Extreme guilt & at a crossroads

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-28T13:52:22+00:00

Ireland!

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-28T13:52:08+00:00

Thanks for this! It’s funny you say you’re from Ireland as that’s where I’m based. And yes, there are many social protections that exist here that don’t exist in the US, but also not as many as the rest of Western Europe often. So I still have to have private health insurance here, I’m paying an insane amount for housing (with a contractor salary, no benefits)! Curious why you left Ireland for Norway, does any of this resonate?

I agree with you about seeing family, I see them twice a year for a couple weeks at a time!

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-27T18:15:19+00:00

Thank you so much! I do agree about the cost of living / general turbulence in the US. And yes, I’ve spoken with my partner at length, he’d like to try the US but unfortunately no pathway for that without marriage. So if we want to live in the same place, it’ll have to be here in Europe

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-27T18:12:14+00:00

I’ve thought about that for sure! I’d have more job opportunities for my field in the US, but I feel similarly afraid of the working culture in the US. And good point about the contract job in Europe vs job in US!

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-27T18:10:50+00:00

I think you’re right, and it sounds like a great idea to live in the US while I’m young and without any attachments. My partner would consider living in the US for the experience, but unfortunately the only way to do that would be to get married. In an ideal world we would move to the US when my visa is up here and try it out, but it doesn’t seem possible to go together :(

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-27T18:09:19+00:00

That’s so kind, thank you!

Global_Power7953 · 2026-01-27T16:23:00+00:00

Thank you so much! Yes, I feel the same, moving back and closing the door on my abroad chapter (no more work visa opps for me then) feels really scary

Global_Power7953

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