People are leaving the US in greater numbers today than every before. Why? I write for you about the primary reasons over several posts. Here’s number one.
As you’re reading, ask yourself “Do I feel the same?”
Reason 1: Frustration
“Frustrated? What in the great US of A could I be frustrated about?” you ask.
Well, let me rattle off a couple…
- rising taxes for fewer services
- disappearing personal liberties
- a shitty healthcare/insurance system
- fastest growing gap between the lower & upper classes (& disappearing of the middle)
- tripling of national debt in past 10 years (we’re up to 15 Trillion now)
- dumbing down of our kids’ education
- entering into an unjust war; or even
twothree simultaneously. [Updated with Libya]
The list goes on. These are only what frustrate me. You might have your own reasons (feel free to comment below).
Sure, some of these reasons exist in other countries, but then it comes down to a matter of scale. And then the question “Why can’t the USA be better than them?” Or perhaps it shouldn’t.
Problems to Fix: All the Above (=Too Many)
This is reason #1, because it’s massive and the most common. Well, common only if you’re in the lowest 99% of the population.
Now, I’m not saying the US is going to hell in a hand-basket. Some would argue so, but I can’t. Not with a straight face anyway. Let’s face it – you’re not doing anything other than griping about these problems. It’s the old anecdote of how to (slowly) boil a frog. Now, you’re cooked.
I just don’t blame you if you did decide to say “F*** it all, I’m done.” From the e-mails I get, many of you say just that.
Healthcare as an example
Take the third bullet above, healthcare, as one example. Okay, my labelling our healthcare system as “shitty” isn’t exactly objective or impartial. But that’s how I feel based on much experience both in the US and out. My wife and I have two kids, one born in the US and one born in Europe (Czech Republic).
How do these births compare? The US birth for our daughter entailed a lot of fear, uncertainty and doubt, and ended in a caesarian birth and an invoice with 5-digits. Thankfully we had enough insurance to cover most of it. We were lucky.
Compare that to our Europe-born son, whose birth was simple and cheap. I literally paid for it out of my wallet as my wife recovered. Another stark difference from the US birth: our 2nd child was a VBAC. Had we been in the States, I’m sure we would have been pressured against it and opted for another caesarian. VBAC is rarely practiced in the States with only 10% of eligible women opting for it. And that is a drop in the bucket of healthcare differences.
Healthcare alone has people fleeing for other countries. In seemingly “third world” nations you find a wider choice of providers, lower medication costs, lower or no wait time, and even *gasp* better quality. And believe it or not, their doctors are not hamstrung by their pharmaceutical and insurance companies.
In fact, in many countries, medical coverage is a birthright, not a purchased service.
So, sorry to Americans who can’t afford insurance (don’t worry, “only” 1 in 6 US citizens can’t afford it).
Yes, I sense frustration when I read someone’s e-mail with something like this:
- “I can’t stand how … !”
- “How can that country possibly have … , while the U.S. can’t even …?”
- “Why aren’t our kids the best in math and science? I thought we had the best R&D in the world?”
- Why do I pay more and get less?
- Why do teachers make so little, but Halliburton makes so much? Couldn’t just $1 billion go to schools?
Frustration leads people to make uncomfortable decisions, such as “abandoning their own country” for another. Ah, there’s the popular debate of whether I’m being patriotic. But I’ll leave that for another post in this series.
For now, I ask this question: is it better to stick around in a bad situation, or to make the tough decisions to do what you know is best for you, for your quality of life? Wait for the next post.
Are you Frustrated? Becoming an expat yourself gives you Encouragement
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- Why Are People Leaving The US, Part 3 Reason 3: Seeking Improved Life We already covered two reasons for leaving the USA already:...
- Why Are People Leaving the US, Part 4 Reason 4: Patriotism I hear you…”Wait, Jeff, patriotism? Seriously? How can you call someone wanting...
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a Canadian living in India and I met an American here with the wackiest opinions, she said she wasn’t going back to America until Obama was out of office. And when I commented on the fact that Bush was an idiot. She disagreed wholeheartedly saying that she thought Bush was AMAZING and voted for him twice. She said he was smart and did so much better for America than most other presidents. Then when I asked her about health care, she said, no one should be FORCED into buying healthcare. She said it’s not HER problem if people lost their homes to mounting medical bills because they didn’t purchase healthcare. And I don’t even want to get into what she thought about Bush invading Iraq.
Ok, now, this is why America is going to hell in a hand basket. It’s people like this who are being brainwashed into thinking that socialized healthcare=communism and war= The American way (or America being a powerhouse).
I have a real problem with people thinking that America has the RIGHT to invade ANY country it wants to just because they are America.
Anyway, I have loads of American friends that do not share this opinion and agree with my views. Bush lover seems to be a definite minority (of people I’ve spoken to anyway), and her opinions shocked me, and I literally had to restrain myself from uttering things I would regret to her.
However it’s this back alley Bush loving ideas that are sending people fleeing the country in my opinion. Everything you spoke about are the same issues my American expat friends in India have with the country.
Oh Shelley – I’m impressed you showed such restraint.
A couple words about Bush lovers (the worst kind), they are entitled to their opinion, too. In fact, just as entitled as those of us TOTALLY opposed to Bush. It’s a liberty we’re supposed to have and its degrading is a personal frustration of mine.
So one approach you might take with your friend is how those personal liberties have been eroding so quickly over the past decade. And Obama continues the trend, e.g. NSA wiretaps, domestic terrorism witch-hunts & lists, Patriot Act (does anyone even care about this anymore?).
Hell, I’m scared to order a couple books from Amazon because I know they are named flags for labelling me as a Bad People.
Ughhhh. must. stop. ranting. I get so frustrated…
Guess I’ll just go ‘calm’ myself by completing more tax forms, to pay for it all.
I would have probably wanted to kill that B!TC#. Seriously. You may not have met very many like her, but they are the majority of the country these days. Yes, they think that cutting out rich greedy health insurance tycoons from the process of providing health care will result in someone like Fidel Castro rolling through the streets in a tank. I mean, it is too stupid for words. They think that we are STEALING their money if they have to pay for someone who at this moment is not EARNING their way. I would love to get the Hell out of here and not look back. It is only going to get much worse. We cannot get anything passed because of people like this. I wish Obama would at least attempt to do what Abraham Lincoln did during the Civil War which is to essentially become a dictator (which the constitution allows in times of war….and I believe we are at war with our selves).
It is so frustrating that I am only in my 40′s and when I go on a job interview people act like I was born in the horse and buggy days. They ask if I know how to use Facebook or upload a picture to the internet. I mean it is damn insulting because I have been using the internet just as long as “those kids who grew up with it.” 1994 to be exact. They weren’t using it any longer than me unless they were working for the Department of Defense.
Anyway, this is why I want to leave.
So sick of this crap. And Anne Coulter please someone shut her up.
Jeff, I agree the Bush lovers have a right to their opinion, I just can’t believe they say it out loud without being embarrassed.
I guess part of me feels I have to keep my mouth shut, because I’m not an American. I don’t get a voice, I don’t vote (in America), so I’m careful about what I say. And honestly, I’m not sure what Obama has done that’s so great that warrants me defending him either. I just know America is not the country it used to be. It’s use of media to scare Americans into thinking that violence is everywhere and anywhere, and that ALL Muslims are terrorists is just downright awful. Watching CNN has become a scary event, likened to watching a horror movie. Nothing good seems to happen in the world. I’m married to a Muslim man (from India) and I know that MOST Muslims are against violence and are downright appalled by some of the ridiculous things that happen in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia (Sharia law). In no way do I think Islam is perfect, but I know they are NOT all terrorists or bad people.
I don’t know what needs to be done to “fix” your country, but I hope it happens soon.
Jeff, health care was one of my primary reasons for leaving the US. I also didn’t see how the housing problem would turn around any time soon, and I didn’t see any significant opportunities for advancement within my career.
I’ve been in Manila for 8 months now. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly been a good step forward. My health insurance costs me about $700 per year, and I’ve managed to keep my living expenses around 50% of my take home salary. No way I could have done that in Oregon. I don’t think that we’ll return to the US any time soon. In fact we are already starting to plan our next move to Spain. I’m starting up http://familyonthemove.com to tell that story. It should be a great adventure
Mike,
Hard to believe it’s already been 8 months! You and family must feel right at home by now. (or least much closer to that)
The cost examples, e.g. health ins & cost of living are invaluable – thanks for sharing them here.
Ok – I’ll be a faithful follower of your newest baby: familyonthemove.com
Cheers buddy,
-Jeff
Hello Jeff, Bravo! You have nailed it! I haven’t gotten to the Part II of this post yet but I can’t wait. I have been living here in the States (NJ) for the past 15 years and I must say that my one-year travel to Europe opened my eyes to better school systems, healthcare and overall social mindset.
In few months my husband and I will be quitting our jobs and moving to Belgium for good. Better opportunities are coming our way but the social mindset in the U.S., is terrifying and encouraging us to make this bold move.
I am one-month old in my quest of writing and designing a blog for immigrants to help them see our thought process and learn from our experiences. I will share this blog with you once I have the courage to.
hey Shweta – thanks for your comment. And thanks for the good word.
I wish you all the best on your blog – I am sure others will find it helpful. Anytime we can share experiences, we help others spare the bad ones and savour the good ones.
-jeff
It never ceases to amaze me how British and irish migrants fall over themselves to get to Australia to take advantage of the booming economy and the high wages,particularly in the mining industry.Yet despite the economic downturn in the US ,Americans won’t make the move to Australia and our booming economy.How does $60.00 an hour grab you ?
5 weeks annual leave.Long service leave after so many years service.I could go on !!
I want to leave the US for healthcare. I have insurance and work full time, but my son has a chronic illness. When we’re not turned down flat out for services and treatments based on various excuses, we are now paying HUGE out of pocket expenses. In the last few months, I’ve been forced to pay thousands of dollars the insurance refused to pay. It’s not just the uninsured who go bankrupt!
Carmen,
You’re not alone. Fortunately, you could do better elsewhere. Nearly anywhere besides the US.
I find it sad that the US demonizes universal health care as too expensive, but the country’s health costs are among the HIGHEST per capita.
However, most countries will not simply start paying your health care bills as you step off the plane. It takes a level of legal residency – and that becomes the challenge. Either through employment or substantial investment, residency can be yours.
Take for example, Canada -specifically here in Nova Scotia, you are eligible for universal health care (here called “MSI”) once you’re a resident.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/msi/eligibility.asp
There’s hope for sure, but it takes getting legally outside the country before leaving the country.
I am a foreigner who lived in the US more than 10 years (in New York), moved to UK (5 years) and now in France. And I have lived in Asia as well – having visited several times. Well the main reason I got out of the US is because 1) stupid people, extremely ignorant and brainwashed. 2) Very aggressive greed driven pushy culture which I cannot stand anymore 3) Yes healthcare was a huge issue since I am self employed it was $500 a month or more 4) It’s a myth that Europe has higher taxes than the US – if you are a homeowner in USA – your taxes are way higher than a homeowner anywhere in the world basically.
But apart from all these the biggest reason I left USA is because I did not agree with the way USA was attacking and waging wars and interfering in basically every other country on the planet. I just felt sick living in such a country… yes I miss the energy of new york, the beaches of florida and skiing in colorado but more than that there is not much in the US that I miss. However that said – in Europe life is good but people are depressed, the socialist system in Europe has killed people’s emotions and most continental Europeans are xenophobic, scared, sad, stuck up and can be quite nasty too. I think I will move to Asia next – because in Asian countries people have to work to get everything – and there are little or no social benefits – this actually creates a better system because in a country with lack of government provided social benefits – the SOCIETY itself comes together and makes up for the lack in benefits.. people help each other, they care for each other, they aren’t as individualistic and selfish as westerners have all become, and they don’t fear foreigners coming and taking up their benefits because there are no benefits to begin with. Life is simple yet sweet and as I see it today – the freedom of speech and tolerance which existed in USA/ Europe at one point is all gone now. The government wants to keep an eye on every citizen, there are no social liberties left anymore, all these countries have become major police states with a lot of issues and life has become even more “mechanical” in such an environment. America is a totally plastic country now – with an internet / TV culture – and no real social life left anymore. It used to be a great country up until the late 80s and 90s… now it is economically and socially ruined. All American Presidents are disgusting lately – Clinton, Bush, Obama…one worse than the other….sometimes I feel if McCain had come to power instead of Obama maybe just maybe he might have set things right….he was a good man at least and a true old fashioned American….which is what America needs to be saved really.
“Globetrotter”
You should start a blog.
No, really.
My wife caught me this morning reading your long comment. She asked for the summary and I replied “Someone hates their life, but fortunately found something they hate more.”
Now, I’m no new age guru, but when I read a diatribe like that, I end up feeling bad for that person, for the negative energy and time spent in writing it. Such extremism and absolutes are a sign of a closed mind. But I’m glad you found 3 happy memories (NYC’s energy, FL’s beaches and CO’s ski slopes) over your 10 year sentence.
Okay, that’s my soft rebuke for such a comment.
As an American, I don’t consider myself stupid or brainwashed, but I will feign ignorance. I believe we are all ignorant, and I believe a big reward of my sweet, simple life is learning and appreciating whatever I experience. If something is repulsive, maybe the better approach is to try to help change it. In this day and age, a blog can works wonders.
So, Globetrotter2222, I suggest you start a blog. And in my experience, I learned using my real name helps people understand I’m genuine. Start with just your first name, it’s fun.
-Jeff
“Energy” – negative energy…positive energy….karma….yoga…all these are American FADS….concepts and stupid notions which you people keep re-assuring yourselves with while you pop in your anti-depressants the same time…1 a day…LOL.
Fact is – The truth hurts…and when someone speaks up to Americans they cannot digest it….I dont hate my life at all.. I dont even hate others… I simply “observe” and if I don’t like a place anymore… I move on…after all life is to be explored…enjoyed and discovered. Am I the first person in the world to call Americans – ignorant? Am I the first person in the world to call USA a Bully? Am I the first person to call Americans Stupid?? I think you know the answers very well indeed and yet you want to deny them…go on… keep living in denial then….but USA is nothing great anymore…you have to work too hard and too much to live a life of debts (which in reality is what causes all the aggression and mental instability in Americans)..and if you think thats a good life then so be it…happy life to you….au revoir!!!
P.S. – whatever the people in Europe are…they are at least “well behaved” and civilized….I can’t tell you how many of my french friends have been annoyed by loud Americans completely disrespecting and disregarding everything and everyone in France when they come over to visit..with zero sense of “class”. Maybe i’m just not interested in that kind of a culture…it was fun when you are 16 and dumb…but when I grew up I needed a bit more than that.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your interesting take on things in America. I hope you will also address the massive Ponzi scheme that’s being perpetrated on American public by the US government without giving them a choice–at least Bernie Madoff didn’t force his victims to invest with him; but Uncle Sam confiscates 15% of each paycheck towards Social Security and Medicate. All spare cash is siphoned off by Uncle Sam in the name of illegal war spending.
You forgot the part about the housing crises, which was caused by deregulating the banks. America is run by and for rich interests. If you’re not apart of the tiny .1 percent, you don’t count.
Americans continue to do nothing about it. You would think with all the high crimes and misdemeanours committed in their name, Americans would riot. Nope. They are the most willfully propagandized people on earth.
I say this as an American.
I believe the USA is harboring ignorance. It spends way too much time taking care of needy individuals who aren’t assets to the system. The Bush staged 911 tragedy was designed to close our borders. I always despised the guy…I guess you can’t publicly state “I want your oil so I’m going to take it” but rather come up with an elaborate scheme to get it. So much for voting for a President who is partners with the Saudi Prince and gets money out of every barrel sold. The Saudi’s are drying up and Iraq had the biggest oil reserves. That’s why we stayed there so long…the pipeline was being built….I have a friend in the oil business.
Considering leaving the states now, had enough of the pathetic greedy health care system, can only hope those that leech of others misfortune get their just reward, absolutely disgusting health care system, money 1st health 2nd.
First Jeff, can I just say how much I like your name?
Seriously though, you’re right to label the US health care system as greedy. It is run by few corporations, with deep pockets. Doctors behaviour is guided and shaped much the same like university professors — by the golden rule. (“He who has the gold, makes the rules.”)
If you think it’s expensive now, wait until you try to retire. Alternatives are out there — just pick one
Interesting comments on here but it seems everyone has turned this from why people leave the US to personal attacks. Look there are good and bad Americans. Just like there are good French and bad or rude French. I happen to dislike Obama and hope and pray he never gets reelected period.
Now as for leaving the US I did just that a few years back and spent half a year in the Dominican Republic. I must say the folks there are poor but I have never seen such happy people and it was tough to come back home. The beaches were awesome and had fun fun fun till her daddy took the T bird away.
Oh, Darren….. we need comments like yours on all posts.
Talk of warm beaches and happy residents (and even dad’s T-bird) can motivate anyone to seek greener pastures.
Thanks for keeping us in check, buddy.
Best,
-jeff
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