American Expats: After Election Decisions

 

For the past month, all we have heard and talked about has been elections, and this has led to an outburst in American expats. Politics is so much more than just a presidential campaign; it affects every aspect of our lives. We will be focusing on the aftermath of the recent elections here.

There is one trend that’s noticeable among people who are unhappy with the results of the presidential elections this year, and that’s that it is likely that the number of American expats will grow in 2025. 

Post-Election Blues Lead to Big Life Decisions For Some

After the United States elected a new president, innumerable social media posts expressed concern for the country’s future within a single day. Among these publications, a new trend was rising that will certainly have an impact on America’s expat community worldwide. 

For the time being, Americans are taking matters into their own hands and searching for a new home. In almost every online expat community, American citizens ask questions about the quality of life in countries they are interested in. Some are researching to move to South America, while others are exploring the option to move to Europe or Asia. Regardless of the destination, they all have one thing in common: they no longer want to live in the United States.

All this goes beyond being unsatisfied with the outcome of the elections. Soon-to-be American expats are also willing to change their lives entirely and start living abroad on their own or with their families. If this resonates with you, we want to offer support and guidance. 

Moving to another country or continent is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Whatever your motivation is, starting over in a foreign country has its obstacles, risks, and other things you’ll need to consider. 

 

Should I Stay or Should I Go? 

Before you buy your one-way ticket and start packing your bags, make sure this is the right decision at the moment. It is one thing to be upset about the impact of the presidential election on your individual life and the life of your community, yet it is quite another to completely change your life.  

Even if you live abroad, you’re still American. In other words, you’ll still be able to see and hear what’s happening in your home country. If you have family or relatives who will stay in the US, you might even feel more stressed because you’ll be so far away from them. Of course, the best advice here is to stop following any news outlet that informs you about politics and instead talk to your family and friends to hear about more personal experiences that have nothing to do with the political agenda. 

Don’t forget to plan accordingly, especially when it comes to finances. You might decide to move to a more affordable country. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t need money. Have you checked with your company if it’s okay if you work from another country? If you quit, do you have enough savings to cover the costs during the first few months? 

If you plan to move there, have you researched the job market there and checked if your knowledge and skills are in demand? 

In addition to the cost, other considerations include the time zone, safety, and the language used in the nation. All of this will have an effect on your life, and potential complications may arise if you are not adequately prepared. Don’t forget: you’re going to feel better about your life!

 

How to Choose a Country 

American expats have so many countries to choose from, and as much as this sounds amazing, it often makes your decision-making process even more difficult. Unless you plan to move every three to six months, there are certain things you should go through to find the best country for yourself. This way, you will be able to build a fulfilled life outside your home country, connect with like-minded people, and feel like you belong there.

When choosing a country, ask yourself these questions:

• What are your best visa options for the country you want to move to? 
• Is the time difference an issue because of your personal or professional life?
• Do you prefer a hotter or colder climate?
• Do you have a health condition that requires access to certain medical specialists or care?
• Is there a culture you’re interested in exploring and immersing yourself in? 
• Are you planning to buy a property soon, or you’ll rent for a longer period?
• How proficient are you at learning new languages?
• Are you interested in pursuing educational opportunities in that country?
• Do you prefer working for American companies, or are you open to seeking jobs in a new country? 

 

You’ve Made Your Decision—Now What?

If you already know where you want to live, all that’s left to do is to end with the old and start preparing for the new. Think about the bureaucracy that you have to do before leaving the country. Are you planning to cancel certain credit cards? Will you cancel subscriptions you no longer need? Do you have to notify your landlord that you’re leaving the apartment soon?

Besides taking care of the administrative side of your life, don’t forget to celebrate your big decision with people who are there for you. Invite your family or friends for dinner and share all your existing plans with them. Knowing you have support is crucial when making such a huge move in your life.

Also, start preparing for your travels and new life. Prepare a list of things you need to take with you. A helpful piece of advice is also to prepare a list of things you need to research. Maybe you want to check how your tax situation will change once you live in a foreign country, or you’ll want to check which cities other American expats live in. 

 

Final Words

If there’s no doubt about the idea of moving after elections, go after it! Life is too short to wonder whether you should or shouldn’t do something that’s important to you. That said, do your best to prepare well. Even if you stay at your old job, there are still a lot of challenges waiting for you in this new country you’ll soon start calling home. As long as you make it as easy and enjoyable for you, there’s no doubt that you’ll make the most of it. 

 

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