77: You can love the US… and still want to leave
Why you don’t need to hate the US to leave
If you’re thinking about moving abroad but feel conflicted because you don’t hate the US—you’re not alone. I feel like many people feel like they need to hate the US to leave, but it’s just not true.
A lot of people assume that leaving the US means something must be wrong. But that’s not always the case. You can love your life here and still want something different.
You don’t need to escape the US to move abroad
There’s a common belief that people only move overseas because they’re trying to escape something. Maybe it’s burnout, frustration, or that they are upset with the culture or politics.
While those are reasons for some, it’s not the only story.
Many people are just drawn to the experience of living abroad. You might want:
- A slower lifestyle
- A new cultural perspective
- A change of pace or scenery
- A sense of curiosity or adventure
Wanting something different doesn’t mean you’re rejecting where you came from. It means you’re following what feels right.
It’s okay to leave a “good” life behind
Here’s something that holds people back:
“I already have a good life. Why would I leave it?”
That’s valid. But here’s another perspective:
You’re allowed to want more than just good.
Moving abroad isn’t always about dissatisfaction. It’s about expansion.
You can chase growth, joy, and curiosity—even when life in the US is stable and comfortable. Comfort doesn’t mean you have to stay put.
You can love the US and still want to live abroad
You don’t need to hate the US to leave and you don’t have to choose one life over the other.
You can miss the US and love your life overseas.
You can enjoy Trader Joe’s and the outdoor markets in Europe.
You can appreciate road trips in the US and the joy of walking everywhere in another country.
Loving your home country doesn’t disqualify you from building a life somewhere new.
Moving abroad is about exploration, not rejection
Leaving the US doesn’t have to mean you’re turning your back on your roots.
Sometimes, it’s just about listening to the quiet “What if?” in your mind.
If you’re feeling that pull, you don’t need to explain or justify it.
You’re allowed to explore.
Final Thoughts
You really don’t have to hate the US to leave. You can love the US and still want to leave. If you’ve been feeling conflicted over this idea, I would:
- Let go of guilt for wanting something different
- Stop waiting for a “valid” reason to go
- Trust that curiosity and alignment are enough
- Know that I can return anytime—nothing is permanent
- Remember that this is your life, and you get to decide how it looks—not somebody else
Ready to Explore?
If you’re curious about where in Europe you’d thrive, take my free quiz that matches you with your ideal European city. It’s quick, fun, and surprisingly accurate.
And if this post resonated with you, share it with someone else who’s dreaming of life abroad. Sometimes we just need to hear:
“You’re allowed to want this.”
Curious about life abroad? Don’t miss these related posts:
How to Deal With People Who Aren’t Supportive of Your Move Abroad
