4 Lessons I Wish I’d Learned Sooner

The truth about moving abroad is that it’s very exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. While moving abroad is a dream many aspire to achieve, the reality comes with unexpected hurdles, sacrifices, and valuable lessons. Not everyone will understand why I chose this journey, but that’s okay. It took time to face doubts—my own and those of others—and discover what embracing this lifestyle really means. But I can tell you with total and complete honestly that it’s the best thing I’ve ever done and I’m so grateful for 2019 Jordan who decided to go for it and move abroad. But it wasn’t without it’s challenges. So let’s talk about them! Here are four lessons I wish I’d learned before taking the leap.

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1. Not Everyone Will Understand—And That’s Okay

When I decided to move abroad, not everyone in my life supported the idea. My parents were concerned, my siblings felt a bit… abandoned, and even some of my friends questioned my decision. One person even asked, “Was the U.S. not good enough for you?”

It wasn’t about rejecting my home country. For me, moving abroad was about chasing adventure, experiencing new cultures, and following a dream. But I had to confront a tough question to get to this point: Do I want to live a life others approve of or the one I truly desire?

Over time, I realized that the fears of loved ones were rooted in their love for me and fear of “losing me”—not because moving abroad was logically a bad decision. And I proved to them that maintaining a strong relationship with them while living overseas is possible. From video calls to visits back home, I’ve maintained strong relationships.

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2. Fear Often Masks Itself as Concern

My family’s initial resistance came from their fears:

• Fear of losing our bond: My siblings felt I was leaving them behind, but I made a point of staying in touch. I visit twice a year, send them funny reels often, and Snapchat regularly. And when my grandma passed, I proved I could be home in a day if needed.
• Fear for my safety: My parents worried about safety, but Europe is statistically safer than the U.S. (I talk about this more in Episode 61: Why Living in Europe Is Better Than the U.S.).
• Fear of financial struggles: I started with a low-paying job but have since built a successful career abroad. It’s proof that financial stability is achievable overseas.

I’ve proven that I’m happy abroad, my finances are good, I’m healthy and safe, and all the other good things! So, it’s easier for them to support my decision now that they see this has been a positive experience for me.

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3. Every Choice Comes with Sacrifices

At first, I feared missing out on life back home—family events, friends’ milestones, and familiar traditions. But staying in the U.S. would have meant sacrificing other things I deeply value:

• Exploring different cultures.
• Making friends from around the world.
• Traveling across Europe affordably.
• Fulfilling my dream of living abroad.

Everything in life requires trade-offs. Moving abroad has meant missing some moments at home, but staying in the U.S. would’ve meant giving up the life I’ve built here.

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4. You Don’t Need the Perfect Setup to Start

It’s easy to think you need the perfect job, visa, or home to move abroad, but that’s not always realistic. I started with a temporary contract, shared a house with five people (and one bathroom 🥲), and lived in Brighton even though I dreamed of London. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a stepping stone.

Now, I have the career, home, and life I dreamed of—but it didn’t happen overnight. Many expats begin with whatever opportunity gets them through the door and transition to their ideal situation over time.

If you’re like me and tend to set high expectations, remember that starting somewhere is still progress. Give yourself grace. The perfect setup isn’t required to take the leap; those pieces often fall into place as you go.

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Closing Thoughts

Moving abroad has been one of the most rewarding choices of my life, but it’s also been one of the most challenging. Understanding that not everyone will understand, recognizing fear as a form of love, accepting sacrifices, and starting imperfectly are lessons I wish I’d embraced sooner.

If you’re considering a move abroad, remember this: it’s okay to start small, take risks, and forge your own path.

Want to dive deeper into the journey of moving abroad? Check out my related posts: Top 4 Visas to Get a Job in Europe or How to Move to Another Country Permanently.