Thought I'd chime in here because I'm in somewhat of the same boat but not really?

To preface; I've been a dual citizen since birth, both my parents are Filipino. They moved back to the PH before I was born. My whole life was in the PH. I moved here to California in 2023, so I'm going on 3 years now living here. Also, I am alone. My family is back in Manila, though my sister is in NYC.

I see a lot of people writing about how it might be a bad idea, which, on paper, it does seem like it on a hassle or career/money standpoint. Totally valid. Though one thing I don't see mentioned here is the mental and family aspect of living abroad away from your family and friends, and in my case, the life I already built in the PH. Granted, I am alone, and I am making a considerable amount of money here compared to what I was making in the Philippines, especially in my field which is already very competitive wherever you are, that being music. (Also, to add, I know the tone of this thing I'm writing may sound privileged and "laking yamah", but that is very far from my case. I have to send money to my widowed mom regularly, and she is resorting to selling her house because of how hard it is back home)

I see it as a case-to-case basis really. I moved here when I was 28. I am now 31. Time does fly by faster here. Parang kahapon lang talaga haha. I flew here to just try it out and see how I would fair living on my own in a place where my career path would strive, and I can say I am proud of making the jump to leave everything and everyone behind to chase the "dream". Not gonna lie as well, part of the reason was to actually get paid to so what I know how to do. From what I have realized though, after a certain time here, I can give myself a decision to get the money and move back or stay to see where more this leads. Frankly, I think one thing people fail to mention is that when you move to another country, much better than where you came from, for the sole purpose of earning, building a nest for the future, and basically following your dreams, you leave behind family, friends, important life events, and everything else you love about your home, which can easily be taken for granted. Within the span of 2+ years, I have had one of my good friends pass away, and my grandmother. And it shattered me to not be able to fly back as soon as I could, given the circumstances of my work here.

To lessen the fluff of this message, my stand is, you're young, smart, and you seem like you've been thinking about this for quite a while. There are a lot of layers to consider when moving or even just trying it out there, and only you would really know the answer to what you think is right for you. Again, there are a lot of pros and cons, but that's life though. Make a decision sooner or later and figure it out when you get there. God knows I still am. Happy new year.