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I actually moved to my current city without having been here before or knowing anyone. All I heard was that Chicago is a great city and the first job offer I got for it I took. I figured as long as I have some source of income and a backup plan (move home with Mom) why not take the risk and just move to a new country? Perhaps I just lucked out last time.
You all bring up a good point. I will plan some trips for visiting. I'm actually going to be in Berlin this fall for the marathon so I'll be sure to look at the city and ask myself if I could really live here. I think after this trip, I'd feel more comfortable taking week long trips around Europe.
It also seems like my worries about finding a job are not unfounded. Time to spend some extra hours learning new skills and a language!
I did not know about the Schengen Area thing but that's great!
Moving to another country (and another continent) is not the same as moving to Chicago, from wherever you used to live before. The cultural differences, the language, the birocracy you will go through at first as an immigrant...I can't even begin to tell you how many difficulties will come your way. The main being the working permit. Find a job, this way the company will take care of all the legal documents; you will still have to do your part, but they will be doing all the hard work.
Visiting is good, you definitely need to do this, but you won't get the feeling of how it is to really live in place until you just do it. I visited France 4 times before finally moving, I talked about it with my friends who already lived here for hours and hours; but the first few months I was still in a state of shock and wanted to get back home every day.
You say you are 27, you are definitely not to old to try this, it is just the right time, since you are not a child anymore, but, like you said, there are no babies or mortgages stopping you. However, I do sense a lack of maturity in your tone; when you mentioned that your backup plan if Chicago didn't work was moving back home, I kind of got the feeling that this is all a funny joke/ crazy experience for you. Experiencing is good when you are 21, at 27 you might want to be more serious about the planning.
When I left, I never considered returning an option, especially if it came from a place of defeat or surrender. If you are not decided enough, you won't make it.
My brother, who lived in Canada for 20 years, tried last year to stay in several European countries and lived there for more than half a year, passing from country to country. He couldn't accomodate anywhere, but he's a special case, hating the office work (although an engineer).
I don't say that European lifestyle is not fitted for an American, there are Americans who feel better in Europe (including Romania, where several live for many years), but depends of each one's personality. Cutting your ties with America is not very wise, if this is what you want.
Also, some aspects may be better in Eastern Europe than in Western one, like less crime, better job opportunities, healthier food and natural environment, etc.
If you think Chicago is a great city you'll love just about any random place in western Europe.
They are a strange breed though, these Europeans. They generally give social welfare to the poor, have universal health care for everybody, have cheap or free education, have the tendency to maintain their buildings, roads and bridges, have laws against driving around in cars which are falling apart, have low crime rates, have a working public transporation system and have 6 to 8 weeks of holidays each year. I would consider if you could get used to all that before moving there.
If you think Chicago is a great city you'll love just about any random place in western Europe.
They are a strange breed though, these Europeans. They generally give social welfare to the poor, have universal health care for everybody, have cheap or free education, have the tendency to maintain their buildings, roads and bridges, have laws against driving around in cars which are falling apart, have low crime rates, have a working public transporation system and have 6 to 8 weeks of holidays each year. I would consider if you could get used to all that before moving there.
Are you talking about Mexico or the US? Maybe visit here first before making sweeping generalizations about my country. We're not Mexico here, you know.
Are you talking about Mexico or the US? Maybe visit here first before making sweeping generalizations about my country. We're not Mexico here, you know.
It's all true, having lived right by Pennsylvania.
You have to get used to the better life conditions. But that should be easy. The change to Italy was surprising, the crime here is actually much lower and be upkeep of the overall country is better. Wages seem similar, but your money goes farther here to me.
It's all true, having lived right by Pennsylvania.
You have to get used to the better life conditions. But that should be easy. The change to Italy was surprising, the crime here is actually much lower and be upkeep of the overall country is better. Wages seem similar, but your money goes farther here to me.
Italy is one of the most corrupt European countries, with incredibly high taxes that yield very little in terms of actual benefits to the taxpayer.
Definitely not a good example of good quality of life.
Though we are talking about America here.
Italy is one of the most corrupt European countries, with incredibly high taxes that yield very little in terms of actual benefits to the taxpayer.
Definitely not a good example of good quality of life.
Though we are talking about America here.
I completely agree. However... It's still better here, sadly.
Thankfully, if everything goes well, I should be in Denmark soon, and should be able to get citizenship by the length of my stay (college)
Are you talking about Mexico or the US? Maybe visit here first before making sweeping generalizations about my country. We're not Mexico here, you know.
There is a Chicago in Mexico too? Thanks for letting me know, I will be more location specific in my next posts.
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Maybe visit here first before making sweeping generalizations about my country. We're not Mexico here, you know.
