Why I Left the USA (Again)

Published 2022-10-30
I left America. Again. Here's why. Stay in touch and see where I'm traveling on Instagram: bit.ly/twk_instagram

00:00 Intro - Why I Left
00:40 Am I making a mistake?
1:55 Arriving to Amsterdam
2:35 Living a nomadic lifestyle
3:47 Getting un-"stuck"
6:00 Problems with America
7:09 Travel as a remedy
8:15 Dealing with haters
9:00 Escaping the status quo
9:34 Getting out of a rut
10:33 Reverse culture shock
11:36 Consumerism in US
12:29 The Great Resignation
13:33 Leaving your comfort zone
14:12 Living an unconventional life
15:05 Closing thoughts

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Kristin Wilson is the author of Digital Nomads For Dummies, the host of Badass Digital Nomads Podcast, and Traveling with Kristin on YouTube. She's been to at least 60 countries and has been helping people move overseas since 2005. Get help with your relocation by emailing hello [at] travelingwithkristin.com

#whyileft #leavingtheusa #livingabroad

All Comments (21)
  • @AE-vc6te
    The consumerism here in the USA is ridiculous. And people's self worth is all determined by what they buy and their social media reels. So sick of it.
  • @ericsun6768
    I'm a German living in San Diego and despite the fact that I love the landscape and plentiful activities I can't imagine to live here permanently. Your points really summed up my thoughts on this country. It's heartbreaking to see all the homeless people downtown ridden with mental illnesses and addiction... and so many people are on the verge of breaking because they work their asses off and still see no results in their wallet.
  • @Marie_765
    How many times can I like this video. From a former expat about to be an expat again in 2023. Travel on, comrade. May our paths cross one day 😊
  • @samc8623
    Honestly, Florida is so weird. I just came back after 6 years and I'm having my own reverse culture shock. I see how my parents live and how much they work and don't live a fulfilling life, and how they are conditioned to believe this is all normal and there is no alternative to this. The consumer culture just shocked me, everything they buy is ready made and low quality, everyone lives in the same looking house in some artificial neighbourhood and also things look like they haven't changed since the 90s. They are extremely unhealthy from years of putting their job before their own well being. I voiced my concerns about their lack of self care and they just take it the wrong way and act like its 'just life'. I know that the whole US is not like this but this is my experience in Florida at least. It's strange because there are many things I admire about the US and the attitude of the people, but at the same time I feel there are just so many things that just make no sense.
  • @Dominicano809
    Americans don't appreciate candor as a human quality, they would much rather be lied to in order to stay at the surface. Thank you for being so transparent that means so much! Agree 100% with all of your reasons and I knew the pandemic was just a "reset" for you. Time to go! Greetings from DR.
  • @Pulse2AM
    I understand those feelings Kristin. I'm sure people, a therapist, could analyze it to death. 😅 What I can say since I'm in my 60's is travel now while you're young enough to do it because as you get older it's a lot more difficult to deal with just the physical aspects. Be safe out there and keep the video's coming!
  • @keikunnobaka
    Kristin, this video is a gem! Your honesty and candidness are something that we could use more of! Here's wishing you the best of travels ahead of you!
  • Heartfelt love & blessings, Kristin. I immediately resonated & connected with the tone of your voice within the first 3 secs. The dog on the nail analogy (a humorous spin on the Tony Robbins pain of change) also hits home. Don't let anything diminish your shine, especially the "residue" of life. Pattern Interrupt = freshness/"newness". Stay vibrant!
  • @Slayasit
    Kristin, I’m so happy for you❤ I’ve been following you for awhile, as your words and experiences help as I work towards moving out of the U.S. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in my thoughts! I wish you all the best!
  • @ivanhoe6145
    Stagnation equals death, if not, at least half death. The best way to feed and enrich your soul is by traveling, seeing the world and making new friends all over. Keep it moving as the planet does. That is the spice for a complete and totally satisfying life. Kristin understands this fact of life and she does not only talks about it but put her thoughts and feelings into action, delivers and teaches by example.  Thank you for sharing and best luck in Europe.
  • @kelitomiguel
    Great thoughts Kristin! I can fully relate. I spent 3mos in Barcelona this summer after staying put in Vancouver and going nowhere during the long pandemic. Happy to report that my soul reignited with joy again and that sense of adventure, freedom and the feeling of being alive returned. I'm an explorer by nature and it sounds like you are too. See you out there in the world.
  • I’m glad we’re not the only one who have struggled with this decision in the last couple of years. We should be heading out in a few week and are soo ready to get back to full time travel. Safe travels! Maybe we will see you in Portugal ✌🏼
  • @sean_vikoren
    It's really great to see how happy you get heading for the next place!
  • @ioumore
    Kristin, I am so glad you are back and making You Tube videos again! I always can totally relate to your words, because I too have been mostly out of the US for the last 10 years, and also found that, when there, the US just did not feel like home anymore—for all the reasons you so eloquently stated. So I left 7 months ago to start a new life in Europe, and am thankful every day that I made the change. Cheers to our new adventures! i look forward to following your future posts about your non-US life.
  • One of the reasons why I like to travel by land (in addition to the experiences of the trip itself) is that when you reach the end of the journey, there is a feeling of being in a remote country due to the time elapsed on the trip and the distance traveled. This helps you admire the new place and feel very happy that you have arrived.
  • @toddsharp4990
    Just started my first digital nomad adventure this week. I actually thought about it as ‘reaching escape velocity’. Breaking away from years of an established life took SO much work and willingness to leave things behind. And, it’s definitely giving me that perspective you’re talking about; personal growth opportunity. My first walk around Lisbon gave me that sense of discovery and appreciation for history, lifestyle and culture. Thanks for your message. It’s nice to know I am not the only one occasionally doubting whether I am doing the right thing.
  • @jankelsey9738
    I’m so incredibly not surprised you left, again. I just watched your observations about the U.S. video and both my wife and I said to each other that you definitely wouldn’t be staying. While people can grow anywhere, traveling and seeing the world can definitely expedite growth and transformation. Keeping it real, U.S. culture is really challenging to acclimate to, because it’s needlessly shallow and divisive. We’re glad you’re following what brings you peace and joy. 👏🏾🙏🏾
  • @josh_merrill
    Yes, yes and yes! Everything you said in this video hits home for so many different reasons. You're such an inspiration and a big reason why I chose to uproot my life in the U.S. and make the move overseas to Portugal towards the end of the pandemic. Here's to hoping our paths cross in the future. Enjoy Amsterdam!
  • @nexpose1
    It's almost for anyone and everyone to just find your place, your people and your feel. I think that's what I'm going for and there's a similarity from what you said, Kristin. Also knowing we're all different yet the change to reinvigorate is oh so important. Really a brilliant video. 🤘