Why I left America and why you should too!

Summary

The speaker shares their decision to leave the US, citing high cost of living, an inefficient healthcare system, a flawed education system, poor work-life balance, a divisive political climate, and safety concerns as major factors. They highlight the challenges of affording a comfortable life on a six-figure salary and the relief of escaping the 'rat race', expressing a newfound sense of opportunity and personal growth since leaving.

Takeaways

• 💵 Cost of Living: The speaker found the cost of living in the US to be outrageously high, with everything from gas to insurance being expensive and getting worse with inflation.
• 🏠 American Dream: Despite achieving the traditional American dream with a house, car, and family, the speaker felt trapped and financially squeezed, questioning the viability of the dream in the current US context.
• 💼 Job Market: The job market in the US is challenging, with people feeling choked by the system and struggling to get ahead despite working hard.
• 🏥 Healthcare System: The US healthcare system is criticized for being expensive, tied to employers, and creating barriers to accessing care, with personal experiences highlighting the difficulties faced.
• 🌍 Education System: The speaker is critical of the US education system, having chosen homeschooling over public or private school due to dissatisfaction with the quality and approach to learning.
• 🤝 Work-Life Balance: There is a cultural issue with work-life balance in the US, with people often prioritizing work over life and family, unlike in many other countries where life is valued more.
• 🔍 Political Climate: The speaker dislikes the divisive US political climate, which they feel breaks families apart, destroys friendships, and influences where people live and who they associate with.
• 🚑 Safety Concerns: The US is perceived as increasingly unsafe, with issues like drug problems, homelessness, police brutality, and mass shootings causing worry for personal safety.
• 🚀 Opportunities for Growth: The speaker felt limited in their opportunities for entrepreneurship and personal growth in the US and sought more by leaving.
• 🌱 Personal Development: Leaving the US has allowed the speaker to pursue personal development and work on projects like content creation and app development, which were not possible while working a 9 to 5 job.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Considerations: The decision to leave was heavily influenced by the desire to provide a better life for the family, including better healthcare, education, and overall safety.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the speaker's decision to leave the United States?

The primary reason was the high cost of living in the United States, which was becoming increasingly unaffordable despite living in a high cost of living area.

How did the speaker feel about their financial situation in the US, even with a six-figure income?

The speaker felt that even with a $150,000 annual income, they were just middle class and struggled to get ahead financially.

What issues does the speaker have with the US healthcare system?

The speaker criticizes the US healthcare system for being expensive, tied to employment, and for creating a situation where people avoid necessary medical care due to the high costs.

What personal experience did the speaker share regarding healthcare costs?

The speaker shared an experience of having to pay $500 out-of-pocket for an MRI, even with insurance, which they decided to forego.

How does the speaker describe the education system in the US?

The speaker describes the US education system as 'garbage,' criticizing it for being outdated and not fostering real intelligence or creativity.

What alternative did the speaker choose for their children's education?

The speaker chose to homeschool their children as an alternative to the public education system and found it to be a better fit for their family.

What cultural differences in work-life balance did the speaker notice when comparing the US to other countries?

The speaker noticed that in other countries, like Europe, there is a stronger emphasis on life over work, with practices such as Siesta time, whereas in the US there is a tendency to prioritize work over personal life.

How does the speaker feel about the political climate in the US?

The speaker dislikes the political climate in the US, citing the extreme divide and the obsession with politics that can ruin relationships and conversations.

What impact did the speaker observe regarding safety concerns in the US?

The speaker observed that the US felt increasingly unsafe, with issues like gun violence, mass shootings, and other crimes making them feel concerned for their family's safety.

What opportunities did the speaker feel were limited in the US?

The speaker felt that opportunities for personal growth, development, and entrepreneurship were limited in the US, especially when compared to the potential they experienced after leaving.

How does the speaker perceive the concept of the 'American Dream' after their experiences?

The speaker views the 'American Dream' as a trap that squeezes money out of people and does not necessarily lead to happiness or fulfillment, despite achieving traditional milestones like owning a house and a car.