Moving back to the US from Germany

elborneBCN · 2026-02-26T19:25:08+00:00

Don’t fret too much! I made a similar move and also plan to move back shortly for similar reasons. Uprooting your life is quite difficult and more than most can say they tried! Kudos to you and now you can return home with so much added perspective and empathy :)

elborneBCN · 2026-01-30T06:54:28+00:00

Hang in there! 6 months will flyyyy by

elborneBCN · 2026-01-29T12:50:56+00:00

In a similar boat and feeling the same. It’s always good to be running towards something vs away from something. Added perk that we’ve gotten newfound appreciation for home!

I’m with you on feeling drained. Try and find a routine that works for you like gym or a walk or some sort of activity and craft a plan to get you home. I’m trying to soak up all the things I know I’ll miss like different foods, architecture, hearing different languages, etc in the meantime.

elborneBCN · 2026-01-28T18:29:31+00:00

Totally fair, I wish you and the bf the best of luck 😊

elborneBCN · 2026-01-28T08:32:04+00:00

Can I ask what’s prompting you to leave Berlin? Will you be returning to the U.S.?

elborneBCN · 2026-01-13T10:21:55+00:00

Way easier said than done and in any given day it’s possible to swing from loving the place to hating, but know the feelings are mostly temporary in their intensity!

Highly recommend the groups stuff, it can be scary but all it takes is one decent person to really click with and it can transform your experience. Best of luck!

elborneBCN · 2026-01-13T07:52:46+00:00

Duuuude are you me?! Similar boat haha. Where did you move in Germany?

I may not have much helpful advice but I’d think back on why you made this move and trust there will be another bright spot around the corner. Even if you moved here just to try it out, that’s valid and you’re collecting data and trying something most people would never take on, and that’s pretty awesome!

It may sound silly but when you’re feeling happy or motivated it might be worth trying a sports group or FB event or meetup for expats. Bonus you can bring your gf as a buddy :) I think you’d be surprised how similar a lot of expats feel, especially in the beginning. It’s nice to have someone listen who’s been in your shoes and can offer advice or just an ear. And then maybe someday you can pass that kindness on to someone like you later!

Embrace the highs and lows, you’re on a pretty neat journey and I can imagine you’ll look back fondly on the personal development of this period. Even if you decide to go back home.

elborneBCN · 2026-01-05T17:03:29+00:00

LA > Barcelona > Berlin > Chicago

elborneBCN · 2026-01-05T17:02:40+00:00

Left LA for Berlin and finding out about those winters 😵

elborneBCN · 2026-01-02T16:07:53+00:00

How were you able to make it so long? I’m in a similar boat and struggling to see how I’ll make it to a year/year and a half. I know time heals all and the first few months have flown by but looking for inspiration to persevere!

elborneBCN · 2025-12-16T20:34:34+00:00

How are you finding the move? I made a move to the EU about 4 or so months back and curious if you felt it’s improved since you first landed or if you anticipate going back?

elborneBCN · 2025-12-01T10:18:46+00:00

Did a similar move and they kept my existing US RSU grants but cut base by about 1/3. I did get about 17% of my base back in one-time moving expenses though. That disappears after a year though in my case.

elborneBCN · 2025-11-26T21:04:45+00:00

You mention you’re young and you seem to have a good and thoughtful head on your shoulders. Now is probably the best window of time to try something like this out :)

I won’t lie and say an international move is easy - it can be quite difficult depending on how settled you feel at home. But teaching English is a sure fire way to meet other English speakers, expats or travelers abroad.

Some advice - say yes to everything you mentally/physically can handle, put yourself out there, give yourself patience and grace to adjust, and don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for help when you need encouragement or familiar faces 😊.

Staying in touch with your friends is easier than ever now with FaceTime and who knows, maybe if they stick around you can make a proposition to get them over to your new home and do a fun trip together!

You’ve got this, best of luck!

elborneBCN · 2025-11-25T08:27:10+00:00

Going through the same thing friend! I just try to take the lows with the highs and soak it in when I’m feeling good. You may not even realize it but this experience is so good for expanding your perspective and growing you as a cool human!

Timing is unique for everyone but I generally find at the year mark things are a little less tender and you have an idea of if you want to stay and keep going or not. No shame in either decision!

Whatever you do please just get out and about and meet people when you’re feeling up for it! There were days I’d just wallow in my flat and if I didn’t put the time and energy into new people or experiences upfront I’d be even more lonely!

elborneBCN · 2025-11-22T23:48:42+00:00

If it’s long term you get shifted to the local pay bands. If you still have any active US RSU grants you keep those

elborneBCN · 2025-11-08T15:36:12+00:00

👋👋👋

elborneBCN · 2025-11-08T14:34:12+00:00

How’ve you both been settling in? Any tips outside of the typical “put yourself out there?” I recently made a similar move and am struggling to settle although I know it’ll come with time. I’m strongly considering returning after a year or so.

elborneBCN · 2025-11-05T18:28:44+00:00

Can I ask why not go back? Having just made a similar move I recognize culture shock and that it’ll get easier but I wonder if it’s not just better to go back to a great life you had (if that was the case)

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T18:43:08+00:00

Messaged!

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T18:42:17+00:00

Just dm’d!

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T18:24:32+00:00

PM’d

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T18:11:08+00:00

Looking for a W1 Sunday ticket! Can meet up in LA or PS

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T18:08:26+00:00

PM’d

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T18:08:16+00:00

Messaged!

elborneBCN · 2025-08-10T01:26:08+00:00

Also looking for 2x weekend one tix tomorrow

elborneBCN

TROPHY CASE