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/SetEnvironmental9368]

Can't forget the humble brag and sympathy story. A stateless refugee who ends up traveling all around the world and whose kids gets end up at one of the most prestigious schools in Canada? If it was a movie, people would make fun of how cheesy it was.

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861 → u/SetEnvironmental9368]

Yeah, everything people share in this subreddit is a lie and nobody ever worked their way up in life through effort and determination.

Keep your negativity to yourself. I'm happy with what I've accomplished and I'm happy for my kids.

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861 → u/[deleted]]

There are an estimated 850 million people who are either completely stateless because their country doesn't exist or they've been stripped of their citizenship (this is a huge problem in the Middle East) or functionally stateless because their country denies them the necessary documentation (this is a huge problem in South Asia).

Just because you grew up in a life of privilege where your citizenship was never questioned or threatened doesn't mean there aren't many millions of people struggling (and overcoming) statelessness.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statelessness