Advice for a US citizen considering leaving

Posted by linetracer98@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 21 comments

Hello, I've been entertaining the idea of leaving the US for some time. I've been living in Houston, TX for a little over a decade and have been debating a change of pace via moving altogether. I'm finding myself very withdrawn from a lot of the social scenes, the car dependent infrastructure of the city makes me feel pretty isolated, and the annoying navigation through the US healthcare system with some of recent ailments I've accrued this year have worried me, stressed me. My only previous experience of living abroad was in a southeast Asian country for a couple years, as a young international student with family in the oil field. I've been looking to a couple of different places, namely the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and Spain.

To know more about me without disclosing my information, I'm a mid-20s male, been working full-time as an administrative assistant, front desk person for an IT firm for nearly four years. Graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in a College of Technology. Job-wise, I'm kind of a minimalist in expectations in that I want is something that could pay the bills and to be able to detach from work the moment I'm off the clock. Rent in my current home is about 975USD/mo, not including utilities, wifi, etc.

Personally, I'm a massive lover of music (mostly rock, but love many genres, experimenting), play in a couple of bands, write, produce my own music, as well as an enjoyer of media such as TV, movies. Sober, but I love going out to dance, socialize, also part of the LGTBQ+ community. Sometimes like chess, reading. Not very sporty, but want to get more into the outdoors, parks with groups, friends. I'm aware these are vague characteristics, but not ready to disclose myself.

I've thought of moving as early as 2027, gives me enough time to figure out if I really do decide to follow through with this, and because I'm not fully aware of the citizenship, visa processes for the countries I've listed, though I'm sure they'd take a while. If you've lived or are living in any of the countries I've listed, do you have any pros, cons, tidbits of advice, words of encouragement, even discouragement, steps in one direction or another? Is there anything that I should take into account doing in the States that might benefit my transition into any of the countries listed, such as doing a graduate program since I already did college in the states, or maybe working in a more particular field, career to increase my chances with more opportunities in the job market?

Anything would be of massive help, thanks!

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Krispino@reddit

You’ve got to do your own research into each of the countries you’re interested in, and determine what their particular requirements would be. I can tell you that none of them would immediately welcome you with open arms and grant residency unless you have a very desirable skill. I live in New Zealand and we’ve got a shortage of trained medical professionals for instance. But most importantly, and this may sound harsh but I mean it as helpful, you’ve got to realise that leaving the US will not magically solve all your problems. Many other countries also have overburdened and/or underfunded healthcare systems. And feelings of isolation are quite common in the expat community. If you’re dead set on leaving anyway, the best advice is to visit these countries for extended periods and really try to get to know them.

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linetracer98@reddit (OP)

Thanks for this! I'm aware that not all issues will be resolved with leaving, I've often been curious with the countries listed, especially from an infrastructure, environmental standpoint. Houston is anything but a walkable place, much of the country is.

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MakesUsMighty@reddit

We’ve got some gems though. Come explore Chicago on a weekend some time. The walkability and transit rival some of the great European capitals. While I was scoping it out this summer I literally just walked all afternoon one day and went spontaneously from neighborhood to neighborhood.

If you’re ok living a short train ride to downtown, rents are pretty reasonable for what you get.

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DatingYella@reddit

Walkability is not a determining factor in your social circles. Making friends and partnerships as an adult out of college is universally hard. And immigration is extremely difficult and stressful.

You’re much more likely to move to a new countries and realize that your opportunities for meeting new people actually decreased. Consider moving to NYC. International migration that requires visa sponsorship is really only possible if you have a highly valued skill.

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Krispino@reddit

Have you considered moving to another city in the US? The most walkable city I ever lived in was NYC and it was a blast for live music, films, shows etc etc. Even Boston is pretty good in that regard. Not to mention west coast cities. Even though it would be an expensive and challenging move, it may ultimately be more doable than a move abroad.

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linetracer98@reddit (OP)

Both the NE and NW have seemed tempting admittedly, but obviously that convo seems more appropriate in another subreddit obviously.

Mystere_Miner@reddit

First of all, most of the countries you mentioned are very expensive. As much or more so than where you live note, without the commensurate pay increase, given you’re not very highly skilled work experience.

Chances are, you wouldn’t be able to afford those countries, at least not in the cities, which seems what you are looking for. Remember, as a u.s. citizen you pay u.s. taxes even in income abroad, plus to some extent taxes in the country you are in if their taxes are more.

Second, getting work visas in those countries is very difficult. The eu only gives you 90 days per year on a tourist visa (no work) iirc. And you would need some reason like marrying a citizen or some special skill to get residency with work visa. You might be able to do it with a student visa, but you’ll have to pay for school. Regardless, it’s not easy to just move and work and live in those countries.

Finally, there’s an old saying. If you are unhappy where you are, you will probably be unhappy wherever you move to. I’d get yourself happy with your life before moving somewhere else.

alwaystooupbeat@reddit

I'd like to add that realistically, you won't pay any taxes if you're moving overseas as an American citizen in certain countries unless your income is high enough. I filed for years overseas, and I never paid a dollar- I did however, have a great accountant to figure it out. He told me unless I was earning over 150k, I wouldn't pay anything.

If you are a tax resident of said country, you will pay taxes in that country. You may not owe tax to the us due to the foreign earned income exclusion, but you still owe tax in that country, assuming you don’t get a special tax deal as part of your residency, which is rare.

Yes, that is correct. I meant that it is likely you won't pay taxes to the US- my point was unclear.

Thanks for the insight!

nakedtalisman@reddit

Lol you’re gonna get a lot of negativity in this group unfortunately. I’d suggest finding a more positive, helpful group.

First, take a deep dive into the countries you’re interested in and figure out the requirements. ChatGPT can help, but definitely double check the info it gives you as it’s not always correct. Then you really should visit at least 2 of the countries to get a feel for them.

Also, see if you’re eligible for citizenship by decent. Go on Ancestry and start creating your family tree. It’s how I’m able to leave the U.S and it would make moving much, much easier for you. Good luck! :D

P.S. yes, it can be hard to socialize and make new friends in a new country. Honestly it’s hard in general making friends as an adult regardless. But, there are lots of apps made for that. As well as Facebook groups, probably Reddit groups, etc. Meet up with people, join clubs, try to learn the local language, etc. it can be difficult, but not impossible. You’re young enough that you can move abroad for a few years and then come back if you want lol. Now is the best time to travel and try new things.

386DX-40@reddit

Do this, look up "Youth Mobility Visa" for the countries you mentioned. Spain has one, so does Germany, these visas are for people under 35 or so and give you the ability to stay and work for a year with a possibility to extend your stay. Look into Berlin, it has a big international and student scene, very liberal. Good luck.

juicyjuicery@reddit

Countries are really cranking up the meaning of “youth” in this economy lol

I'm not sure you have any compelling reasons to want to move to another country over moving elsewhere in the US. The issues you have named are much more easily solved by moving to another place. For example, the social scene, the car dependency, and the healthcare issues- you might be better off in other cities. For example, certain states have better health insurance, better public transport, and better cultural scenes. New York would have better transport and maybe better culture, depending on the subculture.

My advice: it is FAR harder to move to another country than anticipated. The ability to just up and move is rare, and is usually driven by why one wants to leave rather than why one wants to go. I suggest you visit one or two countries on the list, and maybe travel to other cities. Then, upskill to the point where a company would sponsor you to move.

texas_asic@reddit

Some countries have a working holiday visa for those under 30. US citizens aren't eligible for the one from Australia, but could go to New Zealand on a working holiday visa: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/united-states-of-america-working-holiday-visa

techrmd3@reddit

ummm if you have healthcare issues there are very few if any countries that will treat you for free being a non-citizen

Also you might want to travel somewhere I recommend Canada or the UK... oooh the UK would be fun. To test out navigating a socialized medicine system vs the US... I think you would find the experience revelatory... might make you reconsider... I would love to see your reaction of dealing with UK public health... that would be a hoot

Healthcare isn't, but I appreciate the insight, thank you

205Style@reddit

Just to touch on healthcare as it’s come up… I’ve recently moved from the UK to Canada (BC) and the waitlist to get onto the state healthcare system is enormous. Realistically it’s likely to be 6 months plus. You can always go to an Emergency Care but then you’re paying the full price. Not bad prices at all, especially compared to the US (about 1/3 of in our experience), but not ideal.

HVP2019@reddit

AmerExit has pinned posts listing all paths for legal migration that is available for Americans.

Make a list of countries you can legally move to and try to figure out which of those countries have a potential to offer improvements for you as an immigrant.

Typically it is way harder to survive/live well as an immigrant compared to living as a native citizen of your country.

Thanks!