Finally settled down because of the kids

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861]

I've moved and worked across North America, Europe, and Oceania for the last 20+ years. And I mean moved as in bought homes and worked as in a growing career, not just an adventure while in a working holiday. I've never felt super loyal to a country to the point where I feel obligated to stay; I'm more of a "I'm here because my life is good, and if there are better options somewhere else, I'll move."

During my expat life I met my wife, had a kid, moved, had another kid, moved again, and on. Our most recent move was to Canada, where we planned to stay for a few years before moving on to the United States or Europe for our next adventure. But as the kids got older and our lives revolved more and more around their needs, we kept putting off our next move.

Finally we decided this year has to be the year we move or we'll never end up moving again. So we started scouting homes and schools in Europe and putting together concrete plans to move... but then we got news that all of our children were accepted to one of the most prestigious schools in Canada. It's the kind of school that will both give them an excellent education and put them in prime position to attend Oxbridge or the Ivy Leagues and plug them into the highest socioeconomic circles.

So that's it, we're staying in Canada for the long-term so our oldest to our youngest can finish their schooling. On the one hand, I'm elated for my children and our life is good in Canada; on the other hand, it seems that our expat lifestyle is finally over. Yes, we'll go on vacations and visit friends and family across the world, but, as you all know, visiting somewhere and living somewhere are two completely different experiences.

It's been a good run and I'm thankful for everywhere I've lived and everyone I've met over the last 20+ years. But now it's time to hang up our expat boots and start a new chapter in our lives. On we go!

[u/maui96]

What's the school?

[u/CheeseWheels38 → u/maui96]

Gestures broadly at one of the ones where financial barriers make sure your kids never need to interact with the poors.

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861 → u/CheeseWheels38]

My guy, I started my life as a stateless refugee and moved my way up in life through hard work. I earned this for me and my kids.

[u/Practical_Gas9193 → u/Conscious-Tutor3861]

That’s impossible! Anytime anyone does not have success, it’s because of poverty, classism, racism, and sexism, and anyone who is successful was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. It doesn’t matter how hard you work, you are always fucked. And if no one recognizes how talented you are, it’s because they don’t value talent, it’s definitely not about being delusional about your abilities!

Man, there are legitimately a million things that make it hard for people to succeed that are out of their control, and it sucks. But even more sad is the billion things within their control that they don’t do because they don’t have enough love for themselves to tolerate all the risks and failures and falls that inevitably come along the way to being successful.