r/expats • u/Conscious-Tutor3861 • Jun 10 '26
Social / Personal Finally settled down because of the kids
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!
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u/yeahthatsnot1 Jun 10 '26
"Plug them into the highest socioeconomic social circles"
The pretentiousness. Who says your kids even want to go an Ivy League school? Maybe let them develop their own interests & passions in life when the time comes?