This, as most life decisions, is a more or less complex, multifaceted problem. Iīll try to present it as clearly and succinctly as I can. Also, I may not provide some specifics for fear of being identified. It would not be that difficult for someone in my circle to connect the dots. I know, I know: no one`s looking and itīs relatively unlikely that they are over here... however, I have this tendency to be discreet.
I am seriously considering changing countries. In fact, I already changed countries. I left my family behind for a short initial trial period a few days ago.
As a summary, I will say that I am a Spaniard that is making a relatively good living (in terms of wage and amount of disposable jobs) for the countryīs circumstances. I am working too much though and as you can figure I am not so confident in the short term prospects of the country. So I am trying this (initial) move to France. Yes, I know itīs not the country with the best prospects neither.
I guess Iīll try to make a list of reasons for leaving (from Spain to France) and reasons for staying.
Reasons for moving (to France), in no particular order:
1. Allegedly, Iīd make much more. Between 2x and 20x (this last one very optimistically and not immediately). Probably something around 3x or more.
2. The overall economical situation is apparently worse in Spain than in France.
3. Much less present competition in my field and increased career opportunities in that regard.
4. "Intangibles" (or not so much) for me and my family. A new experience to enrich us personally and professionally. Most notably, the opportunity to learn the language. This being specially important for my newborn and including the fact that it would probably be also easy for him (thanks to the location) to learn German and English in addition to French. Right now I truly think this (and a certain acquired compromise) is what keeps me here.
5. A considerable kick to my plans of financial independence if cards played sensibly.
6. Though nobody knows where France is heading neither, the truth is that the trend in Spain is no good and it has had a clear impact in our lives in later years. No one knows where all this will lead to and there seems to be no end to the negative tendency.
Reasons for staying (in Spain), also in no particular order:
1. Itīs the easy thing to do. It would mean much less stress for everyone in the family and specially for me right now.
2. It would preserve my relative actual (well, before I left) well being and quality of life.
3. The plain truth is that I am almost FI by now. I could possibly live a less frugal life (in terms of money spending) than Jacob with my current net worth or choose to work as or how much I want instead of the frantic schedule I have been undergoing lately.
4. I have a established career, network (social and work) and "reputation" in Spain that make my life more or less easy.
5. I donīt think I really longer care about career any more anyway.
6. It looks as though itīs expected that I work my ass off in France too...
7. Even in the current circumstances or maybe precisely because of them, I still see a lot of opportunity in Spain after all.
8. Overall and despite all my criticism, itīs my country, my culture and so on. Not to talk about the comparison in the weather, the cost of life or others.
To try to summarize, when I wonder what I would like to do if I didnīt have to work any more (which probably and depending on how you see it, I donīt) itīs difficult for me to answer that itīs what I am doing right now. On the other hand, itīs true this is probably the worst moment. Homesick, apart from my lovely baby and the rest of the family while wrestling to adapt to all sort of new and challenging circumstances I guess itīs difficult to see any longer term benefit. Considering he, the baby, is one of my main motivators to do this it looks quite counter intuitive that it forces me to be away at least for some time. The initial plan was/is to come here, stay for some time as to secure a bit more our long term situation while enjoying the other benefits of the experience (languages, etc) for us and specially the kid(s) (present and future) and then decide whether we feel like staying, going to somewhere else or going back to after all loved and beautiful (southern) Spain.
My perceptions will probably change, as it have done already a couple of times, depending on the particular circumstances and general mood of the day.
I know it may sound complainypants and that I am disregarding the fact that I am lucky to have so many choices. I am aware thatīs probably my mood whatīs making me seeing more problems than opportunities, but for the moment being, it is as it is...
I am not sure if I made the situation and dilemma clear at all...
Anyone pitching in with outside views and opinions?
Many thanks in advance.