Regrets on moving abroad to work

Sep 16, 2020 6 Comments

Trying to convince my wife to live abroad for 3-5 years in Dublin or France. I have citizenship and could transfer. She thinks it will cost too much to move and be pain in the butt. I am dreaming of euro golf and travel. Anybody do this for a few years and have opinions?

6

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 6 Comments
  • VC & Private Equity Firm
    Mango201

    VC & Private Equity Firm

    Mango201
    Living abroad definitely has down-sides. Generally TC is lower in Europe than the US - though if you're moving within a company this usually won't apply to you. If you can afford to golf and travel you can afford the cost of moving, but the 'pain in the butt part' is real.

    Learning a new language is almost a full time job - and finding a job w/o the local language is almost impossible. Definitely move to Ireland unless you both speak French, or unless you both have jobs lined up in languages you do speak.

    Another weird downside that many people find is that when they return home, no one really cares about their big adventure. People make polite conversation but you've been through this life changing chapter in your life and other people won't really get that. Nor is international work experience particularly valued in the US (unless your job really ties into that somehow) - it doesn't detract, but it usually doesn't add either.

    That said, there are definitely many upsides. Travel in Europe is super easy with open borders, and there is so much to see - especially if you're into history, architecture, art etc. Dive into the food, go to a soccer match. It will enrich your life.

    It's also much easier to do pre-kids if that's something you're considering.
    Sep 16, 2020 0
  • How is golf in Europe different to golf in the US? unless your dream is to drive a VW

    If she doesn't work a compromise can be to get a new job with a 2 month delayed start date and just do a 2 month euro trip
    Sep 16, 2020 2
    • OP
      Golf came from Scotland, so courses there and in England and Ireland tend to be more traditional and just different than US courses. US has phenomenal courses. So does euro though.
      Wife does work and could transfer.
      Sep 16, 2020
    • I've let my dogs shit on golf courses in England, I imagine the grass is just as green in the US. I would agree with your wife that golf is not a valid reason for such inconvenience.

      With the pay cut you would both take you could take 1 month unpaid leave to travel Europe and still be better off
      Sep 16, 2020
  • Taylor Farms
    belonita

    Taylor Farms

    belonita
    It depends where you are moving from. Are you US persons?
    Sep 16, 2020 1