“I moved to country X” stories can be annoying

They can be a curious read if they don’t aspire to draw profound comparisons and are not written as pieces of narcissistic self-affirmation.

First, I myself made several big moves for education, work, and life — in different decades, across continents, at different stages in my life, with and without kids. My opinion is simple — nothing is simple. Nothing is perfect. There will always be a sacrifice of some kind.

Many stories do a poor job of discussing this:

• Visa and legal status matters. Maybe some exotic nations and islands allow you a quick path to permanent residency; otherwise moving to and working in another country necessarily involves solving complicated visa problems. In the post-Trump, post-Covid, post-Brexit, post-other things world these barriers are as high as ever. The authors documenting their moves should reveal upfront how they addressed their legal status in a new place. Are you dependent on an employer sponsoring your visa? Can you easily start a business with your visa? Is your US passport all-powerful and you don’t have to worry at all? These are not technical nuances; they are matters of paramount importance impacting your ability to work, and live in a foreign place with certainty and confidence.
• Getting set up. Local social security, renting a place, opening a bank account, registering with the police, getting a driver's license, and so on. I’m sure some of these are easier than in America, but some are unique and not that…