I’m torn between staying in the U.S. or moving back to Norway — I feel stuck and need honest advice.
Posted by Future_Struggle_4020@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 105 comments
Hey everyone,
I’m at a major crossroads in my life and could really use some outside perspectives.
I’ve been living in Las Vegas for the past 6 years. I came here when I was 19 and built everything from scratch — worked hard, made good money, and went through a lot completely on my own. Now I’m 25, and I don’t have any family here. My work opportunities have basically dried up, and I feel like everything I’ve built is slipping away.
I’m a Norwegian citizen but grew up in Greece. In Norway, I’m 100% confident I’ll find the peace and stability I truly crave. Life there is calmer, more balanced, and I also have family there. Honestly, that’s exactly what I feel I need right now: peace and stability.
But here’s where it gets complicated — I have a Green Card and I’m currently in the process of removing conditions under a divorce waiver. I have strong evidence of a real marriage, and I’m very confident that both my I-751 (Green Card) and later citizenship application would be approved. That’s what makes this decision so difficult. I’ve worked so hard for this status, and walking away from it feels like throwing away years of effort.
At the same time, I can’t see myself staying here for another 3–4 years just to get a piece of paper that says I’m officially a citizen, especially when my mental health and peace of mind are on the line.
I recently tried to start a new career as a heavy truck driver — something I was genuinely excited about — but found out after starting the course that because of a new rule, I can’t get a commercial driver’s license while my Green Card case is still open. That hit me really hard since it felt like my last real chance to build something new here.
I’m not bitter toward the U.S. or its system — I deeply respect this country. But I just don’t see a clear future for myself here anymore. I’m drained, both mentally and emotionally, and I need to recover. I also want to meet someone and start a family soon — that’s become much more important to me than chasing success or money.
If I stay and wait for citizenship, I know deep down that I’ll probably leave the U.S. afterward anyway. So part of me feels like maybe I should just go now, start over in Norway, and finally have the peace I’ve been missing.
What would you do in my situation? Would you stay and push through for citizenship, or walk away now to start fresh back home?
I’d really appreciate honest, thoughtful advice — no politics, just genuine opinions. I love and respect the U.S., but I don’t see myself living here forever.
Thanks for reading.
gif1bb_Matter_7758@reddit
I think you know that you need to go.
ask_me_about_my_band@reddit
As an American who left and now lives in the Netherlands, I would get out as soon as humanly possible. It's not going to end well in America. It's over.
lilinhots@reddit
How did you do that? I'd love to move there but it seems that getting a work visa is not that easy
ritaq@reddit
How do you feel as American living in the Netherlands? Did you move for work and/or Dutch spouse? I visited Rotterdam this summer and I really liked it. Felt like a very modern and clean city I also visited Amsterdam, felt nice but too crowded. I asked some families at the Zoo/Planetarium and for families with children, most of them live 20-30 min drive from Amsterdam to have a house and more space
Do you miss better weather in certain regions of US, as well as nature (Bay Area, San Diego, Colorado)?
ask_me_about_my_band@reddit
I love it here. I feel like my mental health is much better overall. The quality of life, from the food to the infrastructure to the medical care is light-years better.
That said, as someone who grew up in LA, the weather sux. Its very similar to the Pacific NW. And there has been a steep rise in MAGA like politics with absolute hateful morons gaining ground. So thats been a disappointment.
Housing is an issue and taxes are high, but you get what you pay for.
There are problems everywhere in the world these days, but as far as living and quality of life, I feel like im in one of the best possible places.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
Trust me, we need right-wing politics in Europe to save it from being ruined by mass immigration.
There's no way we can maintain this quality of life and culture with millions of third world migrants coming in!
Hazel1928@reddit
But as far as I know, every country in Europe has a birth rate that is not even enough to maintain the current population. A shrinking population is also going to make it difficult to maintain the standard of living. The US is the only western country that is not poised to lose population, and even that is only due to our immigrants. Illegal immigration’s way down. Now we meed to get a plan to replace the people who were crossing our southern border with high skilled immigrants from places like the Philippines and India.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
No, we need to invest in technological automation and stop importing millions of foreigners.
You don't maintain western quality of life and culture by replacing its people with non-westerners.
Hazel1928@reddit
I disagree. Hi skill immigrants assimilate well. Their children do well in school. We need them. They do jobs that can’t be replaced by automation. In fact they can create the programs for the technological automation. And we aren’t talking about millions of people, that’s orders of magnitude too much.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
Then you're not talking about the same thing as me. Over 1 million people immigrate to the UK every year. Most of them are not "high-skill" and they come from cultures that are completely incompatible with western society. It is a similar picture in the Netherlands (the comment I was replying to), Belgium, France, Germany. We are witnessing the total decline of local communities all over Europe because of this. It is very important that America does not make the same mistake.
Hazel1928@reddit
I’m talking about shutting down illegal immigration as much as possible, and importing people to do specific jobs. This would include some lower skill workers like fruit pickers, landscapers, hospitality workers. But they would be legal, and legally tied to their employer like H1b holders are. In addition to them, programmers, engineers, medical professionals. All also tied to their employer for 5 years until they can get a green card.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
Sure, I agree with all that. But that’s not what my comments above were about. Go back and read what you replied “I disagree” to and you’ll see I’m specifically arguing against the mass immigration policies that are destroying Europe.
Hazel1928@reddit
Ok. You are correct. I took you to mean no immigration. But you said mass immigration. There’s a happy medium.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
I moved back from America to Brussels. Love the lifestyle and culture here, but I miss having better weather and career opportunities. For nature, somewhere south like Nice would be great.
Akraam_Gaffur@reddit
Who would have thought about that, let's say 10-20 years ago?
ask_me_about_my_band@reddit
Want to know something even wilder? One of my oldest frinds are Trans. Made their transition about 4 years ago. They went to Brussels a few months ago to claim asylum. And they are going tonget it. Someone claiming refugee status FROM the US. Thats freekn' nuts.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
That is absolutely ridiculous 🙄
all_about_you89@reddit
Uhhh but they are under attack here and the threat of being rounded up is a real and present danger. Refugee status is "legal designation for individuals who have fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group." So yes, it's valid.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
Threat of being rounded up? Come on man, that’s delusional. No one in government is talking about anything even remotely in that realm.
GirlWondr@reddit
They have already started denying air travel to anyone non-binary and have removed any mention of it in all legal documentation. Next in P2025 is to annul all same sex marriage which I believe they will do in 2026. It is only a matter of time.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
That's bullshit. You realize you're falling for left-wing propaganda right?
https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/clp_bulletin_executive_order_on_m-f_gender_20250707.pdf
So if your passport doesn't have an M or F, you just tell them you're either M or F and then you're allowed to travel. No one is actually banned from traveling by plane.
rover-dave@reddit
The point is, gender should not matter. there are many people in the world with Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs) who may present as one sex but prefer to act the other through no fault of their own.
I really don't care how they present as long as they are honest with their partner. Their condition doesn't impact me just as my condition (M 74 straight) doesn't impact them.
Sosolidclaws@reddit
They can "act" like the other sex all they want, that's just a difference in personality. You are allowed to be a feminine man, or a masculine woman. But you cannot demand that everyone else pretends you are literally the opposite sex. That's why we reject gender ideology.
all_about_you89@reddit
As we have the American Nazis currently attempting to suppress, subjugate, and eliminate any non-White , non-cisgender, non-heterosexual orientation people, and anyone else they don't like - all this is directly out of the Nazi playbook.
Oh, btw, the German Nazis persecuted and murdered LGBTQ+ in their regime as well.
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/series/gay-men-and-lesbians-under-the-nazi-regime
Sosolidclaws@reddit
Right, so you're gonna completely ignore what I wrote, downvote my comment despite it being factually correct, and then literally just call the other side Nazis? Fucking typical. Y'all are hopeless.
CuriosTiger@reddit
That's likely to become more common as the US gets more repressive and authoritarian.
The most notable such case, so ironic that Vladimir Putin himself cracked jokes about it, was Edward Snowden's grant of asylum in Russia.
ExternalUserError@reddit
Totally sane take at the moment but if you’re 25, there’s probably a half century of history in front of you. And if you’re going to have kids, there’s history in front of them.
Think about how long of time that is. In the 70s/80s, South Korea had a GDP per capita of a little over $1000 per person per year. It was military dictatorship. Taiwan was the same not long ago. When I went to high school, Poland was a very poor, very unpleasant country. Even Costa Rica in the 80s was a third world country.
A lot can change in a few decades and it’s hard to predict the future.
Having more passports is generally better than having fewer and giving your children (if you have them) dual citizenship is a hell of a good gift.
thecanadianjen@reddit
This isn’t true in the case of American ones. The tax implications are huge and many banks won’t even deal with you if you have American citizenship. The Norwegian passport is incredibly strong on its own.
ExternalUserError@reddit
Yeah, the income tax thing is a hassle. Who knows what that’ll be in 20 years though, because there’s always talk in America of switching to a territorial tax system and in the EU right now there’s a populist movement to punish jurisdictional tax avoidance.
I’ve never had an issue opening a bank account because of the W-9 form. I’ve had bank accounts in more than a handful of countries. Also these days the actual reporting requirements are about the same anywhere in OECD because of the CRS standard. Like it or not, banking secrecy is basically dead.
expatforward@reddit
From a clinical perspective, there's a crucial distinction to make here: Is staying in the U.S. addressing a genuine long-term goal, or are you staying out of sunk cost fallacy? You've mentioned that even if you get citizenship, you'll likely leave afterward anyway. That's a critical piece of self-awareness. If the citizenship itself isn't serving a meaningful purpose beyond "I worked hard for this," then you're potentially sacrificing 3, 4 more years of well-being for a credential you don't actually want to use.
The "throwing away years of effort" thought is understandable, but, it might be a cognitive distortion. Those six years taught you what you need and don't need, built resilience, and clarified your values. Walking away from something that no longer serves is actually adaptive decision-making based on new information about yourself.
One framework that might help: Imagine yourself in two scenarios. ONE: You're in Norway in six months, rebuilding with family support and the peace you're craving. TWO: You're in Las Vegas in six months, waiting out the Green Card process, still feeling drained. Which version of you is more likely to have the energy and mental health to build the life you actually want (partner, family, stability)?
Your body and mind are already giving you the answer. The question is whether you're willing to trust that signal over the pressure to "finish what you started." I honestly believe the bravest thing is changing course when the path no longer aligns with who you're becoming.
addicaddren@reddit
Why would a Norwegian have this confusion.. any time getting back to norway is lot better especially you dont have a family or children who re used to US. Im a expat myself and its been 5 years .. everyday that pass by im afraid i can never return back
KaleidoscopeSenior34@reddit
I would move back to Europe dude. Only stay in Nevada if you like the desert / culture. I personally am American, just became Canadian, and have lived in South America most of my adult life and I can't see myself staying here long term UNLESS, my wife starts making buckets of money. I personally would enjoy Spain and see that as the most likely long term plan for us. Americans... we're all burned out.
Infinite_Finding_968@reddit
For entertainment and warm friendly social life and friends USA but for average income and free healthcare Norway depends what your after
immigrantstoryteller@reddit
I think you probably just need to read what you wrote, cause the answer seems to be there. The reality is that we don't know anything, in terms of what may or may not happen here or there. But there are facts, there are dreams, wishes, and feelings. Not an easy choice. For those, follow your gut. I wish you the best of luck whatever that may mean for you :)
Few-Bug-3475@reddit
You need to get out of Las Vegas and move to a different environment in the US. Try a Burlington Vermont or something.
Vegas is a bubble.
ExpensiveTomorrow822@reddit
Norway is one of the most affluent countries in the world!….more than the U.S. even. I’d go there and take advantage of that sovereign wealth fund!
The5Travelers@reddit
Follow the voice of your soul it will guide you. If it's peace and stability near family is what you need then there is your answer.
PrettyPleaseYo@reddit
I am a green card holder about to move back to Europe for similar reasons. I just feel like there is more happiness and an easier way of life there.
Also, If you become a citizen you have to pay double taxes moving anywhere and else, also if you hold a green card for seven years they take half of everything you own if you move.
Educational_Creme376@reddit
I have faced a similar feeling about staying in my current country of residence, I have only 2 years left and I know if I do stay for the passport, I would be leaving afterwards.
In the end maybe it only comes down to just putting your head down and focusing on other things, finding ways to make your life more tolerable in a place you do not like. Some examples might be being amongst nature, visiting countries that do brighten your mood.
Working in the USA should have given you the opportunity to make more money, if you use that money for travel to countries you like, or to move to a nicer place (I only ever drove through Vegas, and I wasn't impressed) so maybe moving cities could be a option.
phillyphilly19@reddit
I don't think there are many people that would say stay because you have the option of going to a much higher functioning country. As you say, what's the point of hanging around for a card that you're not going to use anyway? And you get to live in either Norway and or Greece or anywhere else in the EU? Do you need help packing? Will you adopt me and take me with you?
Hugs_Pls22@reddit
Ugh I WISH I could go back to Norway. I'm actually learning Norwegian to go there. Just go back, the U.S is going down. In fact, can you take me with you? Lol
Narrow-Honey6066@reddit
Come marry me and when you are ready to go back to Norway, take me with you!
Lone_Nathan@reddit
Bro, I’d move to Norway with you, I’ll marry you (I’m a guy btw). Let me get them papers lol
SicilyMalta@reddit
so many people would be envious of your ability to live in Norway while the US burns to the ground. We are looking for a way out.
Also, be careful, many truck driving schools/ jobs/own your own are scams. You never catch up.
rosstafarien@reddit
Get out. The US is devolving into a kleptocratic autocracy in real time. You have a chance to sell your assets in good order and return to the stability of an amazing country like Norway. You can almost certainly bring your partner with you and help them get residency in Norway.
You're on the Titanic an hour after it hit the iceberg. The shop is listing and people are becoming aware that something is really wrong. You can leave now and watch the disaster from afar.
tossitintheroundfile@reddit
Damn that is such an apt analogy 🙈
tossitintheroundfile@reddit
I moved to Norway from Nevada four years ago and have never looked back. :)
I agree with others that is it not worth the tax burden to become a USA citizen. It is generally offset such that you do not have to pay taxes to the USA since Norway takes their fair share- but it is a pain in the ass to keep up with the paperwork every year.
I’m seriously considering renouncing my USA citizenship once I have my red passport in 1.5 years.
Temporary_Phone7832@reddit
I would say that2 powerful passports are better than 1. I know emotions run high, but you need a plan B if shit hits the fan in Europe
Informal_Radio_2819@reddit
My advice is follow your gut instinct, which is to go back to Europe, except try to delay it six months to a year, just to be sure. Things aren’t working well for you right now in the US, but as I’m sure you’re aware, it’ll probably be difficult if not impossible to get this opportunity again. So it makes sense to be 110% certain this is the right move. People will say things like “life is too short, just go for it.” But the reality is you’re very young, and another six months to a year isn’t an insurmountable price to pay for certainty.
Mr_Lumbergh@reddit
In your situation, I'd be planning a return to Norway. If you don't plan on staying indefinitely, much less the three or years you'd need to get citizenship, I'd let that go. It sounds like at some point you'd be wanting to return anyhow, and with US Citizenship comes tax filing no matter where you are.
SybS_1000@reddit
True. It’s takes < $3000 and lots of effort to denounce US citizenship. The US is one of the few countries that will tax your income made abroad.
Academic-Balance6999@reddit
TBF, working in Norway he is unlikely to cross the foreign income exclusion limit, so will not owe any taxes.
BridgeEngineer2021@reddit
It will make investing insanely difficult though, and potentially open you up to headaches with taxes on non-work income such as retirement funds, personal business or rental income. Really not worth it imo unless you see a future for yourself in the US.
jeffscience@reddit
Even if you don’t owe anything, you still have to file every year and it’s a huge pain.
ComprehensiveYam@reddit
Trust me - go to Norway and don’t get the US citizenship. It’s a trap that will doom you to reporting and paying taxes to the US forever. If I could get rid of my US citizenship easily, I would.
PRESlDENTlAL@reddit
Tbh I would get the citizenship first, you never know how you’ll feel in the future so it’s best to have options
bigvibes@reddit
Get the hell out if there. Geez.
chickenclaw@reddit
Don’t let sunk cost fallacy dissuade your decision
____2049____@reddit
So did you come here on a fiancé visa and now getting divorced? Are you still a permanent resident alien?
Numerous-Bee-2982@reddit
go home, it’s better there
SafetyWild1882@reddit
Go back to Norway 🇳🇴 I am american and my husband is from Sweden and our children did not see family in Sweden as often as we hoped since life got so busy. Your possible future children need family. The US is not that great!
ConditionHorror9188@reddit
My experience is that this is the only thing that matters in life.
Money? It’s great only to the extent that it improves your peace of mind.
It sounds like you know where you will be happiest and I would aim for that place ASAP. Just be aware that it won’t be perfect or magically relieve all your worries in life.
hypatias-chariot@reddit
This is great advice. The other thing I will add is that citizenship requirements are constantly shifting. And not just in the U.S. What looks like 3-4 years right now could change to 5-6 at any moment. Then where would you be, especially already knowing the U.S. isn’t your forever home. Start your future now. Good luck.
ChapterOk4000@reddit
I am a natural born American citizen, my grandparents emigrated from Norway. I've been many times. I would live in Norway in a heartbeat if I could. It's such a wonderful country. I love the people, the nature, the food has gotten better, healthcare, everything. I don't love winter, but it's not horrible. I love that you can hike wherever you like because of allemannsretten. It also has a higher standard of living than the US.
Viking_13v@reddit
Same situation here. Born in Canada, my grandparents also emigrated from Norway. I've been there many times and wholeheartedly agree that if I could return to Norway to live, I would.
Just-Context-4703@reddit
Prioritize your mental health is my opinion.
ugglygirl@reddit
Home is where your heart is-so go find peace and stability in Norway. Life is short but also life is long. At 25, you will live a lot more lives before the end.
Think of Norway as a wonderful time to regroup and enjoy the change. Everything we do is only temporary anyway. Good luck.
ellemacpherson8283@reddit
Go to Norway.
West-Cabinet-2169@reddit
I'd go back to Morway if I were you.
Distinct-Bird-5643@reddit
You should just go, and you have the perfect opportunity to do. Also, you said everything is drying up and that you don’t see yourself here for another 3-4 years. Go home, go see your family. I wish I had this option. I know work life balance is much better in the EU, maybe it’s time to head home. Here work is stressful and you do make money but sometimes it’s just too much time spent working and not enough enjoying life or time, it’s always work, work, work. Isn’t Norway like 2nd or third happiest place to live? You can always come back some other time.
emu-sailor@reddit
Love to Norway. Norway has a future. The USA does not.
ctgjerts@reddit
If I were in your shoes, I'd already be on a plane back to Norway. Don't stick around for FO part of what's coming here in the US if you don't have to.
Quiet_Heron3003@reddit
I’m from California and I just returned home after living in The Netherlands for two years.
While I wasn’t necessarily trying for citizenship (I was on the DAFT Visa), a lot of things happened that also brought me to the conclusion of coming home. Bottom line: Your mental health and being close to family is the most important thing.
The money/job/opportunity will eventually come along in Norway, and that process will be easier than trying to make it work in the US. Always trust your gut. If it feels like an uphill battle to stay in the US, then it may be time to go back home.
Keep the good faith. It’s all going to work out.
flat5@reddit
Just a couple thoughts.
Why Las Vegas? Might there be a better place for you in the US?
Also, you seem to be assuming that life in Norway will be peaceful, and maybe it will be, but it seems like it might not be as certain as you're assuming.
Competitive-Art483@reddit
The only advantage of citizenship over holding a green card is that you will able to legally vote in an American election. Also have you checked dual citizenship rules and reps in your home country of Norway? Family is everything! Go where your heart is at peace and happiest.
helkohelko@reddit
Wait until you get your green card and then file for a re-entry permit before you return to Norway. By doing this, you’re not abandoning your green card and the opportunity to live and work in America, but you also don’t have to wait around for 3 more years for citizenship.
If you return to Norway and everything is great, you can give up your green card. If instead you decide to return to America you’ll still have a valid green card at least for a few years. Probably worth consulting a lawyer or maybe r/immigration before you take this path
Local-Amphibian-4732@reddit
It’s not safe in the US especially for immigrants. This country is going to get far worse before it gets better which won’t happen anytime soon. Think 1930’s Germany. I’d say it’s unfortunately time to leave.
justanotherlostgirl@reddit
I resonate with this post SO much. I wish I had an answer <3
aubergine-pompelmoes@reddit
Keep in mind that if you obtain US citizenship, you will be required to file taxes in the US (perhaps not owe any money, but you will have to pay) for the rest of your life unless you renounce.
There are also other restrictions: some banks will not work with American citizens due to banking regulations, and your ability to invest may be affected.
jerseyexpat2020@reddit
The US is a dumpster fire and only going to get worse. Get out.
ExcellentWinner7542@reddit
Always follow your heart and never beat yourself up for a bad decision because you don't know how bad the alternative would have been. My advice is make a long-term visit to Norway and get a feel for what opportunities exist.
McBuck2@reddit
Is there a reason you wouldn't want to move back to Greece where you grew up? My niece who moved from Canada when about 3 with family to live in Norway prefers Canada to Norway. She's always visited Canada growing up and in hrr 30's moved back to Canada since she had citizenship. She found Norwegians closed off, not outgoing, social like it is in North America. She had to leave after 4 years because of family but counting the days to come back.
I guess I'm saying you should spend some time in Norway before deciding to go there to spend your life as it's much different socially, climate wise, tax wise etc than the US or Greece where you grew up. I'm presuming you already speak and write Norwegian because if not that's a major hurdle as it's not an easy language to learn.
Zenzappppper@reddit
Go back to Norway and return every 6 months to keep the greencard active, after 5 years apply for the citizenship
GMaiMai2@reddit
First, weigh the options, you mentioned the American part. But I read no planning at all about the Norwegian part at all. Do you have enough savings or someone to live with upon going there? Job prospects(will you need additional education), you don't mention anything about Norwegian fluency so many entry-level jobs may be hard to get.
Moving won't solve you problems but it might allow you a new start.
CocoaCandyPuff@reddit
Norway has one of lowest unemployment rates in the world, this should not be even a worry for OP.
OP is a citizen which is entitled to so many benefits that US simply doesn’t have.
I don’t think will be a rough start for OP assuming Norwegian is their native language.
GMaiMai2@reddit
Norway also calculates unemployment by saying "you have done a thing for more than 1h a week".....
I would avoid using a lot of metrics like unemployment as in Norway it's called "syssesletting" which doesn't mean you have an employer or a job, just "did a thing for someone"(can be school, course, job, jobseeker activities, etc.). Reality is most likely a lot closer to the neighboring countries than reported. (side note. Norway also has a weird thing with how it reports tax which fudges reporting)
Op is also only entitled to the bare minimum, so around 8000nok a month(800 euros) after being processed which can take some time(if I don't remember incorrectly minimum 6 weeks). Also, make note that OP grew up in Greece, which is why I'm uncertain about the Norwegian capabilities.
But if he/she has family they can relay on, then it will be a smooth start. Personally, I do agree it would be a good next chapter.
HamBroth@reddit
Skojar du? Far hem!
Jag är redan en Amerikansk medborgare och en Svensk (dubbel sen födsel) och jag är på väg att flytta till Skandinavien. USA är slut som en demokratiskt land. Det är kört. Alla kloka människor med råd far därifrån.
lieutenantbunbun@reddit
There are plenty of dual language jobs you could get. The usa is very hard right now
sneeky_seer@reddit
There is no guarantee you’ll get your citizenship in 3-4 years. It can take longer. Also - what does US citizenship get you? Is it REALLY worth it? I feel like this is entering sunk cost fallacy territory now.
Also another 3-4 years means you’ll be almost 30 by the time you’re a citizen and can consider leaving or staying based on that. It’s gonna get harder and harder to handle a major change like moving continents and starting over. Also you mentioned that your work opportunities dried up. 3-4 years is a long time to live in financial uncertainty (which can also impact your citizenship claim) in a place like Vegas (or the US in general).
I lived in the US. Yes, it’s fun. IF you have money and you don’t worry about your income. If you already feel like your mental health is on the line while you are also trying to find ways to make money, I’d get out while you are not counting your last dollar bills in your wallet.
Starting over in Norway will be easier if you still have some funds to do so.
CocoaCandyPuff@reddit
You never get time back. 5 years is A LOT when you are 25. 5 years more means you will be 30.
Im not saying life is over at 30 at all. But as someone approaching 40s, I can tell you, the youth you have now is priceless. Your time is priceless. Don’t wait for anything to start the life that you want.
Life is really so short, you don’t know if you only have 5 years left, 3 months, a week. Everything can change in a blink of an eye, don’t wait to live the life you want.
Freedom, peace and happiness are priceless.
Dark_Orchid_@reddit
I know what it’s like to dump time into something and get less and less in return. There is an economics concept called the “sunk cost fallacy”. It basically states “[the fallacy] is the tendency for people to continue with an endeavor because they have already invested money, time, or effort into it, even when the current costs outweigh the future benefits.”
Don’t sink more time and effort into something that is giving you less returns over time. If you want a life about family and experiences, rather than hustle, working, money, and draining you, don’t live in the US. That is what the US does to almost everyone that isn’t a trust fund baby.
And this isn’t political in my opinion, but get out while you can. I’m not kidding, I have friends in the military and DHS, get out of the US while it’s easy and painless. This is not fear mongering, these are facts that 2026 and 2028 could become very unpleasant. If you are longing for a different life in a country that reflects your values, I would highly consider moving.
I am a US citizen looking to get out into Canada within the next two years, and my hope is eventually to Norway actually, where I have distant family. Everything that is good about the US is at risk right now. I will fight for good until it becomes dangerous for me to be here.
CraftyKick5346@reddit
I'd say move back!
Unusual-Effective-69@reddit
Honest you’ll be fine either or , the question is that would giving up on America residency be a huge regret in the future ? Furthermore there are requirement as a green card holder , such as live in U.S. for 6 months per year and pay tax, you will owe tax to U.S. government when you retire, and social security rule change in the future. The worst part in the U.S. are expensive insurance premium and unaffordable healthcare ..
Is going back to Norway give you a sense of good feeling and you will be well taken care of ?
America can be a hard path, you need to stay strong in this crazy land because not all American are kind (anymore ) just look at how mean people are on Reddit ..
For your peace , it feels like Norway is better ..
Autoxquattro@reddit
GO!
No-Swim9422@reddit
norway is sm better in my opinion
wandering-Welshman@reddit
I'm in a similar situation with living in Norway, and wanting to move back to Wales (UK), well minus the marriage, and citzenship. But for me I'd be having to restart all over again at the age of 35, almost 36.
From my understanding, there is no benefit to forcing yourself to get citizenship as they still tax you etc even once you've perm moved, amd especially if your overall well being is at risk.
one_little_spark@reddit
Why get citizenship if you don't want to live there permanently? It just means you have to keep filing taxes forever. US citizenship is the most annoying to have and it's expensive and time consuming to get rid of once you have it. I do not understand why people are obsessed with it. It gives you the right to live and work in one country. If you don't want to live and work in that country, what's the point? I think you're succumbing to the sunk cost fallacy. Stop throwing your time away on something you don't truly want. You're worried that leaving now is saying the last few years were wasted, so why do you want to waste more years?
I think you're already realizing that peace and mental health are really the only things that matter. The older you get, it'll be even more apparent. At the end of the day, you've got to live your life for you and what makes you happy. There's no one you need to impress. There's no bonus points at the end of life for having achieved this and this.
Do not waste another day living a life that doesn't bring you peace.
Bicyclechain@reddit
Trying to work out the timeline for you - how long more to apply for naturalisation? Do you have the 2 year conditional Green Card or have you got the 10 year Green Card already? I went through something similar - I can DM you
LetterheadElegant138@reddit
I’m a US citizen who moved to the UK for one year for my British partner. I gave up my high paying job in Manhattan (and the draining lifestyle) to start a masters program here and live with him. Life is too short and no amount of money can replace a good partner and community. If you think that you will find both of those with ease back in Norway, my advice would be to go. I love the US as well, but it’s not an easy place to survive (especially currently).
echoes-of-emotion@reddit
I moved from California back to the Netherlands (where I was born) about a year ago and surrendered my greencard in the process.
It was for me a hard decision because I loved being in western USA. Just amazing nature and people.
But my parents are elderly and it was a “now or never” type of situation to spend some time with them as an adult.
Europe is comfortable so you won’t be a huge mistake to move back to Norway. There will likely be somethings you miss and somethings you won’t.
Have you tried make a pros and cons list for either country and sit on that for a few weeks to see what you think you might miss from the USA?
GKlimt_YOLO@reddit
I think you already know what you want to do. Do it.
fekoffwillya@reddit
Considering a few things here. The Las Vegas area was already under pressure before current administration. Its completely popped at this point. The area will become harder to live in over the next year as jobs and facilities dry up. Then there is the path this administration is taking and how it changes what was the US into what will become the US. The US will never go back to the way it was. There are no safety nets in the US especially with the new policy’s being put in place. Lastly, being an immigrant in the US is no longer a safe thing to be. Eventually they will move on from the current shade of people being removed and harassed. You could move back to Norway. Settle, get a degree in any field you’d like and not go into 10s of thousands of $ in the process. Not worry about your access to healthcare and being able to afford using it. Once you have your degree you can essentially move anywhere within the EU. You have an opportunity few have access to especially being a Norwegian citizen.
djokovicnadal@reddit
Citizenship makes it a two-way door, and you are only 25. If you can somehow tolerate it, I will wait.
RidetheSchlange@reddit
"I deeply respect this country. But I just don’t see a clear future for myself here anymore. I’m drained, both mentally and emotionally, and I need to recover."
You respect a country that is making this sort of a life for you? Wait until you leave the bubble and realize what you were actually going through.
If you think you can make it in the US until the citizenship application goes through and you won't get arrested by ICE, do it. Also, Las Vegas is notorious for the downturn right now in their economy.
The only reason to stay for the citizenship process is if you want to travel back BS-free for a while. The problem is if you will even get the citizenship after going through all of these hoops.
werchoosingusername@reddit
What will you doing in Norway, after you return?