The Appeal of Emigrating to Europe

Many Americans are drawn to the idea of moving to Europe for several reasons: the charm of walkable cities, better labor protections, and more affordable healthcare. Kayleigh, a U.S. citizen, was among those who found these benefits tempting. She decided to leave the States and move to Ireland, where she documented her journey on TikTok. Some of her videos gained millions of views as she shared the ups and downs of her life abroad.

Returning to America for Financial Gain

Eventually, Kayleigh moved back to the U.S., attracted by the prospect of earning more money. She explained her reasoning: “I thought I could make a lot more in America. Sure, I’d have fewer vacation days, but I figured I could save more money.” Kayleigh also thought that returning to the U.S. might open up an opportunity to go back to Europe later on if she desired.

The Disillusionment with the American Dream

However, her return to the U.S. didn’t go as smoothly as she had hoped. “My savings have taken a hit since I came back,” she admitted. “I’ve actually lost money since returning.” Along with financial struggles, Kayleigh also found herself feeling burnt out and ultimately left her career job. Now, she’s pursuing a different path. Reflecting on her experience, she noted, “I got swept up in the whole American Dream. But it’s not what it used to be.”

The Generational Gap and High Costs

Kayleigh also expressed frustration with the older generation’s lack of understanding of the challenges faced by younger people today. While some people commented on Ireland’s high cost of living, she acknowledged that while Ireland isn’t exactly cheap, it’s still more affordable compared to where she’s living in the U.S. now.

Planning Her Future Move

Looking ahead, Kayleigh is already planning to return to Europe, but this time she has her sights set on the Netherlands instead of Ireland. Reflecting on her time in Europe, she shared, “Even though I took a 20% pay cut when I moved to Europe, I had way more disposable income.” Her story has resonated with others, with one commenter even exclaiming, “I’m convinced! Time to start packing my bags!”