while there are absolutely huge pluses, the cons are significant and there is an element of irrationality to it. I've chalked it up to being one of those things you just have to try - you'll either get it out of your system and not have to wonder anymore, or realize it was the right choice and lef to something you needed in your life. I'd rather take a gamble and know either way than spend the rest of my life wondering what might've been.
Relative_Drive8115@reddit
The real thing of it is just changing your perspective from living abroad to "traveling, potentially for an extended period of time" treat it like a vacation. Stretch money out. Go see stuff. Meet people, get a different job for a few weeks, maybe longer. You'll figure something out, you just really actually need to be outside, like, yes, most of the time. You'll see things a lot differently and you'll figure it out. It's really just about getting over the anxiety of not going.
tldr; gpt;
**This post is about changing your mindset from LIVING abroad to TRAVELING THERE—and possibly hopping to \~many places\~ in a row!** Treat it like a vacation: stretch your budget, explore, and adapt. It’s all about overcoming the fear of not GOING!
nataszix@reddit
I knew from young age i had the desire to live abroad. Even when i was so young i had nothing to worry about and i knew this decision wouldn't come from side of job perspective, money or comfort of living, i simply wanted to be somewhere else. It has turned out to be best decision for myself (i moved at 19 now im 24).
Visible_Sun699@reddit
Yes. I think universally, in your homeland people have more expectations from you.
Whereas if you are living abroad, you can more easily mind your own business. And also people that are able to speak a second language are usually more educated than those that cannot, so you can filter that out if you are abroad. It just feels more comfortable to be abroad, for this reason.
Function-Over9@reddit
I left a perfectly amazing life in the USA for the sole reason to scratch that itch......
Worth it 100%. If you never do it, I don't think that itch will ever go away.
unsincere-practice@reddit
Moved to the US due to this.
Currently planning a move to Europe or Australia for the same reason.
Constant-Sink-4020@reddit
I've always been "cursed" by that same inexplicable pull. And luckily I've had a few opportunities to act upon it. Have had the chance to live and work in São Paulo, Lisbon and London so far. Yes. Absolutely Yes. Always worth it, and it always unfolds in unknowable ways – as life does.
MRaivisM@reddit
I have similar drive to move away from my home country. I know some reasons why I want to move but there still is some unexplained reasons why I want to move.
I was in UK for 4 years and I loved it. However I moved back to my home country as my son was there. Now after almost 5 years back home I just want to move again.
I read all these laws for living in Australia, USA, Canada and I have question.
How you people can live in these countries for so long?
ManExploresWorld@reddit
I've had that desire for years. I (Aussie) just came back from a Eurotrip last month that was solo and at some point on that trip I just knew in my soul that I was done and could never go back to my life in Australia. I've come home basically to quit and say my goodbyes. I'm leaving next month. Booking my flight tomorrow.
Follow that desire. Don't let yourself become trapped in a life that you won't love.
Faith_Location_71@reddit
Yes, that was me. I did it. I love it where I am now, but I will say it was a huge leap of faith.
abieNaz@reddit
mind if i ask where you are now?
No-Caregiver8049@reddit
You may want to look at their post history first. it’s….interesting.
WafflerTO@reddit
For those who don't want to sift through the history, FL71 actively posts on a group that believes Covid-19 was a scam.
janet--snakehole-@reddit
Oh... oh no..
Dadjee@reddit
Had that urge as well but not the financial means to act on it.
Then I got a job offer to relocate and work in Fiji, fast forward to 10 years later, got a wife, a kid, just bought a house and have regular vacation trips to AUS, NZ, South Korea and Japan.
Heavy_Cauliflower789@reddit
Yesss I can relate to this so much rn, after backpacking in South America I fell in love with Buenos Aires and aim to live there next year with no real idea how :P
For reference I currently live in the UK and would need to get a remote job I think as the average wage in LATAM isnt so good but I work as a Quantity Surveyor which doesnt really translate very well into 'remoteness' :/
reebeachbabe@reddit
I’ve been feeling this really strong “longing” (is what I call it) to live in Europe for about 10-15 years. I don’t understand it, it feels like a part of me is missing. It is strong. It must be something from a past life is all I can come up with. :) I want to move there, but I’ve read so much about how it’s so hard to be accepted and you’ll pretty much always be an outsider. Idk if I want to live my life like that.
UnstableCoder@reddit
Moved abroad, never went back. Found love, friends and a career. Missed out on a lot of stuff people back home got to experienced.
The adventure you're looking for? It's there. Anxiety inducing situations and loneliness? Also there.
If you don't act on your dreams? Then you stay save and you'll possibly have to deal with the crippling feeling of "what if?" in 20 years
CoVegGirl@reddit (OP)
Joke’s on you, I got the “what if” feeling 10 years early!
Seriously though, I think I might’ve answered my own question. I’m middle-aged, and it’s prompting me to think harder about my bucket list. Do I want to go the rest of my life not knowing what it’s like to live elsewhere?
UnstableCoder@reddit
All I can offer is encouragement. A challenge steemghtens the soul and a change of scenery often does wonders.
Quantum168@reddit
Go with it. You can't when you're married with children.
Professional-Box376@reddit
Quite honestly- I’m ready to move back to my country. I’ve lost a lot and I guess I gotta suck it up and do the best I can. 👌
Inevitable_Tree3818@reddit
I’ve considered moving from US to Spain! It resides on my mind ALL the time especially with the thought of my future. I don’t want my kids growing up in the US.
eiffeloberon@reddit
Yep, New Zealander here wanting to go to the US
euro_zero@reddit
It’s not inexplicable to me. Between housing, food, and especially healthcare/insurance costs, not to mention violent crime, murder, and auto fatality stats, it makes a bunch of sense.
How did it work out for me? I traveled a bit in France and Germany visiting online friends, figured out where I wanted to live, spent four months there over the last year, found an apartment and met a wonderful French woman, sold my possessions stateside and turned them into liquidity that I could live off of for my first year in France, and am now about to get my VLS-TS and return for good in September.
splitsecondclassic@reddit
Living abroad is and can be fun but if you're American I can tell you that there is no place in the world that is more convenient. Additionally, sometimes getting a handyman seems nearly impossible. Sometimes the overwhelming desire to get out can be helped by just eliminating news and social media. America can be bad but I've owned property in many other countries and there is no panacea. They all have things that I wish were different.
CoVegGirl@reddit (OP)
While I’d be lying if I said current events do not affect my decision, I think there’s something more deeply-seated.
I’ve definitely been through all the disadvantages in my head. The main one being loneliness. I’m extroverted, so feelings of loneliness are hard for me.
And yet, here I am! I’ll have to do some investigation on that because I’m certain immigration isn’t just for introverts.
thevoidthoughts@reddit
I’m constantly looking at moving to either the Netherlands or Germany
Loose_Elderberry2800@reddit
I’ve been having the same urge since 2022 when I started traveling more. I was born and partially raised in the US and never felt like this was home even after moving across the country to try new places. I feel so miserable in this culture ( my background is South American - community, big family, etc). Problem is Im also in my early to mid thirties and feel a ton of pressure about family/kids, etc… so it feels like a crazy irresponsible thing to do. Any woman experienced a similar situation and might wanna share their thoughts? I want to move to Europe- thinking Spain, Italy, Croatia.
VioletMelody21@reddit
The Germans have a word - ‘fernweh’ which means ‘Far sickness’, or, as my friend described it to me, a homesickness for a place I’ve yet to go. This is the most perfect description of how I have felt since I was about 8 years old. I’ve lived in several countries since then and absolutely loved it!
CoVegGirl@reddit (OP)
I should’ve known the Germans would have a compound word to describe what I’m feeling!
JenInHer40s@reddit
Yeah, felt that way living in LA, so moved to NYC. Felt like that in NYC, so moved to VT. Felt that way in VT so moved to England.
Now living in England and have a deep urge to move to Spain. (Have also considered a few other countries, but Spain is currently in the lead…)
Each time it’s a deep emotional and physical feeling of being in the wrong place. I think I’ll always feel like this.
Up2Eleven@reddit
A desire? Yes. Inexplicable? No, there are definitely reasons.
As for living abroad, do a bit of long term travel before you commit. So many things come up after having spent some time in a place that you'd just never think of and those can affect whether or not that place is right for you.
wildcatwoody@reddit
Yes
Appropriate_Tap8752@reddit
Hey I actually help people move abroad if your interested let me know! I’m doing free consultations
Speeder_mann@reddit
I always did my original idea was to leave for America, went to China instead and haven’t looked back
redrabbitreader@reddit
Initially no and I had no plans to move to another country.
Then I got a really cool offer from a company, but part of the contract was that I would have to relocate.
I moved from South Africa to the Netherlands almost three years ago.
Now I wonder why I never considered it before!
It's like a whole new world of opportunities opened up and I won't mind exploring even more in the future. I have actually adopted now a very minimalist lifestyle just to make this process easier. No solid plans for a next move yet, but when the opportunity arise, I'm ready.
eyediosmios@reddit
Me everyday. That's why I'm taking time to save. If I'm able to save, once my mother dies, I'm out of this shit country. Her living & the fact I don't have money saved are the only reasons I'm still here.
Particular-Ad9701@reddit
I am about to move half way around the world at the age of 57. I have a good job in the US and a settled family life. I am still planning to make this move as I might not get another opportunity again. It is terrifying and I spend a lot of time going back and forth in my mind over the pros and cons. In 2004 I had an opportunity to move to Tokyo and I backed out eventually. I want to make it work this time.
Cloudasmoke@reddit
I’m the same age and really want to do it but I’m kind of scared to sell my house & go all in. I can’t stop thinking about it, though.
rruler@reddit
Then don’t sell the house do it for 3 months and re-evaluate. You’ll see it’ll be much easier and the slower approach will make it feel less like it HAS to work out
mfupi@reddit
I've not lived in my home country for nearly two decades, so no cos... oh, wait, oopsie
SuperDuperFry@reddit
No I only subscribed to this forum for other means
olegispe@reddit
Yep! I did it and I love it
Dangerous-Volume-934@reddit
Are you me?
The poor state of the uk makes it easy to move but I would be leaving regardless
Kingston31470@reddit
I suppose sometimes it can be an irrational urge based on psychological factors. And in that case there may be situations where some people could be better off trying to work on those underlying factors instead of just rushing to move abroad without a proper plan, as it may not solve their personal issues.
But only you can know, and what I found important is to always follow your guts. If you have a strong instinct that you should be moving someplace else then there is nothing wrong with trying it out. Thankfully most of these decisions in life are reversible to some extent so if you find yourself worse off you should be able to go back or move somewhere else.
Goryokaku@reddit
Of course! Lived in 6 different countries since first giving into the urge when I was young. No regrets.
ItsMePranit@reddit
Not actual desire to live, but travel to as many countries as possible :)
Rich-Appearance-7145@reddit
Been doing it for decades now best decision I ever made no regrets, except not doing it sooner.
SirMosesKaldor@reddit
I'm Lebanese, so my hand is a little forced. Corruption, threat of war, and shitty ass services...despite the pro's (mom and dad + extended family, a choice of three beautiful houses to live in all in prime locations etc.), I want to live abroad in a country similar to Lebanon's climate, which is why I'm seeking Greece or Cyprus as my next destination. (I'm currently in fake plastic Dubai. While I love it here, I'm tired of the consumerist lifestyle here...)
Silver_Importance777@reddit
DESPERATELY
DabIMON@reddit
I don't want to live abroad, I want to live wherever I choose, regardless of national borders.
Affectionate_Fly1077@reddit
It’s a chance you just have to take because living with regret can eat you up for the rest of your life. I sold everything in Canada 8 years ago and moved with zero Spanish and two suitcases to Mexico was one of the best decisions of my life so far.
All4megrog@reddit
Yes. I just wrote a check for preschool for next month and it was $2800
Eurydice_guise@reddit
I do! I've been trying to put it into action for years. I have a family, and my husband isn't the planning type, so it's taking forever and feels like it'll never happen.
mostytoast@reddit
Got rid of my rented apartment, on most my stuff. Stored a few things at my parents. Everything I need fits in a carry-on + personal item. It's different for everyone obviously. Are you thinking of fully moving somewhere or just being on the road for a few months to year? Either way highly recommend it. Being somewhere new is awesome. If thinking about it excites you then I think you will have a great time actually doing it.
get2steppn@reddit
Yes! Even as a little kid, my dream was to one day live in a hot air balloon and fly around the world rescuing koalas and pandas.
I never saw myself living on the same continent forever, and feel a physical pain in my heart even considering the fact that I may have to do just that.
Traveler for life, either way.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
The countryside of England.
DFWPunk@reddit
I'm American.
Every second of every day.
ExistingPie1714@reddit
Same! Thing is, I am afraid I can't have that kind of lifestyle and have wife and children at the same time
peonyowl@reddit
Worldschooling?
peonyowl@reddit
Yes, me. I think about it constantly, although it's extremely unrealistic since my husband I have a lot of kids and my husband's status in the USA is complicated. Unrealistic but not impossible.
SOC_FreeDiver@reddit
Try it, see if you like it. The universe rewards the bold.
I'm an American living in Mexico.
Littlerecluse@reddit
Yes. And I’m sad that I was anti news for a few years before this because I have no clue whether the world politics are seemingly going south now or have always been trending that way.
That’s one thing I’m a little worried about, but overall, I know that I’ll be fine
stack_overflows@reddit
Yes. I pine for change almost every single day. Not a thing wrong with how my life is atm. I'm grateful for everything I have, but I want something different. Somewhere with warm weather and endless beaches. I don't even mind taking a payout to make this happen.
Apprehensive-Scar-88@reddit
Yeah I felt that, used to liken it to those ants infected with that crazy zombie mold…they climb to high places above there hives and then die and the mold spores shoot everywhere. A little morbid but yeah I feel it’s just a similar an inexplicable drive I imagine that’s what the ant feels. Must climb tree must get higher must go must go… must travel must see must go must go
a_way_with_turds@reddit
Man, that describes my personal journey when I moved from Tucson AZ to Washington state. I had wanted to move there before I even visited, and while I visited for one week, I did all the usual touristy stuff so I didn't get a real feel for the city. I ended up in Los Angeles for a couple years before I actually worked up the nerve to move there. But it happened, and I'm happy it did. It's been over 10 years now, and I'm feeling the same bug coming back, but I don't have a destination this time :/
Jacob_Soda@reddit
I live in the US and I'm very grateful to live here, but there's just an inexplicable desire to just travel and explore the world and since it's really hard for me to find a stable job.
Dazzling_Village_29@reddit
You have to answer this call or you will always wonder
willworkforchange@reddit
I felt that urge strongly in my early 20s. I had teaching credentials in the US, so it was easy for me to get a job abroad, so I just did it. Best experience ever
explicaboangulus4357@reddit
I'm in the same boat. It's like an itch you can't scratch, but worth the leap.
rruler@reddit
We threw our shit in storage and moved to Europe. We fucking love it
CV2nm@reddit
I just want to live somewhere warmer. I tried it out (moved from UK to aus) and just felt happier daily and healthier.
So it's the most tiny reason but means a lot to me.
scythianqueen@reddit
I’ve lived on three continents and planning a move to my fourth. It’s been overwhelming positive but has been detrimental to my friendships I would say. The people you REALLY click with will stay friends despite the distance, but you’ll find that many other relationships are relationships of proximity.
lonetraveler73@reddit
Just remember if you're sad now you might still be sad somewhere else.
https://youtu.be/TbwlC2B-BIg?si=zz8y8DW5K9xkukKu
lalah445@reddit
Can relate. I’ve lived abroad for 9 years in 5 different countries. I’ve reflected a lot on my reasons because friends and family in my home country don’t understand it and thinks I’m running from something.
In a way, yes, I am running from something but that’s not the whole reason. I’m "running" from my home country because I never felt like I fit in, my dreams and ideas were always too big and I just didn’t function well with my own country’s culture.
Living abroad, I feel free to be 100% myself and act on my dreams and ideas. It’s made me so happy!
Another reason is I just LOVE exploring, and there’s only so much exploring you can do within your own home town and culture. I love trying new cuisine, meeting people with different perspectives and views, seeing stunning nature and trying different lifestyles for myself. It keeps life interesting and I need that cause I easily get bored.
No-Tip3654@reddit
It has turned out great.
HVP2019@reddit
I did it one time because I knew positives were greater than negatives ( including overwhelming stress) but I am not playing to do it again because I don’t anticipate positives to outweigh negatives.
Business-Ad-9401@reddit
I have a burning desire to move to pollenca in Spain but have no idea of the schooling system or anything. It's just a pipe dream trying to convince my fiancé to break free of the norm and take a chance. We both work remotely
Messesonmessesonmess@reddit
lived abroad in 2 different countries. it was eye opening, challenging, and rewarding. i felt like i could understand a little more about different people of the world and learn aspects from cultures that i could carry on with me and allow me to be a more well-rounded global citizen. My empathy expanded. Learning new languages was also a big interest of mine. There’s also something comforting about no one knowing who you are. I’m ethnically ambiguous so that also allowed me to see how others view me, even getting stopped at airports despite literally having a US Passport (one of the stronger ones). It’s a really fulfilling experience in so many ways that I dream about when i can leave the US to live abroad again.
rhrjruk@reddit
Sure. I've been an expat for half my life. It's not that complicated:
We feel like we're not from around here - wherever we are.
We're most comfortable when we're alien.
Wherever we are right now, these locals are freaky.
Whatever is messed up in our home country is not our fault.
skrufforious@reddit
Yup! My husband and I both have this!
We have a hard time explaining it to people sometimes haha.
We lived in Japan for 5 years. Now my husband is joining the air force and we hope he will be placed abroad and we can live on base together abroad.
ExistingPie1714@reddit
do you have children?
cyrand@reddit
I’ve been described by loved ones as barely contained wanderlust. So yes. If I’m one place for too long, especially if I’m stuck not traveling, then it slowly drives me insane. There’s so much world out there to see.
ViciousPuppy@reddit
Nah noone on r/expats has any desire to live abroad.
Simco_@reddit
I'm explicable af
EnoughNumbersAlready@reddit
I felt this my whole life. I could never find a reason as to why I never felt like I belonged in my own country. Somehow I just knew that I was supposed to be somewhere else. I didn’t know exactly where but I had a general continent in mind.
Moving to another country is anxiety inducing and brings out the best and worst in you by challenging you in every way. It is with the highs that you also get the lows. Like others have mentioned, you will experience joy, have adventures and meet new people and maybe fall in love but you will also miss out on experiences back at home.
You need to make peace with whatever decision you make for yourself because you will experience sacrifices on either route (staying in your country or moving).
I moved for many reasons and there have been times where I thought I should move back because I was feeling so low. However, I thought about all the reasons I left and those were still very much present and real in my home country. A few years in now into my new life and I wouldn’t move back.
Lonely_Meringue_1995@reddit
I'm also having the same feeling now. The problem is, I'm not sure where to start. I felt like my fate or my success is not here where I am now.
Maru3792648@reddit
I can relate… and have already lived in 8 countries.
Loving it!
justanotherlostgirl@reddit
Thinking about this all the time now - miserable where I live. I'm under no illusions that relocating with fix anything but I know it gives me a lot of joy the more I read about my desired destination. It will take a bit to get there but staying still isn't an option for me.
MyNutsAreWalnuts@reddit
Fuck it, even though its cringe I quite literally go by a combination of YOLO and Bezos' regret theory. If I think I'll regret it later in life I do whatever it is I am thinking of doing. This has led me living abroad 5 times and I am currently in the process of relocating for the 2nd time to the Netherlands after some time in my birth country. So in short, do it and figure the why later if even necessary.