The United States is going through a bit of growing pains, isn't it?
According to these people, yes. That appears to be the move to make.
Reddit user, FrozenChair, wanted to know your reasons for taking off when they asked:
"People who want to move from America to Europe, why?"
The appeal is right there on the surface.
Want more time with your family? Want to pay less for medical care?
Want to eat better food?
Europe.
More Time With The People You Love
"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! Berlin!" ~ witaji
But, Pineapple!
"Because Italy has some of the best food in the world." ~ BlueMysteryWolf
Short. Sweet. To The Point.
"I can walk to all the amenities I need."
"People say what they mean."
"Sh-t works as intended a lot more." ~ _Steve_French_
While not for everyone, there can be a certain level of attractiveness to it because things are already so bad for some people here.
Taking It Easy
"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." ~ wingswednesdays
Practicing Your Skills Somewhere Less Corrupt
"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
There Does Seem To Be A Lot Stacked Against You
"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." ~ WorldCitzen99
Will you actually do it?
Depends on how brave you are and how comfortable you are with starting over in another part of the world.
Still, the appeal can be too great to miss, isn't it?
Pick Your Battles With The Support You Deserve
"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." ~ sweetest_oblivion
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"I moved from the US to Germany almost 5 years ago:
-cheaper Uni
-more respect for employees
-sensible gun laws
-affordable healthcare
-more liberal politics
-cool old castles" ~ Ririkkaru
Hard To Argue Facts
"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
Obviously, make the choice that seems best for you and the people in your life that would have to uproot and move to another part of the world.
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