Why don't you move abroad?

Motivations to Move Abroad

• Many argue you should “choose your country” rather than accept birthplace as destiny; nationalism is seen by some as an irrational constraint.
• Others describe moving as a way out of poverty or stagnation: tech/OSS as escape from generational hardship, or leaving unsafe, polluted, or economically stagnant cities (e.g., São Paulo, parts of Brazil, Sri Lanka).
• Some see the US or Western Europe as income-maximizing “launchpads” for later freedom, or as better ecosystems for certain careers (research, startups).

Reasons to Stay or Return Home

• A strong theme: people move abroad, later realize they don’t “belong,” and move back for family, culture, and deep friendships.
• Several say they now earn less but are far happier near relatives, in smaller towns or home countries, with lower stress and better work–life balance.
• Some emphasize that loving one’s country/culture is as natural as loving family, and not inherently nationalist.

Practical Barriers

• Visas and immigration policy are major blockers; many can’t move even if they want to.
• Money, debt, and employer-tied benefits (especially in the US) make leaving risky.
• Age, disability, race, and language barriers further limit realistic options.

Social and Emotional Costs

• Long-term immigrants describe losing old friends, weakened family ties, and missing aging parents.
• Time zones and distance make emergencies and regular contact hard.
• Building deep local friendships is difficult because locals already have established circles; immigrants often bond mostly with other immigrants.
• Mixed-nationality families and children rooted in the new country can make moving “back” effectively impossible.

Quality of Life and Safety

• Experiences diverge: some praise Western cities for safety and public services; others criticize homelessness, crime, or politics (e.g., SF street conditions, US healthcare, gun issues, Canadian/UK civil-liberties concerns).
• Several note that GDP per capita statistics mask huge intra-country variation; PPP and local context matter.

Travel vs. Permanent Migration

• Many recommend living abroad temporarily in one’s 20s–30s to gain perspective, then deciding where to settle.
• Others push back: “moving abroad” is often oversold; long-term costs (rootlessness, family distance, reverse culture shock) are under-discussed.

Education and Competition Side Thread

• There’s discussion of hyper-competitive entrance exams (India/Brazil/China), rote learning, and how unrelated science questions gatekeep CS degrees.
• Some note this drives skilled emigration while also making top domestic positions extremely hard to access.