Crazy to consider moving to Europe?
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Anonymous
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My DH works for a Swedish company and could basically put in to relocate to Stockholm, London, or Berlin at any point. Our kids are currently 5 and 2 years old. We've been throwing around the idea of moving to the EU since DH would already have a job, I own a small business and could easily work from anywhere, and the kids are not yet really established in the school district or with friends/activities. One major perk we discussed is if we stayed 5+ years and became dual citizens, the kids could go to college anywhere in the EU. Also, we're attracted to the work-life balance, opportunity to travel, healthcare, childcare available. If my DH moved to the European side of the company, he would get August off every year on top of his regular generous PTO. We do currently live within 15 mins of all the grandparents which would be a big change, but DH's parents are in the process of building their retirement home a few hours away. The kids don't have any cousins yet (Dh and I are both the oldest in our families).
Any thoughts or experiences? |
Anonymous
Oh I would go in a heartbeat! It looks like your only reason not to is the grandparents which is definitely something to consider but this looks like such a great opportunity! I vote for Stockholm. 
One caveat is that I know that sometimes POC have terrible experiences in Europe. If you are a POC you'd have to think about that, obviously. I think that London is a little more racially diverse. |
Anonymous
+1 I would do it, but agree with POC perspective. I'm Asian, DH is white. Kids are biracial. Unfortunately, we do have to think about those things when we look at where to move. |
Anonymous
| I would look very carefully at how you will need to file taxes on a small business you are running from another country. Just make sure you really understand the rules. |
Anonymous
Thanks, I already briefly started to look into this. It's a service based business so theoretically I could either keep my American clientele or register it where we move and reestablish myself in our new country based on what would be more tax advantageous. |
Anonymous
| Yes, I would. |
Anonymous
| This wouldn’t even be a question for me. I’d already have moved abroad! |
Anonymous
| I would, but I’ve lived in many countries. You might struggle and become home sick, or you might love it. Only one way to find out! |
Anonymous
| If you want to do it, do it now. Its a bigger change for older kids with adjusting there and then readjusting here when you come back, which can lead to social and academic struggles. |
Anonymous
| Do it! It will only get harder (or downright impossible) as the kids age and as jobs change. You have the opportunity now and should seize it. |
Anonymous
| In a heartbeat, OP! Especially since the grandparents will be moving away and cousins are uncertain. All of those options sound fantastic and flights would be easy from all, so I'd just consider where you'd feel most comfortably culturally and the language. We have a lot of American family abroad, and even if there's a ton of English, it's helpful socially to be somewhere you can speak the local language or learn it quickly. Also the international school options (unless you'd put your kids in the local schools, which could be great!), expat communities, and church if you attend. |
Anonymous
| Go now and come back in summer before middle school starts. |
Anonymous
| If you want kids to learn local language well, put them in local schools. |
Anonymous
+1 If I had any chance at all, zero hesitation!! For now, it's a down the line goal. |
Anonymous
| Definitely. Maybe you can visit each of those cities to see which one you prefer. Berlin is supposed to be great for families, London has the language advantage... with Stockholm, I'd be more concerned about lack of sunlight and diversity but maybe that's not a worry for you. |