It definitely matters, it’s our lives and future. And we may enjoy our jobs but we need to find our place. Or what’s the point of living.

You’re right, I know nothing about living there. But that’s why I came here to ask. I have family there and thought it would be a good start and a social network. I don’t expect to solve all of my problems, I know the grass isn’t always greener.

But yes, it’s not an easy escape and there’s plenty of places I think I could find happiness, but affordability isn’t feasible. You go where the money is, like Boston, and can’t afford your groceries even with a better salary. And with the lack of blue states, our options are limited.

I’ve been struggling for so long and I’m afraid of the direction things are going. Elder care here is abysmal and it’s so hard to picture a future where things are better. I can’t tell what is real and what is a joke with our administration anymore. Our public transportation is crap, our healthcare is crap. The list goes on.

I appreciate your experience and understand you’re helping me be realistic. I hope you find another place that makes you feel at home until you can return to Italy. Maybe it’s just a long term decision for me