Ruin My Week
America — love it or leave it?
Well, as you can see in this recent Reddit thread, these people may love it, but they’ve certainly chosen to leave it (or are planning to), and have aired their list of reasons why they left for all of us to ponder
1.
I did about three years ago. I was mentally tired from living in a state of near catastrophe all the time. I had a good job but one medical catastrophe (of which I’d already had a few) could have bankrupted me. I wanted kids but again, it’s one catastrophe away from homelessness WITH kids. And no social support for kids either, like parental leave after the birth, subsidized childcare, subsidized higher education. I hated never having job security despite being excellent at my job.
Basically everything about all of the systems in the US terrified me.
My quality of life is incalculably improved by living in a country that cares about its citizens.
2.
American who moved to Europe 15 years ago. There are pros and cons. Lived in Barcelona for 5 years and very much enjoyed the lifestyle. Moved to Gothenburg, Sweden after for 7 years. Actually gained dual citizenship there, which has made being in Europe much easier. A lot of things are great in Sweden, but I couldn’t handle the cold, wet, dark… It gets very hard with the 7 to 9 month long winters (in 2 of my years there summer did not come). I’m back in Spain now, 3 years. Money is much tighter. But life and food suits me better. I always thought I would return to the US, but not so much anymore. Plus, my Italian wife is not interested…
3.
Easy to get somewhere completely different. In America you have to travel a long way to get to a different culture, and then not that different. In a few hours by car I can be in France, The Netherlands, or Germany. A few hours by plane brings in Italy, Greece, Spain, or Portugal.
– Doggyboy
4.
I moved from the US to Denmark in 80 and since then have lived in various European countries, for the last 30 in England. Health care, while not perfect is so much better. We pay for my wife to have expensive cancer drugs but that is complicated. In general the NHS covers cancer treatment, but there are some drug exclusions. I also had private insurance from my work so I could get thing done without waiting. Waiting time on national health have exploded mainly due to Covid.
No, well hardly any, guns. Someone goes crazy and kills people with a handgun, handguns are outlawed. Some gangs in London or Manchester have gun fights occasionally but it is so rare that it makes national news.
Culture is better. Not saying that some Americans are not cultured (I am American after all) but things are so much more oriented to enjoying music, theatre, and arts. I had relatives in the US that mocked university education, modern art, and pretty much anything that was not simple patriotism and religion.
– Doggyboy
5.
It comes down to that the US does not care about the people, only protecting capital of the wealthy. It’s good if you’re born white and come from money, but fucked if poor or a minority. Expensive health care, car dependant infrastructure, lacking public transportation, huge prison industrial complex, overspending of military services, two party system with conservative and conservative lite policies, lacking government safety nets, increasing homelessness, gun laws, how America reacted to covid and still doesn’t have mandated sick days, lack of class consciousness among workers, consumerism, etc.
– Takosaga
6.
Less likely to be shot by a crazy person.
Easier access to medical care.
Easier access to education.
Higher quality education.
Most European nations aren’t ebbing dangerously close to a civil war.
About half the US is champing at the bit to install a dictator, and usher in a new age of fascism. They might succeed.
7.
Still trying to get used to my five weeks of vacation. The three weeks this summer with my family was incredible. Still having two weeks to spend with them at Christmas, is beyond belief. All vacation is paid vacation. And it is standard everywhere. Oh and the two hour lunch, and 32 hour work week. I think this is is literally going to add up to years more with my family. Since I think time with my family is the most important thing, this just makes the quality of life here so much higher. I don’t know if I will ever get used to it. But I love it! Edit: Berlin!
– witaji
8.
Because we let idiots storm our own capitol. That was the turning point for me.
9.
I moved years ago for marriage. We chose not to live in the US. The trade offs just weren’t worth it. It’s not that I don’t regret moving; it’s that I’m constantly reminded I’m glad I didn’t stay. Yes, I still have to file taxes, but I’ve not ever actually owed money for them. My children don’t know what an active shooter drill is. I don’t question taking them to a doctor when they need it. I don’t have to buy school supplies. Public transport is actually an option. I have about 30 days holiday and sick time is for when I’m sick. My colleagues don’t have to donate sick time when someone’s very ill.
Yes, there are some things I miss, some things that aren’t as good, but I wouldn’t move back. My life is immeasurably better here in so many ways. I’m happier, healthier, and better off then I would be in the States.
10.
Quality of life – I hate having to drive everywhere in the US, city parks are usually way worse, and my friends thought I was crazy for not wanting to default to spending money as a way to hang out (restaurants, bars, concerts, nail salons, shopping). I know that exists in Europe but there still seems to be more appreciation for the slow life. That plus being able to walk more and use public transport, long vacations, better social safety nets…I just feel happier and healthier with that lifestyle.
11.
I moved from the US to Europe (Austria) quite some time ago (nearly 20 years). I don’t regret it and can’t ever see myself moving back to the US. A couple of my friends are still trying to figure out ways to move over where. Just a few things off the top of my head regarding why:
5 weeks of paid vacation
up to 2 years of paid parental leave (including for dads as well)
no such thing as a copay at the doctor
price cap on prescription drugs (like EUR 6)
low crime rate
more well developed social safety net (ie. less poverty)
I once spent 10 days in the hospital and needed emergency surgery. My bill: EUR 0.
Free daycare
Excellent and well-funded public schools
No tuition for college
– mejok
12.
I moved to Spain from the US 6 years ago (initially through a program to teach English, now I’m married to a Spaniard). As much as I deeply love and miss the US — the nature, the food, friends, the VIBE — I have no plans to move back.
Healthcare in America scares the bejeesus out of me, especially as I age. I just had surgery on an injury that cost me nothing — I still feel like I’m getting away with murder.
And the work-life balance is so insane once you see it from the outside. I stopped being able to understand how my mom was slaving away for a company that really didn’t pay much for 2 precious weeks of paid vacation a year (and I would describe my family as privileged). COVID really changed my view, seeing everyone in my city dutifully wear the mask even after it’s not required, whereas my state in America devolved into a culture war. “Devolving” is, unfortunately, the best word I have to describe the US in the last decade(s).But I do want to also stress that fascism is on the rise in parts of Europe too, and issues like racism are still around even though it’s a different flavor. Part of me feels guilty for giving up on America instead of fighting the good fight there. But here I am.
13.
I moved to Europe 7yrs ago. Our motivation at first was having children without going into debt. After living here a few years we were able to buy a house with property. Live a lifestyle that was once considered the American dream.
I important distinction is that we/I found that life was more basic here. Less materialistic. People still have gardens, walk to places they want to go. Christmas is about family and not about how many gifts you got. I just find it to be a more sustainable environment for my family.
– Netwelle
14.
My partner and I moved to Sweden exactly two years ago today. We were both working extremely long hours in the US and it was quite literally killing us. Our hair was falling out, we were gaining weight, we were exhausted all the time, unhappy, and unable to see how it would change. Yes, we were both making a lot of money, but it was coming at too great a cost.
Then there’s also the political and social situation. Even before Covid, it was clear to us that the US had become ungovernable. Society is extremely polarized with no clear way back to the uneasy peace of the 90s. Congress is completely deadlocked with the only meaningful legislation passed in nearly a decade being a massive tax cut for the ultra-rich. Healthcare expenses are still skyrocketing, the safety net is nearly gone, and education is getting both worse and more expensive.
We’re now both working in the same fields as we were before, but we have 6 weeks vacation, guaranteed healthcare, and a political system that isn’t a complete and utter shitshow 24/7. There are also a lot more opportunities here. America is actually extremely toxic for non-unicorn small businesses, so industries are getting consolidated into fewer and fewer firms. Stockholm is internationally known as a tech hub, but unlike the Bay area you can actually afford to buy a house here. Hell, for 18 months we were living comfortably on a single income, which would be impossible in the states.
We don’t ever want to move back. Hopefully we’ll be able to get our citizenship in 3 more years and we’ll never have to.
15.
Being poor in the US is worse than being poor in Europe.
Other than that medical costs.
– ghigoli
16.
Because I’m so tired of constantly living in fear. Fear of medical debt. Fear of any kind of overwhelming debt. Fear of getting screwed over by a landlord. By a mortgage lender. By a bank. By a corporation. Fear of getting screwed by an employer. Fear of losing my job or getting sick and getting in over my head with expenses. Fear of getting shot. Fear of getting covid due to lax regulations. Fear of getting hurt by a radicalized anti-vaxer. Fear of losing access to civil rights protection (ahem, Texas). Fear of the out of control housing market. Fear of the ramifications of our own civic, economic, and social policies. Fear I’ll finally give in to the despair. Our way of life is… it’s so completely irrational. And it’s seemingly inescapable. I think about this every day.
And generally speaking, I align with contemporary European values more so than contemporary American values (are these even a thing? What are contemporary American values?) Education, culture, a well-rounded life fully lived, travel, prioritizing social good over economic growth. These are the things that I want for myself and everyone. I’ve lived in the US all my life. There are so many things I love about it. Truly. But the older I get, the more it feels like a trap. A trap with a really effective marketing campaign.
17.
Because Italy has some of the best food in the world.
18.
US- My SO and I Moved to Greece in 2016. I cannot believe the healthcare! Primarily I use the private system, but I have no hesitation about walking into the local clinic for a flu shot etc. The private system charges what I paid for my co-pay in The US. The Lifestyle is so much more relaxed. The weather is Heavenly. My God- People have lives first and jobs second (or third). I eat mostly vegan. The quality and price of basic raw ingredients is incredible. Travel is easy and inexpensive. I don’t see myself ever moving back to The US.
19.
You won’t be bankrupt for being sick, your kids won’t end up with serious student loans (in most of Europe) or be funneled into a for-profit private prison system. Less chance of a maniac shooting you. You aren’t afraid of losing health insurance after a layoff/firing.
20.
Because practicing medicine here feels dirty. I was never in it for the money or prestige. I’ve already started working on my exams to go to the UK. There are pros and cons to the way healthcare is handled in the UK, but I’d rather be able to treat a patient and sleep peacefully knowing that I haven’t financially crippled someone for life. Medicine as a career is much better in the US than anywhere in the world, but I’d rather make much less money and have a clear conscience.
– Tzanax
