The International Herald Tribune (IHT) is running an article about what it's like for an expat to go back to the U.S. (and why many don't). A lot of Fodorites have said they'd like to live abroad (or have already done so), so this might be of interest:
http://www.iht.com/articles/526658.html

I worked for almost three years for my company in Budapest, Poland and then Hong Kong. When I was repatriated home I realized how much I missed the easy access to European cities and the excitement of a weekend getaway on the spur of the moment. Chicago doesn't offer any possibility of a quick two hour jaunt to somewhere fabulous.

After working for a little over 18 months I was bored, frustrated and realized that while I had a senior position and was making great money it wasn't challenging and I missed the balance between work and life. I accepted a job in London in a different industry and haven't looked back since. I think for Americans who have the courage to take an overseas position you come away amazed with the real quality of life you can enjoy.

I don't ever forsee living back in the U.S. again. I left 9 years ago telling everyone I would be back in a year but I knew in my heart I was permanently leaving. Each year I told them when I came home for a holiday that I am staying on another year and then they stopped askin as they knew I was not comin back.

I am far happier (and much poorer!) my quality of life has increased and I would not change my experiences for the world. My future children will have the opportunity to go to the U.S. through my familiy and have citizenship through myself. I am a dual citizen so I do not have to worry about sponsorship or Visas.

I love that we can go to London on a whim or Paris on Ryanair for a penny in December when the winter blues kick in. I also love that I can use the languages I learned in school with natives when I travel or when they visit Dublin. I love giving directions in French because they are always surprised. My boyfriend's brother was shocked I could speak to some tourists and give directions in French, he never knew I spoke any languages.

It is hard when you are away from new Nieces and Nephews and life events for family members but I talk to everyone on e-mail.

The real reason I probably won't go back is that I just don't fit in anymore. People are extra nice to me in shops in America because they think I am from Ireland and it freaks me out a bit. My frme of reference and views have totally been influenced in a positive way by living abroad. It's not for everyone thpough and I have seen many people struggle with the romantic ideal they have about living abroad and it is not quite the same. After a while it becomes normal, but I love it

Thanks for the article, BTilke!

After eleven years abroad, my husband and I have no desire to live in the US again, either. We have become too accustomed to our way of life where we are at now. We do enjoy visiting the US, though!

Swell, we keep waiting for our son to tire of living in Japan and come home.

Well, there have been days in some airports when I have wondered if I can ever go home again.

Maybe it depends on what home is for people. After my dad died, my mom took a trip "home" and came back saying she'd decided home was where her friends and family were, as opposed to the land of her birth certificate.

SiobhanP - I would dearly love to banter with you about some of your experiences, without taking up the precious time of fellow Fodorites. If you'd email me at [email protected] that would be grand.

Poor Scarlett. Perhaps he will retire of Japan eventually, but I'm not sure I would.

My mom has always felt the same way. However, I think she has finally come to accept that where I'm at is "home" now, and she's just happy that I'm happy.

Seamus, I just sent you a mail. Fire away. I am off for the weekend now so I may not answer till Monday. Have a good weekend all.

S

IMVHO, home is where the heart is. , if it is in some faraway land, or in my own back yard with those I love.

Interesting article... has me a bit worried as my brother in law just moved to London for a temporary work assignment. After only a few days he was offered at least another year's worth of work and are now saying they'll stay indefinitely. Uh oh.

~k

We have no plans to move back to the U.S. in the foreseeable future, for many of the reasons cited in the article. There are things we miss about life in the U.S., mostly the conveniance of everything--shops open late, sometimes 24 hours, middle class houses with 2.5 bathrooms, big kitchens, laundry rooms, and screens on windows--but the overall quality of life overseas is worth the tradeoff. And we love sitting with a drink on Friday night and wondering--where should we go this week-end: France, Germany, the Netherlands?

BTilke,

Tell us about your quality of life, especially the things you really love. I would like to know some of the details of everyday life abroad, as opposed to our short trips.

I realize that, as much as we try, we can't begin to understand what it's like to really live in Europe.

Thank you.

Byrd