The Moment I Knew I Had to Leave the U.S. (And Why It Was the Best Decision of My Life)
It wasn’t one big thing. It was a series of moments. Tiny, nagging, frustrating realizations that stacked up like an overpriced avocado toast brunch until I finally snapped and thought: I have to get out of here.
For some people, it’s politics. For others, it’s the cost of living. For me? It was the creeping realization that I was working harder than ever and barely enjoying my life. The bills were endless, the work culture was toxic, and every time I looked at my bank account, I swore my money had evaporated. So, I did the only logical thing: I left.
1. The Breaking Point: When I Knew It Was Time to Go
I wish I could say my breaking point was some epic, dramatic moment. Maybe a rain-soaked epiphany where I dramatically threw my briefcase into a puddle and screamed “No more!” at the sky. But no, my moment was at the grocery store, staring at the cashier as she tells me $95.60 for the 5 items I had in my cart and thinking, For The F%#K What?
I was working a stable yet soul-draining job, and couldn’t even afford rent, and although I was living in my car, I slowly watched my savings dwindle despite making what should have been a decent salary. I couldn’t help but ask myself: Is this it? Is this my life? Working to pay bills, (mostly my student loans and credit cards) and occasionally “treating myself”?
The realization hit me hard. I was stuck in the cycle of living to work rather than working to live. And the worst part? I wasn’t even happy.
2. The Great Escape: Leaving It All Behind
Leaving the U.S. wasn’t just about money (though let’s be honest, that was a huge factor). It was about living a better life, a comfortable life. I wanted to enjoy life. To eat delicious meals that didn’t cost half my paycheck. And most importantly, to see if it was possible to actually live well on a reasonable budget.
So, I researched. I went deep into expat forums, watched YouTube videos of digital nomads, and devoured blog posts about where you could live comfortably without working 80 hours a week. And the answer was clear: almost anywhere but here.
So, with that, I sold my car, booked a one-way ticket and didn’t look back.
3. Life After Leaving: Was It Worth It?
Spoiler alert: It absolutely was.
Cost of Living: Night and Day
Before leaving, I was unable to afford rent, and live a quality life. Rent in my city was on average $4500 and my monthly income was $3800, make that make sense.
Now? In my new country (which, by the way, has beaches, fresh food, and an actually enjoyable pace of life), I spend:
$650/month for a spacious apartment with a balcony and ocean view.
$30/month on an actual full-service gym.
$0 on parking because I don’t need a car.
$1 for a coffee that tastes better than what I was getting before.
Work-Life Balance: I Actually Have One
Remember when “self-care” in the U.S. meant doing a face mask and answering work emails at 10 PM? Yeah, turns out other countries don’t live like that. Here, people actually take lunch breaks (wild, I know). They spend time with family. They enjoy life without guilt.
Quality of Life: Simpler, Happier, More Fulfilled
Instead of spending my days commuting, stressing, and refreshing my bank account in horror, I now spend them:
Walking to local markets for fresh, affordable produce.
Working from cafés where coffee isn’t an overpriced luxury.
Actually enjoying my time off, rather than using it to recover from burnout.
4. Should You Leave Too? Here’s What to Consider
Not everyone needs to flee the country to find happiness, but if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious if there’s a better way to live, here are some things to think about:
Finances: Can you work remotely? Do you have savings? Some countries require proof of income, so research visa options.
Lifestyle Priorities: Do you want city life or something slower-paced? Beach or mountains? Cheap or ultra-luxurious?
Cultural Adaptability: Are you open to learning a new language, trying new customs, and living outside your comfort zone?
Legal Logistics: Visa rules, healthcare access, and work regulations differ by country—know before you go.
5. Final Thoughts: The Best Decision I Ever Made
Leaving the U.S. wasn’t about running away—it was about running toward a better life. And while it’s not always sunshine and street tacos, I can confidently say this: I wouldn’t trade this freedom for anything.
If you’ve ever thought about leaving, here’s my advice: research, plan, and then just do it. The world is too big to stay stuck in a place that doesn’t make you happy.
Have you ever considered leaving the U.S.? If so, what’s holding you back? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
