USA v Home Country

[Zee Bee 61]

USC here. We would rather live in Ghana. We both have family there and we prefer the lifestyle. We basically decided to stay here for educational reasons. Once we are done we will probably move back.

[Lili 3]

It is interesting to read about most of us would rather go home...

In my case, I came in 2002 to study because I had enough of the negativity of French people. They got it all and still whines day and night! I also thought that having an American degree would be to my advantage career-wise.

Six years later, I can't wait to go back home. I miss the lifestyle. Americans are just too concerned about money and work. What about family, friends and life in general? We all die someday, might as well enjoy life not work like a maniac.

And that American degree? Oh boy, I love accounting but nobody wants me in France. The accounting system is different there. What was I thinking? Oh well...

[braveheart1 0]

I miss the health care system, ease of travel (ie public transport), familarity of public systems, food and family and friends...If I had a choice, I'd live in my home country, England. As it is, my husband lives in the States and I decided to make America my home. It can be quite lonely as I've only been here a few months...and spend most of the time on my own.

[Marilyn. 340]

well basically the only reason I would want to move back to Canada is because my family is there.. I feel sad and guilty that I missed my younger sibs growing up (they have changed a lot in the almost 4 years I have lived here) and I am now going to miss my nephew growing up

Edited January 4, 2009 by *Marilyn*

[kaffy 2]

I'm happier here than I ever was in Australia. Even though I spent 12 odd years there I don't feel that I ever connected with it.. besides, Brisbane bores me

My other two home countries.. the country I was born in - I love that country but only lived there from age 0-4 so I'm not sure if I'd be happy living there as an adult. (wouldnt mind trying it out though!)

and the country I grew up in (NZ) - love love love that place and would happily move there with my husband, jobs permitting. I still have my citizenship so it's always an option

Edited January 4, 2009 by kaffy

[Naz&Omi 0]

I love it here. No way am I living in India.

hahaha.. SERIOUSLY!! why in the world do all these people wanna leave the US? I think it's pretty freakin' awesome over here! ...well, comparing to India or Afghanistan..

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Six years later, I can't wait to go back home. I miss the lifestyle. Americans are just too concerned about money and work. What about family, friends and life in general? We all die someday, might as well enjoy life not work like a maniac.

I think that depends on the circle of people you live and work with and the kind of job you have. I don't know a lot of people who just live to work unless it is their true passion. Then again, I run around in odd circles.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

I think a lot of it depends on family ties, so bearing in mind I don't come from a large, close-knit family, the only question is one of lifestyle - and as an outdoors kinda guy, the U.S. wins hands down.

Whenever I'm camping at one of the stunning Missouri State Parks (especially Table Rock, in the heart of the Ozarks) I always have a quiet chuckle to myself, as I sit by my roaring fire (which isn't allowed at the vast majority of U.K. campsites, btw), in my quiet, secluded spot, in a heavily wooded area by the lake, then think about the rows upon rows (almost terrace house-esque) of tents all bunched together in some souless field in Cornwall, as is the norm in the U.K.

And let's not forget the weather; that's a biggy. In the Midwest, you know what you're gonna get: scorching Summers, and bone-chilling Winters, just as nature intended. I can put up with -15 temperatures in Winter, because I know that from the start of May until the end of September, it's gonna be glorious. And even if I do get pissed off with the Winter, all I have to do is either hop on a plane or take a road trip to Florida, Socal, Nevada to get some sun. What choice do I have here!!?? This summer, like so many others, was a complete washout, 2003 being the last proper summer we had, and 1976 before that!!

There are things that blow of course, most notably the paltry 2 weeks of vacation time given in most jobs, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

[Lili 3]

Six years later, I can't wait to go back home. I miss the lifestyle. Americans are just too concerned about money and work. What about family, friends and life in general? We all die someday, might as well enjoy life not work like a maniac.

I think that depends on the circle of people you live and work with and the kind of job you have. I don't know a lot of people who just live to work unless it is their true passion. Then again, I run around in odd circles.

Call me crazy but I want to have the 35hours workweek and 5 weeks vacation. I don't mind all the taxes. My friends enjoy life and stuff but it is hard for them to comprehend that French way of life might be better than the American one. It is all a matter of perspective!

[HighwayStar 0]

A question for all of you who talk about going back to your home countries: would you be able to find a job easily once there? I know that for me there would be no way to find another job at my age, especially in the current climate. If for you it would be easier, I am really happy for you.... When I left Italy in mid-November, I knew there was no going back, and this is why I want to make the US my home.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

A question for all of you who talk about going back to your home countries: would you be able to find a job easily once there? I know that for me there would be no way to find another job at my age, especially in the current climate. If for you it would be easier, I am really happy for you.... When I left Italy in mid-November, I knew there was no going back, and this is why I want to make the US my home.

Tbf, Raff, I harbour very similar sentiments. I'm not as old as you ( ) but I'm still at an age where I simply have to make the stateside move work. So I will.

[Emancipation 2]

Canada hands down.. we are here for the time being because of family & financial reasons.

[penn-kd 0]

Many posts mention financial reasons as being a large part of the reason to be going through our immigration journey, but where would you prefer to be?

What are other reasons for being in the US (besides love)

I thing the poll might be an incorrect out come. Maybe people didn't read and put financial but they maybe thought it said fiancee. When I first glanced at it that is what I thought it said.

[MademoiselleAmy 0]

I moved here for my husband who is my true love. Otherwise I would be happier in Canada because there are more actions in the cities where I used to live.

[Nessa 23]

A question for all of you who talk about going back to your home countries: would you be able to find a job easily once there? I know that for me there would be no way to find another job at my age, especially in the current climate. If for you it would be easier, I am really happy for you.... When I left Italy in mid-November, I knew there was no going back, and this is why I want to make the US my home.

no. jobs are very scarce in brazil. and hubby wouldnt find a job either cuz he doesn't speak portuguese.