I am happy. I have lived outside the US since 1995. Many years in Italy and London and am now retired in Italy. The first year was kind of tough when we first moved to Italy. So much change to adapt to, but after that, life has been really good (my wife is Italian).
Now when I return home, I feel like a stranger in a familiar land. Would I be happier if I lived in a cottage next to a lake under the ponderosa pines of Colorado? Maybe, maybe not.
DM me if you’d like some insights on a good area to live in.
You’re experiencing culture shock. Most everything is different. It can be difficult to adapt and understand. When my wife and I first immigrated from the U.S. to Italy, the first year was extremely difficult for me. Everything I did it life was different. Shopping, banking, the work culture, obtaining services, doing business and even the language. Many times I asked myself what have I done? One day I will go back home. That was 25 years ago. Now I only return to the U.S. for weddings and funerals. I love it here now and have no plans to return. It takes time to acclimate to so much change. Give it time. It will get better.
Go for it my friend. It’s a new experience and not everyone has such opportunity. You are young. You don’t want to be asking yourself in 20 years, what if…
I don’t live there now, but did for well over a decade. No regrets. Some of the best years of my life.
Try envisioning going back to Italy and seeing yourself five years from now, asking yourself, “What if I had stayed?” Follow your heart but use your head.
Consider your wife may need citizenship if she is ever to claim SS benefits should you pass before her. I’m no expert. Just something to consider and look into.
I 2nd this opinion. You don’t want to reach old age and regret the things you could have done.